Selling a 185 Sport and have a question

R

Rucka356

New Member
Jul 27, 2007
12
Knoxville
This is my first boat, and I am looking to upgrade. It is a 2007 185 Sport. When selling am I required to take the boat to the lake and let potential buyers test drive? I have heard mixed reviews. I hate to waste time and money on boat rides, but I need to sell. The boat is still under warranty so wouldn't that alleviate any mechanical concerns a potential buyer has?
 
When I bought my 260DA the broker and I came to a price that the owner was satisfactory with. I then made an offer contingent on a sea trial.

I then took a similar approach when I sold my 21' Regal. I told anyone that was looking at it that once we came to a deal, and agreed on a price then would I take them out for a test drive. This kept those that were just interested in a boat ride away.

Funny thing is the guy that bought my old boat never asked to go for a ride, and actually said he would take it without even hearing it run. While I knew it would ride out fine, I was glad I didn't have to hassle with a sea trial.

-Ryan
 
I've sold several boats thru the years and I never give free rides....period. We'll crank them up in the slip , on the trailer, etc. but the boat isn't surveyed, no mechanic (or friend/bro-in-law, etc) looks at it and it doesn't move until I have either a deposit and a contract or get payment in full.

I'm not unreasonable and have nothing to hide, but business is business.
 
When I purchased my boat, the owner ran it in the driveway for awhile. I then went back a few days later and offered him a sale price that didn't include a ride. I knew he wanted to get rid of the boat, and that if I didn't hassle him with a ride, he'd let it go even less. And so I got a killer deal and brought the boat home.


With our size boat, some things can be done differently like that. If you know someone seems to be really interested, then a trial ride may seal the deal. After all, even when you're not completey serious, once you get out on a boat, you quickly want it, bad. :)

When I go to purchase a larger cruiser, I'll probably get a survey and sea trial as part of the deal, but with this smaller boat, I figured I could handle it all myself. Turned out well.
 
cr0ck1 said:
Let me know how this sale goes.. im looking to sell mine and upgrade in the future.. trading it in is a big rip off in my eyes..
Click to expand...

MM has a nice 240SD right now low hours perfect for you crock!

Oh wait that's my boat :lol:

You looking to upgrade already crock?
 
crOck1,

A dealer up hear has a brand new 2006 250Amberjack in the showroom. Maybe you can score a deal! Salesman said he's asking about $50k.

I'd be willing to drive it down via water. It'd be one heck of a sea trial. :)

Gregg
 
Personally I have never bought a boat (new or used) without a test drive. I hope you can tell potential buyers from just lookers and go from there. Good luck.
 
I knew you weren't a buyer Wesley..........besides, you looked absolutley pitiful standing there on the dock having come to a CSR Rendevouz with no boat!
 
Rucka-

I'm only adding to the list.....
It should be a very easy negotiation to tell a prospective buyer that they are welcome to sea trial the boat after you have a deal contingent upon the sea trial.

Where do you boat?
 
Morpheus said:
MM has a nice 240SD right now low hours perfect for you crock!

Oh wait that's my boat :lol:

You looking to upgrade already crock?
Click to expand...


well i want something that at least has front bow anchor storage, and a walkway into the boat instead of climbing over the dam sun deck. so the 220 select is what i was looking at or the new sundeck.. but right now its just a dream.. buisness is slow with the holidays and thats just on the back burners for now.. but if i do i will have to trade mine in and i will probably get crap for it. lol so id rather sell it.. then pay mine off and get a new one!
 
Pirate said:
Rucka-

I'm only adding to the list.....
It should be a very easy negotiation to tell a prospective buyer that they are welcome to sea trial the boat after you have a deal contingent upon the sea trial.

Where do you boat?
Click to expand...
I tend to agree with this way to go.
Best of luck, sorry to hear that you have to sell. Hopefully you'll be back in the game again soon.
 
"45min from Sea Ray plants." Well, that narrows it down to about 4 lakes. I was just asking because I saw that you are in Knoxville as well. No reason to be more specific.
 
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