Buying my first boat!!!

Sarah

Member
May 25, 2018
86
Norfolk, VA
Boat Info
Boatless
Engines
Boatless
Hello!
I'm so excited to soon be joining the ranks of Sea Ray owners! I've picked the 260 Sundancer, '03 - '06, and I have a few basic questions about buying used...
1. Is it preferable to buy from a private seller versus broker? What should I look out for buying from either?
2. After surveying and sea trial, what are the most important questions I should ask?
3. Shipping (over land): What methods are preferable and any shipper recommendations would be helpful.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
 
do it!
06 the 260 model changes ( i have one, love it)
1. buy the right boat for you and have it surveyed either way
2. anything wrong on survey ask seller to repair
3. ...not sure. get a trailer. i love that i have a trailer and can go different places

take pics.. let us know
 
Congratulations! That’s a really nice boat and shopping for it will be exciting.
1. I was open to looking at boats from both private sellers and brokers at first when I was shopping for my 410, but as time went on I focused more on brokers. I found it much easier to really look in to every nook and cranny without an emotionally attached owner hovering over me and getting defensive. In the end I bought a boat that was coming in on trade to a MarineMax store. Nobody buys and sells,more Sea Rays than they do, so I had developed a relationship with one of their salesman and he knew exactly what I was looking for and called me as soon as he became aware of this boat. I feel like I paid a very fair price (no extra) and the whole negotiation and transaction went really smoothly.
2. Settle on a price before Survey and sea trial based on your own inspection. If any surprises come up at Survey and sea trial, give the seller or broker the opportunity to correct them at their expense as part of the deal and pay the previously agreed price once everything is taken care of.
If they can’t or won’t agree, then seriously consider moving on. You don’t want to make someone else’s problems your problems.
I’m not a fan of just reducing the price to compensate for things that need to be repaired because what you think is a simple and cheap fix can easily snowball in to a major headache and expense. You want to enjoy your boat when you take delivery, not deal with headaches or surprises.
3. Shipping can be really expensive. Start your search within a reasonable distance by water of your home. I took delivery and then did a 6 hour cruise home with my 410. That was very reasonable for me and gave me a great opportunity to get to know my boat on the way home. Your idea of reasonable may be different.
If you happen to find the perfect boat more than that reasonable distance, then get prices from recommended reputable boat haulers in your area to go and pick up the boat for you. Local boat haulers often do long distance trips too, especially up and down the east coast.
Best of luck with the hunt!
 
Last edited:
do it!
06 the 260 model changes ( i have one, love it)
1. buy the right boat for you and have it surveyed either way
2. anything wrong on survey ask seller to repair
3. ...not sure. get a trailer. i love that i have a trailer and can go different places

take pics.. let us know
do it!
06 the 260 model changes ( i have one, love it)
1. buy the right boat for you and have it surveyed either way
2. anything wrong on survey ask seller to repair
3. ...not sure. get a trailer. i love that i have a trailer and can go different places

take pics.. let us know
do it!
06 the 260 model changes ( i have one, love it)
1. buy the right boat for you and have it surveyed either way
2. anything wrong on survey ask seller to repair
3. ...not sure. get a trailer. i love that i have a trailer and can go different places

take pics.. let us know
 
I don't have a truck strong enough to pull a 260 but I'm not going to turn down a trailer if it's in the deal. Living here in Norfolk, VA, we've got the Chesapeake, the ICW and Outer Banks as our playground so not much trailer need. Good advice about seller repairs. Can't wait to "do it!" Thanks!
 
Congrats and good luck!
 
Congratulations! That’s a really nice boat and shopping for it will be exciting.
1. I was open to looking at boats from both private sellers and brokers at first when I was shopping for my 410, but as time went on I focused more on brokers. I found it much easier to really look in to every nook and cranny without an emotionally attached owner hovering over me and getting defensive. In the end I bought a boat that was coming in on trade to a MarineMax store. Nobody buys and sells,more Sea Rays than they do, so I had developed a relationship with one of their salesman and he knew exactly what I was looking for and called me as soon as he became aware of this boat. I feel like I paid a very fair price (no extra) and the whole negotiation and transaction went really smoothly.
2. Settle on a price before Survey and sea trial based on your own inspection. If any surprises come up at Survey and sea trial, give the seller or broker the opportunity to correct them at their expense as part of the deal and pay the previously agreed price once everything is taken care of.
If they can’t or won’t agree, then seriously consider moving on. You don’t want to make someone else’s problems your problems.
I’m not a fan of just reducing the price to compensate for things that need to be repaired because what you think is a simple and cheap fix can easily snowball in to a major headache and expense. You want to enjoy your boat when you take delivery, not deal with headaches or surprises.
3. Shipping can be really expensive. Start your search within a reasonable distance by water of your home. I took delivery and then did a 6 hour cruise home with my 410. That was very reasonable for me and gave me a great opportunity to get to know my boat on the way home. Your idea of reasonable may be different.
If you happen to find the perfect boat more than that reasonable distance, then get prices from recommended reputable boat haulers in your area to go and pick up the boat for you. Local boat haulers often do long distance trips too, especially up and down the east coast.
Best of luck with the hunt!
 
We loved the 260!

Use a broker. They won't cost you anything to buy and they will take care of you if you don't know much about boats. They can walk you through the process and beat up the seller when needed. Just make sure you get some referrals first. I have a great guy up here (Lorton), but that's a little far from Norfolk. Trailers can add value to resale but can be an expense (property taxes, inspections, storage if needed). Surveyor and broker should help you on survey items. Shipping won't be bad, but is another expense and risk. There are plenty of 260s out there that you most likely will be able to find one locally. Welcome to CSR!
 
Never considered emotionally attached owner. Unfortunately no Marinemax near me but will keep an eye on them. Good to know they have so much experience! I also didn't consider the oh I'll fix the little problem and end up with a disaster. Yes. Launch day = HAPPY DAY!! I love your idea of a partial ship and cruise the rest! That would be awesome. Can't thank you enough for all your advice! And you probably saved me a few bucks!! Thanks so much!!!
 
Aren't y'all just the nicest people!!

A real nice bunch of people here as long as you don’t........

1.ask about a Honda generator on your swim platform

2. Buy a boat without a survey and complaint when you have issues

:)

All kidding aside, tons of useful info here and many members eager to help.

Good luck with your search/purchase!
 
We loved the 260!

Use a broker. They won't cost you anything to buy and they will take care of you if you don't know much about boats. They can walk you through the process and beat up the seller when needed. Just make sure you get some referrals first. I have a great guy up here (Lorton), but that's a little far from Norfolk. Trailers can add value to resale but can be an expense (property taxes, inspections, storage if needed). Surveyor and broker should help you on survey items. Shipping won't be bad, but is another expense and risk. There are plenty of 260s out there that you most likely will be able to find one locally. Welcome to CSR!
That's great to know about brokers. Be nice to know there's help if any beating is to be involved! I am hopeful I'll find one close to home. Thanks for the words of wisdom!
 

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