Petty or proper?

[Waterdog247]

We are in the process of purchasing a catamaran. The survey was last week and went very well. Two items were identified that needed repairs. Neither are structural, but both involve some extensive GRP repair. The estimates have all come back between 4k and 5k. My question is about the amount. Total cost of the boat is just under 400k. Is it appropriate to ask the seller to discount the amount of repairs? It honestly seems a bit petty considering the amount of money involved. What do you all think?

[ItDepends]

If the contract does not spell out a specific de minimus value (AND IT SHOULD HAVE), then it is entirely up to you.

You just have to be aware, that for some people here 5K$ is a huge amount of money, and for others it is pocket change. So the crowd really isn't going to be much help with your answer...

[JPA Cate]

Agree with the above. Let your conscience be the guide. I see no harm in asking, just be aware that it may make the present owner skittish.

Ann

[El Pinguino]

If I was the owner I would just say that cost had already been factored into the asking price.
This assumes he didn't show shock and surprise when they were first mentioned.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

If I was the owner I would just say that cost had already been factored into the asking price.
This assumes he didn't show shock and surprise when they were first mentioned.

Yep, You can ask, but don't hold your breath.

I'd be very surprised if the current owner wasn't aware of the need for "extensive gelcoat repairs". I would expect him to have factored that into his asking price. Generally you ask for adjustments if the survey reveals defects that would not be readily apparent.

[Celestialsailor]

50/50...the seller will feel like it's a shared deal.

[GrowleyMonster]

Depends. Before the survey, was he presenting the boat as in good condition with no repairs needed?

At an asking price of $400k, is $5k going to break either one of you? And knowing about the deficiencies, is the boat still worth the asking price to you? If it isn't, ask for an adjustment and walk away if he won't deal. If it is, then take it. $5k is chimp change compared to the $400k price tag.

Any deal made where both parties are satisfied, is a good deal. Any deal where one or both parties is not satisfied is a bad one and should have never been executed.

You will be spending a lot more than the cost of those repairs pretty much every year on upkeep. Keep things in perspective. The purchase price of the boat is only part of the cost of being its owner.

[Waterdog247]

Appreciate everyone’s input and perspective. Thank you for taking the time to respond. This is a big deal for us. We have spent time with the sellers and have a lot of respect for them. Will let you know what the final outcome is when it happens.

[smj]

If you feel your getting a good price on the cat then cover the costs yourself?
Also if you get along well with the sellers they will be an invaluable means of information, so may be worth the slight financial hit.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Waterdog247

Appreciate everyone’s input and perspective. Thank you for taking the time to respond. This is a big deal for us. We have spent time with the sellers and have a lot of respect for them. Will let you know what the final outcome is when it happens.

If you've spent time with the owners and can discuss things openly, what would be the harm in discussing the survey findings?

In good faith they may pay for half or all of it, especially if they truly didn't know about the GRP repair needed. If you don't like their response/doesn't seem like they were being honest, you can always walk away from the deal.

If you don't ask, you will never know.