Boat buying procedure.

[Rigsy_uk]

I'm a potential new boat owner and i'm going down to Port Solent in a couple of weeks time to have a look around a few different sports cruisers that i have seen advertised online. Can anyone tell me what is the procedure regarding taking a boat out for a test drive as i've read on another thread that it's not the normal thing to do, my question is why? I don't think i'd feel very confortable spending £250K + on something that i hadn't been out in.

 

[mparrish]

Normal procedure (with brokerage boats) is find boat you like, pay deposit (normally 10%) subject to survey/sea trial, arrange survey and sea trial, finalise the deal, go off and enjoy your boating !

Sounds simple, but there are plenty of hazards along the way !. In saying that I have purchased 2 boats in the last 5 years (both through brokers in Port Solent) and sold one boat privately. All transactions have been relatively simple, with few problems and I have dealt with some very straightforward and good people.

The issue with no test driving of boats prior to deposit has been done to death in other threads, but generally the above procedure seems to work pretty well as it protects all parties interests. Procedures with stock boats and private purchasers can differ depending on who you are dealing with.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Rigsy_uk]

The issue with no test driving of boats prior to deposit has been done to death in other threads, but generally the above procedure seems to work pretty well as it protects all parties interests. Procedures with stock boats and private purchasers can differ depending on who you are dealing with.

Good luck in your search.

I've just read some of the other threads and a sale "subject to satisfactory sea trial" seems to be a suitable way forward. I'm also looking to charter the same model boat before i buy for a morning/afternoon while i'm in southampton, hopefully i can get one at short notice as i'm only their for 4 or 5 day's.

 

[Spi D]

I'm a potential new boat owner and i'm going down to Port Solent in a couple of weeks time to have a look around a few different sports cruisers that i have seen advertised online. Can anyone tell me what is the procedure regarding taking a boat out for a test drive as i've read on another thread that it's not the normal thing to do, my question is why? I don't think i'd feel very confortable spending £250K + on something that i hadn't been out in.

I've read those posts too.

In my case alone the cost and effort to reach the broker and boat in question (So'hamptn) made it irrelevant for the broker to ask for a deposit - at least if the goal was to decide if my interest was genuine. If I just wanted a joyride for free I might have chosen something closer than 827 miles, a flight and 2 days car hire.

This broker, I'll tell you the name if you ask, was a true pleasure to deal with. A nice mail conversation disclosing anything I asked about before going, a thorough showing while there and a proper sea trial. THEN a discussion about financials (I refuse to make any offer before viewing a boat). All in all this led to my offer the next day and before long all was agreed. A lift and outer bottom survey was made to my full satisfaction and the deal was closed.

I guess the chemistry between people makes way for the honesty needed to build confidence.

 

[Rigsy_uk]

I've read those posts too.

In my case alone the cost and effort to reach the broker and boat in question (So'hamptn) made it irrelevant for the broker to ask for a deposit - at least if the goal was to decide if my interest was genuine. If I just wanted a joyride for free I might have chosen something closer than 827 miles, a flight and 2 days car hire.

This broker, I'll tell you the name if you ask, was a true pleasure to deal with. A nice mail conversation disclosing anything I asked about before going, a thorough showing while there and a proper sea trial. THEN a discussion about financials (I refuse to make any offer before viewing a boat). All in all this led to my offer the next day and before long all was agreed. A lift and outer bottom survey was made to my full satisfaction and the deal was closed.

I guess the chemistry between people makes way for the honesty needed to build confidence.

Thank's for your reply, do you think you could PM me the name and number for your broker please.

Steve.

 

[Spi D]

PM sent.