Off to look at another 53MY...Here's hoping!

[jkp1]

Salespeople first. But there's a big difference between going to your local used car lot and being disappointed with that "cream-puff Chevy" and flying halfway around the country to see a six figure plus Hatteras. Many brokers do not seem to care about misrepresenting inventory, even at great cost and inconvenience to the buyer.

My Charleston weekend was not my only disappointment, just the worst. Other brokers with boats within a few hours drive also sugar coated maintenance deferred vessels.

Until there is some incentive (or pain) to encourage brokers to be honest, things will likely remain unchanged. Previous post suggested getting a deck of photo's. That's a good idea. Also asking lots of questions before purchasing airfare makes sense. If I had it to do over, I probably would have contacted another broker in the Charleston Area to check it out before I went. His incentive would be a split commission if there were a sale, but a second opinion would have been helpful.

Mike, hang in there and keep looking. Frustrating as it was, I did eventually buy a boat I'm happy with.

[PascalG]

I can't imagine buying a 53 with smoked mirrors everywhere... yikes... the wood is an important part of these boats...

I agree with you, don't call it a 10 if it not... no adjustemnt for age... mechanically, there is nothing sujective... it works and show no sign of impending failure or it doesn't. if the A/Cs are rusted, the heads don't work... it's not a 10.

cosmetically, it's harder to judge but again... a 10 will a boat with new or near perfect paint, good brightwork, new or very recent canvas, etc...

if he never saw the boat, he should have made this clear but again, this kind of attitude is not a surprise...

there is a nice 73 in Ft Lauderdale, listed on YW at 239k. I saw it last year but when I called back to make an offer, it was under contract. I guess it didn't go thru although I woudl wonder why it is still for sale 9 months later. Interior was nice (wood finished with glossy varnish), new galley, new genset, recently rebuild engines (with paperwork) but no staiblizers. electronics dated but that's no big deal.

[mikep996]

Pascal,

Think I'll call the Ft Lauderdale broker re the boat you mentioned. I had seen it on YW and we have been talking about looking at some in FL. Heck, maybe I'll have David Pascoe survey it...that should scare the heck out of them!

It's an interesting, but frustrating search...

[jim rosenthal]

You might try Eric at Bayport Yachts here in the Kent Island area....(Maryland) if Chesapeake Bay is within your looking area. There are a few nice shed-kept 53 MYs here and generally some are for sale. He will give you the straight shoot on boats, from my experience.
Note that I am NOT a principal or owner in Bayport Yachts, they are friends of mine and I do not work for them.
It is indeed a shame that you got misled...decoration is always a matter of opinion (someone someplace must like smoked mirrors, I suppose) but mechanicals are either good or they are not. The broker should not have taken the owner's word for the condition of the yacht, he should have previewed the boat in person, or at the very least gotten a video to you of the boat, one made recently. Taking the owner's word does not constitute due diligence in my book.

[PascalG]

Mike, if you get positive info from the broker and get serious about the boat, I'll be glad to take a look and take some digitals before you spend money on a trip or survey... after almost a year of ownership.. i learned a lot...

it was actaully my first choice...although the one I got was a close 2nd... missed it by a few days I think.. i wanted to wait till closing on a condo befoe making an offer

pascal

[spartonboat1]

If you are looking at 53's, there is a very nice 58 YF at Toledo Beach West in Grand Haven Mich...been there a year or so in the low 300's, high 200's. Saw exterior in person and looked good...all I know...

[mikep996]

You guys are great; we really appreciate the help and the offers to assist. The Admiral's working in Wash DC now - she commutes down there on Monday's, back here on Friday's. So after we make contact with Eric, she'll take a "first" look at what's available in the MD area.

She's pretty knowledgeable and I'm confident that if she is comfortable with a boat, I probably will be. Although she's no mechanic, she knows what well-cared-for looks like. At least if she thinks it's OK, it's worth looking at.