How far would you go . . .?

I was looking for a 1996-98 330DA. Over the course of nearly two years, I looked at boats throughout the Great Lakes. I found used and abused boats, high hours, soft decks and dated equipment at premium asking prices. There were a couple that did merit serious consideration but one thing or another ultimately took them off my list. I eventually ran across a listing from a broker on Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky. That's 500 miles from my home and 700 miles from my home port. The boat was being sold by the original owner, had low hours, was in very good condition, and had always been slipped in a covered slip. My purchase offer was consistent with the value of the boat based on freshwater boats that had sold and took into account the cost of shipping I would need to incur. The seller was motivated so it all worked out for me. I think I've traveled to Kentucky 5 times and spent a week there on the lake this spring. The shipping has been a little more of a project than it should have been but that step should finally be complete in two weeks and the whole purchase process will be over. The long distance purchase was without a doubt a hassle. I had a very good broker to work with there and a marina and marine service that were outstanding in providing services I requested. I'd do it all again to get the right boat.
 
I'd go that far in second for the right boat.
 
We started out looking at the 48 DB, did a survey on a 420 DA and ended up buying a 42 DB. All of this in the space of 4 months. It started out as a fun process as our boat sold within weeks of listing it at the end of the season, but as the process went on it got tiring. We traveled as far as Florida to look at boats twice (this was the fun part as we used it as a mini vacation the admiral and I). But as winter approached we didn't think we would find the right boat. Long story short we ended up finding a boat 25 miles from home and we are very happy with our decision. The 420 DA owner did us a favor by failing the survey and scrapping the deal though we were willing to work them. It cost us a few boat bucks in the end but we are much happier with our current purchase.

Lessons learned:
1. Its well worth the travel to look at boats as pictures, videos etc doesn't show the true state. You or someone you designate has to get eyes on the boat.
2. Some brokers have no clue about the boats they are selling - Buying directly from a seller is your best chance of getting a true sense of how the boat was used or abused.
3. The more boats you look at the better sense you get of how it will fit you and your family, but you need to step aboard.
 
I ended up buying out of Canada, which was not difficult with the right broker. I traveled to Midland and Little Current multiple times as I chased down several boats. In the end, if you can find the right boat, the travel is just part of the adventure.
 
I drove 8 hours one way to get our sundeck. The price was way under book. The lady was getting a divorce and wanted it gone. She facetimed me and we went over the whole boat. I took off the next day and made a two day trip out of it. Glad I did.
 
Sorry I didn't read all the post but you pretty much can get a boat shipped anywhere.

Some of the bigger boats sit for sale for a good period of time so figure out your all in price including shipping and go in at that price.
 
A lot of people will use this forum to see if anyone in a particular area will put first eyes on a boat before travelling a great distance. For instance, our boat is in Sturgeon Bay, so if anyone wanted me to take a look at a boat, I'd be glad to do it. I'm not a surveyor, but know enough to tell you if a sellers description matches what I see. 1st impressions. Mike
 
Once we narrowed our search to a model, we did the local viewings to find we wanted some very specific features (canvas color, engines, helm layout, etc.). This made our pickings very thin, and we opened our search to other states. We traveled 6 hrs (one direction), after a good exchange of pictures, maintenance history and many questions before committing to the drive.

For me, that is about as far as i wanted to travel when you factor, all the back and forth along with the boat transportation logistics. I saw the boat 3x (intial viewing, survey, taking delivery) along with a 2 day run home on the water.

I'd do it again, but its stressful in planning.
 
Distance is not so relevant as long as you factor in transportation costs into what you are willing to pay. Chances are a "sweet" deal from afar won't taste so sweet once you add the transpo cost. It's all in the numbers.
 
I think you go as far as you have to to find a good one.

I'm looking for a very specific boat model, and have been looking all over the country. Fortunately most of them are on the east coast but was considering one in San Diego. Found one in Virginia that got snapped up. Last week I traveled 3 hours to upstate NY for a survey on a boat after seeing it in person. It failed (spectacularly!) and I'm still hunting. I had a line on one in South Carolina but the owner is keeping it after his own purchase fell through. I'm now pursuing one in southern Virginia.

How to not waste time? It's hard. LOTS of photos help. The boat that failed survey was repped by my own broker that had sold it so I was fairly confident in it's condition. FaceTime can help, as mentioned. In the end nothing substitutes for a personal visit. Buying the right boat can be a long, frustrating process. My own journey has been a real roller coaster, I'm ready for it to conclude.
 
bobeast said:
Distance is not so relevant as long as you factor in transportation costs into what you are willing to pay. Chances are a "sweet" deal from afar won't taste so sweet once you add the transpo cost. It's all in the numbers.
Click to expand...
I agree with factoring travel costs, but the trip home can also be part of the experience.
 
PMC said:
I agree with factoring travel costs, but the trip home can also be part of the experience.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. I was thinking more in terms of overland shipping. If by water, I'd probably consider distance a bonus :)
 
Bought a boat in North Carolina, took it back to Miami area where I kept it.

I travel ALOT with work, so looking at boats all over the country is fine with me.

On the last boat we purchased, made several flights looking at boats along the east coast. Would try to arrange more than one boat in driving distance to help efficiency.

Wound up finding the boat we bought on the west coast, liked the location, that became our new boating home.
 
One factor often overlooked is that all the boat manufactures cut production dramatically in 2010 and beyond. There are very few 5-10 year old vessels available and those that are are nice are holding value well, so the market for 15-20 year old boats is tough, you either face competition or find rough boats.

Travel is usually a must to find exactly what one wants.

MM
 
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