Test Sail

[Spyro]

I spoke to a broker recently about a boat I was interested in and he said a test sail would only be possible after a 10% deposit had been paid. Is this normal practice?
Also if less people are buying new boats at the moment does this have a knock on effect on the number of second hand boats available for sale?

 

[S2Jimlad]

That certainly is NOT the case! Dare you divulge the brokerage?

 

[William_H]

No it is not the case however you can see the point from the sellers position that thye are not there for all and sundry to have an afternoon sailing with no intention of buying.
So are you doing a test sail 1. to see if you like sailing
2. to see if you like this type of boat or 3. to do a check of all systems?

You should know if you like sailing. You should also know from reputation if the boat type is suitable to you. So a sail to show up any unforseen problems would be almost a final stage.
Now of course that is too harsh and a lot of us will buy on the basis not of good logic but of things like a pleasant test sail.

So the broker may be too slack. Or he may perceive you as a wanabee not a real buyer. So I don't think you should dismiss the deal don't pay the deposit but show him that you are a real chance at purchase. olewill

 

[cliff]

YES! No way would I allow my boat to be taken out for a "test sail" by anyone unless I was present and I would expect the prospective buyer to pay all expenses. You cannot charter my boat for a day FREE - bloody tyre kicker - one of the "lets have a day out on a boat for free" brigade

If you were a serious potential buyer you would / should already know the boat's sailing characteristics so why do you need a "test sail"

If you really want a "test sail" no problem £250 up front and I would take you out for a "test sail".
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Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity

 

[paulburton44]

I took 5 different people out for test sails when I sold my boat...

I would never pay to have a test sail. I would just look for another boat.

If the boat is in the water and ready to go would a 1 hour sail be that much of a problem if you are trying to sell your boat. Fair enough if the boat is laid up...!

Who would buy a secondhand car without going for a test drive. ?

 

[TerryMac]

I would insist on a test sail before making any offers or paying any deposit.

I travelled oversea's to view a potential boat and was all set to make an offer. I arranged for a test sail the following day and all sorts of problems were highlighted that were not identified alongside (headsail reefing system, transmission problems, heads). I changed my mind. Although I had forked out a lot of money to view the boat (flights, hotel, hire car etc) it taught me a valuable lesson: never make an offer until you have had a test sail.

IMO - Paying a deposit says that you are seriously interested in buying the boat. How do you know that until you have had a test sail?

Good luck!

 

[tomframe]

i think a few things are changing in the industry - I went yesterday to go and buy an anode, which the chandlery did not have in stock - last year it was not a problem, they took my numbers and called me they had it in a few days later. This year a different story, not only did they want the money upfront but they also wanted to charge a £5 delivery fee to get the item in stire for me to then collect - i refused point blank and walked out the store to go and purchase it online for less.

 

[Cerddinen]

I did a test sail when purchasing after paying a deposit. To me it was more about a quick introduction to the boat systems rather than determining whether I wanted the boat. It can also be an opportunity to meet the existing owner and to benefit from any information they have to pass on. However, it can be costly and time consuming for all parties, so the deposit as an expression of intent is not surprising.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

I think it's common when buying to make an offer 'subject to survey and sea trial' and to pay a deposit at that stage.

 

[Cotillion]

Quite right.

I bought my boat last year. I viewed it and liked what I saw. I made an offer subject to survey and sea trial and paid my deposit. The option to pull out with a full refund of my deposit (less expenses, launching etc.) if the boat failed on either criteria.

You should do some homework on the prospective vessel, i.e. is she fast, good in the rough stuff or whatever you want. Basicaly does the boat tick enough boxes for you, its only then that you need to do a sail test. Don't go looking for the Racer/Motor Sailer. The perfect boat is not out there but there is one for you if you know what you're looking for in the first place.

 

[Amari]

Surely its part of the broker's job, in recognition of their huge fees, to arrange a test sail and accompany the purchaser if the owner is not available? I don't know what brokerage fees are in the UK but in Turkey it is a whopping 8%. The owner of the vessel we subsequently bought was back in UK so the broker accompanied us on a test sail and the deal was done

 

[Spyro]

I can assure you at this time of year I'm not just wanting a day out on a boat. and I'm not a "bloody tyre Kicker"
If you are trying to sell a boat most people would do all they can to get a sale. Taking someone out for an hour or two is not going to be too much bother either if you are already there to show them the boat. That's exactly what I did on 3 occasions and the third person decided to buy.
Of course if the boat was laid up and on the hard then it would be a different story.
I can only wish you best of luck if you ever decide to sell your boat.
Count me out as a buyer though.

 

[lw395]

I sympathise, but don't think a refundable deposit is unreasonable. a test sail to check out the engine and sails before the expense of a survey would be very valuable.
Don't forget you may generate the cost of de-winterising the motor so may have to pay for that if the boat is not in active use. As a buyer I would not want to be responsible for any damage either, one boat I tested rammed a pontoon because the gearbox would not go astern!

 

[Tranona]

Don't think there is any hard and fast rule. The buyer must be clear why he wants a test sail and communicate this to the seller. It may well be that some of the concerns could be resolved in some other way. Don't think it is unreasonable to put down the deposit as this is refundable less any expenses if you make it clear your offer is subject to satisfactory performance in your test. The owner could refuse which might give a number of messages - he might not be confident that it will pass your test or will not treat your offer seriously. Your deposit is a more serious expression of interest than just wanting a sail before you make an offer.

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
Count me out as a buyer though.

[/ QUOTE ]Done! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
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Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity