Was bitten by a boating bug this past July 4th when I saw how much fun
boaters were having tied up together on the Barnegat Bay in New Jersey
partying and watching the fireworks.

I went into my usual frenzy of intense research on the subject that is
typical for me when I get an idea into my head and learned as much
about boating as I could in subsequent 3 weeks.

Bottom line:
I found a boat I like.
It's a 2001 Chris Craft 262 (26 ft) deck boat.
Dealer asking $37,000. I offered 29. Settled on 33.
I made the offer subject to a satisfactory boat survey and sea trial. I
hired an independant boat surveyor ($545) who spent several hours going
over the boat from stem to stern, and accompanied me on the sea trial.

Survey findings:
Structurally sound boat that is valued at closer to 38K according to my
surveyor's reference book. Some relatively minor problems as noted
below.


Problems found by surveyor:

1.needs new fuel pump.

2.auto bilge pump activator non-functional. Manuel is ok.

3.navigation lights not working.

4.horn sound is off.

5.one speaker (out of four) is not working.

I told the dealer:

Completion of the sale is contingent upon repair of all noted items and
a second sea trial after such repairs completed.

Dealer is agreeable to this.

Boat seems good.

Of note: I discovered in my research that Chris Craft was sold to a
Brittish company in 2001. The model I am contracting on is
discontinued, I believe. The dealer I am contracting from is
discontinuing his relationship with Chris Craft as he says they are
pricing themselves out of the local market.

Questions: Anyone have any advice regarding this particular boat?
Have I covered all the bases as far as negotiations with
the dealer and surveyor?

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

John