Newbie Looking to Buy His First Boat

[Siebs]

Well guys after reviewing the "Buyer's Checklist" and looking at a boat this weekend I have a much better understanding of what I am getting myself into. That information proved very valuable and helped a ton... but I still have a few questions.

Here is the boat...
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/boa/5489637293.html

It's exactly what I want, a I/O fishing boat that I can easily tow tubers or cruise around the lake with when I'm not fishing. It has all the bells and whistles I need and more. I believe for $8700 I think it's a fair deal (feel free to tell me differently). The only few things that were of concern was that the sides of the boat were scratched and dinged up more than I'd liked and the prop had a chunk taken out of it. Both of these issues aren't deal breaking to me. (if you think they should be let me know).

What I really want to know is exactly how do I proceed from here. I want to get it inspected and I would like to put it on the water before completely pulling the trigger. The seller wants a deposit or something to prove that I'm not just tire kicking. What is the norm? Do I give him a deposit of a few hundred dollars (more even?)? On top of the deposit do I agree somehow, whether verbal or written that if the inspection and test ride go well I will buy the boat? Or am I just asking to much, and should buy the boat without a professional inspection or test drive? I did everything I could at his house the other day but nothing too intense. The boat is still winterized and the majority of launches are still closed at the moment.

Guess I am just looking for some advice from some experienced boat people.

Thanks,
Brandon Siebert

 

[SkaterRace]

If you like it and want it I would get a survey done on it and then write up an agreed price including if the test drive and survey go well. You should almost never buy a boat without a test drive new or used.

 

[Augoose]

I'd tell him you want to bring in a marine surveyor and then ask what he expects for a deposit. Having a surveyor IMO shows you are serious. If he still wants a deposit, I think $250 on a $8,700 is reasonable if he doesn't have a starting point.
If you like the boat, tell him that as long as it passes the survey (nothing catastrophic) that you're a buyer at his asking price.
If you are prepared to inspect areas yourself, then you might be able to pass on a survey. If you know how to inspect the drive for water intrusion, inspect the engine oil for the same, inspect the bellows, search for rot, run a compression test and examine service records, you can likely do your own inspection. If you don't feel comfortable with those areas along with a few others, then hiring someone might be the best idea before you dump $8,700 into a rotted boat.

Personally, I would not buy a boat that I couldn't water test unless you just really want that boat and are willing to risk it. Did you run it on muffs at least?

 

[roffey]

My thinking is give him a deposit and make it conditional on a survey and lake test. I'm in Canada and boasts are cheaper in the US. The price seems very reasonable and the boat looks great. A lake test is mandatory in my books. Tell him you have two requests, a lake test and survey ( if it were me I would bypass the survey if the floors are solid, the lake test is good and the motor check out ).

 

[Siebs]

No muffs. It is still winterized, and borderline freezing every night here. If I were to go look at it again I would have him run it on muffs but if I were to bring it somewhere for an inspection I would just have the inspector do it. Although I am pretty proficient when it comes to cars I don't necessarily feel the most comfortable inspecting boat parts besides the engine (ie, water in the oil, compression test etc.)

Appreciate the help here.

After reading a few comments my plan is to offer him $8000 contingent on an inspection where nothing catastrophic came up. Still undecided if I should include a test drive in there. I have ridden in a lot of boats similar to this, just with outboards.

 

[roffey]

I would do the water test over the inspection. Winterizing a boat is nothing. I do it for my boat and I have the same motor as this boat. Where are you, I'm in Ontario and we are in to plus temps here, starting this week, LOL.

 

[roffey]

Oh and welcome aboard

 

[Siebs]

Thanks looking forward to getting into boating! Learning a lot here browsing the forums!