Hi All - Newbie intro and Guidance advice

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MyfriendMike

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12 Sep 2017
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Hi Folks,

I've being watching and learning from this site for a few months whilst looking for my first MoBo.

As a family, we are moving to Spain next year (Vilanova south Barca is winning the location race).

I have also been given the thumbs up from my dearest to buy a boat. After heaps of wafting through eBay and other sites, I have found "the one" with these guys http://www.andover-trade.com

However, their boats seem a bit on the cheap side (not a bad thing) and they will only let you view if you forward them a £2000 deposit.

This worries me.

My questions are - Is this normal practise in the world of Boating? Has anyone dealt with these folk and would be willing to vouch that they are "for real"?

Thanks folks....

Mike
 
MyfriendMike said:
Hi Folks,

I've being watching and learning from this site for a few months whilst looking for my first MoBo.

As a family, we are moving to Spain next year (Vilanova south Barca is winning the location race).

I have also been given the thumbs up from my dearest to buy a boat. After heaps of wafting through eBay and other sites, I have found "the one" with these guys http://www.andover-trade.com

However, their boats seem a bit on the cheap side (not a bad thing) and they will only let you view if you forward them a £2000 deposit.

This worries me.

My questions are - Is this normal practise in the world of Boating? Has anyone dealt with these folk and would be willing to vouch that they are "for real"?

Thanks folks....

Mike
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Hi Mike

Sounds very exciting!

I would suggest this outfit is not genuine. It is normal to pay a deposit prior to sea trial but not to view.

The situation sounds like an advance fee fraud to me.
 
The site here is a wealth of highly experienced very knowledgeable owners and professionals. Your post may have been very well timed.
Welcome to the forum.
 
Mike, if you tell us the sort of boat you're looking for perhaps we can give you some suggestions. It would help if you could tell us what you want to use it for, Where you'll keep it, how many people you want to accommodate, budget, whether you want a turn key boat or doer up, etc.
 
MyfriendMike said:
Hi Folks,

I have found "the one" with these guys http://www.andover-trade.com

However, their boats seem a bit on the cheap side (not a bad thing)
This worries me.

My questions are - Is this normal practise in the world of Boating? Has anyone dealt with these folk and would be willing to vouch that they are "for real"?

Thanks folks....Mike
Click to expand...

Hi Mike

FYI

I know two of the boats advertised on this site. The Sealine S28 is in fact a 2004 reg craft with some '05 features. It is advertised with Berthon at £54k and moored at Christchurch, the owner will not take anything less than £49k and I understand has accepted and offer already. The Fairline Corniche is also with Berthon at Lymington and has been advertised at £29,950.

Sounds like they are online brokers like Yachtworld or Yachtmarket, who take a small commission from the broker, but not quite as honest maybe?
 
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Anyone who ask for money up front, before even viewing, are not to be trusted. The site in question has scam written all over it.
 
I am looking for a Sports Cruiser, preferably with 4 births. The Searay Sundancer range seem perfect, however I don't want to spend more than 12/15K. As such the best I can do is probably get an old 240 and clean it up a bit.

I'll also accept any guidance on mooring in the South Barcelona area. As I mention in my original post, Vilanova seems to meet the other less significant factors (like schooling, housing YAWN), so anywhere near there would be great.

I have a call booked with Andover this morning, I fully expect it to not happen and fully expect to get pushed for more ££.
 
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MyfriendMike said:
I am looking for a Sports Cruiser, preferably with 4 births. The Searay Sundancer range seem perfect, however I don't want to spend more than 12/15K. As such the best I can do is probably get an old 240 and clean it up a bit.

I'll also accept any guidance on mooring in the South Barcelona area. As I mention in my original post, Vilanova seems to meet the other less significant factors (like schooling, housing YAWN), so anywhere near there would be great.

I have a call booked with Andover this morning, I fully expect it to not happen and fully expect to get pushed for more ££.
Click to expand...

That Andover website has got scam written all over it. I'd never hand over money to view a boat.

£12/15k is a pretty tight budget. Are you intending to sleep on it or just use it as a day boat?
 
petem said:
That Andover website has got scam written all over it. I'd never hand over money to view a boat.

£12/15k is a pretty tight budget. Are you intending to sleep on it or just use it as a day boat?
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I know it is a tight budget! The plan is to spend a night or two onboard over long weekends exploring the med', as well as many day trips. I know I could easily get a good cuddy or bow-rider for that money. I have my eye on a few and realise there will be sacrifices needed (like A/C).

Crazy thing is the amount of boats wasting away in marinas around the EU Surely someone out there is looking to offload with minimum fuss. I'd be happy to trailer one from anywhere!
 
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