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.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/boa/5099262809.html

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.