1999 Bayliner Cierra 3055 OPINIONS WELCOME

[3262bk]

Hi all just this past weekend i went to take a look at a dry docked bayliner cierra that had been out of the water for about a year and was kept indoors over the winter. I was looking to purchase it but can't get it into the water for another week to water test it. The boat was absolutely beautiful inside and looked very kept up with and the reason he wanted to sell it was because he had upgraded and needs the money for his daughters weeding. Has anybody ever had any experience with this boat or similar and how does it perform. Also when I was taking a look the seller raised some suspicion to me when we arrived to look at the boat he was trying to clean it with a napkin and also said that it needs new bellows which are currently getting replaced at his cost. Also he called me the other night and said that he wanted me to sign some sort of agreement that once he got the work done (bellows replaced) that I would promise to purchase the boat once I water tested it. How would y'all feel about that?

 

[Jmunk]

I wouldn't sign anything like that, other things could come up on the water test that need fixed or make you walk away all together. He will have to replace the bellows for anyone to water test.

 

[JoLin]

Make sure you fully understand what the dealer is asking you to do. Here's what I did when I bought my 24' Chris Craft and my current Carver. It's a common practice around here as you're often shopping at a time of year when the boat can't be splashed or inspected.

I negotiated the price and put down a 10% refundable deposit. Signed a contingency agreement that stated I would buy the boat at the agreed price CONTINGENT UPON a successful survey and sea trial. The agreement and deposit, even though it's refundable, gives the dealer some level of confidence that you aren't just a tire kicker. At the same time, I as buyer have just gained 'first right of refusal' on the sale. The dealer can line up as many other offers as he wants, but he can't sell to anyone else until I've done my due diligence and made my decision. if the survey or sea trial turn up any issues, I as the buyer have the right to renegotiate the price, negotiate for repairs... or simply take my deposit back and walk away. If everything's okay, I am obligated to go through with the purchase, just as the dealer is obligated to sell at the agreed price, even if he has received higher offers in the meantime

My .02

 

[tpenfield]

Basically, the seller is asking you to agree to buy the boat, not sure you have decided that yet though.

The process is somewhat typical for a boat purchase and sales agreement. You find a boat that you like, agree on a price and then have the contingencies of sea trial and a marine survey (at your cost). . . .those would be your 'outs', if things did not go to your satisfaction.

It all depends on the exact agreement that you are being asked to sign, but I would not sign anything that did not have contingencies our out clauses in case some adverse information is discovered during the process.

Is the boat through a broker or a private seller?

 

[3262bk]

Basically, the seller is asking you to agree to buy the boat, not sure you have decided that yet though.

The process is somewhat typical for a boat purchase and sales agreement. You find a boat that you like, agree on a price and then have the contingencies of sea trial and a marine survey (at your cost). . . .those would be your 'outs', if things did not go to your satisfaction.

It all depends on the exact agreement that you are being asked to sign, but I would not sign anything that did not have contingencies our out clauses in case some adverse information is discovered during the process.

Is the boat through a broker or a private seller?

Through a private seller

 

[RGrew176]

I bought a 1999 3055 Ciera new in 1999. I sold it in 2011. I had 12 great years of fun and good times aboard. Mine had twin 5.7's mated to Bravo II drives. It was a great performer. Cruising speeds anywhere from about 24 MPH up to 32 MPH or so. Wide open throttle was 45 MPH. Fairly decent on fuel for a 30 foot twin engine boat. Handling was a breeze. If you noticed the drives on that boat are 5' apart and counter rotating. Makes for fantastic handling. Most if not all other twin engine I/O drive boats the drives are 4' apart. One of the drawbacks with this boat is on windy days the wind would catch the bow and want to move the bow in the direction of wind flow. That was easily countered by usage of the the drives.

I really loved my 3055. Thought I was done with boating when I sold it but the bug bit me again in 2014 that is how I ended up with my Carver last August. You definitely want to survey and sea trial that or any boat you are thinking buying. Just make sure that any purchase agreement contains a clause sale contingent upon successful survey and sea trial. Good luck.

 

[shrew]

This is fairly common. The boat is more than likely still winterized. A boat in dry storage typically includes 1 haul and 1 launch. So, by asking to sea trial the boat, should decide you don't want to purchase it, you asking the owner to pay to replace the exhaust elbows, launch and haul the boat, and re-winterize it.

Incidentally, the manifolds, risers and elbows typically get replaces as a set. I've never heard of elbows only getting replaced.

I can fully understand that he is unwilling to do this without some commitment on your end. This is common to agree upon a price sign a Purchase and Sale agreement contingent on a successful seatrial, then typically a percentage is withheld for negotiation based on something not functioning. For example, it might start overheating, or backfiring. You can negotiate a reduction in price to cover further repair, OR the seller might agree to repair the item prior to transfer of ownership.

This is very, very common with larger boats.