Buying a boat from out of state (what's the best way to do it?)

[TexasA&M]

Howdy -

I've been eyeing Nautiques in general for a very long time and have finally decided that a 216 direct drive is what I want. I've been looking online and have found a couple of boats, but unfortunately none of them are local. Been chatting back and forth with one in particular and might get serious about it soon. Anyone have any pointers on what the best course of action is on something like this? I'd like to have an impartial third party check it out on my behalf (I'm too excited to think clearly, and the seller wants to sell the boat, so he's not exactly objective either). I want to know things like how shiny the gelcoat is and what isn't perfect on the boat. I've thought about seeing if the seller would be willing to take it to the closest dealer and have them give it a good look (not sure how much this would cost). Then there is shipping and payment. What is the best way to handle a large financial transaction like this? Has anyone ever had a boat shipped?

Thanks for any pointers you can give. I'm hoping to find a good boat before the spring so that I'm ready to go for next summer!

- Steve

[Quinner]

I would never buy a boat without looking at it and driving it unless it was a "project boat" at a fire sale price. Where is this boat at, perhaps another member is in the area and could put eyes on it for you? If for some reason that is not an option get lot's of pics and video, if truly interested have it taken to the nearest dealer for an inspection and do the transaction thru them. UShip is your best option on shipping as long as the trailer is sound and boat is properly prepped for the haul to you.

[markj]

How old are the boats you're looking at?

[hondaprlud]

I've bought 2 boats from out of state. One from a private seller and one from a dealer.

The private seller transaction was about a 4 hour drive from home and after the negotiating via phone, my daughter and I made a road trip up to water test and complete the purchase.

The dealer transaction was over 12 hour drive away. I had a member of the forum put some eyes on it to verify the dealer was describing it accurately (he was). The dealer completed a compression test of the engine. They were a Malibu dealer and had a good reputation in their market. I decided to go for it without a water test. The dealer lined up a friend to meet me half way with the boat, so we took a 6 hour road trip. I obviously had to pay for the boat before they'd deliver it. It was really nerve wracking but it worked out. Not sure I'd do that with a private seller.

[TexasA&M]

I'm looking at direct drive 216s between 2004 and 2008, give or take. I'm open to any year within my price range or condition requirements (missed out on a great deal on a '99 Sport last week and want to make sure I don't miss the next one). The boat I'm looking at right now is in CA (I'm in TX), but I probably need to just slow down and wait to see if anything local pops up. The boat in Cali though does look to be in excellent condition and is optioned the way I want. I was thinking that I could possibly see if the local Nautique dealer would be the 3rd party in the deal and coordinate all of the exchanges and shipping (not sure how much they would charge for this though).

Either way, I was just curious as to how other folks have done it since I've seen a LOT of boats that are for sale out of state. When you're looking at boats this old, the condition of each one can vary widely and I'm looking for something that was really well taken care of. Not sure if I'll get lucky enough for one to show up in the DFW area.

Thanks for the pointers so far!

[mlsurfco]

Have them get a 3rd inspection done (at your dime of course). I got screwed by trusting a dealer once. Its a drop in the bucket compared to what could happen...

[cedarcreek216]

If you are not in a huge hurry go to Buxton and tell Phil and Andrew what you are looking for and they will find it. You are fortunate to have them as your local dealer, take advantage of it.


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[sarasetp]

I have purchased several cars and will now be purchasing a boat. Each of these transactions were more than 12 hours away. One of my cars required a round trip plane ticket. Negotiate the price and set your expectations about the condition of the boat up front. Have them take a lot of pictures and get in writing via email that they describe the boat exactly the way you expect it to be. For instance, any blemishes, scratches, tears, rips, dents, dings on exterior or interior. That the boat is a great working order. Once you have in writing and in pictures that everything meets your expectations, have them take a deposit from you so no one buys the boat out from under you. But have them put in writing that your deposit is fully refundable upon your physical inspection and satisfaction. This will still require you to make the trip. But given that it is real money, you would want to do that anyway. You have to weigh out the hassle factor against how great this boat meets all of your needs and at a great enough price to make up for the hassle factor.

At least, this is how I proceed with my transactions. I have found that with high ticket items like boats of this kind or nice cars, you really cannot limit yourself locally. You need to do a national search. The internet has really democratized our buying clout and has given the consumer a great deal of leverage to get what they want/need rather than settle on something because it is simply close to home.

[NaughtyNautique]

Here's one in Texas. It's not mine, I had just come across it.

http://www.onlyinboards.com/2004-Cor...xas-61038.aspx

[TexasA&M]

I found that one this morning right after I posted up here. May go take a look at it this weekend as it looks pretty nice.

I also hadn't thought about working with the local dealer to find what I want. I met Phil at the boat show last year and talked with him a bit about the 200OB. I'll hit him up and see what he thinks about finding a good 216.

[nyryan2001]

Buxton x1000. Phil and Andrew are the best.... you can trust them with your money.

[TexasA&M]

Here's one in Texas. It's not mine, I had just come across it.

http://www.onlyinboards.com/2004-Cor...xas-61038.aspx

I'm actually going to look at this one this weekend. Is there anything that I should look at specifically? What are y'alls thoughts on the price? After talking with the guy, it sounds like it's in excellent condition all around. I really like the bimini (it's a custom job) because of the coverage and the height. The stereo is also legit; all top of the line stuff only 2 years old.

Let me know what y'all think!

- Steve

[EXTREMEFUN1300]

I was looking any 2002-2006 SAN210 in the US, willing to travel providing I thought the boat was worth it. I was set to take a 13hr trip to Oklahoma from Chicago, but after A LOT of specific current photos and even a live facetime walk around of the boat I'm super glad I didn't. Ended up finding one 6hrs away in Minneapolis, and it was MUCH nicer in person than the seller described in his ad. LOTS of photos, even underside of the trailer will tell you a lot about the condition and how it was cared for.
As mentioned above, make sure the seller understands the price you negotiate over the phone/email is pending your approval of an accurate description once you see it in person. If you're bringing cash that's fine, but if you're bringing a certified check make it out for a few grand less than agreed price, and bring the balance in cash just in case you have some sticking points and there's room for further negotiation. In my case I couldn't hand the full amount over fast enough, but better safe than sorry.
Good luck with your search, I bought mine 5 weeks ago and unfortunately have to put it away for the season before I even boarded behind it, but I don't think you have to worry about that where you're at.

[TexasA&M]

I think that's about where I'm at. There are a few local ones around here that I'm going to check out so that I can get a good feel for the boat. Then if something pops up within 4 or 5 hours, I'll be ready to roll out if necessary. IT makes it tough when you're looking for something specific that is nearing 10 years old... there just isn't a lot out there to choose from and you've got to be ready to move fast on it. I missed out on a PRISTINE '99 Sport because I wasn't ready to pull the trigger. Lesson learned....

[Quinner]

Be sure and bring your ski, all the extra stuff hanging on that tower will effect the wake, also take note how much fuel it has, that also makes a difference in wake.
Boat looks very clean with low hours but the ask is way high IMO, 3k add for the stereo? What is he going to do change everything out if you don't want it, lol
Re: the stereo, unless he has the original clarion deck the remote on the dash probably does not work. If original deck ask how you play music from your I-device unless you plan on only using CD's, lol.
As a comparison, neighbor just picked up an 04' 206 comparably equipped, less hours and as clean for 24k down in NC. Would bet that boat was about 40kish brand new.