Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by arthureld on 05/30/07 - 11:07 AM

Can someone please give me some advice about buying a Whaler?
I'm not very experianced at buying a used boat. I see on Boat Trader, they recommend using a escrow service. Is that the way I should do it.
I noticed that a lot of people buy Whalers far away from their home. They put a deposit down to hold it before they even look at it. Then often they get their deposit back because they don't like it. I didn't know deposits worked that way.
Any advice will be much appreciated.

Posted by Mike on 05/30/07 - 6:55 PM

arthureld,

The only boat I bought any real distance from me was located in was located in Everett,Wa. I am in St. Paul, MN. I flew out to Seattle, drove to Everett and made the deal.

I didn't use an escrow service, but it seems like a great idea. Especially if it appears to be a great deal and you want to lock it up until you can get a look at it.

If it's an average deal, not much room for negotiation, but it is what you want and is in the condition you require you may be just as well off making the journey. You'll probably have to anyway. I don't think many folks buy their boats sight unseen.

The travel expenses are likely to be the least amount of money you'll put into your boat. The worst you'll come away with is a little trip and some sight seeing. The best - the boat you've been searching for.

You could always try getting another member in the area local to the boat to go inspect it and send you some detailed photos before you commit money. See Whaler Shopper Network.

Mike

Posted by Mike on 05/30/07 - 7:58 PM

arthureld,

Did you look at this boat in person? Please explain the circumstances surrounding this deal. Are you talking about the whole amount, a down stroke?

If you viewed it in person it seems pretty normal for the seller to want cash.

Mike

Edited by Mike on 05/31/07 - 3:24 AM

Posted by arthureld on 05/31/07 - 4:38 AM

I viewed it in person and went for a ride out in the ocean. We went thru the outlet which was radical in itself. Then we blasted over a bunch of waves and I am pretty sure we were in the air a couple times.:o It is pretty clean and solid for a 22' 1983 Outrage Cuddy. The motor ran well too. The guy wants all cash. $10500. He'll hold it for a cash down payment.
I will get my Outrage, but I probably won't buy this one just because I'm not quite ready.
We have our 13 footer to mess with this summer so I can shop around until fall/winter when the competition isn't so heavy.
Thanks again for the info Mike.