Boat on e-bay

[rancher44]

I just saw a cat on e-bay for 190k something in mexico. I e-mailed the site and ask for sail equipment and engine hours . The sender said the capt was not there but would get me the info .
I am a lot suspecious is this a new scam or how safe is it to buy a boat in mexico? Plus they want full payment in 7 days . No mention of survey or anything . sounds a lot fishy
Any suggestions

[Bluefuss]

Stay in contact with them until after the E-bay listing expires and then see if you can cut a propoer deal that you are comfortable with.

[onestepcsy37]

it's a scam. you will not see the boat or your $190k ever again. and, being in mexico, there isn't a g-d damn thing you will ever be able to do about it.

[witzgall]

We have found, but not purchased, our last two boats on eBay. The broker of our current boat let us know that he used eBay as a marketing tool, and did not expect the boats he lists there to ever actually sell via eBay.

I would NEVER bid on a boat that was on eBay without seeing it first hand, and of course paying in person with proper safeguards in place.

Chris

Chris

[Jort]

Hi Rancher 44. You need 100% certainty before you buy any boat. Don't be affraid to ask a lot of questions to the seller! Here are a few examples of what you can ask the seller:

- Is the yacht registered in the National shipping register? Can you show a copy of the registration document showing you are the legal owner?
- Is there a mortgage upon the vessel?
- When not-registered; do you have a 'Closed transcript' or 'Declaration of non-registration' from your national register to proof this?
- Can you proof you are the legal owner by showing me the last sales agreement or 'Bill of Sale'?
- Do you have the original invoice with a proof of payment or a tax declaration stating the VAT has been paid (including proof of payment like a bank slip)
- What are the damages that you know of?
- What are the estimated yearly costs of this boat?

He is bound to answer the last two questions because they seem easy. Especially the yearly costs are a trick question for someone who doesn't know anything about boats and wants to scam you. This will already tell you a lot. If the seller can't give you these answers and documentation than you should leave this alone.

Never buy a boat without seeing it first!
Never buy a boat without a professional survey!
Never buy a boat without the required paperwork and documentation!
Never wire money to the seller before delivery > always use a bank guarantee or a lawyer's escrow account (100% certainty and safer than a broker). A bank guarantee gives security of payment to the seller, but when you don't receive delivery of the boat for some reason you still have your money. Only with a signed bill of sale and a signed protocol of delivery (proof of delivery) the bank guarantee can be used by the seller. In that way both parties have security.

Good luck!

[motion30]

I have that same boat I will sell you for just a$ 100,000 Just send me a bank check and we will figure out the rest

[Cheechako]

Most all sellers want cash within a certain time frame, often you see their stuff relisted. I always figured if I won the bid I'd just tell them I'd be down to inspect the boat on X day. They can walk if they want , but then they would have to relist and start all over again!
You can also ask them ahead of time if you can bid subject to inspection and or survey.

[rancher44]

Very good suggestions . I e-mailed the person and said I was interested but that I would not pay for boat until I had a survey and personally inspected the boat .
Motion 30 the check is in the mail!! Have you gotten it yet ?? I sure it is lost and will get there shortly just deliver the boat and we will do the paper work in the future . TRUST ME !!!

[GrowleyMonster]

Jorts suggestions are sound. For a $190k boat a survey report is essential, as well as a personal inspection before full payment. Now, for a $4000 boat a survey might be a bit much to ask but a thorough inspection of the boat and its documents is essential. Ideally you and seller take the boat out and you actually use all systems and equipment.