posted 04-17-2003 02:58 PM ET (US)        

My new buyer is totally happy. I'm glad.
When I received inquires on my Whaler for sale, I said up front that the first one who comes up with the money, then it is sold. I must have had over 10 calls and various emails from prospective buyers the first week. Newcountry could not get down until about 10 days to look and ask me if I could hold the boat for him. I told him it was an 8 or 9 and in some area a 9+, because the boat has totally new wiring, hoses, and fuel lines. The hull only needs a spring cleaning. I told Newcountry that I could not accept a deposit and hold the boat for 10 days. Newcountry calls back and wants to proceed with a formal purchase. Ask me to write a bill of sale, send to him copies of the titles, and he would overnight the signed bill of sale and the down payment. The deal was made.
Upon arriving at my location early Sunday morning, Newcountry was very concerned about the boat being used in salt water and some weathering as a result of that. The Yamaha 175 is the original engine and the boat has only 198 hours on it. I will stand my ground that that number is correct. However that said, 14 years is 14 years and the motor needed a face lift and cleaning prior to my purchasing it. A professional boat dealer performed these task, and even gave me a warranty. Newcountry was not happy, and said he would pass. We shook hands and I said I would return his down payment in full. He obviously had a different read than I. The following Monday morning we exchanged the following emails. (prior to Newcountry posting his comments on the Whaler forum). I had deposited his downpayment check because I needed it to clear before he left with the boat to New York.
I always do what I say and in this event I will not deviate from that. Even though after reading the Forum I was very tempted. Bottom line, this is why I hate selling anything, a used car, boat, or lawnmower.
Best regards to all Whalers,
Bonn

Emails on Monday April 14 ---------------------------------------

posted 04-18-2003 07:47 AM ET (US)            

Sorry for the delay's in response. I have been traveling out of the area. I have the following comments to hopefully bring this matter to conclusion.

1.The post was put out there as a matter of reference to those considering buying an article at a considerable distance. Not to get into a tit for tat with a sellor, or, his subsequent buyer. I was cautious not to provide any details about the sellor or his location. All should note that.

2. Specific to the e-mail from the sellor to me, it did not arrive the day of my e-mail, nor did it arrive before my post. The e-mail arrived on 4/15/03 at 8:52 am. If I was as computer literate as the sellor, I would have attached same. My post came the night before. If anyone would like a copy of that e-mail I will have my office assistant figure out how to attach it and forward to all. For whatever reason, the date and time of sellors e-mail was not attached to his post.

3. My check cleared on the 9th of the month of April, had been sent via overnight mail I believe on the 1st of April. From my perspective, I should have left with at minimum a post dated check

3. The first I ever heard of the boat being purchased from a broker was from the ultimate buyer on this web site, not from the sellor. My understanding was the boat was purchased from the prior owner at his home, a physician in Chesepeake bay whom rarely used the boat, not a broker.

4. The first I ever heard of the engine being rebuilt was on this web site from the ultimate buyer. There was never any discussion of such on the multiple phone discussions or on site the day of the inspection with the sellor. The engine had overspray on the sparkplugs, wires,carburators, interior component covers, hoses, clamps, etc. The exterior of the motor was completely repainted from a can. The stearing shaft (I believe...a heavy cast bracket under the powerhead, leading to the stearing linkage) was so heavyly corroded that the spray paint would not stick to it.

5. There was never any discussion of a completely repainted galvanized trailer. I am somewhat lost as to why this would occur.

6. If in fact the motor was rebuit, why would this occur on an engine with only 98 hours at the time the sellor purchased it? If a Yamaha expert could comment I am all ears. I was told the boat had been purchased two years prior with 98 hours. Over the two years the sellor had put an additional 100 hours on the boat.

6. I was told that when the sellor originally looked at the boat two years ago the engine cover was removed and it was like brand new? At this time the engine had 98 hours. Why would it have had to have been rebuilt at this time. Is this the way one describes a rebuilt, rehabilitated motor that has been repainted. I quess I am new at this?, not at our Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche, Mercedes or BMW dealerships.

7. Had I been told in advance the engine had been rebuilt and repainted I would have quickly passed. In the northeast where I live, 198 hour boats and motors are rare, this is why I was so anxious to get this boat.

8. There was never any discussion about the engine including a 12 month warranty from the rebuilder although this would have not brought me to the point of purchase.

9. There was little negotiation with the sellor. I was not trying to steal anything and when I find the right boat, I am happy to pay more for the bristol boat I am looking for. There was $250.00 dollars worth of consideration on a $14500.00 asking price.

10. I way overpayed for my 1987 15 SS WHaler. Over $8000.00 because it was perfect. I am not looking to steal anything, never have. I want what I want and am willing to pay for it so long as it is fair to all parties.

11. I think we should all learn something from this. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. No digital photograph or phone discussion is substitute for a particular buyer evaluating his purchase in person. Lesson learned. Dont let Whaleritis get the best of you.

12. There is no sense using a forum like this to go tit for tat with each other. I put a broadstroke commentary up as a point of reference, not to make an attack on a personal individual or a specific boat. I was cautious not to do so. Had I been that type of person I could have posted serial numbers of the engine etc. Not my style, nor is it productive to the points I was trying to make. The fact that this post is where it is at at this point is disappointing but none the less here we are, and I now was forced to provide the rest of my side of the story.

13. I was appreciative of the response from the sellor the following day regarding my deposit and the fact that he intends to return it. I am happy for that. When it arrives I will be happy to let all know.

posted 04-18-2003 06:42 PM ET (US)            

PS - it really is a pretty funny movie.

posted 04-19-2003 10:44 AM ET (US)            

Let's keep the profanity out of the forum. That has been the policy since day one.

To discuss Hooter's writing style, I suggest a new thread in the META-Forum.