Working with a broker when not ready to buy...

[SWF340]

We need to see a lot of boats before we move up. Sundancer models in the 48-51' range, sedan bridge models in the 44-48' range. The DA models need to be open helms, and have seating on both sides of the helm.

I'm thinking there are two kinds of buyers that brokers deal with, those like us, and those looking to buy fairly soon. That's who we were with the 340. Now, as we continue to define what we want and how we will use it, we need to see a lot of boats!

Have any of you had a relationship with a broker for as much as 1-2 years before you bought from him or her? Is it fair to ask to see a bunch of boats? We've been to a few boat boats, but we aren't looking for a new boat. This year's 510 is much different boat than the previous 510's etc.

So, your advice or experience will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[RollerCoastr]

It's hard enough to get attention when you're ready to cut a check, and the industry really isn't setup to support buyers very well. If you're really several years out, I recommend getting to know the market via larger boat shows. Both the Miami and Ft-L shows have used/brokerage areas.

 

[SWF340]

It's hard enough to get attention when you're ready to cut a check, and the industry really isn't setup to support buyers very well. If you're really several years out, I recommend getting to know the market via larger boat shows. Both the Miami and Ft-L shows have used/brokerage areas.

Thanks Coaster! I didn't know those boat shows have used/brokerage areas. That's a big help.

Btw, do you transport your boat to Florida during the season?

 

[RollerCoastr]

I didn't know those boat shows have used/brokerage areas. That's a big help.

It may not be as much help as you'd hope... I usually zero-in on the SeaRay's at the brokerage shows, but I'm frequently surprised at how few there are - often only a handful out of hundreds of others. At the FLIBS, the brokerage boats are mostly in the Mahia Mar's south piers. At MIBS, the Yacht & Brokerage Show is a free venue on Collins Ave in Miami Beach.

MarineMax might be another option for you. You can usually find some later model used boats in their inventory.

My 40 has never been out of the Great Lakes. I shipped the 280 up 2 years ago with intentions of getting her desalinated and ready to return to reliable service in Biscayne Bay, but that hasn't quite panned out. She's still in a warehouse in Ohio while I accept the fact that she needs at least 1 new engine... :smt013

 

[Tonka Boater]

It's hard enough to get attention when you're ready to cut a check, and the industry really isn't setup to support buyers very well. If you're really several years out, I recommend getting to know the market via larger boat shows. Both the Miami and Ft-L shows have used/brokerage areas.

Interesting.... I don't know what the experience or relationships are like in Florida, but up here I have good relationships with a couple of brokers/dealers. One is down here in the cities and the other is up north. I'm not looking for boats in the same size/price range as you but at this moment I would consider myself a perpetual buyer. If the right boat comes along and it's a steal, then I will jump on it. These brokers know my criteria and I'm one of their first calls when something comes on the market.

In the past few years when I was a serious, but not urgent buyer, I let the brokers know exactly what I was looking for and they would call me regularly if something came into inventory that met my needs. I looked at a ton of boats and turned down a ton of boats and at times felt like I was wasting their time (I'm sure they did too). But eventually my current boat popped up and I moved immediately.

If I were a broker and had a serious buyer -- especially in your size/price range -- I would have no problem showing you boats until your were ready or the right one popped up. You say that you're a couple years away but, who knows, that could change if a steal of a deal popped up sooner.

 

[rondds]

I've always found my own boats myself (yachtworld.com). Then arranged to go see the boat. If I liked it I dealt with the selling broker. Some say conflict of interest but if you know what you're looking for, you've done your homework and seen enough boats, I don't see a reason why you can't make a deal. You don't have to be a mechanic - that's what the survey and sea-trial are for. On the upside, there's no commission sharing, so the selling broker gets all the loot, which MIGHT make you more of a desirable buyer (to that broker).

I'm no "mr.know-it-all" but I've never dealt with a broker who knew more about what he was selling than I did. It's all about research, and there's a ton of information to be had on this site from people who have been there, done that and got the t-shirt.

 

[quality time]

I agree with Ron 100%. That is exactly how I've bought all of my boats.

 

[rondds]

Perfect example right here...Aaron (Quality Time) was a great source for info on 380DAs when I was shopping, as he owned one for years - far better info from him than the goofball salesman selling the boat.

 

[Gofirstclass]

I bought my last 3 boats without using a buyer's broker. I'd scout around to find boats I wanted to look at then made arrangements with the selling broker to see them. One was a private seller and he and I came to terms over a bottle of good whiskey.

I can't imagine a "buyer's broker" giving you a lot of his time if he knows you're pretty much in the tire kicker mode. If he knew you were a buyer who would buy "right now" if the right boat came along and you could swing a deal on it he'd be much more interested in working with you.

But I should warn you that if he's showing you several boats and you keep picking them apart and not buying (for no apparent reason) he's going to write you off as a tire kicker.

 

[SWF340]

Fantastic advice guys. Down-to-earth right on the money. Thank you!!!

I am all about the research. Make as many mistakes in my head as I can, narrow down what we want... etc.

The standout advice here is contacting the seller broker. That guy wants to sell a listed boat and will be happy to show it. No commission split by showing it me, the private party. Excellent!! That opens the door for me to go see all the boats I want, because as Tonka said, I think I'm a year or two out, but the right boat at the right price.... you never know.

Thanks again, guys. Great advice.