Yard Fee's

[dryclean]

I'm in the middle for buying a Sabre 28 for $7,500 I gave the seller a deposit. We are to meet Sunday to finalize the deal. We both live 1 1/2 hours away from the boat. When I was up there at the boat yesterday the GM of the Marina stopped by and introduced himself to me and said there were yard fees associated to the boat and he wouldn't launch me until those are paid.

He also would give me no idea of how much the fee's are. The boat was in the water last year and winterized. I talked to the seller and he said he'd pay them Sunday when we meet. The fee's could be $100 for winterize up to $1,000 for storage.

Not sure exactly how to handle it other than telling the seller I want the boat's title free and clear(obviously) and a receipt from the Marine stating all balance due are paid.

Any thought to this matter would help. When I was going to buy the boat I never even thought of the unpaid yard fees. I always paid mine up front just to get it out of the way, but that’s me. I feel it will all work out just trying to be careful

[Mimsy]

It seems shady that the Marina GM wouldn't tell you the amount of fees due. I would call and ask again. There is no reason they shouldn't tell you this.

[dryclean]

he claims confidentiality laws maybe in ohio. This is not the first time of heard of this not only in boating

[noreault]

It seems to me the manager was doing the right thing just reminding you to get a release from the marina. The charge is this the current owner and no reason you have to know the amount. Having a release from the Marina will cover you. One of the reasons to buy through a broker is their warranty that the title is clear.

[WouldaShoulda]

Looks like you already figured it out!!

The attitude of the Marina will tell you a lot about the prior owner!!

[Joesaila]

It makes sense to keep business money matters between the two parties. Would you want a business partner to tell others what you owe? As has been stated, before you pass the check, get the dated yard release...

[WouldaShoulda]

Do I want people blabbing and gossiping about me??

No.

About you??

Why, YES!!

[badsanta]

At the time you met the GM you did not own the boat, you could have been anybody and he was right in not telling you anything. But he was very kind to you in letting that little bit slip.
A boat is different in that the bills follow the boat and not the past owner. That is why a title search is so important to look for past mechanics lean, storage fees et all.

[sailortjk1]

Count your blessings that the Yard Manager brought it to your attention.

[scottyt]

what i would do is to meet with the old owner, walk over to the office. pay the owner, watch him pay the office and have the office give you something saying its paid and not you responsibility if the payment come back, ie bounced check.