Boat-buying Tips

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:

1. 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!!
2. My initial search on the internet proved to be "wise"; I ended up buying the one I was most intersted in.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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

Comments

[Fareastsails]

He is really tough negotiator & these tips are really required for a good sailor to buy a better sailboat

[Mark Brown m]

I agree with Guillermo. Acquiring a boat is an investment too, and it is vital that you know where exactly where you put your money. And in the case of buying a boat, you know where your money sails. It won’t hurt to have three to five options when you are buying a boat. It is also a good idea to have an expert mechanic inspect the boat for irregularities and damages.

[Tia Oshields]

I would say that to make the boat buying process easier, it would be best to list all your requirements first, and ask yourself some questions like, what kind and size of boat do you want, what kind of boat can you maneuver, and whether the said boat that fits your budget. Jot down all these details and from there you can start the search and narrow down your choices.