Help me find a boat and I'll pay you!

[vtsailguy]

Actually, I have been pretty shocked at brokers. It seems they don't want business. I have contacted about 8 on yacht world and 6 never got back to me.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by vtsailguy

Actually, I have been pretty shocked at brokers. It seems they don't want business. I have contacted about 8 on yacht world and 6 never got back to me.

Well, it's pretty clear why not. Judging from the original post, you don't seem to have a realistic idea of what $50,000 will buy, even in a buyer's market. In the original post you complain about going half blind staring at the computer for the past three months trying to find your ideal boat. You've gotten so frustrated in the process, and perhaps desperate, that you've offered a "bounty" if anyone from this forum can accomplish the impossible.

A broker isn't going to waste time on someone who doesn't seem to be a serious buyer. Any broker who hears what you want for what you're willing to pay is going to walk the other way, because he'll assume that you're never actually going to purchase this dream boat.

The boat you want isn't out there for the price you want. A lot of prospective sailboat buyers are in the same boat. But you're so far off that even after having spent three months searching unsuccessfully you don't seem to be getting realistic.

Forget the endless list of ad-ons you want, which are worth $50k by themselves, and ask yourself how many boats in that size range can sleep 5 people without having to sleep someone in the saloon. That process alone should be a good reality check.

[ArtM]

It does seem this part of the 12 step process in buying a boat.

What are they? Denial, anger, acceptance? Something like that?

Boats are very, very expensive - much more than you expect. If you can put yourself in the right place at the right time, you can get a killer deal, but that takes luck.

[rhr1956]

vtsailguy...I know what you mean about the brokers not following up. I sent a request to a broker that is all over the Internet with 8 different offices throughout Florida. I told him I was looking for a 2005-2010 31ft Boston Whaler or Grady White with cuddy cabin, A/C, and radar with under 400 engine hours. After about a week he sent me a one-line email with a link to a 2012 Wellcraft. I haven't heard back since.

[Sandero]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

My sentiments exactly.

I read the list from bottom to top (ok I must be a bit weird...) and burst out laughing when I saw the $50,000. The bar stopped, everyone turned and looked at me ..... So I showed them all. Now everyone is laughing, buying beers and doing a conga line dance.


Mark

When Mark laughs... I do...

Why don't you pay a broker 10% and ask him to find a miracle... and with a Life Raft newly inspected included.

[forsailbyowner]

I've seem some good deals in that size range probably gone by now. One was a 37' columbia disqualified due to center cockpit. Someone was refitting and died shortly before completion. Boat was awesome and well equipped. Family wanted to unload for quick $15K. Another was an Albin in Charleston. Another owner deceased, sat for a year. 9K.

[vtsailguy]

Originally Posted by Bash

Well, it's pretty clear why not. Judging from the original post, you don't seem to have a realistic idea of what $50,000 will buy, even in a buyer's market.

Actually, my experience has been like rhr. A basic inquiry about a boat frequently gets no answer!

[vtsailguy]

Originally Posted by vtsailguy

I expect that I won't meet all my needs, they were the "ideal" boat....

Guess lots of people missed this point

[vtsailguy]

This was close, its just too small...

1985 Gib Sea 3 cabins 9.6 sailboat for sale in Outside United States

[Teknav]

VT...take the time to digest some of the advice mentioned earlier. While their advice is free, it culminates the reality in boat buying; they are on target. Everyone wishes you well! Mauritz

[Pelagic]

I think your mindset may be missing an important part of becoming a boat owner…. This is the hunt!

Like a marriage/partner prospect, you need to get out into the field, kick a few tires, assess the compromises you are willing to make, and then when you have produced enough nautical components for chemistry to take place, the boat will find you. Good luck.

[vtsailguy]

well, I have eyeballed about 20

[vtsailguy]

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...g_id=1852&url=

Anyone know this boat? Palmer Johnson New York 40. Meets alot of my needs. The converted P&S lockers are pilot berths and could be converted back I think.

[ArtM]

if you're looking in a given area,try to find a broker that specialize in sailboats. When he knows you're serious, he'll give you his attention.

[ArtM]

Also, remember to bump your price by as much as 25% to account for negotiation. It's not unusual to get as much as 20% off the ask in negotiations, especially if you can assure a quick close (sorry about the extra math)