Buyers Perspective: Hard or Wet?

[siamese]

Definitely in the water. For the reasons already mentioned (perception), and because it's easier to keep the boat looking good in the water where it's easy to rinse, soap, and rinse.

Boats get dirty looking quickly in the yard, and it's usually difficult to clean them there.

If your topsides are in beautiful, shiny condition, they'll look better in the yard, but you can always take a little dinghy trip around the boat to show them off. Or, if they're not looking so great, they'll definitely be less noticeable in the water.

If you have nice looking canvas, then your boat's going to look better with it's matching furling cover, mainsail cover, and dodger, etc., installed.

If the boat's on the hard, then the buyer has to pay for a full launch and possible retrieval to facilitate a sea trial. If it's in the water, they can just have the yard lift her up and hang in the slings for an inspection for less money.

[Sailorbob8599]

It would appear there are opposing opinions on this subject. I too am selling my boat and intend to have it on the hard after "haul out and bottom cleaning". It will remain on the hard until sold. A test sail will be accommodated, but a potential buyer must pay for travel lift launch, which includes retrieve and place back on stands.
A fellow sailor on the dock claims I'm asking too much of the potential buyer and yet, if I leave the boat in the slip, a potential buyer would have to pay travel lift cost to perform a bottom inspection ... so the cost is the same no matter what.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Sailorbob8599

... so the cost is the same no matter what.

This is faulty reasoning, and will chase away some potential buyers.

With a vessel in the water, a buyer incurs no yard expense until he has assurance the vessel meets sea trial, engine and rigging surveys. Only then does he arrange for the very expensive haulout and hull survey, which is why this is normally done last. Additionally, with the haulout being the final step, buyers usually take advantage of that timing to do other work that might want done.

[mtnbuoy]

Novice here – Do you usually have the hull inspection done by the same person that does the systems/sea trial/rigging/engine inspection-survey? And they follow each other sequentially based on findings as you go along? Thanks.

[Terra Nova]

It is very rarely the same surveyor who specializes in these separate areas of expertise. Engine and rigging surveys are relatively inexpensive, compared to hull surveys, particularly with their required haulout. Bad findings at (free) sea trial means the buyer need not proceed with other surveys. Similarly, a failed engine survey could mean the buyer walks away with no further expense. Etc.

[Shrew]

There are more boats for sale on the hard, than in the water. The prospective buyer is going to need to haul it for a proper hull survey anyway.

Call your insurance agent and get a quote for 'storage insurance'. You'll find it is significantly cheaper than regular insurance. I couldn't say about slip fees.

Personally, I would launch the boat I'm using and dry store the boat I'm selling and insure the boat I'm selling with storage insurance.

Surveys and seatrials validate the function of the items on board.

[Mystic38]

This of course, is completely untrue..

A short haul, where the vessel is left in the travel lift for inspection is at most half the price of a launch, haul and block, and probably closer to 1/3

Originally Posted by Sailorbob8599

It would appear there are opposing opinions on this subject. I too am selling my boat and intend to have it on the hard after "haul out and bottom cleaning". It will remain on the hard until sold. A test sail will be accommodated, but a potential buyer must pay for travel lift launch, which includes retrieve and place back on stands.
A fellow sailor on the dock claims I'm asking too much of the potential buyer and yet, if I leave the boat in the slip, a potential buyer would have to pay travel lift cost to perform a bottom inspection ... so the cost is the same no matter what.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by Mystic38

This of course, is completely untrue..

A short haul, where the vessel is left in the travel lift for inspection is at most half the price of a launch, haul and block, and probably closer to 1/3

Yes. A lift up here costs 50% of a lift out.

But I would be 100% unhappy with the boat just lifted.

I want to see the boat I buy dry, close up, and preferably I want to see her drying too. So this is more like a 24 hours on dry. So this is one day hard stand and at least one movement. About USD 100 for a 30' boat, where we are. Marginal cost compared to the price of any reasonable boat.

b.

[RLaird]

Thanks for all or the great feedback, and savvy analogies! I expected a mix and that's what I got.
Since Wind Chimes is about ready to splash and #2 needs a few months of attention, I guess I'll splash and enjoy her. The yard is good about hauling boats.
Personally, I have never bought a boat that was afloat. ( Not sunk either!) That earlier analogy, I like looking at the bottom lines too!
TN3Sport: You can find Wind Chimes listed in the classified sail section. Search Pacific Seacraft as she is around Page 8 or so...
thanks folks, and enjoy the fresh spring breezes!
Rob