Would you allow a water test?

[rpgs60]

I have recently sold my boat and at the buyers request provided a sea trial however I only agree to a water test as the final step in the sale. By that I mean the final sell price was negotiated and agreed upon by both parties subject to the satisfactory sea trial and unless the sea trial discloses an issue, mechanical fault or other, then there would be no further negotiation and the sale would be finalised. The boat was sold and both the buyer and I were very satisfied.

Ross

[Maddac]

I think you have to allow it.

I have purchased and sold many boats in my time. The most recent being $80,000 second hand boat. I was required to pay a deposit and sign an contract before the water test. The contract was subject to a sea triall to the buyers absolute satisfaction.

No fuel money was involved.

I thought that that was reasonable.

The tinnie I own was bought without a sea trial as it was only worth $5000 and a bargain at that.

Cheers

Ad

[copie]

Hi all well my answer is yes. I have both bought and sold boats with and without water tests. I think when it comes to buying a second hand boat privately (no warranty it's 2010 people do get ripped off) and the package appears all good to look at then a water test to finalise the buyers decision is ok. This being completely understood by both parties the deal is done if the boat performes as described. As for buying new i think different what if you think you would be happier with a bigger engine, maybe your stuck between 2 brands, maybe 1 dealer appears to be offering more than the other. Wake up the buyer is now about to spend a large amount of money iam talking 40-50k plus WHAT you think just because the salesman says its great it will be, DREAM on. Get with it dealers have demo boats and or demo days 5 or 6 a year so hard working honest people can make their mind up. Thanks for the read thats my 20 cents worth.
Mark

[FNQCairns]

I know I wouldn't like to do one on the boat I have. The engine is raised too high, the average punter will not like it, they will try and whip into a turn and it will want to go straight ahead and then ventilate it's self silly...hard to sell a well setup for economy and longevity offshore 'fishing' boat when the one down the road badly setup with low engine, poor proping and a fin or any combination there of will feel so much more right to 90%.

yep! something to hide, i could drop the engine but what happens if I change my mind or a sale takes longer than I want it to stay in dealer type showroom spec.

As is where is take it or leave it. payment in full or cleared

cheers fnq

[Steeler]

Been reading this thread with interest and words like " once i am convinced buyer is serious " or " qualified " then a no cost water test is fine.

I would like to know just what it is a prospect needs to do to convince a seller they are genuine.

Just for the record i voted no free ride.

Steeler

[Taroona]

I have never bought a boat without it being subject to a sea trial........

Why would you buy one and not see what it's like on the water?

[gone_fishing]

you seriously couldnt by a boat with out seeing it in the water ...

[Jabiru658]

you seriously couldnt by a boat with out seeing it in the water ...

I've bought my last 3 boats without a water test, although I did pay a professional to inspect each boat and give me a condition report before finalising the sale.

To be honest I trust a professional to find stuff even out of the water that I wouldn't pick up even in the water.

Having said that all 3 were in the $10000 to $20000 price range (not including the new tinny which I've ordered which being new I'm not talking about), if you're looking at spending a larger amount it makes sense to be proportionally more careful.

YMMV

[Jarrah Jack]

I've brought many boats but never asked for a water test and never found reason to regret it. I've also sold nearly as many boats with only two needing a water test to seal the deal which is what eventuated on both occasions.

I didn't ask for a deposit or make any stipulations on the water test, just assumed that the buyers were serious as they had done serious inspections beforehand.

I guess when buying and selling I'm always thinking about the seriousness and honesty of whoever I'm dealing with, its an instinctual thing and you get better at it with experience.

[stevej]

id allow a water test but only as final step in the sale

id ask for a non refundable amount to cover the costs of it, you get guys just wanting to take a boat they are thinking of buying to see if they like the hull or not

im not a free demonstrator for them

[Jurkyjj]

I voted yes and would not ask for a deposit.
I think that you really need to qualify the potential buyer and ask the questions that would lead to the end result of "yes" they are truely interested.
It makes it soooo much easier to get the sale over the line.
If I was buying....I would want to take it out!!

Jason.

[Fish_gutz]

it`s a done thing , would you buy a car without taking it for a lap of the block?, also because you can have a really good look at the trailer before you put it back at the ramp. if it`s a trailer boat.

[sleepygreg]

no way known would i buy a used boat without an on water test. If the vendor wont have it then i would assume they have something to hide. I dont give a rats about costs etc...that can be negotiated.....i pay for fuel etc. But if you wont have a bar of giving the boat a run on the water....then you can kiss my butt.

[swabio]

I can understand the reluctance of people to provide water tests due to the level of time wasters etc... however I personally would probably not be overly keen on buying a boat without at least having the opportunity at a water test...

regarding the deposit for private sales... I am also a bit reluctant as if the test turns out that you are not happy with the boat... you are then trying to recover your money etc.... it is not always the buyer that is the dreamer / bullshitter / time waster.... I'd be happy enough to throw in some money for fuel to facilitate the test..... but that is about where I'd draw the line... as I'd only test a boat I actually am prepared to purchase....

Just a bit of food for thought.....

[Steeler]

I can understand the reluctance of people to provide water tests due to the level of time wasters etc... however I personally would probably not be overly keen on buying a boat without at least having the opportunity at a water test...

regarding the deposit for private sales... I am also a bit reluctant as if the test turns out that you are not happy with the boat... you are then trying to recover your money etc.... it is not always the buyer that is the dreamer / bullshitter / time waster.... I'd be happy enough to throw in some money for fuel to facilitate the test..... but that is about where I'd draw the line... as I'd only test a boat I actually am prepared to purchase....

Just a bit of food for thought.....

Swabio

I think you have summed it up best.

Just my thoughts

Steeler