How do you determine purchase price - Page 5

artbyjody · #41 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009

If you want to get the real selling prices for a particular boat - then work with a surveyor. They can pull up the sold prices for particular boats in your area and also tell you what the avg price is between West and East coast. For instance my Barberis would of sold for around 42K but here on the West Coast it is valued 10K more. The difference in pricing is due to more availability of boats on the East Coast than the West (as was explained to me). However, since most will not dispense that research unless paid - the formula I use is avg list price for a brand in the area I am in or on the coast I reside. Take that value and decrease the avg price by a flat 25% - and that is the offer. You can always re-negoiate a price by increasing your offer on their counter offer (but rarely can you decrease the offer - it can be done but the process usually is not used until after the survey is done). Always make the offer contingent on results of the survey no matter what and never be be afraid to counter a counter offer with your original offer. You'll be surprised at the results if you can master that fine line of negotion and have patience. Good luck

boatpoker · #42 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009

Artbyjody has it right. I'd just like to add that the true value is what you are willing to pay for it but never nore than you can afford.

gardeningal · #43 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009

Thanks, Artbyjody. Thats good advice and seems to agree with many others. Since you are in the Seattle area, can you recommend a surveyor? We live in Portland, so are at a disadvantage, with not being local.

TomL · #44 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by joethecobbler

I view a Surveyer as the equivalent of home inspector. Niether is acredited except by other surveyor and home inspector operated groups with thier own interestests in mind. If you've got the tuition and membership fees you can be one.
Who determined the first surveyor was capable or reliable ? other surveyors? seller? buyer?
I bought the model/style boat I wanted, felt suited my needs, at a price I could afford (cash) got what I felt was a fantastic deal. Just had to wait, watch and be ready with the cash.
According to Many "experienced" sailors and surveyors the boat I purchased was sub-par and worth little. I have seen the same models sell for ten times what I paid ! I've also seen them given away and even cut up for disposal !
Brokers and surveyors are for well heeled folks with alot of money or credit and little time and ability. Odd that these folks are often touted highly by insurance companies and attorneys. Never had any use for them .
Educate yourself and make your own decisions.

NADA and BUC are pretty useless...A good buyers broker should share "SOLDBOAT" data with you...this will let you know what like boats (same model, year and condition ) have sold for in the last 6 months or so....until somebody buys a boat you don't know what its worth BUT seeing what accurate comps. have sold for sure helps....If you view your surveyor as "home inspector" you haven't done your homework prior to hiring him...I've been in the business almost my entire life, building, selling and sailing....wouldn't think of buying any boat without MY surveyor.
maybe that makes me well heeled. I do like to heel....

artbyjody · #45 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gardeningal

Thanks, Artbyjody. Thats good advice and seems to agree with many others. Since you are in the Seattle area, can you recommend a surveyor? We live in Portland, so are at a disadvantage, with not being local.

I personally use:

McCrea Marine Surveyors - Seattle, WA (206) 362-2628 (Ned was whom I dealt with)

Easy to work with (and schedule), explains in depth if you are willing to ask questions and I have found them to be extremely thorough. They did both my Catalina 27 and the Barberis Show 38 I currently have.

A good resource for finding surveyors btw is : BoatUS: Marine Insurance - Northwest

Good luck...

gardeningal · #46 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009

Thanks Artbyjody and everyone else. McCrea was on my list and NOT on the list the broker gave, so I'm very appreciative for the recommendation. Anyone else, knows a Seattle surveyor please chime in or send me a private message. This site has been incredibly helpful and encouraging, hope to be a boat owner soon.