Don't do it. Seriously. Wait until you can check the boat out yourself. If this is your first boat purchase, bring someone along with you who is knowledgeable.
Our recent experience (not our first boat purchase), which included assurances from the Broker, a contingency about us obtaining a satisfactory marine survey, oil sample testing, sea trial and walk-through went out the window and the Broker has kept the 10% we had to include with the offer. Note: the only way a marine survey and other testing could be done is if we made an offer, including handing over 10%. Also, Google experiences by buyers of Brokers and sellers keeping the money included with an offer.
The survey revealed that the seller was not completely honest about upgrades and work done to the boat. We don't mind taking on some work for the right boat, but this was an expensive project. In the end, the money that would need to be spent in order to bring that boat up to the claims made by the seller, and that we would be safe sailing, far exceeded the value of that boat.
We have had to hire a lawyer to try to get our money back, Remember, no survey or testing was allowed without an offer. If the survey shows serious problems, getting your money back is like rolling the dice. We are out a lot of money right now. It is ugly and truly bazaar.
Our recent experience (not our first boat purchase), which included assurances from the Broker, a contingency about us obtaining a satisfactory marine survey, oil sample testing, sea trial and walk-through went out the window and the Broker has kept the 10% we had to include with the offer. Note: the only way a marine survey and other testing could be done is if we made an offer, including handing over 10%. Also, Google experiences by buyers of Brokers and sellers keeping the money included with an offer.
The survey revealed that the seller was not completely honest about upgrades and work done to the boat. We don't mind taking on some work for the right boat, but this was an expensive project. In the end, the money that would need to be spent in order to bring that boat up to the claims made by the seller, and that we would be safe sailing, far exceeded the value of that boat.
We have had to hire a lawyer to try to get our money back, Remember, no survey or testing was allowed without an offer. If the survey shows serious problems, getting your money back is like rolling the dice. We are out a lot of money right now. It is ugly and truly bazaar.