questions on out of state purchase - Fastech
 

Hello all,

Looking for some recommendations on how to purchase a boat that is out of state. I pretty much have an idea but would definitely like to hear from you guys, thoughts and approach to the new purchase. More than likely my purchase will be from another state. I am previously a Formula owner and pretty much know what to expect regarding the new to me boat. However, I really don't want to have my time wasted driving / flying to go check out a boat and it is garbage. There are not too many Formula's that show up for sale in Florida, hence the reason why I will be looking out of state. I am not in a rush for the next boat because I know exactly what I am looking fro and willing to wait for it.
Additionally, my previous boat was from WI, and the freshwater along with the cared maintenance really helps.

Please list some advice you may provide on how most of you would do this.

Thanks again

You're going to spend some cash no matter what, if you go look at it, or have it surveyed, the cheapest $$ spent would be to find an OSO brutha that is close to it, that you can trust to look at it for you...........personally I bought two TG's out of NY ( 1100 mls ) from me, and had a knowledgeable OSO member check them out for me.

edit: what exactly are you looking for

Looking to get into a 353 or a 312.
I understand I will be spending money evaluate it, but trying to minimize my overall experience to see how others have done it. Having one of the members from OSO looking at it would be great. THANK YOU FOR OFFERING in advance. hahaha I`m just kidding.
Yes, the boat will be surveyed after I see it, just did not want to take the sellers opinion weather or not to order a survey.

Thanks
looks Very nice. I am looking for 454 MAG or 502 MAG, along with other features. I know it will take a while but I am prepared to wait for the one I want.

I'm located 30mins outside of Philly and I purchased my Fastech from out of state in Vermont. Everything was pretty much handled over the phone or through emails. I had an awesome sales person who was very accommodating. Provided me with anything I asked for whether it be service records or photos. I only made two 12 hour round trips to Vermont. 1st was for a basic visual inspection of the boat to make sure it was everything they said it to be as pictures can be deceiving. 2nd was to sea trial and bring her home. We had negotiated everything before hand so I knew the only way she wasn't coming home with me after the 2nd trip was if the sea trial went horribly wrong. Which it didn't.

Obviously, you don't pay sales tax for purchases out of state. You do that upon registration. It took me 4 trips to the DMV for me to finally get my boat registered. So my only recommendation is to follow up with your DMV to see what exactly they require for registering the boat in your name after your purchase. If the boat comes with trailer as a packaged deal see if they can do a separate bill of sale for the trailer. That was one of the few issues I encountered.

Thanks Splitdecision271,

This is great information. If the purchase is through a dealer, I think things might be a little easier. However, if it is a individual (rather than a dealer) sale, it might be good to look up the boat / person on one of the forums.

What price range are you seeking? I can keep my eyes open for you. Both are great boats.

Price range is relative to a lot of things, hours, year, options , motor, but I would say 40 - 55K

I'm in the process of buying a 312 out of havasu (1700 miles away). I requested a bunch of photos and am driving out there in a couple of weeks to deliver the check and bring it home.

NICE!!!!!!
did you do a survey? if so, what were some of the things covered in the survey?

I just bought a boat from out of state and it took almost a month to get the title (some states have the banks hold titles ). In the end everything went well but it is a bit of a pain

Yea I can see how that could be a pain. Did you do a survey and if so, how did you coordinate it with the surveyor. Were you present during the inspection? Or did you just have him send you the report and explain?
What was covered in the survey?

No survey, talked to the guy on the phone, seemed honest and knowledgeable, drove six hours and checked it out myself

I did similar with my last boat except it was not out of state and had no issues. I'm curious what value a survey holds?
Would like to hear from those that did a survey.
Do the do a leak down test?
Compression test?
Check moister in transom?
Inlet water hose on drive?
Stringers ?
Etc
And after boat is purchased if they are wrong with inspection are there any garentee, probably not?

I have owned many boats over twenty years, I know what to look for. No I don't have a moisture meter, but I have a fist and that has been good enough for me so far lol.

I did not get a survey on the boat I am purchasing. It's super hot roddy so it kinda is what it is. Low hours boat and looks really clean in pictures.

Don't let distance stop you from buying the right boat.

If you're working with a broker, ask for a personal opinion and masses of new photos then go for the survey. If you're dealing direct with the owner, NEW photos are your best help, people selling a boat will always exaggerate the condition of their pride and joy so photos of all the BAD things are essential. If a member here is nearby and can drop past even for a quick look it would be great.

Don't just look at the pics, look at the owner, his house, his car, his family and everything you can see. I know it's prejudice to do so but from my experience, a guy who keeps his car nicely and his house and family are all in order generally keeps his boat well too.

I have bought my last two boats out of Florida and exported them to Thailand and I did not even go to the U.S. I had the same broker both times and everything went very well. Latest one I didn't even survey, when I heard the story about the seller and his boating experience, I made an offer without even Starting an engine. Sometimes the story behind the owner is enough to sell the boat itself.

The older the boat, the harder it is to buy sight unseen but never ever overlook a boat because "It's too far away" as this just ain't true!!!!

Common sense, a bit of due diligence and you'll be boating very soon...

RR.

I just bought my fourth Formula and every one has come from out of state purchases. Research, survey, beat the bushes for who knows the boat and look at it yourself then you can be in a position to make an offer, Definitely get the trailer and boat on separate BOS, bill of sale. Some states are title states and some are not. USCG documentation is another way to do paper for states that are not title states.
Go with the 353. If you don't you will sell the 312 later and then go with the 353 so just do it now if you can.

All good advice

I have a nice 2005 353 but more then you want to spend but you will love the 353....

Good luck

I did not want a saltwater boat when I was in same situation. I went through all the expense of going to look at a "freshwater" boat only to find the exhaust manifolds were rusted out junk. From then on I just asked for close up pics of exhaust manifolds and outdrives. Those always seam to reflect the past use of boat. I did end up buying a boat in Iowa and drug it home. Went with a cashiers check in hand for less then asking and a pocket full of cash.