Brokers

TSteele65 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007

Me: Looking at the pictures, it appears there's a significant amount of discoloration of the sole in front of the starboard settee. Was this due to a leaking chainplate or portlight? If so, was it fixed?

Broker: It's not a perfect boat, but the stain doesn't seem to have affected the boat's ability to go on long cruises [paraphrased]

Me: nevermind...

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007

LOL... you expected something different from the broker???

TSteele65 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007

So I'm an optimist...

Sailormann · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007

Most brokers are individuals who were fired from used car dealerships for poor ethics...they lie, they cheat, they steal and it's high time they started regulating the industry.

NOLAsailing · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007

I recently went through the boat buying process. It took a long time and I spoke with quite a few brokers. While some were very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly, the fact is that the majority of the brokers I spoke with were unfamiliar with the boat - both the type in general and the boat in question - and unwilling to offer substantive information.

The common phrase was, "Put in an offer then you can have it surveyed." They must teach that in broker school. Do they really think I should drop $1000 in fees and travel costs just to find out the basics?

Some of my favorite broker quotes:
- Boats under $100,000 don't keep maintenance records.
- Heck, just sail her for five years and cut her up and take her to the junk yard. At this price, you can't lose.
- There shouldn't be any blisters because this boat is solid glass below the waterline.
- Those aren't actually blisters. Those are repaired blisters (about 500 of them)
- If I had to rate this boat on a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say it's about a...ummm...10. (the boat was a disaster)

I was fortunate in that I was ultimately able to buy through a private party.

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007

There really are good brokers out there. Like in life, there are also the Bas****.

The broker I worked with told me on many occasions (once when I even liked the boat), "DONT BUY IT! I DON'T LIKE THIS BECAUSE..."

Just depends why they are there: To make a sale or because they love boats and want to help.

- CD

cardiacpaul · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007

Some brokers I've been involved with I would trust to take the cuban to dinner.

Some, I check for my fingers after I shake their hand.

3 yrs ago, I did a survey on a tired tub that I was able to pull wet, rotted wood out from under the hull deck joint with my hand.

this spring, I was called by a couple that was new to sailing and had driven over 200 miles to take a look at this SAME boat. Because I live 6 miles from the marina, I drove over. Before I went to the dock, I pulled the General manager out of his office (this guy was the sales guy from 3 yrs ago) and we walked to the boat. I met the people, and then turned to the general manager and politely asked him to tell the people the condition of this boat.
Wasn't pretty

phallo153 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007

NOLA looks like we churn some of the same mud.

My teenage son commented to me after we were shown a boat - "Dad, that guy's playing you".

This was my first boat so don't want to paint the industry with a broad brush, but I wasn't impressed at all with this particular outfit, and in the future don't think I'd ever contact a boat's listing broker again.

uspirate · #9 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007

Man i can tell you a story that happened last month. we had put in an offer on what we thought was our dream boat and it was accepted. I wont go into details but some highlights. the broker met us at the yard for survey (so we thought). as soon as we handed him our down payment check, he said he needed to move his car for the crane to pass. he jumped in his Benz and took off!

Surveyor: i wouldnt put this boat in the water without a bottom job.
Broker: theres still some paint left on it, cant you see its blue?

Surveyor: all steering cables, shafts and joints need to be lubed before sea trial.
Broker: just get a can of wd40 and spray it good, itll be fine.

Boat Yard: if you buy this boat, it'll have to be moved outta the yard within 24 hours
Broker: if you buy it ,we'll find you a slip dont worry.

We came home boatless, dissapointed and disillusioned and it only costs us about $1100. (680 mile round trip=gas,food,hotel,surveyor).
we're still recovering from that one. wife wants me to hold off on boat shopping for awhile and just enjoy our little 25 footer.

Pamlicotraveler · #10 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by uspirate

We came home boatless, dissapointed and disillusioned and it only costs us about $1100. (680 mile round trip=gas,food,hotel,surveyor).
we're still recovering from that one.

That was the best $1,100 you ever spent! You did the right thing - you had a good surveyor. It really isn't a matter of whether the listing broker is good or bad - I know some that are crookeder than a dog's hind leg. It just makes sense to PAY for independent advice. That goes for buying a car, house, or a boat.