Buying Advice

[Red57Bird]

I think I have my current boat sold (keeping the fingers crossed), so I'm starting to get more serious about looking for a Nautique. I'm fortunate in that there are a couple of dealers in my area, but I'm also looking at using a broker. Everything I've heard about this broker has been positive.

Wondering how many of you have bought boats without seeing them or test driving them? Ideally I would like to crawl all over and inside the boat and spend some time behind the wheel before I plunk down the cash. And for boats within a couple of hours driving distance, that isn't a problem. However, using a broker that has access to lots of boats gives me more inventory to choose from. I have a specific model and year range that I'm looking for.

Just interested in your opinions. Thanks.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Buying Advice

I have more or less bought all three of mine unseen. I had spoken with the owners enough to know they were legit, and had photographs to know the boat was in good enough shape to warrant a trip to pick them up. I committed to all three and offered non-refundable deposits to hold them. Only one time did I need to send it.
In fact, my first one, I did not even test drive until I had had it at home for three weeks. One thing that I feel pretty strongly about is go and get it yourself. No question. That way you are handing over the dough with your own judgement. Going and getting her is part of the fun.
I did have a guy reneg on me once. I had "bought" the boat, and the first time he could meet me was in two weeks. He was 800 miles away. He called me at 11pm the night I was leaving and canceled on me. I wished I had a deposit from him.....

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Buying Advice

I have bought two long distance boats. As Wakeslayer mentioned, lots of conversations, and photos. I looked at and drove them in person before I handed over the $$$$. I planned it over a weekend, and even took the wife and made a nice trip out of the last purchase. It would be really disapointing to have your boat show up at your house and it not be what you expected. In my experience its worth the time to look at it yourself.

[Red57Bird]

Thanks Slayer and Ski. Another challenge for me is that I don't have a tow vehicle. I do have a couple of friends at the lake that do, so I will probably try to work out a deal with them. Pay for gas, mileage, meals, what ever it takes - it helps that they are all Nautique boys :grin:

Anyway, sounds like lots of pictures and some time on the phone is the best way to proceed. Thanks again for the great advice.

[Miljack]

Red,
I bought my Nautique via a broker, with only internet photos to judge. I even had someone else pick up the boat, and I met him halfway two weeks later! It does take research, and knowing the broker the best you can. In my case, the broker was the original dealer who sold the boat to the previous owner. I had several conversations with him, and after learning a little more about him and his business, it was clear to me that he was a straight shooter. The boat was exactly as described, and I got a great deal.
Specifically, I have spoken to Brandon at Central Ky, and he seems like a knowledgeable straight shooter. I've heard good things about the people at White Lake.
You're now getting into the boat fever season, so you'll have to work fast, maybe you still have time in the great white north.

Jack

[Red57Bird]

Red,
I bought my Nautique via a broker, with only internet photos to judge. I even had someone else pick up the boat, and I met him halfway two weeks later! It does take research, and knowing the broker the best you can. In my case, the broker was the original dealer who sold the boat to the previous owner. I had several conversations with him, and after learning a little more about him and his business, it was clear to me that he was a straight shooter. The boat was exactly as described, and I got a great deal.
Specifically, I have spoken to Brandon at Central Ky, and he seems like a knowledgeable straight shooter. I've heard good things about the people at White Lake.
You're now getting into the boat fever season, so you'll have to work fast, maybe you still have time in the great white north.

Jack

Thanks for the info Jack. I sent you a PM about this.

Tim

[SkiTower]

As for a tow vehicle, Enterprise rents full size trucks every day. I'd rather rent one for ~$60 than risk borrowing someone's truck and something happening.

I would definitely pick it up yourself. You don't get to buy a boat everyday. Make it an adventure!

[Kozmo]

I too worked with Brandon at Central KY Inboards and was happy with his knowledge and follow-up.