Full fuel upon purchase?

Boathooked

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Jan 2, 2014
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16
Guys I am new to boating/boat purchasing and have what I am sure is a stupid question.

I am in negotiations to purchase a larger boat and it is almost empty. Is it normal to expect the broker to full it up before delivery? I am used to that with car purchases but I am wondering what the normal is in boating.

Thanks.
 

oldjeep

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May 17, 2010
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Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

I guess whatever you negotiate. The only brand new boat I ever bought came with about 5 gallons in the tank - inexpensive runabout.
 

Starcraft5834

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Jun 2, 2013
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1,677
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

I am not familiar with those type of expectations..your buying a used boat? Make fuel part of your agreement.. should you expect a filled tank like buying a new car? I doubt it...
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,130
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

Guys I am new to boating/boat purchasing and have what I am sure is a stupid question.

I am in negotiations to purchase a larger boat and it is almost empty. Is it normal to expect the broker to full it up before delivery? I am used to that with car purchases but I am wondering what the normal is in boating.

Thanks.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Nope, not Expected,...

But, you could include it in yer negotiations,....
 

Maclin

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May 27, 2007
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6,761
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

Is fuel fill a problem for you on this boat logistics wise? If not I think I would rather put in the fuel myself to know what is in there and how much, etc.
 

Starcraft5834

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Jun 2, 2013
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1,677
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

was thinking that too Mac... I'd rather put in fresh fuel and treat it myself rather than a potentially dealing with phase separation..
 

Natesms

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Sep 8, 2012
Messages
464
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

I "attempted" to negotiate for full tanks. My boat would have been about $700 to top off at the time. Broker laughed and said "if you want to pay $700 more for the boat!

Edit: I think it would depend on what you are buying. I bought used and the price tag was already low. Probably have a much better chance with a more expensive purchase and/or a smaller fuel tank. I've always gotten my new trucks filled...
 
Last edited:

agallant80

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Oct 25, 2010
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2,328
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

I have bought two new boats. One of them came with 1/2 tank and the other came with full tank. It really depends on the dealer. Im sure if you asked they would do it. MarineMax does it as part of their prep package.
 

Boathooked

Cadet
Joined
Jan 2, 2014
Messages
16
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

I "attempted" to negotiate for full tanks. My boat would have been about $700 to top off at the time. Broker laughed and said "if you want to pay $700 more for the boat!

Edit: I think it would depend on what you are buying. I bought used and the price tag was already low. Probably have a much better chance with a more expensive purchase and/or a smaller fuel tank. I've always gotten my new trucks filled...


I did attempt to negotiate with the broker, got no real response either way. Regardless I have my answer and appreciate the feedback.
 

Home Cookin'

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May 26, 2009
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Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

was thinking that too Mac... I'd rather put in fresh fuel and treat it myself rather than a potentially dealing with phase separation..

me, too.

since gas at the gas station is cheaper than at the marina, and less likely to have water in it, if it is a non-trailer boat presently on land, you would be better off to fill it en route to the launch site if you can, regardless of who pays for it.
 

greenbush future

Lieutenant Commander
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Aug 28, 2009
Messages
1,814
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

I can see the seller dumping all his left over yard equipment gas from last year into this boat to make you happy, and him too, that's a worst case scenario, but the answer IMO is no, the boat is what you are buying. Maybe on a new boat purchase but I would bet most wont do that. What you thinking about buying? big, small, we love em all!!
 

crabby captain john

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Aug 6, 2011
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Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

My last 2 boats ~~ since '06 ~~~ never had ethanol fuel in the tank. I'll do it myself.
 

ssobol

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Sep 3, 2010
Messages
503
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

I have bought a number of cars in various parts of the country. I can't remember any that came with a full tank of gas. There was one that the first place I had to go was the gas station because it had so little gas.
 

oldjeep

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May 17, 2010
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Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

I have bought a number of cars in various parts of the country. I can't remember any that came with a full tank of gas. There was one that the first place I had to go was the gas station because it had so little gas.

As far as cars go, it has been a check item on the delivery list on every new car I remember buying. Always a full tank of gas - maybe that is just the dealers in the area, but it has been a lot of cars/trucks of various brands in the last 25 years or so.
 

drrpm

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Oct 24, 2008
Messages
707
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

My cars have gas tanks that range in size from 10 to 21 gallons so the cost of a full tank would be from $30-60. That's a pittance versus versus the value to the dealer in making the customer think that they got a great deal.
 

H20Rat

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Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
Re: Full fuel upon purchase?

Odd, I usually make sure to EMPTY the tanks of any boats I'm selling! Vehicles end up full, and I have yard tractor gas to spare. Not once has the seller negotiated the level of fuel, they get what they get. (of course, this is also for under 25' boats, so max of maybe 30 gallons.)
 
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