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Old 18-09-2019, 19:16   #1
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Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

Hello.

My wife and I are looking to buy a sailboat in about 18 months after we retire (Feb 2021). So far we have just been chartering all over the Caribbean. In November we will be in the Miami, FL area and would like to spend some time with someone who is very knowledgeable in the boat buying process, specifically in Florida (taxes, insurance, broker fees. etc). Does anyone have a recommendation for an independent consultant for us to meet with? Thanks
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Old 18-09-2019, 19:58   #2
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

Don't buy a boat if engine doesn't run
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Old 18-09-2019, 20:58   #3
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

Buyer's broker is what the "consultant" is called.

Most are useless lazy scum, so ask around for reco's in the ports you're shopping.

Not usually worthwhile for them under $100K or more.

The selling broker has to split commission, costs you nothing in theory.

But you won't be shown boats sold by owner, check your contract allows you to buy one like that you found yourself.
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Old 18-09-2019, 20:59   #4
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ck-207644.html
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Old 19-09-2019, 08:44   #5
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

Go online, sailboats for sale by owner fl. I would strongly avoid a broker.There are a lot of boats in fl for sale. miami is not a good place to look, you have to be very careful. There are a lot of details to check on a used boat and not all surveyors are good, some are . good luck, Im in no.fl.
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Old 19-09-2019, 08:54   #6
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

I can strongly recommend Hayden Cochrane of Whiteaker Yacht Sales. He is an experienced cruiser and knows his stuff. Not a customer, just a friend.
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Old 19-09-2019, 08:56   #7
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

My wife and I live on Fort Lauderdale Beach, and we have over the years bought two somewhat large sailboats. We currently own a 43' sailing catamaran. If you want to have beers with us at The Parrot, you buy a few and we'll answer all of your questions.
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Old 19-09-2019, 09:48   #8
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

Whitiker Yachts in Palmetto.
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Old 19-09-2019, 16:53   #9
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

Quote:
Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
Buyer's broker is what the "consultant" is called.

Most are useless lazy scum, so ask around for reco's in the ports you're shopping.

Not usually worthwhile for them under $100K or more.

The selling broker has to split commission, costs you nothing in theory.

But you won't be shown boats sold by owner, check your contract allows you to buy one like that you found yourself.
The one I had was great! She took the time to get me on several different styles of boats to help me make the best decision for me... in the end I find one in Texas, ( I'm in Florida ) but she was so helpful I had her do the deal just so she would get paid... was a good move, she helped me save 30k on sale price. ... no money out of pocket from me and she went to work finding me boats. I can't complain at all she was great!
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Old 19-09-2019, 17:43   #10
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

So post her location & contact info, if she's OK with that
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Old 19-09-2019, 18:42   #11
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

Thanks for all of the replies, I believe that using a broker will be one of our options down the line when we are ready to buy a boat as well as buying privately. We have been reading up on the process over the years, but nothing is better than talking to those with the experience "face to face". I am looking at it like talking to a financial advisor who does not sell products, just advice. Carribeachbum, I might take you up on that offer.
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Old 19-09-2019, 18:46   #12
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

Quote:
Originally Posted by PraireOrca View Post
Hello.

My wife and I are looking to buy a sailboat in about 18 months after we retire (Feb 2021). So far we have just been chartering all over the Caribbean. In November we will be in the Miami, FL area and would like to spend some time with someone who is very knowledgeable in the boat buying process, specifically in Florida (taxes, insurance, broker fees. etc). Does anyone have a recommendation for an independent consultant for us to meet with? Thanks
My wife and I have bought two boats in South Florida in the last few years, one without and one with a buyer's broker. The latter was much smoother, and I'd recommend it. We now live on the second boat in Hollywood FL, and would be happy to share what we know with you. PM me and I'll share my contact info.

Regards,
David.
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Old 20-09-2019, 14:49   #13
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

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Originally Posted by PraireOrca View Post
Thanks for all of the replies ... Carribeachbum, I might take you up on that offer.

Great! Hoping that works out, we'll be looking forward to it.
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Old 24-09-2019, 09:15   #14
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

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Originally Posted by sailorman7225 View Post
Whitiker Yachts in Palmetto.
Yep, they are good people.
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Old 24-09-2019, 10:46   #15
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Re: Looking for Advice - Boat Buying in Florida

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Yep, they are good people.
I'd agree. They'll catch on fast to what type, price range, and condition of boat you are looking for and show you boats that match. They were pretty helpful in getting the previous owner to correct or drop price for survey deficiencies too.
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