Most efficient process to buy a boat
 

Looking at a couple of boats and am curious as to what the norm or best practice is when going through the actual evaluation / buying process. For this discussion, I am assuming one has already determined what kind and size of boat they want, can afford, can insure, will fit in their storage space, etc.. The steps I can think of are following in an order that makes sense to me. Please let me know what you think and if I am missing something.

1. Look at the boat
2. Detailed inspection (Go through all of the compartments and accessories to see what works and what doesn't trying to get a feel for how it has been maintained, look at the oil, gear lube, trailer tires, wheel bearings,etc.)
3. Understand the price and if within reason for the boat move on to step 4, if not start negotiations subject to water test and survey.
4. Water Test
5. Survey
6. Negotiate (price, delivery, financing and accessories if from a dealer)
7. Pay for it and take delivery


Also, is there anything like a boat history report similar to Carfax for cars?

Thanks.

You forgot CALL PIER 57 731-689-4000:drink:

What size boat and whats your approximate budget range? under 50K, over 100K, 250K? etc.

As a seller I've always agreed on price before the survey and water test with the caviot that anything that shows up can be fixed or price adjusted then. Just like buying a house.

I was going to suggest a suit case full of cash... but your list will work too..:lolhit:

I 've sold tons of boats over the years. But the fun part is helping someone buy one.

ask Dreamer, he has it down to a science :evilb:

All except for the taking delivery part. He has no experience with such.

I inspected the boat, negotiated a price subject to successful survey and sea trial, then I bought it.

A survey, and hands on common sense are as close to a "Boatfax" as you can get...

You need this with step #7. The most important thing in my opinion is to get a Coast Gaurd Documentaion service to handle the paper work and the payoffs and make sure all of the stuff is done to protect the buyer and make sure when the money is transferred you own your boat.

29' to 35' under 50K.

Thanks.

Well, you'll get some good advice here. Get a reccomendation for an accredited surveyor with ref's you can contact. And remember that there's a boat surveyor and an engine surveyor. 2 diff people!

pm or call Blume, i know he has/had a mint 32 Sunsation

Here here!!!!

:lolhit:

just dont let him stand behind you when you lean over to look in the engine compartment.......

I've got a sweet 32 Hustler for sale that fits the bill in the classified section. It'll make for a single stop for your shopping...you won't find a nicer boat and a steal at the price.

Make sure you are able to seal the deal after the sea trail, dont leave and come back and get the boat unless the owner is there and take it for another sea trail to make sure NOTHING has happened since the last time you rode in it.

Make sure the "seller" actually can legally "sell" the boat, meaning that they have the clear title in hand with their name on it. If the bank owns it or there is some other lien against it, make sure you DO NOT make a check payable to only the supposed owner/seller. Either hire a closing company to complete the financial transaction (to be sure it is legal and can be completed), or at least have the seller and (not or) the lienholder's name on the check.

I bought a boat from a boat dealer who said they "owned" the boat (really, though, the bank owned the boat) and would deliver the title within 30 days of purchase. It even stated that on the purchase agreement / contract. To make a long and expensive story short, the dealer handed me the boat, signed and notarized bill of sale / purchase contract ... and walked away with the money . He kept giving me excuses why my title was being "delayed". After some investigation, I found out that he never paid his bank, and as a result, I didn't get my title. The bank then wanted me to turn in the boat to them or they were going to report it as "stolen". Not all states treat boats the same regarding motor vehicle laws, and the state where I bought the boat told me I had to file a civil suite against the boat dealer - the state would not treat it as a criminal offense that they would persue since boats were not handled as motor vehicles in their state. Working with the bank, I eventually got my title ... turns out the dealer stiffed the bank for many boats that he sold and didn't pay off the bank. Hard lesson learned. And, for reference, this wasn't National Marine or Lake Cumberland Marine :rolleyes: