Broker vs. Private Seller

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by OldFrog75

Do brokers have a legal (or ethical) responsibility to disclose known defects or problems to a potential buyer or is it totally caveat emptor? If asked a direct question, such as "when was the bottom last painted", are they obligated to provide the information if they know it and do they have any liability for withholding relevant information?

If they have the information they are normally required to disclose it...

A lot depends on how honest the seller is to the Broker.

In some cases the Broker will stick his fingers in his ears when the Seller tells him something he doesn't want to know about hte boat.But, if later it is determeined that the Broker knew and didn't disclose it, you have legal recourse, which in this day and age makes most Brokers fairly honest.

[Kettlewell]

I don't believe boat brokers are licensed or regulated in most states. I believe Florida, Virginia, and California do require a license, but I'm pretty sure most of the rest do not.

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

I don't believe boat brokers are licensed or regulated in most states. I believe Florida, Virginia, and California do require a license, but I'm pretty sure most of the rest do not.

If they aare not licensed by a state... Only use a CPYB Certified Broker

Also here is the YBAA Web Page giving the party line on what a Broker can do for you.

[Steve Olson]

Thank you for all the help! And is there a difference between "yacht sales" and a brokerage? Secondly, is it best go look for a surveyor off recommendations or is there a certification that I should look for a surveyor to have?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Steve Olson

Thank you for all the help! And is there a difference between "yacht sales" and a brokerage? Secondly, is it best go look for a surveyor off recommendations or is there a certification that I should look for a surveyor to have?

Well I would think if someone calls it a yacht then it's probably more expensive. Otherwise, no.

Surveyors I would ask on the forum for recommendations and experience of others. Alternatively ask your insurance company or if you have none, call BoatUS and they will be happy to recommend an approved surveyor. Since BoatUS will be the one to pay a claim if the boat sinks I think they are motivated to recommend a good surveyor.

[zeehag]

the broker in puerto vallarta who tried to tell me the rotten as hell vagabond 47 was in brand new ready to cruise condition...lol...i think they have no moral compunctions. some are decent some are not at all--buyer beware.
i have had the best experiences with private owners...