Next message: Bob Chaisson: "[world-cruising] Re: To Broker or Not To Broker"
On 4/1/06, Patrick Harrington <> wrote:
>
> Within a few months, I am going to start looking for a boat in earnest and
> would like to get your learned opinions on yacht brokers in general, what
> to
> watch out for in a broker, whether to broker at all, etc. Most
> importantly,
> I would be very appreciative of recommendations of good brokers you may
> have
> first or second-hand experience with. Nancy and I currently live in
> Kansas
> and are trailer-sailors (18.5' Laguna Windrose) and would like to purchase
> our boat in the Florida or Gulf Coast area, or even East Coast or
> Caribbean.
> Once we buy the boat, we will probably keep it at a marina on the Gulf
> Coast
> (I have family in Mississippi) until we move aboard, and for a few months
> after while we get used to the boat and perform any upgrades and
> modifications necessary. Once we are comfortable with the boat and our
> own
> abilities, we will begin a leisurely journey south to the Caribbean and
> beyond to destinations as yet unknown.
I worked as a broker in the Annapolis, MD area for 15 years before retiring
last year. Generally, I think brokers are a good idea. Of course, there
are exceptions, and I'm sure you'll hear for folks on this list who will
detail their success at finding what they wanted without a broker.
By all means, seek out recommendations from people who have used a specific
broker. All are not alike.
A broker can save you considerable time and money if you're a distance
away. A good broker will preview boats and reject those that you shouldn't
waste time on. [I have a friend who never uses a broker. He's spent a
fortune in travel expenses going to look at For Sale By Owner boats. He's
still looking.] A good broker will be a good negotiator, and should be able
to get you the best possible price.
If the boat you're considering is still in production, going to a dealer for
that boat may be beneficial, as those brokers will often have far more
knowledge about those boats than others.
Brokers can assist in all aspects of a sale: finding a good surveyor, a good
loan officer, yards to do repairs, etc.
Good luck with your search.
--
Best,
Bryan Genez
"Capella" V40-158
New Bern, NC
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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