posted 12-16-2002 12:17 PM ET (US)        

Please indulge me for a moment...I have been utilizing this GREAT site for about a month. I have sold parts that have been needed to Canada, California and New York. I have even bought a boat listed on this site. Of 75 or so requests, that I have recieved, about half have been on the up and up. I have communicated with many different people and have even made my share of long distance phone calls, which as you know, we all end up telling stories and bragging about our boats.

The site has been a great doorway to the evolution of Boston Whalers, and I have communicated that to JimH and have sent him some copies of old literature for the site. I like to pass on the info I have just as much as the next guy BUT.. here it comes...If you are not in the market...say so. Attaching photos, writing emails, doing follow up trying (making) phone calls takes time. Yes, it is part of the normal selling process. BUT not to someone who is not serious or protrays themselves as such, (This is a example ! I am not pointing fingers AT ANYONE Numberous ones have come accross like this) just so they can see pictures. Tell the person in advance. "Hey I have never seen that model. Do you have a picture or 2 you could send me?" THANK YOU usually helps! NOT.. "I am serious, I will get back to you in a few days" with no contact info, no nothing...

PLEASE List your boat clearly make ,model, LOCATION and price if you want.

I purchased a boat last month that someone saw in a paper then posted it here on the site. IT WAS A GREAT DEAL ! If I was to resell it today (And I have) and added $3000 it would still be a deal for someone. (It was) Please don't go to trader on line and list every whaler you see ! If it is a deal, then pass it on. (DON'T FORGET THE THANKYOU !)

Who knows maybe someday JimH could break down the classified area a little more. Boat(s) wanted, parts wanted, Whalers for sale. PLEASE do not list what sold last week. It's OLD news. You might want to post (SOLD) in your own ad when your boat sells so others don't waste there time trying to buy what isn't there.

This site seems to be much tighter than others I have utilized. Emails and posts flying back and forth to people that have been on the site for along time (1300 posts from 1 person WOW...) I always try to put a face on the person on the other end that I am trying to communicate with. .

Please be repectful of each others time and interest(s) !

Happy Holidays!

posted 12-16-2002 02:24 PM ET (US)            

However, I have found that posting asking prices in a forum format, as opposed to a classified ad, is an invitation to naysayers and trolls who have no interest in purchasing.

Though I would prefer to see a price listed in a forum post, I understand why others wont post it. I have been flamed too many times over prices to post them.