AHHHHHHH it's almost time

[xeon_tsd]

One weekend to sit through, then Survey / Sea Trial on Monday! Finally. So easy to chicken out at this point, all the questions. Patience is not currently one of my virtues. I know I know let the surveyor do his/her (in this case his) job... but any last minute advice on what you would take extra attention too?

[daddle]

Keeping your hand on your wallet?

[Liam Wald]

Try not to be too emotional about the deal. Remember that the seller wants to sell it just as much, or maybe more, than you want to buy it. If the survey reveals issues, which is should, negotiate to have the seller either make the repairs or reduce the price accordingly.
Good luck.

[rebel heart]

The big stuff. Engine, fuel tank, rudder, rudder post, engine mounts, mast foot, chain plates, blistering, keel bolts, etc.

Anything big and structural.

[nhschneider]

Buying a boat can be very emotional and I think it's important to keep your expectations in check. I would caution you to be prepared to walk away from the deal if it doesn't feel right or you can't afford the price. I also suggest that you offer to pay only what you can comfortably pay. That way, if you buy the boat, you can afford it. If you don't buy the boat (due to price), well, you couldn't afford it anyway.

All that being said, I must admit there is a magical feeling once the deal is completed and you're sitting aboard or you're out sailing and you can say to yourself, "This is mine."

Good luck, fair winds and calm seas.

[Dhillen]

I would suggest you make sure you are there for the entire survey. Watch what the surveyor does and ask questions. It is a great way to learn about the boat.

If the surveyor doesn't want you there this raises a significant red flag and you should find someone else.

Expect to find some things wrong: it is a boat and the surveyor's job is to do just that. All the bad news that he finds is good news for you. You can use it to negotiate a repair paid for by the owner or the equivalent discount in price. If he finds something that is a deal breaker then you have just saved yourself a ton of money. Buy him a beer.

Finally, don't forget the broker and don't budge on price. If the owner doesn't come down to your price level and you are close to a deal a good broker will cut his commission to make it all happen.

Good luck and stay on your toes.

Dhillen

[GordMay]

See: The Lafitte Story - YACHT DESIGN

[xeon_tsd]

Thanks Gord, I have read everything I can find on the vast interwebs. So far they tend to make me love the boat even more. Like the one Lafitte that broke loose on an east coast Hurricane, and took out a sea wall... the poor boat needed a bit of cosmetic work on her bow. The wall, well that's another story.

[JPA Cate]

Do not take anything the seller says as being "true"; he may lie, he may shade things. The same goes for the broker. As was stated above, the seller wants to sell, so does the broker; and it is true that the broker can accept less commission to make the deal go through. We have a friend who just got a really bad deal on a boat because he did not want to question what seller and broker said. You will be better placed if you question whatever you think is questionable. CAVEAT EMPTOR!