Boat buying process through a broker

As the saying goes... yes, there's always a big but! But I think for the scenario in this thread a seller's split is reasonable. Another approach I've used with a one time FSBO deal is negotiating commission directly with the buyer and negotiating sale price with the seller on a net number. Of course it takes some flexibility and a solid relationship with the buyer.

That said, there is a misconception among buyers and sellers about FSBO. The seller expects to net more money by not paying a commission. The buyer expects to save money because the seller is not paying a commission. It's difficult for both of those things to happen.

I often provide hours of boat operating instruction to a buyer, required insurance certification, and/or deliver the boat to it's new home port. Sometimes I get paid top dollar for that, sometimes I do it as part of the sale. Every deal is different.

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'.

A verbal offers is just conversation and can often portray the buyer as nothing more than a tire kicker. If your offer is 50 cents on the dollar then yes, save a tree and everyone's time and make it verbal, get your rejection, and move on.

If you want to be successful as a buyer submit your offer in writing. A properly written offer is to your advantage - when accepted it commits the seller to close the sale as agreed while you still have inspections and contingencies including the ability to further negotiate. In some cases the seller may not wish to further negotiate but you can choose to complete the sale or walk away ...the seller can't.

Generally, a written offer is taken more seriously. I see sellers reject verbal offers every day, most of the time without a even a split second of consideration. And I've seen those same sellers move way, way, off their original price during the written counter offer process. Ask for whatever you want, but ask for it in writing. As a buyer you really have nothing to lose.

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.