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

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..

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

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.