Selling boats - Test Rides

[dvan1901]

So Country_Bumpkin's thread about his recent boat sale got me thinking and hence my question. How many of you will take people out for a test ride? If you do; do you make them sign some kind of liability document? I had my boat up for sale a while back, and am putting it up for sale again, and one of the people looking at it wanted to take a test ride, and take his family. I was ok with him and maybe his wife, but he had two kids too and that made me a bit nervous. Anyways, I've been thinking of having people sign a liability waiver in case they do something like slip on the dock getting into the boat, or they fall while in the boat. What do you all think? Any of you do this?

 

[tommays]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

1. good insurance as for home made wavers i would not hold my breath

2. A test ride should be part of the sales agreement, that it performs as stated in the sales contract

You will just be giving ride to tire kickers any other way



Tommays

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

Hmmm, I really never thought about liability here. I would have been willing to take anyone out if it didn't overload the boat.

In my mind the biggest thing was the hassle of dragging the boat 20 miles to the lake each time.

Sounds like alot of people buy/sell their boats with just a test drive in the driveway with a garden hose.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

Sold 2 boats in the last 9 months.
Gave 2 test rides, AFTER the deal was struck and put in writing.
No negotiating after the test drive, take it or leave it as written.

The test rides were to verify performance and condition of the boat, and to demonstrate proper load-launch-and operation.

I already have insurance to cover liability. But I would probably not allow a boat full of kids on the test drive. I don't need that much commotion when demonstrating a boat.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

I always say the the deal is contingent on the test drive. I won't do this unless there is a deal and they have payment in hand.

I also offer to do a compression test while they watch.

During the test drive I do all the launching an retrieving and demonstrating. After that I give them a chance to run it through the paces and then I retrieve. At that point we signb papers and exchange funds. After that it is their boat.

As for passengers, I would not object, but I would clarify the rules before hitting the water.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

All good points I haven't considered before. I think I will do like most of you and only test drive after the deal has been struck. As I think about my other test drive, it was the first boat he looked at so he was a "tire kicker". Good points. If I do give a test ride, trust me, I will be the only one launching and retrieving.

 

[Kimper]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

Yep, from the other end of this I just bought a used boat. We agreed on a price and all was final contingent on lake test and mechanic test. My wife and I went on the test. The owner launched the boat and did all the tricky shallow water/docking stuff and then let us have a go at it on open water. Personally, I would have him leave the kids at home. Good luck!

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

Think of this as a consumer.. If you are trying to buy a boat and the owner won't take you on a test drive, wouldn't you automatically think that the owner is trying to hide something?

If I am trying to sell a good running boat, then I want them going on a test drive so they can see how well it runs. If they want to bring their kids, let them. If the kids enjoy the boat, then you probably just made a sell.

But, the question was more about the liability of it all and about worrying that the buyer may be trying to find a way to sue you. AS everyone said, that's what insurance is for.

 

[nimmor]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

The guy is probaly wanting to bring the whole family along to see how it performs with all that weight in it. You know it is a sad world we live in today where there are so many sue crazy people out there that we have to have this discussion.

 

[sankanother1]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

You can't live life worring about getting sued and be happy.Take the kids.What could happin? They fall overboard? so..(they are wearing a pdf,Right?).And if they slip on a dock that's not your problem.Kids and boats get along fine.I can prove it...

 

[RBLCMDR]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

I haven't been to too many dealerships that gave test drives before the purchase. Or afterwards. But, I know, it's backed up by the BIG dealer.
I still like the idea of only a ride after a very serious offer and I see green$$. Oh and yes, I've got my insurance people to handle the small stuff.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

Sounds like alot of people buy/sell their boats with just a test drive in the driveway with a garden hose.

When doing the driveway test drive you want someone to rock the trailer up and down as you occasionally spray a bit of water through a big fan that is blowing in the driver's hair. It doesn't hurt to have a couple of bikini-clad ladies asking for a ride either! You really have to create the feeling of being on the open water.​

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

It doesn't hurt to have a couple of bikini-clad ladies asking for a ride either!

​

Now your talking like a true salesman!​

 

[jddenham]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

I was recently selling a boat and my plan was to show the boat in my driveway and start it on muffs. If the buyer was happy thus far, I would take him/her out for a test run for $30 to cover gas and time(ramp is 5 minutes away). If they went through with the purchase then the $30 went toward the agreed price. If not, then it wasn't a total waste.

One could charge more depending on the location and costs involved etc.

The buyer ended up giving me half down before the test drive.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

jddenham,

Also a good thought. I don't think I want to charge for the test drive, but having some earnest money, like buying a house, is a good idea too.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Selling boats - Test Rides

Two things which should be obvious. First never let a potential buyer take your boat out unless you are aboard. Second beware of the buyer abusing the boat or careless/unsafe operation. Some buyers will attempt to break it during the test.