New (to me) boat, just not yet.

[Dave K.]

Thought I'd share a quick story. I've been looking for about 6 months and have looked everywhere including here at iboats for a particular model. I've scanned hundreds, called on quite a few and have looked at several.

I found what I believe to be a very good deal. However it's 400 miles away. After many discussions for over a month, questions, pictures and so forth I made arrangements to go see it yesterday cash in hand. Well, here in upstate NY we got hit pretty good with about a foot of snow so needless to say the trip was cancelled. I've gotten to know the seller a little, that is to say after many conversations. He said he would hold it, covered and winterized until I can get there in early January. I also realize this may not be the best time in the northeast to sell any summer item but still think the gesture is a fair one.

All in all I'm pretty optomistic about this (I've been optimistic before too) I do believe some if not many would agree with the deal at hand. I'm hoping to get some shots and the purchase price and let everyone chime in.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

You're not in a hurry and the seller knows he can't be in a hurry (weather).

That helps a great deal.

It's good that you have developed a relationship, with the seller.

But, don't feel obligated if it is not what you want!

It took me six months to sell my Boston Whaler. I was in no hurry but I, eventually, found the perfect buyer. Interesting story.

It took me two months to find its replacement. No hurry, cash in hand.

 

[Dave K.]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

TY and I appreciate that. No, I've spent months looking and he knows that, he also knows I'm not pressed to buy this one either as I've passed on several others for one reason or another. I think we get a feel for people in general and this guy seems to be a decent guy. I remember calling a guy a couple months ago and as soon as I started asking questions, he said he'd get back to me. Never did so I didn't call him back either.

This guy has taken his time to discuss in detail All the questions I've asked along with pictures. He called me last week when he was winterizing the boat and wanted me to listen to the motor... LOL

I hope this one works out but, I've hoped before too. I can say this, the boat is worth 7 - 8k and I'll be spending about half of that.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

NE PA resident here Dave,,, Having gotten a foot of snow here too.. NY/PA line... if you swing the deal, maybe you can leave it at the buyer till spring,,, dont need to say how risky it is to trailer a boat in the frozen north.. see if seller agrees to take the boat to local marine shop of your choice,, make sure engine is sound first.. that what I did in buying a 20ft cuddy.. honestly, the trailer was the biggest pain in the *** for me... frame in great shape, axle spindles were shot though,, ended up installing new axle.. installed surge breaks,,, the works.....winter is a good time....not much demand this time of year, can save u lots.. good luck...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

I don't think there's anything wrong with buying something on faith and trust; not everything can be inspected to death.

However, if you drive 8 hours, cash in hand, you are pertty much committed, and your seller knows that.

I know people do it, especially where boats are hard to find, but I have a tough time reconcilnig 16 hours on the road--that's 2 days in my book--over a used boat. And as others suggested, your new-to-you trailer is your first risk point (i just has both tires on one side blow out on me Saturday. Ugly.)

 

[Dave K.]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

Appreciate the responses, TY! The trailer is a concern that I didn't really think about. He said the bearings were recently greased, tires in good shape but I'll definitely check it out, and even ask a little more about it.

Boats aren't that hard to find here but good deals are. Seems that anything late 80's and early 90's are mid to high 3 or low 4 for what I'm looking at. Frustrating because the one's I've checked out just don't seem worth the money. Not to mention how aggravating it is to see a nice boat Not taken care of. I walked away from a couple of those.

No doubt it's a long trip but the reason above is why I had to expand my search. My family and I have been boating for 40 years, I've owned a couple too so we've been through a lot of different things. I don't know everything but I know a little, the rest is why I'm here!

Thx again gentleman, I really do appreciate it!

 

[greenbush future]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

Once I found the older boat I wanted to restore, the location was about 250 miles one way. So I told the guy on the phone, if the boat was in fact as he advertised, what his bottom line was. Basically we agreed to a price well below asking, before I even got in the truck, and it worked out well for me. Once you drive that far, and the seller knows this, it does put you at a slight disadvantage because of the time and gas invested. Don't compromise because of that, be prepared to walk away and chalk the time and gas as an investment in knowledge.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

Buying in winter is little different than any other time of year for some of us. Up there you can make a deal with contingencies like buying a house. Seller gets a deposit that is non-refundable unless the mechanic or surveyor finds a problem over $X amount.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

I guess I am weird. If I find what I want I get it, I don't think it over I don't mull it over and I don't play games. I show up cash in hand ready to go. As a seller I make it a rule to never hold anything for anyone at anytime. Once I list something for sale I want it gone and then.

When I sold my old trihull, meticulously maintained by the way. I started at a very reasonable price and wouldn't and didn't accept much lower. I listed it on a Monday in February, I must have had 15 people show up and look at the boat within 2 days. All 15 of them offered me money for it some made respectable offers others were politely asked to leave my property. 9 of them asked me to hold the boat for them until either their payday, or until they got their income tax refund.

I had one guy that offered me $200 less than what I had asked, and I considered it I must have sent him 50 pictures of the boat all together. He came and looked at the boat and asked if I would hold it my answer was no. The next day I relisted the boat on Craigslist with a slightly higher price (since people were trying to negotiate me down). 15 minutes after I listed the ad the buyer called and asked if he could look at the boat. He got to my house he brought I was asking $1500.00 he brought $1000.00 with him I said no. He asked if he could go to the bank and get another $300 if I would take it.

I agreed and so I guess I did hold the boat for him a total of 15 mins so he could go get more money.

Just like it is your right to not buy it, it is also his right to not sell it. Its your money and his property either it works for both or it doesn't work at all.

I flat out refused to even talk to one guy because he annoyed me.

 

[Dave K.]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

@ SigSaur, I appreciate your response as I appreciate everyone's. This isn't a matter of me not buying or him not selling, it's a matter of distance... 400 miles compounded by winter in the Northeast. He could sell his boat today and I would completely understand.

I ask lots of questions because I'm a serious buyer.... I can't tell you the amount of "Junk" out there that people are trying to sell and probably will sell because some boaters simply have to learn the hard way. I've also come across nice boats, well taken care of but could be considered overpriced at least for me. I personally am not "flush" with extra money so I have spent a good deal of time and effort looking for a decent if not very good deal. I think I've found one but again... northeast winter is screwing me up right now.

 

[dmscarp]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

I would say if you really like the boat and you are getting around 40-50% less than book, its worth a 400mi trip. But I must say trailering in winter and not knowing those axles and bearings can be nerve wrenching on the highway. I trailer all winter long with a tool trailer for work and it can be frustrating. Go look at it and if you want to walk then walk ..the ride will be nice anyway with good company. Good luck...

 

[Dave K.]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

Again thx so much for the responses... I sometimes think people really don't known what they're missing by not being on this forum. It has been terrific for me!

I'm getting a little more concerned with the trailering points now that a couple guys have chimed in.

I'll start a thread on Trailering

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

Dave

I understand where you are coming from hence the reason I am neck deep in a restoration right now (see my signature).

I would go look to the boat, I would offer cash and hand pay for the boat in full get the title and see if he will hold it until things thaw out a little. If he won't then maybe consider renting an inside storage unit close to his house for two months $200 to store the boat properly is money well spent.

 

[ToemanDoug]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

All this talk about the boat, and I can find what it is......curiosity is killin' me....let us in Dave!

I see you have the boat / trailer details in your trailer post......

 

[ricohman]

Re: New (to me) boat, just not yet.

Talk about no pressure sales!
I had to wait a month or two before driving 3000km to get it. Its tough buying at a distance though.