[gdwyer]

I have not bought a sailboat before, although my wife and I have been sailing in various ways for 7 or 8 years. I have narrowed it down to Beneteau Firsts, especially 38s5s and possibly 33.7s. These are most likely to be purchased at some distance away, which requires trips and other arrangements.

I have the impression that sailboat brokers are like used-car dealers in the sense that they represent sellers of sailboats (not in the pejorative sense).

Some of the comments in this message board suggest that brokers are more like real estate agents -- a broker can work with a buyer. Possibly then they would be paid out of the proceeds of the sale?

I ask this question because I have met a broker in Charleston, SC who seems very straightforward and could be very helpful, but I am likely to buy a boat elsewhere and sail it or have it shipped to Charleston.

Jerry