Should You Use a Yacht Broker?

Purchasing a used motor yacht can be tricky, butwhich you the buyer will either take or decline the
going it alone can be dangerous.  See how toused yacht, any particular conditions that the
make the task a enjoyable and safe venture.offer is dependent upon, and the expected closing
Introductionday of the month.  The contract will also spell
The other day I returned a phone call left on myout your getting your deposit moneyback if you
cell phone from a gentleman asking about usedback out of the deal.
yachts I have in stock.  When the callerAnd oh yes, an offer requires a good faith down
answered I identified myself and asked what Ipayment.  Who will hold that deposit if a
could help with regarding the used yachts he hadtransaction involves you as a buyer and the seller
telephoned about.  The caller right awaywithout a third party?  Purchasers beware!
responded that he did not want to buy a usedLien Checks
yacht through a Yacht Broker and hung up.  IWhen we help in the sale/purchase of a vessel,
shrugged my head and wondered why he wouldyacht brokers complete checks to make sure
NOT want to buy a yacht through a Yachtyou get clear title to the vessel.  Any active
Broker.ship’s mortgages are paid in full.  In addition,
If you are considering buying a used yacht, heredocumentations are reassigned and Bills of Sales
are some things to consider.are prepared.  When working with a yacht
Finding a Good Used Boatbroker, you get the essential legal documentation
A yacht broker will have access to informationnaming the used boat as yours.  Buying used
about boats you will not have or be able to get.boat from an individual can be risky if these
A yacht broker with integrity will be honest aboutchecks are not completed.
used yachts.  If there is something wrong with aGetting her Home
used yacht, he will inform you.  I use a disclosureYou have located the perfect used boat and got
to inform purchasers about troubles with theher for a fair price; but handling a 42' vessel has
boats I represent.  If you are using ayou intimidated.  She’s a pretty big yacht. 
buyer’s broker, he/she will investigate otherBut its ok, when dealing with full-service yacht
used yachts for you, and help decide which usedbrokers nothing is left to chance. 
boats are worth inspecting or considering. Be sure you choose a yacht broker that will
He’s going to be able to talk to to otheragree to assist you with learning your new used
brokers about their used boats asking the rightyacht as well as getting her home.  I do this with
questions, and find out selective information thatall my clients.
you would probably not get on your own. Choose Your Broker Carefully
He’s going to have access to information thanMost yacht brokers are very dependable and
you will not have making the search proceduretreat their clients accordingly.  But I’ve heard
more simplified and quicker.many horror tales from my clients about their
What’s a Good Price?dealings with less than professional yacht
Once that potential used yacht is located, what isbrokers.  Many of them are out for the quick
a good and fair price to pay?  Using data foundbuck and could care less about you as a
at soldboats.com, he’ll give you the monetarycustomer.  I have even had dealings with them
values of similar used boats bought recently. myself and often wonder how they have ANY
Remember, a vessel is only worth what you arecustomers.  They don’t return phone calls or
willing to give and the seller is willing to take. electronic mails, don’t seem to know very
Most significantly, he’ll know the motivation ofmuch about used boats and don’t show up
the seller and lead you in making an offer that willfor work until lunch it seems.
allow you and the owner to negotiate to aBe sure your selected broker is very experienced
satisfactory selling price.about the used vessel you think you want.  For
Who Handles the Money?me, powerboats, particularly trawlers are my
Professional yacht brokers write purchaseforte.
aggreements that specify each step in thePick your broker carefully.  Do bit of research to
purchasing procedure; the amount of time for thedetermine the quality of the person you are
seller to accept the offer, the particular date bydealing with.  Ask for character references.