Boat buying due dilligence

[trevortoronto]

Its not yet warm enough to start putting boats in the water in my area so locals with used cruisers to sell have them on blocks/in storage. All of them think it normal for me to make a 50k purchasing decision without a test spin and on the say-so of a 2 year old survey. Am I being too cautious expecting a test drive on water? I know i would never buy an car without a test drive. Also what do you experts feel about getting a compression test for the engines and who should pay for it -the buyer or seller?

 

[DJ]

Re: Boat buying due dilligence

trevortoronto,<br /><br />They should be re-surveyed. The survey should cover the the compression tests, lower unit checks, etc.<br /><br />Unless you're comfortable with all that, hire a pro.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Boat buying due dilligence

I certainly wouldn't buy a boat like that without a test drive. Hell, my boat only cost me $2500 and I wish I would have had a test drive, or I wouldn't have bought it. From now on any boat I buy will be tested first...even a raft!

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Boat buying due dilligence

I would certainly be willing to pay to have a boat checked out that I planned to buy, especially a $50K job. That way, the surveyor/mechanic is working for you- not the seller. I wouldn't buy without a good test in the water either, regardless of the price. If you find one that you really like, you may consider putting a nominal deposit, contingent on a later test drive and survey that meets your aproval.<br /><br />Also, welcome to the forum.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Boat buying due dilligence

OK, you knew the answer before you asked, right? And welcome to the forum from me too.