I sold a 28 Scarab to an individual in CA, it was a very clean boat, I sent him detailed photos & video. After a number of convesations he wired funds and sent a flatbed to pick up. He was pleased when he rec'd.

On flip side I was looking seriously at boat in TX, and paid for full survey & photo's. I then drove some 1700 miles to purchase and pull back. After 10 minutes I said no deal and drove back home. Suveyors definations were not the same as mine.

I would crawl all over a boat before buying. IMO suveyors only good for hull moisture check.

I flew down to Florida to look at a Larry Smith Scarab that was suposed to be in excellent condition. Got there and it was a POS . Flew home dissapointed but happy I made the trip. Bought my Velocity 1600 miles away. Drove down to look at it and bring it home. I was not as clean as I was told, but with some polishing it looked great. Definately go look at it and drive it!

Wel! I took my similiar gamble like you are taliking about out for the 1st time this weekend! I asked here for a good surveyor....good a good recommendation. All is well! I still picked the boat up and checked it out myself though.

It all boils down to "Buyers are liars and sellers are too"

Had pictures and survey in hand. Drove 2900 miles. Boat looked good and was as described. The problem was the boat had 3 owners and the title was still in the first owners name. I should have taken a flight to see it. Trip was not a total loss. Got to see some relatives and a Penn State football game. Cost me allot of drive time though. Bought another boat 1200 miles away but flew to see and test drive it before sealing the deal. Always, in my opinion go to see it yourself. Then make the deal.

I bout a boat, it was located in OK sent a "trusted" surveyor to check it out. The survey was great, the boat cost me big $$$, transom had a 1/4 bow in it, then transom assemblies leaked, the drives were reversed so when you put the boat in forward you were actually running in reverse (transmissions) blew the transmissions. The list goes on however I'm the only person to put out any money. Oh yea the boat looked great, one of the best cig's I've seen!!!