Phony Boat Ads

[keninaz]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

And I have owned a lot of older boats in my time and never had an experience like this buying them.
The pix offered to me, 9 of them, must have been taken when the boat was nearly new.
The boat was at best in my opinion junk and was not even priced in that category.
If someone understands in advance they are buying something that needs a lot of work that's one thing but to misrepresent what you are selling in pix to have someone drive 170 miles one way is another.
I have in fact bought many boats knowing the condition was less than perfect and even replaced motors and I/O units when required myself.
But with evaluating the condition of the motor or outdrive the unit was not even close to price where someone could restore it and come out anywhere close to the correct value on the boat.
The upholstery all needed done and I that is something I cannot do and the cost of replacing would have run some $2000 on the 25' boat.
The deck carpeting was also shot.
The knobs on the control helm were all missing and I suspect cracked off from sun and heat.
The cover for the boat that they told me was in excellent condition was cheap and ripped with large holes in several places.
And the shift and throttle controls were frozen.
The tires on the trailer had sun rot on the sides to the point where I would not have towed it anywhere. and the plastic insulation on the wiring on the trailer had mostly cracked off from age.
That's just what I observed is a quick 3 minute inspection and they had a firm price of about 60% of the value of the boat and trailer.
Not something I would even want to make an offer on.



.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

If someone understands in advance they are buying something that needs a lot of work that's one thing but to misrepresent what you are selling in pix to have someone drive 170 miles one way is another..

With that I have to agree. I too would have been quite upset in your situation. Guess all you can do is hope the guy has to sit on it for a very long time. He must be looking for a fool buyer.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I agree, too, that in your case the guy was dishonest and don't blame you for being mad--not that there's anything you can do about it, but warn others. But lots of used boat buyers expect too much, and don't factor in that some boats don't age. Not like a Whaler you can buy sight unseen!

 

[shrew]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

Your best bet is to stop buying boats from Craig's List and eBay. This is the absolute lowest common denominator. There are good people out there with good intentions. There are also good boats to be had in CL and eBay. There are also a mixe of people who have absolutely no clule and those without scruples. Those familiar with CL and eBay understand this. It is just ridiculous to shop the absolute cheapest boats from the absolute cheapest people, then act surprised when this stuff happens. Either look at the time and fuel costs as the cost of getting a good deal, or buy nicer boats from dealers. But to act surprised about this is simply naieve.

 

[keninaz]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I disagree with your view.
In our area newspapers ads are very expensive so most post boats on CL. $30 to $50 for a 5 day ad is common here and unless you go with the higher rate in the big city 100 miles from here there is little coverage.
On the other hand, the CL ads for boats which is all local area ads for the most part, has many ads.
The boat we went to see was clearly misrepresented as to condition.
Yes there are a**holes in the world and we must deal with them.
Frankly I am getting a little older but in the past I would have demanded my gas money from the people that led me on such a journey.
I don't know what makes you think that people who advertise on CL are any different from those that advertise in the papers. Sounds like dealer talk to me.
I am far from naive, but thanks for your opinion. But I won't take any points off for spelling.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

In regards to craigslist I myself have found many good deals using it and not just for boats.

In my area you can go to CL on any givin day and find pages of boats listed by dealers that seem to think it's a fine practice to post their whole inventory 2-4 times a week. Many of these are very high end boats. They do it because it's free. Also there are a couple of local dealers that list their boats "by owner" instead of "dealer". It's gotten to the point that I pretty much quit looking on the Chicago CL for boat parts and equipment.

 

[Buh-Bye]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I will sometimes check out CL to see what's available in the area but of the three boats I have / had, I didn't buy a single one through CL. Too much risk if you ask me with getting something that you know too little about how it was maintained and cared for. There are a few marinas around here where you can get a good deal on a used boat and I trust them more than CL. For instance, I had bought a 98' Bayliner Capri as my first cheap boat to see if it was a lifestyle I would enjoy (and quickly determined that I did) but had a few minor problems with it and the dealer fixed them immediately and with no charge. Doubt you would get the same off CL.

The next year I upgraded to a SeaRay as I liked the features much better and realized the Bayliner was not for me. I sold the Bayliner on CL, fairly represented it, and priced it reasonably. It sold quickly.

 

[shrew]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I stand-by my statement. If you buy the cheapest boats from the cheapest places, this kind of stuff is going to happen. I buy and sell stuff on CL and eBay all the time. All I'm saying is either buy from a reputable dealer or broker or stop whining about the lowest common demonator.

 

[keninaz]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I will sometimes check out CL to see what's available in the area but of the three boats I have / had, I didn't buy a single one through CL. Too much risk if you ask me with getting something that you know too little about how it was maintained and cared for. There are a few marinas around here where you can get a good deal on a used boat and I trust them more than CL. For instance, I had bought a 98' Bayliner Capri as my first cheap boat to see if it was a lifestyle I would enjoy (and quickly determined that I did) but had a few minor problems with it and the dealer fixed them immediately and with no charge. Doubt you would get the same off CL.



The next year I upgraded to a SeaRay as I liked the features much better and realized the Bayliner was not for me. I sold the Bayliner on CL, fairly represented it, and priced it reasonably. It sold quickly.

When you have had as many boats over the years as I have you will be able to check them out. I never buy a boat until it's been out on water either.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I will sometimes check out CL to see what's available in the area but of the three boats I have / had, I didn't buy a single one through CL. Too much risk if you ask me with getting something that you know too little about how it was maintained and cared for.

The next year I upgraded to a SeaRay as I liked the features much better and realized the Bayliner was not for me. I sold the Bayliner on CL, fairly represented it, and priced it reasonably. It sold quickly.

I find this ironic. You will easily sell through CL yet fear to buy through CL. How is it that we as a buyer should trust you but not the next guy?

Part of the secret to buying on graigslist, Auto Trader, Boat Trader or anything used for that matter is to 1st be educated on what it is you are looking to buy. But even then it's not going to stop the frustration when you go to look at something and find that it is no were close to being as discribed.

To me that's kinda like the driver that runs a stop sign and then gives you the finger of fate.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

Never had any issues with CL. Buying or Selling.

Condition is up to the Buyer/Seller. If the right questions are asked, you can usually figure out what you are looking at.

I have seen some of the phony boat ads. The ones with NO contact information whatsoever. Can't figure those out.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I buy and sell a lot of boats. I've seen a lot on craigslist, from the - dream seller, super low price, mint condition, 3" thick maintenance file boat, to the - dishonest, trying to scam me, wasted half a day driving out here, how do you sleep at night seller. I take the good with the bad and figure it's part of the deal. To me a lot of the problems buyers have with craigslist is because they're trying to get a wholesale price AND expecting a retail transaction.

If you want 20 high resolution pictures, immediate phone calls with questions answered, the boat clean and water ready, minor repairs done after the sale etc... you're probably going to have to pay retail prices at a dealer.

If you want a bargain price then you're going to have to dig in the dirt and deal with the amateur and occasional dishonest sellers on craigslist.

 

[keninaz]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I find this ironic. You will easily sell through CL yet fear to buy through CL. How is it that we as a buyer should trust you but not the next guy?

Part of the secret to buying on graigslist, Auto Trader, Boat Trader or anything used for that matter is to 1st be educated on what it is you are looking to buy. But even then it's not going to stop the frustration when you go to look at something and find that it is no were close to being as discribed.

To me that's kinda like the driver that runs a stop sign and then gives you the finger of fate.

And I agree with that. There is nothing I am not willing to do on a boat if it's priced accordingly. I have rebuilt motors and outdrives, done interior electrical work and almost anything you can think of with the exception of upholstery work. I leave that to the pros. My labor is pretty cheap and being retired I have the time to do it too.
To that extent if you don't know quite a bit about boats you may well be better off to stick with a dealer.
Anyone can shine up a boat and make it look like a great deal as sell it as is and you think you may be getting a bargain.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

CL is just a medium, not a guarentee.

I have had many buyers tell me that I represented the item well.

But, when buying, you have to sift through the overburden to find the gems.

I think CL, and others like it, is a Godsend. It puts a lot more choices out there. But, you still have to do your due dilegence.

Caveat Emptor is alive and well. Good.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Phony Boat Ads

"trust everyone but cut the cards"

 

[Buh-Bye]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

When you have had as many boats over the years as I have you will be able to check them out. I never buy a boat until it's been out on water either.

Each one was water tested prior to purchase.

 

[Buh-Bye]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I find this ironic. You will easily sell through CL yet fear to buy through CL. How is it that we as a buyer should trust you but not the next guy?

Part of the secret to buying on graigslist, Auto Trader, Boat Trader or anything used for that matter is to 1st be educated on what it is you are looking to buy. But even then it's not going to stop the frustration when you go to look at something and find that it is no were close to being as discribed.

To me that's kinda like the driver that runs a stop sign and then gives you the finger of fate.

The same way you trust anyone else on CL. I never said I didn't buy items off of CL in the past. I just didn't buy a boat off of there as it was my first one and didn't want someone to take advantage of my lack of knowledge in the area. A boat was a big purchase for me and I preferred to go to a dealer after looking at some on CL. The ones I went to see in person were not how the owner represented it online or on the phone and instead of deal with that hassle I avoided it alltogether.

I'm kind of surprised that you equate being more concerned with not getting scammed to someone who breaks the law and laughs in your face about it.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I'm kind of surprised that you equate being more concerned with not getting scammed to someone who breaks the law and laughs in your face about it.

Not at all. Just the way I read what you stated. Not looking at it from just a boat buying point of view.

Sure there are bad/poor deals out there and most times they can be easily recognised. I wouldn't call them a scam as some people are also uneducated sellers. These are the ones that think their $1000.00 item is worth 2 that and then refuse to even talk. They also end up sitting on their item and wonder why noone as called on it and came to look. Six months later they still have it listed on CL.

Scammers are deliberately trying to hide something. Which is why I always ask the same questions more than once and listen for the same answer.

Here is an example of something that happened to me.

Last summer I had a trailer that came with a boat I bought. The trailer was only 5 years old and in excellant condition. Unfortunately it did not fit the boat very well. It was really too big. So I found another that fit and put the one that came with the boat up for sale on CL. Posted 4 very clear pictures along with an explaination as to why I was selling it.

After a couple weeks I had a guy contact me and we talked 3-4 different times. He finally come out to look at it, he drove about an hour to get here. Well I had cleaned it all up and had it parked in the back yard. When he arrived he liked it so we backed his car through the gate and hooked it up only to find the lights on one side didn't work. OH NO I said to myself. Looked it all over closely to find that while it was in the back yard my 1 yr old Husky got to it and chewed a wire. I spliced the wire back together and then the lights worked again.

I felt like an idiot. Now whether he believed me that I didn't know about the wire I can't answer but that dog cost me $100.00
If I'd know about that wire I would have 1st fixed it before he arrived, 2nd would have pointed out that the wire had been repaired and 3rd I'd have reduced the asking price to begin with.

Now I also have to agree with your line of thinking. You admit even to yourself that you don't know that much about boats so yes help would be needed and buying from a good dealer is a wise choice. But again there are also shady dealers out there too.

 

[shrew]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

I buy and sell a lot of boats. I've seen a lot on craigslist, from the - dream seller, super low price, mint condition, 3" thick maintenance file boat, to the - dishonest, trying to scam me, wasted half a day driving out here, how do you sleep at night seller. I take the good with the bad and figure it's part of the deal. To me a lot of the problems buyers have with craigslist is because they're trying to get a wholesale price AND expecting a retail transaction.

If you want 20 high resolution pictures, immediate phone calls with questions answered, the boat clean and water ready, minor repairs done after the sale etc... you're probably going to have to pay retail prices at a dealer.

If you want a bargain price then you're going to have to dig in the dirt and deal with the amateur and occasional dishonest sellers on craigslist.

This is EXACTLY the point I was trying to make. Caveat Emptor.

 

[Saltydawg2]

Re: Phony Boat Ads

When I was looking at pontoons, before I ran into the one I bought, There was an ad on CL for an Aqua Patio, near Charlotte. Talked to the guy, who explained it was in good shape, seats needed recovering. Photo looked good, nice trailer. Went down on ugly, rainy day. When the road ended on the way to his house, got that sinking feeling(no pun intended). When I pulled into the yard, I saw all these cages, with roosters in them, and no KFC in sight. The pontoon floor squished when I stood in it, the seats looked REALLY bad. He said he had fixed the seats before;no big job.Right. Trailer did look good. He did get the engine started; sounded good, but I was already backing towards my car, door locks, and away from the banjo music...