What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

[RotaryRacer]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

I took it in for fiberglass repair. If I had sold it for a $2k hit, I'll still have to buy another one at 5k to break even, and that's not too easy to do. This way I know it's in good shape and what's been done with it. It's supposed be done with the glass work tomorrow, and they inspected the floor and stringers and replaced the motor mounts. I should have it back on the water this weekend.

Well it seems you made your decision then. For the record I think your decision is sound. Get the boat fixed right and use it. My situation was a little different as I decided to buy another newer boat regardless. I was really just mitigating losses at that point.

Since you have already gone ahead with getting the repairs made, I think the seller will have little/no incentive to help.

Good luck and enjoy your "new" boat...you do deserve that.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

Since you have already taken it in for repair I guess the "what would you do here" question is on in regards to whether you should contact the seller or not. I suppose you could but I wouldn't expect much in the way of results. If the seller hadn't used the boat in a while there's a very good chance he didn't even know about the issues.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

Since you have already taken it in for repair I guess the "what would you do here" question is on in regards to whether you should contact the seller or not.

You are correct. It was more of an ethical question than anything else.

The guy had it on the water twice last year.

 

[DayCruiser]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

Go out , have fun and you will forget all about the money issues. I see people all the time out on the water with 10s of 1000s of $$ invested in their boat. You are doing good to have a solid boat on the water for less than $10,000 invested. Just plan on keeping it for a long time. Keep up with the maintenance.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

I agree, a lot of people assume the previous owner knew of the issues and "lied" or "cheated" the new buyer. I will say, there is a good chance he had NO idea. Think about how long he owned the boat, the issues might have come about through that time, and he might not have ever checked it? I'm of course speaking of transom rot. Does everyone check their transom every season?

I would say contacting him might be the best bet, but do NOT expect anything in return. Your word against his, and he might honestly not have known there was rot in the transom.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

And not that you should even consider doing this in your case, but suing an out of state seller is a whole 'nother layer of complication. Others might keep this in mind when deciding to buy (or get service) across state lines.

This is also why you need a written contract and "bill of sale" even for as is deals and titled boats.

 

[DrWiffel]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

Hate to say this, but you're SOL. I had a similar thing happen to me this year and even took the guy to court and still lost even though I had it in writing that the part that was broken wasn't broken. Good luck, I feel your pain.

Consider it a lesson learned to always have the boat water tested/surveyed.

 

[GXL205 Deke]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

I understand your feelings but in this case you need to own your mistake by rushing the process. Leave the seller out of it and chalk it up to lesson learned. On the positive side do your homework and get it fixed right at a solid reputable shop, redo the interior and you will have a nice boat at the end of this ride.

 

[madurodave]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

I would have called him long before posting this thread. Be diplomatic and nice...ask him to honor what is right. If he declines, more on....lesson learned.

 

[Burtonair01]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

What were the over heating issues? My boat is running really hot right now, new impeller in it so not sure what the problem is. Only running hot under load, it's fine while idling.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

Used boat.. Buyer Beware.

Sounds like a bad deal you got, but it what you got.

I knew a guy that wanted to buy a used airplane. Price he was asking was 130,000 dollars. But my friend "chris" didn't have time to take it to have it inspected. He ended up talking the guy down to about 108,000. A few weeks later when he finally got it inspected, it needed about 30,000 in repairs. Now the plane was legal and safe to fly, but there were issues that needed to be dealt with. He contacted the seller and he told him SOL. Took him to court and the court said, the plane passed inspections so he out of luck. Buyer Beware.

Contact the seller and talk to him calmly and be polite. He may help you out. May not be half or quarter. But it might be something.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

And a smart seller might send a disgruntled buyer a little something and then the buyer can NEVER win a suit against him.

It's better to avoid a fight than to win one.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

I'm not going to sue the guy. It was more an ethical question than anything else. The boat is supposed to be fixed tomorrow and I think I'll enjoy it this summer. This winter it'll get a new interior.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

And a smart seller might send a disgruntled buyer a little something and then the buyer can NEVER win a suit against him.

It's better to avoid a fight than to win one.

Am I off base in thinking that if the seller does send him some money that would in a way be admitting there was wrongdoing and setting himself up for litigation for the rest?

 

[HHIBouy]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

There are two things certian in life, that is DEATH & TAXES. well the one tax we forget is the STUPID TAX. You just paid aportion of yours, I know I have made annual payment towards mine. As hard as I try, the stupid tax just seems to keep coming up.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

I'm not going to sue the guy. It was more an ethical question than anything else. The boat is supposed to be fixed tomorrow and I think I'll enjoy it this summer. This winter it'll get a new interior.

Good idea. Good Luck with everything.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

Am I off base in thinking that if the seller does send him some money that would in a way be admitting there was wrongdoing and setting himself up for litigation for the rest?

No, he would be settling the claim, but that aspect and a release should be documented: "paid to resolve all complaints about X boat; each party releases the other from all claims." Of course you can make it more complicated and detailed but don't try doing it yourself!

 

[cr2k]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

Your only recourse is if he knew of the problems and you can prove it.
Try calling around where he might have taken the boat. If anyone can produce a copy of an invoice or report to the PO that states the boat's conditions you should prevail in court.

Otherwise no.

 

[northernmerc]

Re: What would you do here? (boat buyers remorse)

Your best plan would be to forget it and chalk it up to experience. If the seller lied to you about the problems, he's not now likely to give you money out of the goodness of his heart.