Last year, I self-publishedf a 20-page guide to buying a used sailboat based on my experiences. I was please to get this email from a chap in Spain who used it when he came over to buy a used boat in Florida. He shared some additional helpful tips. As you will see he is a tough negotiator!
Dear Adam,
... I wanted to let you know that actually I ended up buying a boat in MIA (old Hunter legend, 35.5 ft from 1993) - If I learned something from this experience, although this can not be taken as a general rule, my perception is that:
- Yes, there are lots of boats for sale in Florida, but they are spread far from each other, so if you plan to see some boats, plan to spend 50% of your time on the road!!
- My initial search on the internet proved to be "wise"; I ended up buying the one I was most intersted in.
- When you decide to survey a boat, push the price down as much as possible. It will be easier to get a better deal afterwards.
- If you have no doubts after seeing only one boat you have not seen enough...I had another good alternative and althoughit was higher-priced , I surveyed both (only asked for the report on one, and got a BIG discount on the "no report survey"). This was done with the same surveyor, which was a good practice to benchmark both alternatives
- Registry of the boat, easy and the paper work not a worry at the end.
Well, Adam, Kind regards and good wind!
Guillermo Perez Solero
He is really tough negotiator & these tips are really required for a good sailor to buy a better sailboat
Posted by: Fareastsails | February 24, 2012 at 04:17 AM