Would you allow a water test?

[joeT]

Following on from the 'Water Test' thread, I was wondering what people think of the converse - if you were selling a boat would you let a potential buyer water test?

Again, it would probably depend on type of boat, value, your location, etc. but just to get a rough idea.

I think I would let any serious buyer water test. If it was an ausfisher, I would probably use the water test as an excuse to get on the water for a fish at the same time, so wouldn't ask for any money. But then I've never had anyone ask for a water test (even though I've offered) so I'm not sure if I'd change my attitude if I get stuffed around a few times.

[MyEscape]

I voted Yes, and I wouldn't ask for money. I think I would seel my boat this way AFTER making fairly sure the buyer was genuine.

i.e. he had the money to buy the boat. I wouldn't take someone for a run the first time he looked at it. Probably wait until he's been to look for the second time. Maybe brought someone else for a second opinion sort of thing.

Steve

[nigelr]

Agree with seejay.
Fair dinkum buyer, no problems.
A decent on-water display would be very beneficial to a sale, IMO.
Cheers.

[shags101]

would you buy a boat without taking it for a run?

[joeT]

would you buy a boat without taking it for a run?

It would seem by majority, it would seem so...

http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/sho...d.php?t=116716

[Pirate_Pete_Tas]

I voted that I would but not take any money but I probably be it the boat too.

After all if I am selling my boat I would want to show how well it handles, how easy it it to launch & retrieve, all the little tips & tricks that make my boat best for them. $$$$ thats what I would do, after al I would only be selling to get something bigger & better.

[Roughasguts]

I'm inclined to say no.

I can almost under stand if someone has seen your boat for the third time and still looking at it, but is he looking for an exscuse not to buy it. I would wan't fuel money from him maybe 60 bucks.

If I wan't something I try and research as best I can, order it cause theres usually nothing to take for a test run EG: new model M/crosser, Rotary tiller.

A guy bought my old Cordia Turbo, cause he liked the look of it didn't even start it before he handed over the cash and done the paper work, he said he was going to spend big bucks on it anyway.

I bought all my stuff the same way except second hand cars.

Think if someone really wan'ts something they have made up there mind in the first sight of it. They won't need a run in it to convince them there doing the right thing.

For example is Signature a good brand, is Suzuki a good brand, is Mackay a good trailer. If yes to the above and all are in visual sound condition, it's just a matter of price, you will still need to spend some dollars getting the rig prepared and serviced Both hull, motor and trailer for your own safety and peace of mind.

In the back of there mind they know they will need to do something to make the boat better and more suitable to them so one or two other little things shouldn't be a problem for a boaty that's been around a while.

It's half the fun it was 6 weeks before I even had my boat in the water when I bought her, she was only 5 years old then. But I new her well after going through every part of her.

[DR]

Yes, but on my terms.
I would do it on a day that i want to go fishing & they could fit in with me.
I have had too many bull**i**ers over the years & they have made it difficult for others. I am not about to waste up to 3 hours ( inc travel) on someone that just wants a look to see if it is the sort of boat they may be interested in.
It would be meet me at a predetermined time, one that is agreeable to both, you would get my mobile & be asked to ring if you are going to be late, 10 mins after agreed time & no phone call i would leave the ramp & not look back.

[PinHead]

I have mine for sale...I am certain any potential buyer would want a water test but i have to ascertain if I think they are serious enough first..but then again..I do not need much of a reason to take the boat for a run.

[bluefin59]

I voted yes to an water test i dont need much of a reason to put the boat in i'm sure once its in and you show them what its about they will usually buy they have with the last three boats i sold ,but saying that i am only 15 min to a boat ramp, same if i want to buy i want an on water test if not they miss out i would have the cash if they trully want to sell ...matt

[Grand_Marlin]

You get to know (usually) who is genuinely interested in buying your boat... they ask the right questions, bring their family / friends for a look, have done research and have decided this is the boat they want and are ready to talk prices.

I am more than willing to take someone for a run in the boat ... sometimes a good excuse to get on the water myself
Seriously, it is a pleasure to show off my workmanship and show the buyers exactly what they are getting.

If you are a serious buyer and a private seller refuses a water test, WALK AWAY.
...there could be something to hide, or they just have a $hithouse attitude.
Either way, they dont deserve your money and you have plenty more choices on the second hand market.

I make it a small trip to test the boat / motor ... I dont make a full day fishing out of it.

From the last thread, I cant believe the amount of people who dont water test first.
You have to know how a boat handles, if the power is sufficient, the stability at rest, the ride comfort etc before you buy.
Just because it is new, doesnt mean it is any good - even from the top manufacturers.
All models will vary, and they all have their "quirks" ... it is a matter of sorting out what is best for your needs and what you are most comfortable and happy with as a complete package.

Cheers

Pete

[Chas & Clarry]

I wouldn't buy second hand without water testing so wouldn't expect to sell it without either. I'm only 5 mins from closest ramp so its easy, but of course, I'd definitely be on board and sure the person was serious.

[fishing111]

Ditto what DR said.

[Black_Rat]

When I sold my 4.2 Dory the bloke wanted a water test. I said "yeah no dramas", we met up at the Pine River for a test on the weekend and after the test he bought it. The Yammie even started on the first go

If I was buying a new or used boat and had never driven the boat before i'd insist on a water test.

I was fotunate to spend some time in mate of my cousins Formosa before I bought mine so I knew how it handled.

[rat_catcher]

I would absolutely allow a water test, but as has been said above you keep it to a short outing with just enough time for the potential purchaser to run through his test scenarios. I just bought a second hand 702L and the water test was a part that was non-negotiable for me. I would not buy the boat without it and the seller had no issues with taking me. It just gave me another level of confidence in the deal.