Newbee... looking to plan my newest Trawler purchase

[Keoki]

To everyone here,

First, I've been on this site for years as a non member kicking tires and dreaming. I've read a lot of your stories and experiences with the passion of picking up a good novel dreaming that someday I will be able to contribute some wisdom to those in need. Everyone here is respectful to each other which I am very happy about. I am thinking this is reflective of the the trawler community, which is why I desire to be part of this family... So Thank you.

I am getting closer... but am proceeding with caution because,

When I bought each of my homes, Each time I signed with a realtor that was binded by contract to have MY best interests, counseling me about a potential home/neighborhood I was interested in, advising me on a good home inspector etc. (In our case, a surveyor), explaining me the school situation versus school taxes, (Possibly showing or helping me pick a marina) showing me comps of other homes with the same features so we could agree upon and come up with a solid offer on the property and if we should go into escrow etc. Thus protecting my assets.

Is there any services that help a potential yacht buyer of a used trawler to gather all this info so they can get the best deal on say a +$100K dollar investment. I've read to trust or deal with a reputable broker, but aren't they biased to the seller and their own commission?

Something that a purchaser can sign up for (for a commission or a fee) so he can talk about his needs with, ie. maintenance/budgets, if its a project boat for future plans etc., where they are buying and where they plan to move boat too, so that you can find a solid seaworthy vessel that fits all these needs.

This way they can put a solid offer into a vessel that may have several NADA or Kelly Blue book values that don't actually come close to what the seller is asking.

 

[GregBrannon]

Welcome, and good luck with your search and eventual purchase. You're describing a good buyer's broker. I've heard rumors that they exist, but I haven't met one. Even if you do find one, adding them to the boat buying equation may significantly change the outcome of the sale, usually to the buyer's disadvantage.

Your best chance for a successful purchase is to look at MANY boats, learn the market in your area or the area you plan to buy in, learn to do your own basic hull survey and practice doing it, know the boat buying process, and prepare yourself to complete the process on your own or with minimal help. (You will hire pro hull and engine surveyors after your survey passes and an offer is accepted.) Even if you experience a sale with a broker or two involved, you'll know better when the sale is going in odd directions.

Greg.

 

[DavidM]

A good buyers broker would be great, but as noted above, rare. Perhaps the best thing is to develop a relationship with one broker. One that you like and is honest with you. Even though he might be paid by the seller in a transaction if he is in it for the long haul, he will want to sell your boat for you someday and help you buy its replacement. That is how good brokers make their money- repeat business. Bad ones lie and only care about the present. The trick is knowing the difference.

David

 

[mvweebles]

Pre-pandemic I would have recommended attending at least one Trawler Fest as they have many seminars applicable to first time trawler owners. They also had a couple dozen boats to walk aboard.

I agree with the previous responses on buyers broker. I'm skeptical as I just don't think there is a business model. You need to make some decisions then hire your experts.

I especially agree with Dave's previous comment. There are many good brokers out there who view today's buyer as tomorrow's seller and treat the buyer with utmost respect and forthrightness. Respond in kind with respect for their time and you will find a good fit.

Good luck

Peter

 

[Seevee]

Agree with the other....



Look for brokers that specialize in the boat you want. You could probably identify them by looking at the trawlers advertised forsale and just ask the broker if they would represent the buyer, and try to figure out if they would be good to work with.


I'm pretty much a loner, without brokers, but have used them and there are some terrific ones out there. I've never used a good one for a trawler, but have for other boats, planes and houses. Doubt my house brokers would work good for you on a boat....


And, yes....look at a LOT of boats. Ask what people like and dislike about them. Figure out what features you want and don't want.



Lots of fun....

 

[O C Diver]

While I like the concept of a buyers broker for finding and negotiating the deal, I think you as the buyer need to figure what make and model you want. It took me years to finally decide what I wanted, and I'm sure any buyers broker would have abandoned me long before we got to the finish line. The manufacturer didn't make many of the boat I finally chose, so part of the process was looking at a time when one came on the market.

Ted