Buying a used boat without a water test? Fair?

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Buying a used boat without a water test? Fair?

You want clear answers, keep shopping - because:

1) you said you want to know how it rides etc. You need to be upfront with dealers and tell them you want to try out a few different boats. in this economy someone will be willing to do that

2) my experience is that some snobby or stupid dealers wont allow test drives, even on new boats. incredible to me, but I have experienced it.

3) when I was shopping for my last boat, I made clear on the phone that if serious, I would put a deposit, come with my wife for a test drive. We agreed the terms of refunding that deposit, beforehand.

Everything went well, of course, we looked at a few boats, drove the one I had been most interested in, and completed the deal.

also, during that shopping period, every private party I looked at offered rides. I have done this selling boats, and some people take advantage, but it is what you have to do to sell a boat. offer a ride....

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Buying a used boat without a water test? Fair?

I would have to agree with the lake test as well. Not to sound rude but what is it that makes THIS boat the one? It seems as though most 20' bow riders are very close to the same as far as seating/color/engine,drive combos/etc. I currently own a 20' crownline bowrider that is a bit older BUT I paid a lot lees for it than 2-3 years old, The guy let me take it(without him) to the lake and to a marine mechanic, plus he had every record of everything that had been done to it. Also I got all of the accessories that he bought with it, tower, salon enclosures,winter covers,spare props, bimini, etc. I looked at a lot of boats before I setteled on this one but it was worth it in the end. Even though it was a bit older it was as nice as a 2 year old boat that someone had abused all of it's life. Just my .02$

 

[Nandy]

Re: Buying a used boat without a water test? Fair?

Yep. Lots of the same stuff. We decided to just relax on it for now. We might call back in a while and hassle him, see if we can work out a more fair deal, but for now well watch it go. Ill repost of anything else happens.

It looked like exactly what we want, but as a first time boat owner, buying a boat without a lake test isnt what we had in mind. In the off season theres not that many boats around here in phoenix - sorry cardinals :'( - but were still looking. Were just too damn picky so finding the right mixture of everything we want is difficult. Itll come around.

Thanks everyone for all your posts and opinions. Love this site!

-CUBE-

I think you did the right thing.... I am sure that boat will stay there for a long time. If so and you still have your heart in it make a low offer and tell the salesman you are doing so since you cant do a sea trial. If he lets you do a sea trial then you are more likely to go up...

Good luck!

 

[grego]

Re: Buying a used boat without a water test? Fair?

Ask to look at title,note the last owner's name and address. Then call him and ask about boat, he will probably give you an accurate account of boat. Sounds like a katrina "like" boat " it may or may not be OK. Salesman NOT! willing to sent an employee to take a ride to sell a 12,000 dollar boat sends up a,VERY VERY LARGE RED FLAG!!!!!! I love this site! You can get really good advice here.