Anyone Used Opal marine as a Broker

[cngarrod]

Hi,

Anyone used Opal marine as a broker as i am thinking about using them to sell my boat.

Any experience either good or bad will be gratefully received!

Thanks,

Craig

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Nautorius]

Are you getting out of boating or swapping? With the Falcon they generally sell well privately (good solid boat). If you are moving up then consider PX it. What are your plans?

Do not knopw about Opal as have never tried to buy from them. A good test can be to ring them up about a similar priced boat to yours that they have for sale and see what response you get.

Good Luck,

Paul

<hr width=100% size=1>Will I ever find the perfect boat?

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Opal are part of the B A Peters group so, on the plus side, they're probably not going to do a runner with your money. I recently tried to sell my boat thru Peters at Chichester and although their staff are nice enough I felt they were'nt very proactive and probably more interested in selling their stock boats than brokerage ones.
I always think with brokers its worthwile taking advantage of any free offer to put your boat on their pontoons or hard because it does make it easier for potential buyers to see the boat and as its costing the broker money to store it, he's more motivated to sell it

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[KevB]

Inwards marine seem very proactive when showing boats. Not dealt with them personally but very helpful when I was looking around their brokerage boats.

http://www.inwardsmarine.com

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Medskipper]

Yes, bought my current boat through them on brokerage from Sparkes Marina three years ago.

I found them to be professional but I had to keep chasing them! I really wanted the boat so I kept at it. I have been a salesman all my life and I to say I would not have employed any of the staff to work as a salesman on my team! Still it was three years ago they may be different now!

I have always sold my own boats and houses myself! I just think I am a better trained salesman!!

Regards

Barry


<hr width=100% size=1>I just want to retire with my boat to the Med!

 

[cngarrod]

Hi Paul,

Am looking to swap for a rag and stick for a while, to gain some sailing experience. Their local stock is not particularly good, but of course the nationwide stock is a lot better!

Main reason for asking is that the sales manager wasnt overly enthusiastic, which concerned me a bit - but that said, perhaps he is a normal broker!

May try the standard FOC websites for a sale first...

Cheers,

Craig.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[cngarrod]

Cheers Mike - i got a bit of a lacklustre response from the local office, despite the fact i know the general manager quite well. That's the main reason i asked. the fee of 6% is good, as long as they sell it... if they dont then it doesnt really matter!

Cheers,

Craig.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[xcw]

I have a boat with them - the phrase "waste of space" comes to mind. I even had one prospective purchaser who came to me privately say that he had a very bad experience when he tried to deal through them and almost didn't bother to come to see the boat as a result. The only reason I have used them is that they offered me a deal when I purchased my new boat through them.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[cngarrod]

Thanks for your honesty - appreciate that... i didnt get a particularly good feel about them when i went into the office... but the deal is reasonably good for brokerage only.

Would love a Brand new one... but a severe case of lack of funds for the purchase of a shniy one at the minute!

Cheers,

Craig.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Brokers

Yes, I think people pay too much attention to the broker's commission. Its more important to have a proactive broker who will promote your boat and may achieve a better price anyway
Agree with KevB. Inwards at Hamble Pt seem to be on the ball but the people who sold my boat were Walrus Yacht Sales at Shamrock. They seemed very keen and pushed along a deal that at one time looked as though it was going to fall apart

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[SailorSam]

I have found them to be virtually disinterested. Boat listed with them for last 6 months - None of the brokers have bothered to see the boat or call. Likewise when I tried to buy they never returned calls and promises to call me back never happened. I eventually bought thru Ancasta who really went the extra mile to tie the deal up.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Margem]

Hi Craig
They are not vey pro active dont seem to get the buyers round there, they do a good avert though in the monthlys.
We are now think rag and stick due to impending diesel crises.
What up with your outdrive i see its off, theirs a small firm specialising in outdrives advertising in some mags latley can send you if you need them.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[cngarrod]

Hi Ya,

Thanks for your thoughts, i forgot that your boat has been with them for a while - they have just reduced the price haven't they, is that because they have another on the books also?

I am looking to become a raggie for a while to get some knowledge and skills as i would like to charter something in a nice location like the BVI at some point. Cholly B is a petrol vessel, so am used to extortionate fule costs.. if she was diesel i would probably keep her for another season or two.

The stern drive is at Bob Spaldings, Pete [Neptune] recommended them to sort it out after the oil became emulsified... all the seals are shot, the bellows are kaput and some of the gearing has broken.. am looking at a £1500 bill! Have littel option but to get it fixed as i want to sell her, knowing my luck it would go bang on a sea trial otherwise!

Do you know much about Fox's as a brokerage? My 1st impressions are that it is a bit "Snobby" as they are linked to Oyster, but did go and look at a Westerly Gk29 yesterday!

Cheers,

Craig.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Margem]

Craig,
Dont know Foxs at all so carnt comment, Haven the best bet around our area as only 6%
We reduced price on ours to get some interest, selling beacause we think her value will deteriate due to Diesel increase.
Ive done the Yachtmaster theory and practical so well give it a go, will miss the 32 knot jaunts though we once did Ostend in 4 hours will be more like 17 in future!


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[cngarrod]

Hi ya,

I did think that the 6% was pretty good - but then would rather pay 8% if it sold quicker! Am moving from Motor to Sail as i would like to charter a yacht for a week or 2 in the BVI or similar, so need some more experience! I have done DS Theory and have also had a few weekends practical sailing here and there.

Doing Ostend in 4 hours is prety good going... even if the next time might take you 17 hours, better to do that than the guy that used to moor next to me, George on the Elizabethan 30, Folly - was going to emmigrate to the Med, by boat, going the easy (?) route, port hopping round Holland, France and so on... didnt make it, gale force winds just off coast of Holland blew his rotten sails out, engine wouldnt start as it had stirred up all the crap in the tank and in the end the duthc lifeboat rescued him and claimed ownership of his boat.

So maybe of we can work it out between us, a joint trip to Ostend next year using the wind as power?

Cheers,

Craig.

<hr width=100% size=1>