I just purchased a 29" Fountain fever sight un seen from a private party over 2500 miles away, I live in florida and the boat was in las vegas. I verified that the owner did have a payoff on the boat and i confirmed through the bank. I sent a small refundable deposit to tie-up the deal and to get it off the market. Then i paid a marine surveyer 200 bucks to inspect the boat and to send pics and info to me. Only then did i decide to move forward with the purchase, which was done from my bank to his which paid off the loan. The key for a private sale is to create a paper trail and confirm everything is legit, without laying out any money to begin with. The transport cost me $1700.00. In my case the buy was a no brainer, It was at a give away price. Almost to good to be true. Thought it was a scam at first....I was pleasantly suprised when the boat was delivered to my marina. The survey takes the guess work out of the deal. Good Luck

Thanks guys for all the info. Every little bit is helpful. Here are a couple that I'm considering looking at on our trip to visit family in Michigan. http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Ba...-Mag/118697821 http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...Sport-97188535

Funny both those boats are near me. Have you contacted a surveyor in the area? I have a uncle that does surveying. I can pass his # to you if you decide to pursue either of these.

No, I haven't. I've never really thought about a surveyor until so many people suggested it on this thread. How much do surveys run? I know they are probably worth every penny.

wnt2gofast,i have been in your shoes, If you take the family boating, you may want to consider the baja 272. It is in your price range and offers more room than the 25.

I see your from indiana, 6 mos ago i flew from florida to look at a boat in a town called Fishers ind, I took the Baja Boss 27 out for a spin and bought it on the spot. Hopped on the plane home and called u-ship and 2 days later it was here in florida. cost 600.00

Depending on the extent of the survey, most charge between 15-20 a foot.

I would NEVER buy a used boat without a survey. The $300 or so you spend could save you thousands down the road.

Would you guys have a boat surveyed that is at a reputable dealer?

Personally I would Or fly to the dealership and take it out for a sea trial, If that is not an option I would have them video tape the boat starting on the hose and running for atleast 5min and showing engine running and all gauges showing rpms and temp, oil pressure ect. I am a real skeptic, that dealership could be in the middle of bankruptcy for all you know. Alot of businesses are here one month and gone the next. Good Luck

Private seller or dealership is irrelevant. Dealer may know next to nothing about the boat (especially if it is brokered).

For me a survey would depend on what boat, how old, hours, etc, etc.

I've been lucky. I bought three of the five boats I've owned totally blind. And I made a profit on all of them. Well, "profit" may be an exaggeration when you consider storage, fuel and maintenance.:grinser010: