On Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:24:00 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:

Since I've never used the boat as an ice breaker I don't know the risks
involved. Frankly I don't have any experience of, or have even heard of
doing sea trials and surveys in the middle of winter, especially if it's
snowing/raining/icy.

There are a lot of risks, not the least of which is losing the sale.

What is frequently done in a winter sale is to set up an escrow
account which you fund. The escrow is to cover any repair issues
which could not be discovered during the winter, and is held by a 3rd
party - sometimes a broker, sometimes an attorney. The agreement must
carefully spell out exactly what is covered, which in this case it
would be sea trial issues - engines, running gear, etc. The
agreement should also spell out how disputes are settled, typically
arbitration.

Don't take the boat out in ice. I've done it (accidently) and even
thin skim ice will gouge your bottom paint and gel coat around the
water line. We all know what thick ice can do.

Your insurance coverage, or lack thereof, is a big issue also. If the
buyer insists on a winter sea trial, have him purchase special one
time coverage through your insurance company, payable to you.

Personally I would do whatever it takes to get the deal done as long
as the risks are covered.