How to buy a boat from a seller in another state?

[Ski_Keuka]

From those who have done this, what is the best way to buy a used boat from someone located a thousand miles away? I mean, I can go and fly to the location to see it, but then once that occurs how is payment arranged to prevent being scammed?

[TxHr]

I put a $500 credit card deposit on my boat. I drove to the seller, test drove boat and exchanged cashier's check for boat and title. The credit was deducted from the final amount agreed upon.

[hondaprlud]

I bought my 04 from a private seller out of state. We agreed on the price based on the description and several conversations about maintenance etc. I drove there with a cashiers check for the total, everything checked out. He had a loan on the boat so we went to his bank and paid off the loan. I asked for the title on the spot (most banks won't be able to do this). But they gave me several documents showing the loan paid off and the seller signed a document instructing the bank to mail the title to my address. I took the boat home that day, got the title about a week (10 days?) later.

[AirTool]

You need to tell us who owns the boat:

1. an individual
2. an individual's bank
3. a dealer

[pokesgrad02]

I bought my 04 from a private seller out of state. We agreed on the price based on the description and several conversations about maintenance etc. I drove there with a cashiers check for the total, everything checked out. He had a loan on the boat so we went to his bank and paid off the loan. I asked for the title on the spot (most banks won't be able to do this). But they gave me several documents showing the loan paid off and the seller signed a document instructing the bank to mail the title to my address. I took the boat home that day, got the title about a week (10 days?) later.

I did the same thing except the guy owned the boat. You need to print up a bill of sale that has the VIN numbers of both the boat and the trailer on it with the cash value that you have agreed to pay for the boat. Have that person and you sign and date. Get the title and haul it home.

[sstexan]

I bought my boat sight unseen. I had 15 pictures to see everything I needed. I knew ball park where I was going to be with the purchase. I got a cashiers check for the low amount and brought cash for the rest. I flew from Houston to Nashville one way, reserved SUV's from AVIS, Hertz, and Budget. Once I knew I had a full size SUV secured, I put the ball and mount which I checked in my luggage. We met at a local lake for a test drive. I already had all the papers drawn up with his bank. He actually had to pay to get out of the loan, he was upside down. The bank agreed to send me the title, I had the cashiers check written out directly to the bank as opposed to the seller so he couldn't cash it. 900 miles later I was in Houston with a new boat.

I also contacted correct craft with the VIN to make sure everything checked out and it was no problem for the warranty to be transferred. They even offered to send me new "custom built for" stickers once I turned all the warranty transfers over.

I even the got the original build sheet from correct craft. They were very cool to work with.

Good Luck! If it smells bad, bail...

[Ski_Keuka]

I put a $500 credit card deposit on my boat. I drove to the seller, test drove boat and exchanged cashier's check for boat and title. The credit was deducted from the final amount agreed upon.

Was the seller a business (since you paid partially by credit card)? I have to think most "individual" sellers don't accept Visa/MC

And I thought that you can't really trust cashiers checks because they still take time to 'clear' and could be fake?

[Ski_Keuka]

Let's say it's an individual...

You need to tell us who owns the boat:

1. an individual
2. an individual's bank
3. a dealer

[Ski_Keuka]

What did you use for payment? I guess I'm confused by all those who say they've paid by cashiers checks. From what I understand from those who work at banks, those checks can faked so even I'm leery about taking them when selling cars/boats/etc. Or is it really not an issue?

I did the same thing except the guy owned the boat. You need to print up a bill of sale that has the VIN numbers of both the boat and the trailer on it with the cash value that you have agreed to pay for the boat. Have that person and you sign and date. Get the title and haul it home.

[Ski_Keuka]

Good Luck! If it smells bad, bail...

Warning signs of a dodgy deal?

[pokesgrad02]

What did you use for payment? I guess I'm confused by all those who say they've paid by cashiers checks. From what I understand from those who work at banks, those checks can faked so even I'm leery about taking them when selling cars/boats/etc. Or is it really not an issue?

Then take a brief case full of cash =D if you have the title signed into your hand then you own the boat. Also, create a bill of sale that you both sign and date. If you are selling the boat then make the transaction on a day the bank is open and make sure the check clears. If both parties are not shady then you will understand the other guy protecting himself. If you are still skeptical about buying from an individual then you need to buy from a dealer. Piece of mind is worth a lot to many.

[TxHr]

Yes. I purchased my boat from a small dealer in Flordia. Individuals may accept PayPal. Plus this route would be a secure way to pay for a deposit.

[msbowhunter]

i would use/accept wire transfer of the money instead of cashiers check.

[lucky7t]

I brought a cashiers check and we both met at his bank. It was bank of America. They told me they would mail the title to me within 10 days. I never got the title and ended up having to call the previous owner and have him apply for lost title. Big mess.


If the owners boat is financed with bank of America , make sure they take care of the title

[azeus17]

The original poster did not give very much info and it makes a big difference. I bought my boat from a private seller in TX. I am in MI. Bought it after having a friend look it over for me. Sent the deposit via paypal. I got a transporter through U ship and paid the balance only after the transporter called and informed me he was there and had the boat. The seller was unwilling to let the boat leave until a cashiers check cleared, understandably as they can and are faked often, so I ended up paying the balance via paypal too. In hind sight, I wish I would have just picked it up myself. After all the fees with paypal and U ship, I would have at least broke even.

If at all possible, see if the seller can get the title before you get there. Take cash. $100 bills add up quick and you will not need the movie briefcase. If this doesn't work for one or the other of you, buy from a dealer or someone who is not so deep in debt to their boat they can not pay it off to get the title.