I have a 1981 MacGregor 22 which I am trying to sell using the MacGregor owners web site. Our market here is non existent due to a bad drought and little water in our lakes. I have had some interest but all are 1000 miles or more away from here. I am willing to deliver the boat to an interested buyer but am reluctant to travel a long distance and then find that the prospective buyer decides not to buy. I have sent good photos to the prospective buyers along with extensive history and description of the boat's condition. I've considered asking for a nonrefundable deposit of 10% of the selling price ($2950.00)which would cover my fuel and incidental expenses in the delivery. I would appreciate any suggestions as to how to proceed to protect my interests and those of the buyer.
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Mark A
Another forum to try
Have you tried, http://www.trailersailor.com/forums/classifieds/index.cgi ??
Have you tried, http://www.trailersailor.com/forums/classifieds/index.cgi ??
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T J Furstenau
If they're serious, let them come to you.
I drove from Chicago to NJ to get my boat. I went based on description, options, price, knowing that I might get there and it wasn't as promised. Fortunately, it was. I got a quick lesson in setup and take down, hooked up the trailer and brought her home. You could even offer a discount (what your costs would be to deliver), if they like it and take it home. Just my two cents. Good luck. T J
I drove from Chicago to NJ to get my boat. I went based on description, options, price, knowing that I might get there and it wasn't as promised. Fortunately, it was. I got a quick lesson in setup and take down, hooked up the trailer and brought her home. You could even offer a discount (what your costs would be to deliver), if they like it and take it home. Just my two cents. Good luck. T J
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Don
Agree with TJ
Just my 2 cents: If someone is serious, they will come see the boat if the price is right. Heck, my father was looking at a 26x right here in Annapolis on a trailer within eyesight of the water. The seller wanted a check for $500 before he would even put the boat in the water to run the engine. (He bought it.) Too many people just want a free boat ride, particularly in lower priced/starter boats. With bigger non-trailer boats, it's "you fly to buy." However, every situation is different. Good luck.
Just my 2 cents: If someone is serious, they will come see the boat if the price is right. Heck, my father was looking at a 26x right here in Annapolis on a trailer within eyesight of the water. The seller wanted a check for $500 before he would even put the boat in the water to run the engine. (He bought it.) Too many people just want a free boat ride, particularly in lower priced/starter boats. With bigger non-trailer boats, it's "you fly to buy." However, every situation is different. Good luck.
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john renfro
sell
hello david, don is correct about the " boat ride ", i have heard the same thing from the pilots in my local e.a.a. club. you spend four or five hours flying the plane to someone, and get a no sale. if they are realy intrested in your item, let them come to you. get a non refundable deposit if you will be going to them, or meet them half way in between. john
hello david, don is correct about the " boat ride ", i have heard the same thing from the pilots in my local e.a.a. club. you spend four or five hours flying the plane to someone, and get a no sale. if they are realy intrested in your item, let them come to you. get a non refundable deposit if you will be going to them, or meet them half way in between. john
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Pete
web selling
David,There is no way I would bring a boat anywhere with out a non refundable deposit. I would suggest that if the buyer can't come to see your boat suggest HE hire someone (surveyor)to do the job and inspect the boat for him.I would also make deliver at a resonable cost or let the buyer get it home on his own.If I understand you post we are talking about a $3000. boat,Any cost you incure to sell the boat reduce you boat price.Might be easier to let the boat "go cheap" rather then deal with all the cost and your time. What is the difference if you spend 10%of the boat cost to deliver it or reduce the price by 10%.Just me 2 cent worth.
David,There is no way I would bring a boat anywhere with out a non refundable deposit. I would suggest that if the buyer can't come to see your boat suggest HE hire someone (surveyor)to do the job and inspect the boat for him.I would also make deliver at a resonable cost or let the buyer get it home on his own.If I understand you post we are talking about a $3000. boat,Any cost you incure to sell the boat reduce you boat price.Might be easier to let the boat "go cheap" rather then deal with all the cost and your time. What is the difference if you spend 10%of the boat cost to deliver it or reduce the price by 10%.Just me 2 cent worth.
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David Saenger
Thanks (Selling on the Web)
Thanks to Pete,John,TJ,Don and Mark. Your replies were all solid and most helpfull and reinforced my thinking. David
Thanks to Pete,John,TJ,Don and Mark. Your replies were all solid and most helpfull and reinforced my thinking. David
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Peter Brennan
Have a story, apropos
We had a Dawson 26. Trouble was, we also had (and have) an O'Day 37. Bad news. Nobody needs to own two boats. The Dawson was on sale locally for a year. No takers. Mentioned it on the Newsgroup alt.boats.cruising. A man from Washington state had been looking for the same boat. He had built a trailer and in February of that year drove from Washington to New York to take the boat. First time he laid eyes on it, though of course I had sent him photos and other particulars. He handed me a cashiers check, loaded the boat on his trailer and went to the Gulf of Mexico to go sailing before dragging her all the way back to Washington. There are honest people out there. Another friend here in New York sold his Hunter 27 to people in North Carolina, who came here and trailered it home. Somebody out there wants yur boat.
We had a Dawson 26. Trouble was, we also had (and have) an O'Day 37. Bad news. Nobody needs to own two boats. The Dawson was on sale locally for a year. No takers. Mentioned it on the Newsgroup alt.boats.cruising. A man from Washington state had been looking for the same boat. He had built a trailer and in February of that year drove from Washington to New York to take the boat. First time he laid eyes on it, though of course I had sent him photos and other particulars. He handed me a cashiers check, loaded the boat on his trailer and went to the Gulf of Mexico to go sailing before dragging her all the way back to Washington. There are honest people out there. Another friend here in New York sold his Hunter 27 to people in North Carolina, who came here and trailered it home. Somebody out there wants yur boat.
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David Saenger
Thanks
Dear Peter; Thanks for the encouragement. I too have two boats, a MacGregor 26 and the 22 I'm selling. You're right, NO ONE needs two boats. I am negotiating with a gentleman in Northern California. He's supposed to send me a non refundable deposit after which I'll have to take the boat to him as his vehicle for trailering isn' up to coming here. Hopefully it will work out. Again, thanks
Dear Peter; Thanks for the encouragement. I too have two boats, a MacGregor 26 and the 22 I'm selling. You're right, NO ONE needs two boats. I am negotiating with a gentleman in Northern California. He's supposed to send me a non refundable deposit after which I'll have to take the boat to him as his vehicle for trailering isn' up to coming here. Hopefully it will work out. Again, thanks
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Peter Brennan
My experience
has lead me to believe that when selling a boat one should accept the first reasonable offer and not hold out for a higher price, especially if the prospect is owning two boats. The surplus boat continues to consume resources even though it is not being used and also continues to lose value. The offer you spurn on Day One may be the offer you dream of on Day 365. Sounds like you are doing it right. Good luck.
has lead me to believe that when selling a boat one should accept the first reasonable offer and not hold out for a higher price, especially if the prospect is owning two boats. The surplus boat continues to consume resources even though it is not being used and also continues to lose value. The offer you spurn on Day One may be the offer you dream of on Day 365. Sounds like you are doing it right. Good luck.
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