Going to view boat tomorrow, What advice?

Alistairr

Alistairr

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Ok, I've been around boats for a while now, I know it needs a big lump of metal in the back to power it, and have no holes underneath it too stay afloat, and SWMBO knows it needs to look good and have a bog.

But what advice would you give us, what tips would you give for viewing an 11yr old boat?

This is the boat in question:
http://search.boatshop24.co.uk/fullspec.asp?btsrefno=15823390

Cheers

Al.
 
Service history, how clean is the boat? Does it look well cared for... or tarted up?

Sit in the boat... do you "Connect"??

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Power tilt and trip rams - working and no evidence of hydraulic oil leaks.
Any signs of grounding?
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hammer.gif
Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.
 
Once you've had a look, if you like it, walk away and have a chat with SWMBO, agree your budget. Then leave her in the car while you run off to the nice broker, remembering everything you've just agreed with SWMBO, ask for a deal.... Then once the nice broker lets you know he's got two more viewings on the same boat in the afternoon & turns down your offer with a polite wince still pay the man £500 notes and then get back to SWMBO and let her know you got a real bargain!
 
Is the upholstery the right colour, are the curtains nice, does it have matching scatter cushions, is the carpet the right shade.......

All the important things /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

May
xx
 
On a different tack
Assuming you like it, try and control the negotiation. The best way to do this is to control the time. There is no need for instant decisions on your part, always say I'll get back to you in 10mins/a day whatever but you're in control. If you feel you are coming to the end of financial negotiations go for things which are valuable to you but maybe not so much for him eg a free service at year end
If you have the courage offer him something stupid (say half price) this implies that negotiation is in high orders of magnetude. Us Brits always feel we must compromise so it sets the starting bar quite low.
Never have a max figure in mind because you will always end up paying that, just go for the best deal you can.
All boats should have the original invoice (when new) with them to show VAT paid. This is important if you take the boat abroard. (forumites please don't start a discussion thread on this!) My point is the boat probably won't have this documentation so it becomes a bargaining point (and the chances of being asked for it abroad are practically nil)
pheew! thats out of my system I'm going to have some breakfast now....best of luck let us all know how you faired.
 
[ QUOTE ]
If you have the courage offer him something stupid (say half price) this implies that negotiation is in high orders of magnetude. Us Brits always feel we must compromise so it sets the starting bar quite low.

[/ QUOTE ]


I do agree with starting low on negotiations but there is a balance to this where you won't be taken seriously if you put in a stupidly low offer, (assuming the boat is nice!, obviously if its a basket case then that's different!!). Brokers are human, they are working on a Sunday, they will want to make a sale. Its just finding that sweet spot where all parties are happy, I find that is usually achieved by sensible negotiations (regardless of my previous post that was tongue in cheek..)

But you are right, a free service, a reduced rate on berthing / or boat storage & free launching if leaving on the trailer, a hull compound and polish and interior valet are all things that (if they employ a couple of yard workers) could be inexpensive for them to agree to, but worth much more to you..
 
Thanks guys, I will look out for all that mentioned, one thing I always remember is I'm not just looking at the boat in a view to buying it, but the trailer too, they can be costly to repair.

If we like what we see, I was thinking the best way to do it is to go anyway and make an offer over the phone the following day, what do you think?

Cheers

Al.
 
go with the idea in your head that you don't really want it, this will put you in control, if you give off I'm in love vibs the broker will see it, if he's any good at his job.

then get a good run out in it, if all is as should be offer 7500, if you find faults offer less or if they are bad faults walk away, and wait for him to contact you.

that's what I would do, actually, it's exactly what I did do, albeit with slightly bigger numbers,
 
DON'T DO IT!


Seriously tho', the biggest danger is going there beleiving it is the boat of your dreams. Be realistic, but critical. If the boat looks at all scruffy in any way, it is probably a sign that it has not been well maintained. Sadly the opposite is not necessarily true, immacculately presented boats can simply be just that - well prepared, rather than well looked after.

How clean is the engine room/ heads/ locker space? Boat prep may miss or scrimp these places. Taking a friend for a second more critical viewing if SWMBO likes it. A sea trial with SWMBO is a recipe for disaster as you automatically slip into holiday mode, and having a nice day out together can sell any heap of junk!

Good luck, look for leverage in your negotiations - any minor fault can be used as you will have to fix it yourself if it isn't fixed first.
 
I wonder how many brokers are on this forum ? I'm sure any broker worth their salt keeps an eye on forums such as this and are very aware of the ploys mentioned. What might they think? Why not be honest with the broker, cut all the tip-toe bull $hit and cut to the chase. It's a buyers market, he wants to sell and you want to buy (albeit this only works if both of you are realistic about your intentions and before I get flamed I'm not saying either of you are not.)

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Ok confession time.
We got to Largs marina, and had lunch, went to the chandlery after where SWMBO spent a fortune, and then went to view a yacht at Euroyachts, which we didn't like.

We then planned on going up to Balloch to view this Rinker, but saw another boat at Largs, which looked great inside and out for the same money as the Rinker, eventually after alot of hassle we got on too see it.

So we're having a think about it, and as I said to the broker for the Rinker, we'd be to view it either Sunday or monday, so I will go and view it tomorrow, and report back with what happens, I certainly haven't discarded it.

Thanks again for all the advice.

Cheers

Al.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Why not be honest with the broker, cut all the tip-toe bull $hit and cut to the chase. It's a buyers market

[/ QUOTE ]

Say that you are looking to buy a boat within the next month - and that you will be buying the one in the condition you want at the best price you can find.

When buying s/h IMO always useful to say to yourself "if I was selling this item / boat today what price would I feel comfortable on acheiving a sale at?" (of course yer then have to add any "I want it now" premium /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif)
 
Thats funny, there's one of those for sale at Largs.!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If i get a boat and launch at Largs, I'd want to cruise in company for a bit till comfortable with the boat, you interested?? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cheers

Al.
 
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