Nimbus 280 Coupe sea trial

AllanG

AllanG

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 Apr 2005
Messages
1,470
Location
Hamble, UK
Visit site
We're considering the purchase of a Nimbus 280 Coupe, but was a little surprised to hear that the broker would require an agreed deal before allowing a sea-trial, as I never had this restriction when I purchased my current Legend sailing yacht.

Is this a normal industry practice? I understand that this may be to deter 'thrill seekers', but it also makes it very difficult for a genuine prospective purchaser to make an informed judgement on how the boat performs, compared to alternatives, before making a firm commitment.

If I put this in context with the motor industry, I must say that I would never make an offer on a car without a test drive.

Therefore, as we are not familiar with the 'sea keeping' abilities of this model which, having a relatively young family is very importance to us, is there a Nimbus 280 Coupe owner on the forum who could offer my family (myself +3) a short sea trial in their boat in the Solent area, (preferably when the sea isn't calm), in return for me paying for the fuel used?

Many thanks,

Allan
 
Entirely typical of this industry which is stilling living in the last century, I'm afraid. Yes you are expected to shell out a 10% deposit and sign a contract to get a test drive on a boat costing squillions. At least that is true of brokerage boats. On the other hand, if a dealer has a stock boat, new or used, he should be willing to give you a test drive in it. If he doesn't then walk away. If its a brokerage boat you are interested in, make it plain to the broker that you are definitely in the market but you need a test drive to confirm your choice. Some owners would be willing to allow the broker to do that. I know I would if there was the possibility of a deal
 
Crikey, I didnt realise this was the way things where nowadays.
When we bought our first boat in 2003 we had consecutive sea trials on two different size motor boats. Fantastic comparason. No question about doing it.
When we boat our current boat a few years ago we got a sea trial with no committment from us and no reluctance or question from the dealer.
I might understand them wanting you to cover the cost of fuel, maybe, but if was presented with a situation like that i would walk. I reckon its a tough old world out there just now and if anyone wants to put up barriers just go somewhere else. If thats thier attutude now I would be concerned it would just be hassle all the way.
 
AllanG said:
We're considering the purchase of a Nimbus 280 Coupe, but was a little surprised to hear that the broker would require an agreed deal before allowing a sea-trial, as I never had this restriction when I purchased my current Legend sailing yacht.

Is this a normal industry practice? I understand that this may be to deter 'thrill seekers', but it also makes it very difficult for a genuine prospective purchaser to make an informed judgement on how the boat performs, compared to alternatives, before making a firm commitment.

If I put this in context with the motor industry, I must say that I would never make an offer on a car without a test drive.

Therefore, as we are not familiar with the 'sea keeping' abilities of this model which, having a relatively young family is very importance to us, is there a Nimbus 280 Coupe owner on the forum who could offer my family (myself +3) a short sea trial in their boat in the Solent area, (preferably when the sea isn't calm), in return for me paying for the fuel used?

Many thanks,

Allan
Click to expand...
Well, the boat belongs to someone else, so I think it's reasonable that it isnt up to him to provide you with the means for deciding which boat to buy. Thats up to you to decide. The sea trial is to identify any issues that a survey isnt able to identify without running the boat.
There is generally enough knowledge about on most boats that if a buyer knows what he is looking for, he can pin down which boats to consider. All will then have their foibles. Given the vast numbers of 2800s built, if you think its the sort of boat you are after, I reckon it probably is !
Still, no harm in asking someone who owns one to help out.
 
Nimbus

I have to say thrill seeking & Nimbus don't normally go together!,stands back & ducks,mm1.
 
I to think this "do the deal and then have a sea trial" thing is a load of b0ll0x!
I sold my last boat after taking the guy out for a spin (at my sugestion) and if looking to buy would be very put off by the deposit first "rule"
If the vendor or broker put barriers up i would simply walk away. So there!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top