Buying our first boat.

[Ocorgi]

How do you logistically work out buying a boat from a private seller and getting it checked out? Do I offer to pay for part of it and take the boat, but not the title? Or do I ask the owner to hold a check? The local seadoo dealers all say that an inspection can take up to a week. How do I ask a seller to potentially lose a whole week in selling it if I don't want it? Is this standard or would it be a lot to ask? Is testing it in water and looking at the boat out of the water (with a check list like one I found on this site) good enough? (I'm looking at 1996-2002 boats). We have a friend who knows a lot about boats and has a seadoo pwc, who might be able to come with us, but I'd still like an inspection, right?
Thanks!
I really appreciate all of your advice and feel better about taking this plunge with all of you here!!

 

[RFoster130]

I replied to this in your other thread. Everything you need is right here on this site. Most dealers are a waste too.

 

[Dr Honda]

The only real way to do it is to take it to a lake, and give it a test drive. It will tell you very quick if there is an issue.

If I was selling a boat... I would not wait for a week for a dealer to do an inspection. It's a waste of my time... and as you said... I could loose a sale from someone who doesn't need a dealer inspection.

Also... there is no way I would take a check for the price of the boat... or relase the boat without having the full amount IN CASH. Just because I still have the title doesn't mean a thing since the boat could be destroyed, or just flat out stolen.

I know that sounds a little harsh... but when you are dealing with a privet sale... it what ever the seller is willing to do, and most will fill the same way I do.