Sea Trial; It went well, then it didn't. AITAH?

Could just be a July 4th holiday thing.

Well, the process is what you make of it. As others have suggested, I don’t think your strategy got you off to a good start. But what’s done is done.

It’s been two weeks. That’s enough time for the seller and the broker to figure out what’s going on with the boat and get back to you with specifics - at a minimum. Really there should have been enough time to get the issues resolved and the trial run and haul out completed before the holiday.

I realize the captain had a family tragedy. That’s unfortunate but in that case the seller hires someone else for the day.

If I understand you correctly, you’ve heard nothing? If so then I think the seller is just not willing to do what needs to be done to get his boat sold. If that’s the case, or whatever the case, there’s still no excuse for the broker not keeping you informed. Unless he did and I missed that part.

Well there you go. Looks like a happy ending after all. A clean bottom on trial run day is a pretty basic requirement. A quick pre run before you started spending money would have saved you some grief.

I don’t know where you’re coming up with the joyride characterization. I’m talking about a trial run after an accepted offer and deposit but before spending money on inspections. It can be abbreviated and resumed later. But it’s not a joyride.

I’ve done hundreds of boat deals. Many hundreds actually. This strategy has been standard procedure for me not every time, but every time I have concerns about the boat or the seller’s knowledge of the boat.

If a seller is unwilling to accommodate a reasonable request I think it’s best for everyone else to know that up front. And sometimes they don’t want to.

On the other hand, to keep a deal moving along I’ve seen sellers fix a problem on a boat so fast it will make your head spin.

More knowledge going into a sale means more success coming out of it. And less aggravation in the middle.

Sounds good. I have a couple questions. I would never ask someone to take me for a ride for free no matter how serious I was. Would it be frowned upon if I said I’ll cover fuel cost for a ride?

Any guesses how long that stuff that was growing on the boat? How was it cleaned off? Pressure washer? Would driving the boat at the fastest speed have stripped it off eventually?

Perhaps it was just about presentation and order. Specifying an upfront "sea trial" in your offer -- prior to your sequence of "wet survey in slip. Sea Trial. Haul out, dry survey." -- is different from "asking for a ride" after the contract is in place.

Also, "sea trial" and "ride" aren't the same thing, anyway.

Seems like you've solved it, though, so your way and the way it's worked for others -- all mentioned here -- might at least guide some future subscriber.

In our transactions, it's been common for the sequence to have been movement to the lift, haul-out and powerwash, survey, then sea trial -- not terribly unlike your experience. Except on the last one, this boat, travel to the lift was several miles and about an hour... so we happened to be able to get a feel for what to expect early on in the process.

-Chris

Ive sold lots of helicopters and I only charged for fuel if the people were local. I figure if they came a long way, they’re serious. If they are local, I’m not sure if they just want a joyride. Often times, I said $200 non-refundable deposit. (I don’t mind covering fuel if they buy the aircraft) Just the fact that they offer to pay for fuel makes me feel better whether i except it or not.

I just don’t follow how it’s a big hassle to take it out if I offer money. I don’t mind if the amount of money is slightly more than fuel cost. This is before I sign any contracts. Would I really be offending someone? I’m not talking about going out for hours, just enough time to evaluate stuff. (Maybe 30 minutes)

Just out of curiosity, how long is a “sea trials” to you guys? Is there a reason I should want to go out longer than 30 minutes? Sorry for the questions. (I’m really new to this)

Talk to your surveyor and engine assessment person on how long they need. It will depend on the boat and how many systems need to be checked while underway. Also how long does it take to get to open water ? 30 mins is almost certainly not enough time. Several hours or more is more likely.[/QUOTE]

When you say open water, is this just to get out of a “no wake” area? Or are you wanting bigger waves for some reason?