[blowinstink]

Hi All -
I am in the midst of a renewed search for my first cruiser and have been tracking the major websites which were useful to me in the past (yachtworld, sailing texas, boats.com, boattrader).

Are there any other sites that you strongly suggest -- particularly sites that are good sources of "by owner" listings?

Thanks!

 

[xort]

Try these:

Used Boats - Boat Classifieds from American Boat listings - Buy a Boat - Sell a Boat - Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Bayliner, Grady White, Wellcraft and More

Sailboat Listings - sailboats for sale

Used Boats for Sale - A Boat Trader Directory of Yachts and Boats - Usedboats.com

Used Boats Online.

 

[NOLAsailing]

boatsville.com isn't bad.

If you're looking for certain boats, look for class or owners group sites also. Most have a classifieds section.

 

[xort]

If you're looking for certain boats, look for class or owners group sites also. Most have a classifieds section.

I'll second that one...that's where I found my boat.

 

[modul8]

craigslist

 

[sailingdog]

Also, most areas of the country have a "want ad" type magazine that comes out weekly or so... and most will have boat listings in them. Some areas may even have a Boat Trader type magazine which is a want ad magazine fo just boat related ads.

 

[blowinstink]

Thanks

Thanks Guys. I think I hit most of these sites in my searches and will try the others -- I just wanted to make sure . . .!

Following on SD's comment, I will be travelling to Jacksonville FL to inspect a few boats in the next week or so, I'll check the local press, but if anyone knows a local source down that way, I'd appreciate the heads-up.

Thanks again!

 

[jjns]

blowin

Internet is great for research but don't underestimate the power of your feet.
So far we are 2 for 2. Each time we did the net search thing and had lists.... at the end of both days we stumbled upon each of our boats by walking the docks and yards.
Neither boat had even made it onto the brokers web sites yet. In both cases we just managed to be in the right place at the right time.

 

[Johnrb]

Blowin:

Check the websites of local yacht clubs as they frequently have "buy and sell" sections - and some allow ads from non-members.

 

[davidpm]

blowin

Internet is great for research but don't underestimate the power of your feet.
So far we are 2 for 2. Each time we did the net search thing and had lists.... at the end of both days we stumbled upon each of our boats by walking the docks and yards.
Neither boat had even made it onto the brokers web sites yet. In both cases we just managed to be in the right place at the right time.

I'm interested in those stories. Was their a for sale sign? Someone just said sure my boat is for sale? Sounds like an interresting story.

 

[NOLAsailing]

I bought my boat, after I knew I wanted a J30, by contacting the owner through the harbor master and offering to buy it. I was searching, without success, across the country. I ended up buying one less than 5 minutes from the house.

The harbor master passed my name along, the boat owner called, and we were eventually able to work it out. Plus, it came with a great slip which is normally at the end of a 3 - 5 year waiting list.

 

[jjns]

davidpm

We took a keelboat course, the Admiral was a sailor, she wanted to see if I would like it too (me being a power boater and all). Halfway through the course, friends that were moving and unable to sell their boat, offered it to us to use and try to sell it for them.
Spent a month driving back and forth, cleaning and repairing and making ready for the transit from Comox to Victoria. 3 days prior to our planned trip down, it sold. (someone was paying attention).
Started hunting via the net, set up some appointments, got more disappointed and ended up walking the local marinas.
Just as we were about to give up, we stumbled upon a lovely little Hunter H28. Just came in that day. No info on it yet, sales staff were gone for the day but the VERY wise receptionist let us have a look.
1 week later....
Had a great 2 years on her, but then got posted to Ontario. Could not justify $13k to ship it cross country.

We were here for almost 3 weeks when the withdrawl symptoms started.

We spent almost a year searching the net and driving all over hell's 1/2 acre. So many lumps for sale, it wasn't funny.
See, we had this list of wants and nothing even came close, so we gave up.
Then we rented a cottage for a week.
Of course there was a marina/brokerage just up the road.
Had a nice stroll and kicked a few tires and just as we're about to leave, it is mentioned that there is ONE more, but it can't be listed/sold, as it was owned by an american and wasn't "landed".

We took a quick look, what could it hurt.

So doesn't this boat hit EVERY point on our list including 6ft 4in headroom.
So we put in a ridiculously low offer, what could it hurt.
Doesn't it get accepted. Yikes!

End of a long story. Start of another love affair.