First phone call with a boat owner - what to ask?

[patprice]

If a boat is any good, the owner will likely still be involved with her emotionally.
He will want the good ship to go to a good owner.
Befriend the vendor. Flatter him about his boat a bit if necessary.
Be nice in negotiating.
You might get a bargain!

[tomfl]

Have to agree the question(s) should deal with the logistics of you inspecting the boat. Your definition of a clean well kept boat may be so different than that of the owner/broker that any thing discussed will be meaningless.

[Fiftybucks]

Get a pocket moisture meter for around 350$. Learn where it works where it doesn’t. Trust it. You don’t have to do a whole survey just-check those thru hull transom, chain plates, base of mast and deck fittings A literal 10 min eval. Move forward or backward on what you see and feel. Not what is asked and answered. A 350$ meter would have saved me 1500 and wasted weeks and hurt feelings. Boats are emotional - at least for me. And you can show how it works on your friends boats but slide your finger off the button and say looks good!

[LarryDW]

Originally Posted by Fiftybucks

Get a pocket moisture meter for around 350$. Learn where it works where it doesn’t. Trust it. You don’t have to do a whole survey just-check those thru hull transom, chain plates, base of mast and deck fittings A literal 10 min eval. Move forward or backward on what you see and feel. Not what is asked and answered. A 350$ meter would have saved me 1500 and wasted weeks and hurt feelings. Boats are emotional - at least for me. And you can show how it works on your friends boats but slide your finger off the button and say looks good!

Save the $350 for a questionable piece of equipment. Buy a small mallet and tap randomly to get a feel for the hull. Then tap questionable areas, if there’s a core issue you’ll more than likely identify it. Moisture meter readings are questionable at best.

[Fiftybucks]

Your mallet suggestion is even better!!

[grahamb]

…..ask also......if you had $5000 to spend on the boat …...what would you spend it on?.....

[ferrailleur]

Originally Posted by sailnautilus

Age and hours on mechanicals...engine and gen set.
Age of rig.
Age of sails and sail wardrobe.
Ever been damaged, sunk or major insurance claim?
Osmosis hull issues if fiberglass.
Ultrasound evaluation if steel or aluminum.
Last survey.
Insured value.
General maintenance condition, records available?
That’s a start.....

you don't want to discover that after soda blasting on the hard!

[silversailor]

The initial conversation/questions are helpful in establishing the veracity of the broker/owner, in addition to the info recd. However, don't forget that you are looking for a boat that is specific to your needs. So, develop a written list of everything you want to look for when you inspect the boat. If you are a current boat owner list everything you like in your current boat and want to see in your new purchase. Similarly, list everything you don't like and want to see changed or things that just aren't there but you would like to see. When you inspect the new boat write down everything. You will not remember. Take lots of photos and measurements. Lay down in every berth. Turn on every electronic device. Open/close every cabinet, door, hatch, etc. remember, you are buying everything ... including what doesn't work. One additional thought... an owner who doesn't take care of what you can see, doesn't take care of what you cannot see.

[flyingfin]

I always start with "How long have you owned" , followed by "Is boat title in your name" Amazing how many weird excuses I get from Sellers. Lots of flippers out there, especially after the recent hurricanes.

[mlydon]

“Where is the boat right now?” In the water or on the hard....

Beware boats that have been on the hard for more than a year - they tend to develop issues related to being cooked, haven’t been looked at for a while, etc.

I’d much rather evaluate a boat in the water, ready to go, perhaps go sailing, THEN have it hauled for bottom inspection, than one which is wrapped up, sails stored away, etc.

Matt

[NorthCoastJoe]

We just bought a Downeaster 38. Phone call to seller, one question. When are you available to show the boat?

[Andy64]

Ask for some photos that the seller would NOT like to send to the buyer.

[Shrew]

Judging by many of the replies, I can understand why so many people express frustration with the boat buying process.

[Cheechako]

A good question is just to ask "what things have you done to the boat over the years?" to get the conversation going.
"What would you change? What didn't you like?"
But just generally, talking with an owner is a very good thing. Just let them talk as much as possible. It's amazing what they will bring up sometimes that you would never learn otherwise. Often they say way too much. Letting things out that they probably wish they hadn't.
Finally:"has the boat ever had any blisters on the bottom". How he responds is key, does he seem evasive?

[Montanan]

Originally Posted by jcdexter

Always ask how old the pictures are. Pictures can be years old and not represent the current state of condition at all. I’ve even seen some listings that posted pictures of a sales brochure from years before!

Ah, yes the wonderful way it used to look images or how the boat builder imagined it would look if fully equipped, or images of a similar boat and not the actual boat that is for sale.

Click bait.