i agree with PURE ENERGY...just put in writing DEPOSIT NON REFUNDABLE AFTER such n such a date and have potential buyer initial it as well as signing the actual writin agreement. make sure funds are cash, certified or bank check...and verify funds with that bank. lot of fraud checks around

If we are talking about boats not cars,then there should be no test drive/sea trial without a negotiated sale price and deposit first.

I have bought 4 cars in MY name, and sold 3, with a possibility of a 4th tonight. All I have to do, when I buy a car is have a parent signature on the insurance form. To sell I sign and get it notarized. Never had a problem.

i have never discussed price until i've decided that it is without a doubt the boat i want. touch, feel, sea trial, negotiate, agree on price and then leave deposit subject to satisfactory survey

Anyone foolish enough to seatrial a boat without a negotiated price usually ends up wasting their time.Any professional boat broker will write up a deal first,agreeing on a price subject to seatrial,financing,etc.Why waste your time with a unqualified buyer/stroker?

well if you qualify your buyer correctly by asking the proper questions than it usually isnt a problem. i mean granted like of strokers out there for sure. but lets assume you have a legit qualified buyer (finanacing arranged etc..) you will without a doubt get more for your boat if you wait til after sea trial to negotiate. remember its an emotional decision....i have done this both ways with both cars and boats and with both if you wait til after test drive/sea trial the buyer usually will not start his offer as low as they do if you do this before test drive/sea trial but hey ...ONLY MY OPINION

OK, so after the sea trial the buyer says he is not happy with the way it handles and decides he doesn't want the boat. Now you've been stroked plus wasted your time qualifying. You should be able to qualify someone enough before even getting to the sea trial.