The brokers I've worked with insist on a written and accepted offer
before you have any kind of survey or sea trial.

Yup, in most cases. In this case the owner and I came to an agreement
and I put down a small deposit, signed contract for deal pending
survey. But we had a pretty honest discussion and both knew the market.
Nobody wanted to play hardball to save 60 cents. We got a very good
deal and the boat is simply one of a kind due to her condition. Surveys
are cheaper in Florida!

RB
35s5
NY