Guiding You to the Right Boat

How do we guide you to the right boat? EDUCATION!

We will first ask many questions about what you think you want and why. Like a good coach, we will ask you questions that help you separate logic from emotion. Data and market analysis can help you choose the right path.

We go into detail about the differences between boats. Every boat is a compromise. We can help you understand how ‘displacement’ impacts how a boat “feels” and how speed and sailing comfort can oppose each other. Why are some manufactured boats expensive and some not? What is the difference? Am I safer in a better pedigreed boat? What am I spending the extra money on?

Then there is how a boat ages.
What can you expect to go wrong at what age? When do sails wear out? When is a deck suspect? Which model engines are better and why? When should I be worrying about the rigging? We will have quite a talk about how a boat ages, and what might go bad and when.

Then there is the talk about how a boat depreciates. The facts here will really surprise you! It is nothing like a car! Although the value of a new boat drops about 20% immediately, it is surprisingly stable after that. On a boat, maintenance, condition and equipment are critical for maintaining your boat’s value. With that in mind, be aware you will likely never recoup the full investment you make in your boat, although you might sell it for what you paid if you’ve been a diligent owner.

Any season is good for buying a boat. Some think fall is the best time to buy, some think spring. Our experience is that there are good deals to be found year-round. The better questions to ask are: how long has a boat been on the market (which we can tell!)? What is the boat’s value vs. the asking price? How motivated is the seller? That said, the most used-boat inventory is found in the fall. Often, fall is a ‘buyer’s market’ as sellers want to sell before paying their winter storage fees. Spring can be a seller’s market as more shoppers emerge after winter hibernation.

What about the sales process? What do boats generally sell for, compared to the asking price? What initial offer is insulting and what will get me the price I want to pay? An offer reflects TWO things: how much the buyer will pay and what condition is the boats? What conditions are normal and which ones will turn off a seller? What time frame is normal? We can help you with all of this and make it straightforward.

Then there is the survey (inspection.) We can guide you to a good one and away from the bad ones. How much does it cost and what other expenses are involved? It’s the surveyor’s job to tell you what is wrong with the boat, and we can help you interpret this survey report to separate normal wear and tear from red flags.

So let us be your coach on this journey to find the right boat. Costs you nothing to have us be a Buyers Broker but will pay big dividends!