Buying something using your hard-earned money is truly rewarding. Whether you’re in your early 20s or late 60s, it’s always exciting to allocate money for the things you want. It’s even more thrilling when you’re about to purchase something big like a boat or a yacht.
If you’re a boat enthusiast, you surely know how exhilarating it is to purchase your first ever boat. You don’t even have to buy a brand new boat immediately. Today, it’s easier to look for a boat in pristine condition at an affordable rate. As a result, many enthusiasts get to collect different models at a young age.
It is compelling how things that used to be hard to achieve are now within reach for many people. From expensive boat accessories to luxury yacht models, almost anyone can own one. Gone were the days when owning a boat used to be a thing of the wealthy only. Today, as long as you have the money and resources to own a boat, you can have one immediately.
But even though that’s the case, it can be hard to negotiate with some boat sellers. Unfortunately, many vessel sellers are not transparent with what they’re selling. That being the case, many people who just bought their first boat are not as happy as they expected it to be.
Indeed, having clear communication between the seller and the buyer would determine a transparent process. However, that’s not what happens most of the time. Whether you’re planning to sell or buy a boat, a smooth negotiation will help you threefold.
In this article, let’s discuss some helpful tips for a smooth negotiation when buying a boat.
1. Know the specifications of the model that you’re eyeing.
Many people make the mistake of buying a boat without knowing its specifications beforehand. Some people buy boats due to their popularity. Others base their preference on their family and friends’ recommendations. Only a few would take the time to research the specifications of the boat that they’re planning to buy.
As a result, many first-time boat buyers are unhappy with their purchases. If the specifications of the boat you purchased don’t match your preferences, you surely wouldn’t enjoy it. That’s why it’s necessary to take your time and know the specifications of a boat model.
Doing so will help you save your time, money, and resources. On top of that, you also get to decide whether the boat model would fit your lifestyle and needs. Take all the time you need when looking for a boat.
2. Consider the age of the boat.
Some sellers sell their boats at an affordable rate because it’s been with them for years already. Owners put their boats for sale once they notice their performance is declining. That’s why you need to be careful when considering buying used boats.
Don’t judge a book by its physical features. Remember, it’s easy to mask a boat’s features and parts to make it look new. Consider the age of the boat before you buy it. Think about the possible problems that could happen and how much it would cost you. This point then leads us to the third one.
3. Check its engine and parts; if there are other unbranded parts, ask the owner why.
Now, if you’re considering buying an old boat, it’s necessary to check its engine and parts. If the boat’s engine is from a different brand, don’t be hesitant to ask the seller about it. They wouldn’t be replacing it if there was not an issue before. With that, make sure to ask and know what the problem was — so you’ll know what to expect in the future.
Once you ask, you’ll know the repair history of the boat. If ever it malfunctions, you’ll also know where to bring it for repairs. Don’t finalise your purchase before making sure that its parts are in good condition. You’ll surely avoid spending money on unnecessary repairs from unauthorised servicing by doing this.
4. Ask yourself, is the price reasonable for its condition?
Sometimes, money can be blinding. It can be intriguing to purchase an affordable boat without considering its condition and performance. However, the chances of using it for a long time are low. Sometimes, a product’s price does not justify its quality. That’s why you should be critical of a boat’s pricing.
By asking, you’re saving yourself from possible issues that could happen after you buy the boat. When buying used boats, the sellers are often not liable for the damages to the property after you buy it. So keep asking about the boat’s condition until you have an answer whether it is reasonable for its price or not.
5. Discuss whether the boat has been paid in full already or is still on loan.
Many sellers list their boats for sale online because they can no longer afford to pay for them. However, not many sellers are honest about this. There are even some who are indebted to banks with high interests who plan to change the ownership title of the boat immediately. Though it’s a long and complicated process, many results in selling to get away with it.
Before anything else, make sure to review and validate all of the boat’s documents. By doing so, you’re saving yourself from a lot of trouble once you buy the boat.
6. Don’t rush into buying if you’re half-hearted about it.
Lastly, I hope you don’t rush into buying the boat if you’re still unsure. If the reason for your purchase is for leisure, I hope you take your time in deciding. Even though you’re planning to purchase a used boat, you’re still allocating a lot of money to it.
Take your time in considering your other options, too. If you could buy a brand new boat for the same price as a secondhand, maybe that would be better. Regardless, make sure that you’re 100% ready to invest your money in it.
Many buyers back out on the day of contract signing because they suddenly realise that it’s not for them. If that happens to you, don’t hesitate to change your mind, too. Maybe there’s a better model that awaits you for your future sails.
Think about it carefully so you won’t be wasting any of your hard-earned money.
There you have it. Hopefully, my tips will help you decide whether to buy that second-hand boat that you like or not. Remember that you are working hard for your money. So you should use it on something that you’ll truly enjoy for a long time.
About the author:
Bianca Banda is a writer for Shop Marine, an online marine store that offers the best boat accessories and fishing equipment that you need. All items sold by Shop Marine are Australia service guaranteed and are marine quality warranty.
