Should I persue it??

[eyepatrol]

Okay, I know in other posts in other forums I've said that we're waiting until next spring to purchase a boat and I've discussed thoroughly on whether to get new, new non-current, used, model, etc. But today I came across a boat I feel might be just too good to pass on and would like some thoughts. First off, it's a used, 2004 Alumacraft Tournament Sport 175 with a '04 Yammi 150hp 4-stroke ("very very low hours"), Minnkota 65AP, Lowrance X51, Lowrance X125, 3 bank on-board charger, Shorelander trailer with swing tongue and spare, transom saver, 4 rod holders, travel cover, 4 seats, and stereo with cd player. That's what I know right now. The OBO price being asked is $18,500 (previously listed at $20K).

What do you guys think? Pending a review of the rig, but if it's problem free, would this be a great deal? Seems as though it would be to me.

[iffwalleyes]

Cool Enjoy the new ride. That Yamaha is a sweet motor you'll like it.

[eyepatrol]

Well the saga continues! Or should I say drama? I'm sure some will get a kick out of this, but thought it would be worth mentioning.

Last week I had been in contact with the private seller regarding his boat. We got a loan pre-approved and set up ready to go. Our finance agent needed the seller to fill out a few simple forms, plus I told the guy I needed to take a test drive of the rig, if nothing else for him to show me the ropes of the boat.

That was last week Thursday. Haven't heard a peep from him since. I tried calling 3 times without him answering his cell phone, messages are not being returned, sent an e-mail that hasn't been replied to, our finance agent hasn't seen anything come in.....nada.

This non-responsiveness and unavailability got me all nervous and concerned. Not sure if he's busy with work or what, but obviously he's not motivated enough to sell or we'd have the boat in our garage by now (or at least some sort of communication on his part).

So, we're backing out of the deal. It may be a case where he simply hasn't been available, but to me the lack of communication and committment to taking care of things on his end throws up all kinds of red flags.

So, I thought some may be interested in hearing this. Buying from a private seller can save money and all, but one also needs to be able to notice the red flags if they pop up, either by lack of communication, lack of willingness to take care of things on their end of the deal, unwillingness to do a test drive, etc.

We have now decided to buy the same type boat from a guy who works for a dealership. It's basically a demo boat that he is selling to us as a private sale. He has been in continuous contact with me and has given me a lot of information about the boat and is obviously very eager to sell it so he can work on ordering his next boat. The price is nearly the same as the other private seller too, so we're not taking a big loss or anything.

Sometimes a great deal isn't always a great deal...you gotta be comfortable with not only the boat, but the person you're buying from too.

[marine_man]

Sorry to hear it didn't work out...

Good luck on this deal! Post some pics when you get a chance!

marine_man

[eyepatrol]

I'll post pics when we get it. Main reason why I even mentioned this is because, although it is very exciting to get a boat, one still has to be careful in that it doesn't turn out to be a bad experience and they don't get caught up owning a boat that goes awry on them. Again, maybe everything was just fine with the rig, but the lack of communication and response throws up a lot of red flags for me. Better to walk away and start all over than to put yourself in a bad position.