Buying a NEW new boat.

[edokarura]

My dear sailheads,

After 15 years spent on 3 used boats I feel like I’ve suffered enough. I’m ready to buy a NEW new boat. Thing is, I don’t know how to go about it without getting ripped off.

For reference, I’m partial to Fisher 34s and 37s and have found an outfit called Neil Marine in Sri Lanka who is now building them.

All sorts of questions come to mind. Foremost among them is how can I be sure that after plonking down $200,000 - $300,000 I will actually get a boat and that it will have been built well?

Any thoughts? Advice? Warnings?

Thanks in advance.

[Orion Jim]

How long has Neil Marine been in business?
Have they ever been in financial difficulties?
How many boats have they produced of the specific model you are interested in?
Contact the three owners who have most recently taken delivery and ask 100 questions.
Contact the three owners who have had their boats the longest and ask them 100 questions.
Will you be allowed to have a surveyor of your choice make progress inspections during the build?
Ask for a bill of material so you know the specific components going into the build. Components vary from complete junk to top shelf.
Hire an escrow company so your money is protected and progress payment funds are released only with your approval.
I’m tired of typing but you get the idea.