Dealer?

[vans]

A local dealer has a nice used 2005 boat I'm considering, pretty nice shape although there are a few nicks etc. I'm negotiating with them but I have a problem, I'm trying to find some info about previous owner, where boat is from etc. They are not wanting to provide any info at all, which is really giving me a bad taste. I even asked them to run a boatfax, there response was "Boatfax is a waste of money".

I looking at spending 40k including the trade of my current boat, heck it could be a hurricane damaged boat, salvaged wrecked etc.

Any thoughts/advice?

 

[Mason78]

Re: Dealer?

If you like the boat then pay for the boatfax yourself. I think all you need is the hull identification number (HIN) and basic info such as make and model.

What information about the previous owners do you want? I do not believe that a dealer is obligated to provide you with their contact information. That would not be a wise business practice.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Dealer?

If you like the boat then pay for the boatfax yourself. I think all you need is the hull identification number (HIN) and basic info such as make and model.

What information about the previous owners do you want? I do not believe that a dealer is obligated to provide you with their contact information. That would not be a wise business practice.

Obligated - I would be surprised if they were allowed to give you that information - its none of your business the dealer owns the boat now.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Dealer?

When we owned a car dealership we would NEVER give out information of the previous owner. If someone wanted to talk to them we would let the potential buyer know that we would contact the previous owner with the buyers info and a message that they would like to talk. It would be up to the previous owner to reach out. We would also let them know they were under no obligation to do so. Most people get rid of an older possession for a reason ... They don't want to be bothered with it!

 

[agallant80]

Re: Dealer?

I really don't think the boat dealer not wanting to give out the former owners info is out of line or out of the norm for that matter. I traded my last boat for the new boat in Feb of this year. The dealer took my boat on trade, we agreed what each one of us was going to do and how much my trade was worth and how much the new boat would be sold for. We never agreed that I would help them sell it by talking to prospective buyers.

If you are worried about the condition of the boat then pay for the boatfax, which I agree with the dealer being a waste of money of pay for a survey of the boat.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Dealer?

Yup, only if the boat is being brokered would you have a chance to know who the current owner is, etc. If the boat was traded in and is now the dealer's property, then you won't be able to find out who owned it prior to them.

 

[airshot]

Re: Dealer?

At 40K with your trade that must be one heck of a boat, I would have a very "professional"marine survey with a warranty and forget the original owner, that way you will know for sure what you are getting.

 

[vans]

Re: Dealer?

Thanks for your responses, It's not like I'm asking for any personal info, I 'm just asking them if boat is a trade in, repo/whatever, just seems odd that they won't tell me

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Dealer?

Are there old registration numbers/tags on the boat. Are they from Michigan? What year does it expire? Any evidence that the numbers are new. ie, can you see the shadow or "non faded" outline of old numbers?

These are simple observations you can make your self. If you can't see any evidence that it was ever registered out of state, assume it is a local trade and stop worrying.

Hire a surveyor and let the expert determine if there are any condition issues you should be concerned about.

 

[Mason78]

Re: Dealer?

I agree that you should hire a professional surveyor. I have known people to hire them when purchasing less expensive boats than you are considering. It will be good for your piece of mind.

 

[shrew]

Re: Dealer?

You don't need to know about the owner. Your best bet is to pay to have the boat surveyed by a professional marine surveyor. You will want to ensure the survey also includes a complete mechanical survey of the engines as well. It's irrelevant who the previous owner was and where he boated. The survey will tell you everything you need to know about the integrity and condition of the vessel.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Dealer?

You don't need to know about the owner. Your best bet is to pay to have the boat surveyed by a professional marine surveyor.

Right on the money. Knowing the previous owner and how the dealer gained possession gain you exactly nothing. All that matters is what shape the boat is in now, and the way to determine that is for YOU to buy your own survey from a pro.