Boat buying process through a broker

You phrased it better than I did:
"If you can find an FSBO you have the potential to cut deeper in your negotiations since they're not paying commission, but often you can actually do better with a 3rd party who'll tell the seller the offer's good", but that's exactly the point. Anyone can put a deal together but who's more likely be
successful, you or the seller who've maybe dealt in the market once or twice (and not recently) or a broker who's put together dozens if not hundreds? Every man to his trade. And yes, the full comission is due if the broker shows the boat once and makes the deal. It balances out with the ones he shows 100 times before a deal.

You don't need an admirlty lawyer. The guy you had when you bought your house will do. You're not buying a mega-yacht flagged in the Bikini. But you do want protection.

The smart negotiator gets as many concessions as possible before signing anything or putting money down. Then it's 'I can wire you the deposit in 10 minutes if we can throw ______ in'.

I definitely disagree. True, the written offer is the one that's taken seriously, but that's not where you want to start negotiations. They start with an offhand comment/offer to check the atmosphere. First locate several boats that fit the bill. See the one you expect to buy first. Then make an offer you're ready to back up that 'will keep you from doing any more shopping'. It'll be rejected, but he knows he has competition. Narrow down the field to at least 2 boats that fit the bill, and work them against each other until you've gotten as much as you can. Then prepare your final/written offer, fair to both of you. If that's rejected go to choice 2.
I've been involved in deals (not just on boats) where I've squeezed it until the seller couldn't stand me, but it's more fun if everyone can leave happy.
(I once bought a car and collected on one of those 'We'll meet or beat anyone's price or we'll......' pitches.) That was fun, but it's taxing when sellers are literally cursing you out as they pay you for not being able to match a deal.

A verbal offer is worth the paper its written on.

You obviously don't understand what I said. Do you consider yourself a good negotiator? I consider myself a very good one. First, one person controls the negotiations, and that's determined early in the process even though the one who is not in control doesn't realize its happened. Second, you have to mine for the bottom line. That comes way before any written offer.

Indeed I may not understand you. It might have to do with what an offer is and my lack of understanding of the term "comment/offer". I, when selling, try never to negotiate against myself. Therefore, when asked well I take $XXXX.xx most oftenly my response is "Make an offer." By which I am always implying put some money on the table. I do agree with your comment about mining At least with me (re boats) my asking price is what it is --- at least 'til there is earnest money in an escrow (preferred) or broker's separate account.

It's all in the subtleties. The last 3 or 4 deals I've been involved with we were faced with "Firm" asking prices. In the end we had them down by well over a third. P.S. I never represent sellers, and I'm not a broker of any sort. I don't work for commissions, just the gratitude of those I help.