Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,166
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
Long Distance Boat Purchase – Sharing My Experience
I’m sure there are lots of folks looking to upgrade and they’re willing to go pretty far to save good chunk of money. Yes, many people have done it, but one should be prepared for some unknown issues to come up. So, I’d like to share my experience with hope of helping some of you guys to avoid some mistakes and save as much as possible.
Boat Search and Purchase:
We started our hunt for 320DA. After researching the market I came to a conclusion that I could get much better boat for the money down in southern region, to be precise, in Florida. The first question came to mind how much would it cost to get it transported. After getting few estimates of about $3K or so from tracking companies we knew for sure that it’s worth to give it a chance.
With help of CSR members (PMs and few posts with some questions) we were able to narrow down to the boat that felt like the right one for us. The key point was, as with anything, to determine exactly what we needed. This also made us change our mind going from a move like get something bigger like 280/300/310 to exactly what we really liked and dreamed of for a while, the 320DA.
I’m not going to get into many details on the negotiating part since it was the same as with purchasing from any broker. In our case there were two involved, one who found the boat for us, and the other who was representing the seller. I guess, the only thing that’s worth mentioning is that the boat we were buying were missing couple of items we wanted (cockpit fridge and a search light) to what both brokers responded that it’s really easy add-ons, both claimed to have wholesale accounts and they do these things all the time. Keeping in mind that these people are in the hottest spot of the market it sounded convincing enough. Therefore, we’ve proceeded with final negotiations and submitted our offer with contingency on vessel acceptance to the buyer, survey and warranty transfer. When our offer was accepted for 2004 320DA, we’ve made arrangements with surveyor and made our way to Florida.
The Survey and Vessel Inspection
When we were purchasing our 240DA in Rhode Island we had a first time experience with what it means and takes to survey a boat. We were very happy with the job the surveyor did. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the surveyor for our 320DA. In any event, having number of years of boating experience I’ve recompile my own check-list which I was planning to execute before they survey date. We had proceeded as planned, including the first sea trial. To make things work smoother and faster we had marked the items my wife could check and rest for myself. I was able to do what I had in mind and prepared a list of questions for surveyor.
Our Findings:
When surveyor came as planned the next day I could sense right away that he felt too comfortable that it’s going to be an easy one since the boat shows as new with only 268 hours on the engines. He proceeded with the regular high-level routine check. Watching him closely I understood that if I want something to be done the way I’m comfortable with, I have to tell him to do it. I pulled up my check list with items I had planned for the day and proceeded along with surveyor. He then realized that I’m not a lost poppy and he has to show me that he’s working for the money. The only thing is that this is a new boat for me with some new components that I need to get familiar with.
Surveyor Findings:
The important item he missed (I found it only sometime after) the water heater heat exchange from the engine wasn’t working. Only the input hose was connected and the out hose was sealed.
In the end, the surveyor was trying to be nice and tried answering all of our questions to the best of his knowledge. But regardless, I still new that this was very different and less satisfying surveyor than we had in Rhode Isl. for our 240.
After the survey was completed we’ve proceeded with final negotiation to cover everything we were concerned about.
Boat Prep For Transportation
Finally, all negotiations are done and with no showstoppers we’ve purchased the boat. The next step is to get it ready for the road and considering the fact that it’s the end of the season for NJ area we had to winterize the boat. I’ve made all arrangements with the broker at marina where the boat was located and transportation company. The primary items to be covered are:
1. Installing the cockpit fridge.
2. Installing the search light.
3. Winterize the boat and learn how it’s done.
4. Shrink-Wrap the boat.
5. Get it picked up by the truck.
When everyone confirmed that all is good to go I’ve made the 2nd trip to Florida to oversee everything. This is when the “fun” began.
While getting ready for my trip I’ve tried arranging installation of the item 1 and 2 from above by Marine Max in St. Pete. (closest MM). Remember how both brokers told me that they have wholesale accounts and it’s no big deal to get those items installed? Here’s the reality. The price for search light installation is 2-5hrs @$65 p/hr + $550 for the light. Fridge (we asked for the stainless steel) $1600. After I did my homework I clearly realized that I’m getting ripped off. The search light cost about $200-300 for wireless, which makes the installation a walk in the park. Fridge, I found it for $700, which means that wholesale price should be $500 or less. That would mean that they’re getting over $1K for installation. Not thinking too long, I turned these prices off and decided to handle them back home next season. So, for the record I’ll call it an issue #1 (no installation was done due to misleading expectations and high prices)
Winterizing the boat (issue #2) – A mechanic who works with the broker I was dealing with was supposed to do the job. I’ve talked to him and was very satisfied with the way he sounded. When the time came to get the boat ready I was told by the broker to bring it to the marina they deal with all the time that has a travel lift, which is necessary to load the boat on a trailer. When we brought the boat to that marina, I’ve learned that they don’t allow the mechanic I was going to use to do the job. This is the time when the issues started turning in the snowball effect. My first reaction was that since that marina has my boat they call the shots. I asked for their mechanic to do the winterizing, but it turned out that I had to tell the mechanic to have antifreeze put in the engines and genset instead of just draining them. On top of it, they could only do it after the weekend (this was Friday afternoon). This immediately raised a warning flag for me.
This was a day #3 I stayed in FL and all that was done the boat was filled up with gas and it’s now on stands at the marina with no cooperation to my advantage. I got pissed off and called off the winterizing. Instead, I’ve decided to take a lecture from the mechanic I had originally planned to do the job. This had gave me the comfort level that I could do the job myself (I did it on all of my boats but, inboards, A/C and Genset were new items to me, so there was a learning curve). This turned out to be a good decision.
The next step is shrink-wrap I wanted to see being done, which also turned to issue #3. Marina demanded extra ins. Coverage and the company that was scheduled to do the job had to be cancelled since they were short a little. All this means more delays.
Issue #4 – I’ve learned that the trucking company is now delayed as well.
I’m now at the point that with all accumulated issues resulting in many delays I have no reason to stay and take more days off from work. I’ve decided to prep and pack everything I could in the boat and head back home. All that was left to do just a shrink-wrap and have the boat picked up.
Finally, few days later the shrink-wrap was done.
Then, I’ve faced an issue #5 – The trucking company came to pick up the boat and it turned out it was over the height by about a foot. These guys simply failed to ask for exact measurements and order the permits. What it means now, more delays until the other trailer shows up. Finally, 14 days later the trailer shows up and picks up the boat. The final verdict $1000K for extra storage and attempt to load the boat on the first trailer.
The lesson learned:
1. Don’t get fooled by brokers with promises about good deals on add-ons.
2. Make sure to negotiate all overhead expenses, especially if third party marina or other entity is involved.
3. Use recommended surveyors.
4. Use recommended transportation company.
5. Be prepared for surprise and be ready to deal with them, they’re always just around the corner.
6. Don’t hesitate to ask for advise from your fellow boater and especially, CSR.
I’d like to express many thanks to everyone who helped me out and provided all recommendations and suggestions.
Please welcome our new 2004 320DA “Boat A Bing” with T-300, inboards, V-Drives. :smt038
Thanks,
Alex.
I’m sure there are lots of folks looking to upgrade and they’re willing to go pretty far to save good chunk of money. Yes, many people have done it, but one should be prepared for some unknown issues to come up. So, I’d like to share my experience with hope of helping some of you guys to avoid some mistakes and save as much as possible.
Boat Search and Purchase:
We started our hunt for 320DA. After researching the market I came to a conclusion that I could get much better boat for the money down in southern region, to be precise, in Florida. The first question came to mind how much would it cost to get it transported. After getting few estimates of about $3K or so from tracking companies we knew for sure that it’s worth to give it a chance.
With help of CSR members (PMs and few posts with some questions) we were able to narrow down to the boat that felt like the right one for us. The key point was, as with anything, to determine exactly what we needed. This also made us change our mind going from a move like get something bigger like 280/300/310 to exactly what we really liked and dreamed of for a while, the 320DA.
I’m not going to get into many details on the negotiating part since it was the same as with purchasing from any broker. In our case there were two involved, one who found the boat for us, and the other who was representing the seller. I guess, the only thing that’s worth mentioning is that the boat we were buying were missing couple of items we wanted (cockpit fridge and a search light) to what both brokers responded that it’s really easy add-ons, both claimed to have wholesale accounts and they do these things all the time. Keeping in mind that these people are in the hottest spot of the market it sounded convincing enough. Therefore, we’ve proceeded with final negotiations and submitted our offer with contingency on vessel acceptance to the buyer, survey and warranty transfer. When our offer was accepted for 2004 320DA, we’ve made arrangements with surveyor and made our way to Florida.
The Survey and Vessel Inspection
When we were purchasing our 240DA in Rhode Island we had a first time experience with what it means and takes to survey a boat. We were very happy with the job the surveyor did. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the surveyor for our 320DA. In any event, having number of years of boating experience I’ve recompile my own check-list which I was planning to execute before they survey date. We had proceeded as planned, including the first sea trial. To make things work smoother and faster we had marked the items my wife could check and rest for myself. I was able to do what I had in mind and prepared a list of questions for surveyor.
Our Findings:
- We had a major discovery during the sea-trial, the GPS worked fine, but suddenly would loose the signal sending alarm and message “No Fix”. Both the GPS and the radar would have the alert on the screen. The speedometer (as on most boats) didn’t show correct reading. With combination of GPS malfunction and inaccurate speedometer reading, we couldn’t know 100% the max speed the boat could do.
- In the aft cabin under the sit storage there was an old water stain.
- There was stained carpet under the fridge.
When surveyor came as planned the next day I could sense right away that he felt too comfortable that it’s going to be an easy one since the boat shows as new with only 268 hours on the engines. He proceeded with the regular high-level routine check. Watching him closely I understood that if I want something to be done the way I’m comfortable with, I have to tell him to do it. I pulled up my check list with items I had planned for the day and proceeded along with surveyor. He then realized that I’m not a lost poppy and he has to show me that he’s working for the money. The only thing is that this is a new boat for me with some new components that I need to get familiar with.
Surveyor Findings:
- Battery needs to be serviced
- One Battery cell caps are missing.
- Suggestion to repair GPS.
The important item he missed (I found it only sometime after) the water heater heat exchange from the engine wasn’t working. Only the input hose was connected and the out hose was sealed.
In the end, the surveyor was trying to be nice and tried answering all of our questions to the best of his knowledge. But regardless, I still new that this was very different and less satisfying surveyor than we had in Rhode Isl. for our 240.
After the survey was completed we’ve proceeded with final negotiation to cover everything we were concerned about.
Boat Prep For Transportation
Finally, all negotiations are done and with no showstoppers we’ve purchased the boat. The next step is to get it ready for the road and considering the fact that it’s the end of the season for NJ area we had to winterize the boat. I’ve made all arrangements with the broker at marina where the boat was located and transportation company. The primary items to be covered are:
1. Installing the cockpit fridge.
2. Installing the search light.
3. Winterize the boat and learn how it’s done.
4. Shrink-Wrap the boat.
5. Get it picked up by the truck.
When everyone confirmed that all is good to go I’ve made the 2nd trip to Florida to oversee everything. This is when the “fun” began.
While getting ready for my trip I’ve tried arranging installation of the item 1 and 2 from above by Marine Max in St. Pete. (closest MM). Remember how both brokers told me that they have wholesale accounts and it’s no big deal to get those items installed? Here’s the reality. The price for search light installation is 2-5hrs @$65 p/hr + $550 for the light. Fridge (we asked for the stainless steel) $1600. After I did my homework I clearly realized that I’m getting ripped off. The search light cost about $200-300 for wireless, which makes the installation a walk in the park. Fridge, I found it for $700, which means that wholesale price should be $500 or less. That would mean that they’re getting over $1K for installation. Not thinking too long, I turned these prices off and decided to handle them back home next season. So, for the record I’ll call it an issue #1 (no installation was done due to misleading expectations and high prices)
Winterizing the boat (issue #2) – A mechanic who works with the broker I was dealing with was supposed to do the job. I’ve talked to him and was very satisfied with the way he sounded. When the time came to get the boat ready I was told by the broker to bring it to the marina they deal with all the time that has a travel lift, which is necessary to load the boat on a trailer. When we brought the boat to that marina, I’ve learned that they don’t allow the mechanic I was going to use to do the job. This is the time when the issues started turning in the snowball effect. My first reaction was that since that marina has my boat they call the shots. I asked for their mechanic to do the winterizing, but it turned out that I had to tell the mechanic to have antifreeze put in the engines and genset instead of just draining them. On top of it, they could only do it after the weekend (this was Friday afternoon). This immediately raised a warning flag for me.
This was a day #3 I stayed in FL and all that was done the boat was filled up with gas and it’s now on stands at the marina with no cooperation to my advantage. I got pissed off and called off the winterizing. Instead, I’ve decided to take a lecture from the mechanic I had originally planned to do the job. This had gave me the comfort level that I could do the job myself (I did it on all of my boats but, inboards, A/C and Genset were new items to me, so there was a learning curve). This turned out to be a good decision.
The next step is shrink-wrap I wanted to see being done, which also turned to issue #3. Marina demanded extra ins. Coverage and the company that was scheduled to do the job had to be cancelled since they were short a little. All this means more delays.
Issue #4 – I’ve learned that the trucking company is now delayed as well.
I’m now at the point that with all accumulated issues resulting in many delays I have no reason to stay and take more days off from work. I’ve decided to prep and pack everything I could in the boat and head back home. All that was left to do just a shrink-wrap and have the boat picked up.
Finally, few days later the shrink-wrap was done.
Then, I’ve faced an issue #5 – The trucking company came to pick up the boat and it turned out it was over the height by about a foot. These guys simply failed to ask for exact measurements and order the permits. What it means now, more delays until the other trailer shows up. Finally, 14 days later the trailer shows up and picks up the boat. The final verdict $1000K for extra storage and attempt to load the boat on the first trailer.
The lesson learned:
1. Don’t get fooled by brokers with promises about good deals on add-ons.
2. Make sure to negotiate all overhead expenses, especially if third party marina or other entity is involved.
3. Use recommended surveyors.
4. Use recommended transportation company.
5. Be prepared for surprise and be ready to deal with them, they’re always just around the corner.
6. Don’t hesitate to ask for advise from your fellow boater and especially, CSR.
I’d like to express many thanks to everyone who helped me out and provided all recommendations and suggestions.
Please welcome our new 2004 320DA “Boat A Bing” with T-300, inboards, V-Drives. :smt038
Thanks,
Alex.
