Is it normal to ask for a deposit & sign a contract before testing engine?

[JumbleDuck]

I am a broker, and when I was buying a boat for myself I found pretty much just what I wanted listed with another broker. I arranged for a surveyor to look briefly and specifically at one area of the hull structure (where I had my own doubts after viewing the boat myself) before making an offer and putting down a deposit. This was via a large but now out of business brokerage. The broker was told exactly what my concerns were, and the surveyor's short visit was done with their agreement. As it happened he agreed with my suspicions and I did not buy that boat.

Thanks. I suspect I was just dealing with a rubbish broker. It was the first one I had ever encountered, though, so it left a fairly strong impression.

 

[Tranona]

Thanks. I suspect I was just dealing with a rubbish broker. It was the first one I had ever encountered, though, so it left a fairly strong impression.

He may well have been sending a coded message to save you the trouble and expense finding out that the deck was indeed shot!

 

[JumbleDuck]

He may well have been sending a coded message to save you the trouble and expense finding out that the deck was indeed shot!

I think he was more worried that I'd find out why a six inch square of unfinished ply was nailed in the middle of the teak-and-holly cabin sole ...

 

[Tranona]

I think he was more worried that I'd find out why a six inch square of unfinished ply was nailed in the middle of the teak-and-holly cabin sole ...

Sounds like a lucky escape

 

[Jim@sea]

The problem looks like you wanted to run the engine ashore, if I was the owner I wouldn't let you do that. As said normally you pay a deposit and sign a contract subject to survey and a trial sail, obviously you have to use the engine.

I would let you run my engine if I was selling my boat. Make an appointment and an hour before you turn up I will have used "easystart" to get it going, bled the filters and changed the oil so it looks perfectly clean.
Joking apart, if I was selling a boat (and in 40 years I sold 6) and you wanted to run the engine I would insist that it was done by a qualified Diesel Mechanic. And be there.

 

[Cookee]

The thing is, we don't have second-hand-car brokers who sell cars that actually belong to other people.

Pete

Actually we do sell cars on behalf of customers - and they trust us! Sold a Lovely MX5 on behalf of a customer to a very nice couple that travelled down from Gloucester to see the car, test drove it and bought it. All we get is a percentage, just like a yacht broker although I suspect not as big as marine brokers - how much do they charge?

 

[Cookee]

BCA Assured is an independent multi-point vehicle check carried out by the AA at BCA.
The AA Inspectors make over 30 checks on the vehicle to make sure as a buyer you have accurate information and complete transparency of the mechanical condition of the vehicle. BCA Assured covers everything from the condition of the tyres, to engine running, to a VOSPA approved brake check.
Furthermore, if you purchase a vehicle from us with a BCA Assured report, you have 48 hours or 500 miles (whichever comes first) to contact us should you find something that has been misreported.
Includes over 30 different checks across engine bay, engine running, tyre tread depth, interior/dashboard and dynamic operation
Carried out by Qualified AA Inspectors
Entitles you to claim against these specific checks if the vehicle is not as reported
Means you can buy with complete confidence

Even without that survey, the auctioneer gives legally binding assurances about the condition of the car, unless it's a dog being "sold as seen". Not only do boat brokers not do that; they actively (try to) prevent you finding out about the condition of what you're buying before you sign. Nobody at BCA minds if you take a qualified mechanic along with you to look at the cars ...

We have bought a number of vehicles of all shapes and sizes from BCA as a dealer over the internet from all around the country, every one has been as described!