I think perhaps that the broker doesn't know you. One strategy might be to
find a good, responsible broker and stick with him or her. I think that you
would probably then be able to just pay $100 or so to take a ride if you're
serious about the boat. Or you might want to just offer that up front to the
owner through the broker if one exists or directly to the owner if there is
no broker. Then, you wouldn't have to go through the motions of making an
offer or putting down a substantial deposit. Just a thought.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Denis Marier" wrote in message
...
I am shopping to get another sailboat.
When I ask some brokers for a sea trial they reply that I have to make an
offer and put a deposit before getting to the sea trial.
Some people tell me that brokers have to insist on a deposit and offer to
eliminate people looking for a free ride. Conversely when you want to
purchase a house real estate agent may request that you have been accepted
for a mortgage before an offer is accepted.
As I will be looking at more than one sailboats this could be an expensive
proposition.
I wonder what is really going on in the world of sailboats brokerage?