Sure, you can't expect a broker to take you for a free boat
ride just because he's a nice guy and you claim you might
like to buy one. Look at it from his point of view, just a
little.
I gave up the Sea trial proposal. This on the ground that the trials could
be used as an intimidation tactic to ham strung you into an unwanted
situation or to reflect a freeloader's picture. I have learned that the best
way to find out about a boat handling characteristics is to ask other non
selling senior sailors at boat clubs. Bearing in mind that some are racers,
cruisers and passage makers.

As an example in my area the Volvo diesel engine are not very popular. Its
not that they are deems to be no good its because we cannot get parts and if
we do we have to pay an arm and a leg for them.


"DSK" wrote in message
...
wrote:
I am seriously in the market for a replacement sailboat.
I was offer a sea trial several time. Each time, before the trial the
broker insisted on having a deposit to show my good intend.

Sure, you can't expect a broker to take you for a free boat ride just
because he's a nice guy and you claim you might like to buy one. Look at
it from his point of view, just a little.


I soon learned that the Sea Trial approach was a broker's tactic to
secure a deposit.
Once the deposit is secured by the broker the negotiation wheel starts.

Actually, you should not put down a deposit unless you've already
negotiated the majority of the deal... in all the cases where I've bought
boats, I had an offer embodied in a contract before I put down a deposit.


You then get involved in surveying cost for the hull and the engine.
Then if you are not happy about the boat you may ask for you deposit and
you write off the surveying cost.

Yep. That's the way the game is played. The best way is to just be a
tire-kicker until you have zeroed in on what you are pretty sure is the
right boat for you. There is no rose garden of boats to try & reject for
free until you find one you can live with. It's kind of like getting
engaged to marry a girl.


In some places the broker may retain administration cost out of your
deposit?

I've heard of that but not seen it done. I have seen a few brokers claim
bad faith by the buyer and keep the deposit, and in some cases they were
justified.


I do not have any statistic on how fast you can get your deposit back?


It's supposed to be held in escrow in a non-interest-bearing account,
although I don't think that's a legal requirement. All the brokers I ever
dealt with kept the deposit check uncashed in their safe deposit box, and
simply handed it back if the deal fell through.

It can certainly be discouraging dealing with brokers, and I wouldn't
blame you for avoiding them. However not all brokers are crooks. The best
way to shop is to have the knowledge & experience to get down & dirty
choosing & inspecting a boat for yourself. There are a number of books
that can be a big help but experience is the best teacher. There's even
some good advice on teh internet... sometimes

Fresh Breezes- Doug King