posted 04-05-2003 09:21 PM ET (US)            

I specifically asked the seller about repairs, cracks, and holes. I asked what I would need to do to make the boat "new in every respect" The seller told me that I was buying a "90 point boat" and that all it needed to make it like new was a "wash & a good waxing." I got the good waxing. When the boat arrived the fittings were corroded, the deck was cracked in many places, there were undisclosed holes in the gunwales, console, and transom, the console locks were corroded and broken, the props were trashed, the rub rail was broken and falling off, the spreader lights were broken, many of the deck screws were missing or falling out because of rotten wood below, several of the gauges leaked, the washdown pump didn't work, the switch panels were so corroded the markings could not be read, the stereo speakers were shot (and not even wired), the boat had been poorly repaired in ten or twelve areas and then poorly painted (drips) with a paint that wasn't even close to a match, the electronics worked only intermittently, and ALL the thru-hulls needed to be replaced. There's more but my stomach is starting to turn and I'm feeling embarrassed...

posted 04-05-2003 10:24 PM ET (US)            

1. Give the seller a deposit, and ask them for the following in return:
they will refund it if the boat is not as advertised, or 'fails' a survey (meaning the survey uncovers significant or costly problems not disclosed by the buyer.)

2. Ask them if this deposit gives you the right to buy the boat at the agree on price, pending the survey. Ask them if you have the right of 'first refusal' if some local comes up with a higher 'bid'. Unless the answer is yes to both, walk away because the seller basically sees you as just another potential buyer, not someone travelling a long distance to 'close' a deal.

There is basically no way to protect yourself from losing at least the ticket, if the buyer is less than honest.

posted 04-07-2003 02:18 PM ET (US)            

I'm with F15 - try hard to have someone on the ground take a look. There is too much subjectivity in a 'description' no matter how lenghty. Pics are OK but an eyewitness account is better. Morrocco's thread is worth reading if only to help calm an acute case of Whaleritis.

posted 04-07-2003 09:16 PM ET (US)         

The whole reason they're being advertized nationally is that they didn't sell locally, and are probably overpriced junk.
Watch out for even what appears to be a reasonable, on track, price. If it hasn't sold locally, quickly, for a fair price, it's probably a dog. Look for the highest priced one you can find, since it's probably in the best shape, and move fast to see it. If it truly is a mint boat, the only reason it didn't sell locally was a VERY high price, that the locals passed on. So be prepared to pay high for an out of town boat, if you're truly looking for a good one. Once there, maybe you can talk him down. In spite of much of the talk on this site about high asking prices, if you really want a great used Whaler, you will have to pay up for it. Otherwise the local guys would have bought it before you even heard about it on the web.

posted 04-08-2003 09:59 AM ET (US)            

It definitly took a major leap of faith but I an very happy with the outcome.

posted 04-08-2003 04:25 PM ET (US)         

Unfortunately, due to the amount of deception that goes on, you MUST inspect the boat PERSONALLY. I have had boats described to me as "showroom," "mint," and the like, only to find them well worn and poorly maintained.

On two occasions, photos were mailed along with the sales contracts. The boats looked as described...until I got there! There is NO substitute for your personally inspecting the boat.

posted 04-08-2003 06:13 PM ET (US)         

I agree with you. The potential for wasted time, money, and energy can, indeed, be reduced by the opinions of others. That may help "weed out" some boats, as you suggest.

I appreciate the fact that others can render an opinion regarding a boat's overall condition which may affect the potential purchaser's decision whether or not to incur the headache of travel for a personal inspection.

However, mustang7nh's question of how to avoid "...wasting a trip to buy a Whaler" can only be answered when he personally inspects the boat. In other words, there is no way avoid it.

The situation you describe (of the purchaser of your Regal's being "thrilled")reflects your accurately representing your boat. Unfortunately, many sellers do not.

posted 04-09-2003 07:54 AM ET (US)            

I appreciate all the additional nuances of buying out of state and people's experience. I like the idea of getting some kind of agreement ahead of time and even asking for travel expenses if not represented.

I think the initial challenge is getting someone to talk realistically about price before you get there. Some may not take you seriously if you haven't seen it in person, but by the same token so many Whalers are listed at prices that are unrealistic in my opinion. I would rather barter up from a low fair value, than try to bargain down from some pie in the sky dream price. I guess it comes down to being willing to move on and wait for another if the seller doesn't want to work around the logistics.

How do you exactly use a lumber moisture meter for the drain tubes? If the brass is in tact and the rubber o-ring is in tact, does that pretty much assure that its ok?