Want To Buy: Safe to send a 'refundable' deposit to a broker, so they'll hold it...

[Pelagic]

Obviously, there are exceptions to simple refund, because of disputes in who pays for damages during surveys or added yard charges..... So these need to be made very clear.

Inventory is another matter,.... Brokers ask seller to list what is part of the Sale..... That list is never complete and subject to interpretation.

I insist that Seller list .....WHAT IS NOT PART OF THE SALE to avoid last minute raiding of what I find on board.
If sale breaks down due to Seller taking additional tools or spare equipment.... That can cause delay in refund.