1. What is a 'BUYER'S BROKER'?
Professional boat brokers can represent either the boat buyer, or the boat seller; and in some cases, they represent both.
If you wish to use the services of a buyer's broker, exclusively, the broker will present a range of boats for sale from multiple sources. The broker will typically work on your behalf for a concentrated period of time, culminating in your choice of the right boat at the right price.
When your offer to purchase is made, to a seller's broker, your broker will look after all negotiations, in close consultation with you. You are free to accept or reject your broker's recommendations, but generally he/she will develop a strategy to successfully get you in the boat at a mutually-agreeable price point, with the boat subject to survey and sea trial. Your deal can be subject to financing also, if desired.
A buyer's broker is paid from the proceeds of the sale, not by you directly, unless you wish to make a different arrangement. Typically, boat sellers are responsible for paying commission upon closing.
2. Can any boat be FINANCED?
No. Boat loans are normally based on a combination of factors, given different 'weights' by the finance officer. Sometimes older boats simply won't qualify for a loan, especially if the vessel is more than 20 years old.
In all cases, the used boat must have reasonably good survey results, and the surveyor's report must include an approximate value that is at least equal to the amount you are borrowing. New boats are much easier to finance, but some of the same 'weights' apply during the qualification process.
3. Which season has the BEST DEALS?
The boat business has never really followed a calendar for the best deals. Inventories are typically better in spring and summer, but the fall and winter seasons can bring pleasant surprises around the dates of the Annapolis boat shows, the Fort Lauderdale boat show, and the Miami boat show.
Brokerage boat prices don't always drop in the winter months, however. Many sellers believe they are better off waiting for a ready buyer in the spring or summer, so that's when they're in the mood to negotiate. (Sellers will also be facing a new season of commissioning, insurance, slip fees, etc. if they hold on to their boats.)
Specialty boats, such as trawlers, performance sail boats, and custom yachts, do not fluctuate much in price by season. Market supply of these boats is the major determining factor in pricing, along with top condition appearance and systems.
4. What's the BEST AREA or location to shop for a boat?
Unquestionably, the biggest year-round inventories of new and used boats are found in the mid-Atlantic region, especially on Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis is at the epicenter of this market.
Florida offers good boats, particularly in the winter months, but unless it's a reasonably late-model boat, there are sometimes issues at survey, related to the local habit of infrequently hauling boats for upkeep and inspection. However, for large yachts, southern Florida is a good place to shop with a qualified broker.
New England's boat market has always been interesting, with good diversity of styles and designs. But the area does not have a central sailing capital like Annapolis (apologies to beloved Newport, RI).
West coast boats are widely spread out, from San Diego to Seattle. For trawlers and pilothouse boats, we like several harbors on Puget Sound. For fast sailboats, look to Oakland and the San Francisco Bay area.
Canada's fleet of brokerage boats is generally made up of older vessels, smaller power boats; and, on the east coast, commercial boats and some custom builds. Prices for production sailboats are usually quite a bit higher than they should be.
5. Can I Actually BUY A BOAT ONLINE?
Well, yes you can. However, it's only sensible to get out on the docks with a good broker, to get aboard comparable vessels. Even after you've selected the boat you want, it will still be necessary to survey and sea trial. You can certainly delegate plenty of tasks during the buying process, but why not enjoy yourself? Successful boat buying is part of the experience of becoming a better sailor.
6. Are BOAT SALES PICKING UP?
Brokerage boat sales are showing an upwards trend, mainly in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast USA (May, 2010). Nationwide, sales were up 27% over this time last year. Total valuation of boats sold is up 7%, but this number is constantly adjusted. We're happy to share the industry's latest statistics in greater detail: just ask one of our yacht brokers.
Update, August 10, 2010
Inventories of best-condition brokerage boats are shrinking quickly. While still a Buyers' Market, the selection of available boats is narrowing, especially in the sail boat market, under 45'. Be prepared to factor-in shipping costs if you are searching for a particular make and model that is only available some distance away. Our brokers can advise you on these changes as they occur. We strongly recommend pre-qualifying for boat financing, if required, in order to go to contract quickly.
7. Is it possible to LIVE ABOARD a boat FULL TIME?
It certainly is, and there's a great community of fellow liveaboards in many nice marinas. This subject is not without controversy: several towns, cities, and county governments have tried to restrict liveaboards, or even ban them altogether. But, on the other side of the coin, many waterfront cities recognize and welcome liveaboards, who usually form the basis of a stable, vibrant community. The big issue is taxes, in most cases. Liveaboards don't pay property taxes directly. But a portion of their dock rent/slip fees DOES pay taxes through the marina's revenues. Sewage disposal is another biggie. But progressive cities, working with responsible marina operators, have arranged convenient pump-out services to take care of the problem. If you want to explore the liveaboard life, talk to our brokers about an appropriate boat, with good interior spaces and the right mechanical systems. You'll need excellent heat and AC, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical. Do NOT buy a worn-out boat for liveaboard! And keep in mind that, like a bricks-and-mortar home, everyone who lives aboard needs their own personal space, all to themselves, even if it's just a quiet corner that's curtained off from the rest of the crew.
8. Can You Help Me Build My 'Once In A Lifetime Boat' - MY DREAM BOAT?
Yes. The design and build process is very straightforward. We begin with an initial meeting at your location, to go over your 'wish list' in detail. There are a number of questions and answers that usually flow from this stage, and we try to have a comprehensive discussion that will allow our naval architect to begin your preliminary drawings. This initial meeting should not be rushed, for obvious reasons, and we usually like to spend at least one full day with the client(s). This can be extended to two days, or longer, if necessary. Afterwards, we will begin defining the most important characteristics of your boat, based on the hull style(s) that appeal to you.
Preliminary drawings are produced within 30 days or so, and then 3-Ds can be added, if you would like a 'walk-through' view of the boat at this stage. The drawings are then revised according to your tastes and the designer's technical expertise, until you see the boat as you want it.
Review and revision can go as fast as you wish, or as slowly as you like. These hours are billable, however, so a practical approach is always best. We do allow a certain consultation and design credit for each new boat. This means you will be credited upon delivery of the completed vessel. Your total cost of design depends on the number of revisions, and the size and complexity of the boat, of course. Most clients choose to budget between $25K and $50K for this part of the process.
Once a custom design is finalized, our builders will require a signed order with deposit. From time of signature, to launch, is normally 14-20 months, depending on size and complexity. This includes construction time and approximately one month for sea trials. You will be welcome to visit the boat under construction, or have your surveyor do so.
All boats are USA-built to the highest standards. These are professional vessels, with safety specs that exceed U.S. Coast Guard regs, for example. Importantly, we can incorporate the latest technologies to make each vessel as "green" as possible too: low emissions, high fuel economy, and non-polluting systems for water, waste management, etc. We also favor commercial-grade electronics, utilizing the latest in long-distance integrated nav-com.
9. Why Do You Like New Boats BUILT IN AMERICA?
We insist that any custom-built boats we are associated with come from top of the line construction; and we favor composites, or high grade steel and aluminum for materials. Professional systems and mechanicals are provided by companies like John Deere and Wesmar. All engineering and design is in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard standards, and with the standards and recommendations of the American Boat and Yacht Council, Inc. (ABYC), because, like us, these bodies want safe boats that will bring you home every time.
When you go to that much trouble to ensure a quality boat, it only makes sense to build in America, utilizing the most experienced trades in the world. All phases of the build can be closely inspected on-site, and materials are sourced from reputable companies that stand behind their products, right here in the USA. Notwithstanding the globalization of so many other products, we still believe in the American ethic of "a good job done right, for a fair price". That's why we like boats built in America.
Originally posted on http://AuthenticYachts.com
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