In the Water

[bacampbe]

I am considering purchasing a new boat (Bene 31) from dealer stock. One complication is, the boat is already commissioned in the water (fresh water). That's great for getting a test sail, but it complicates inspection of the hull, keel, propellor, etc.

Would you insist on a haul-out prior to closing the deal? If so, should that be at my expense or the dealer's

The boat is under warranty, but the full-coverage part only lasts a year, so it's possible that something could go undiscovered until the next time I have reason to haul it out. Since it's got new bottom paint, that might be more than a year. I guess I can make a point to do an annual haul-out a little on the early side.

[Mimsy]

Absolutely request a haul out. If its dealer stock, I bet they will be willing to pay for the haul out to close the deal. Even if they refuse to pay for it and you have to pay for it yourself, this would be well worth it since your warranty is only good for a year.

[DrB]

When I bought my house, we were in a bidding war. There were 6 offers on the table that were all within a few grand of each other. Seller came back with a "Best and Final" request to all of the bidders. I hate leaving money on the table so I was debating whether to go up X or X+500. My wife reminded me that if the extra $500 would get us the house, the extra $500 over 30 years is, well nothing. In my effort to be penny pitching, I missed the big picture.

Back to your situation. If your paying $150K for a new boat and it costs you an extra $400 to 500 to have it short-hauled for a bottom inspect, in the big picture its nothing. If you can't afford the extra $500, think very hard about buying the boat.

If you want to paly hardball, suggest to the dealer that he pay for the haul. If he balks, then offer to split it.

When I bought my boat, I saw it on the hard, but had to have it hauled (short) to have the surveryor look at the bottom as it was launched a few days after I had seen it.

Bottom line: To get the best overall survey, you need to have the boat in and out of the water to at some point.

DrB

[sailingdog]

DrB makes a good point.. and you really should haul the boat out to inspect the underwater gear...

[Sailormann]

I am considering purchasing a new boat (Bene 31) from dealer stock.

Congratulations !

One complication is, the boat is already commissioned in the water (fresh water).

Well this tells you that the boat definitely floats. A primary concern has been put to rest.

That's great for getting a test sail, but it complicates inspection of the hull, keel, propellor, etc.

Well - yes - while it is in the water but...

Would you insist on a haul-out prior to closing the deal?

Absolutely 100% no ifs, ands, or buts. And I am certainly not the only one.

If so, should that be at my expense or the dealer's

The dealer's. If he balks at this then walk.

The boat is under warranty, but the full-coverage part only lasts a year, so it's possible that something could go undiscovered until the next time I have reason to haul it out. Since it's got new bottom paint, that might be more than a year. I guess I can make a point to do an annual haul-out a little on the early side.

Don't even think of buying this boat or any boat without a haulout, a survey and a sea trial. Your dealer is expecting to do this. Don't let him tell you that it's "not necessary because it's a new boat". There are always problems with boats - new, old, and in-between. Most of the time the problems are minor and not worth worrying about but there is the off-chance that this will be an exception. The possibility exists that there is some issue that the dealer isn't even aware of...

Good Luck !