Next message: rcbernstein: "[world-cruising] Re: another broker question"
On 4/13/06, lancs_2000 <> wrote:
>
> How can we best use our time and our money?
Very carefully! I don't mean to sound cynical, but the situation you
describe is filled with pitfalls for the buyer.
There are many stories that surface from time to time about how "good deals"
can be found in far-away ports, where cruisers have virtually abandoned
their perfect boats and are letting them go for unbelievable low prices.
Occasionally, one of these stories has some basis of truth, but the vast
majority are exaggerated beyond belief. So when you see the "perfect" boat
offered for an unreasonable low price in a far-away port, the buyer's first
reaction should be suspicion.
The old mantra that everyone has heard many times is the best guide: "If it
sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
Getting to your questions, the best advice I can give is to do whatever is
necessary to get an unbiased opinion. That might cost a significant sum,
but in the long run, you're better off. If you have a friend in the area,
ask that person to look over the boat and report back - with photos if
possible. If no friend is nearby, then hire a local surveyor - not for a
survey, but just to give an initial impression and take photos. After
you've looked at someone's unbiased information, if you're still interested,
then go to the boat. If you can afford it, bring your own surveyor (eek -
$$$$). If not, try to find a different surveyor than the one who did the
initial impression. Remember, the more information you get, the better
informed you'll be.
Hopefully, the boats you're most interested in will have a US manufacturer's
representative or dealer, from whom you can get information, and perhaps see
some examples. All this adds to your informed decisions.
Best of luck in your search!
--
Best,
Bryan Genez
"Capella" V40-158
New Bern, NC
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