Scam or not?

M

Mikemapva

Active Member
Aug 6, 2007
631
Potomac River, VA
Boat Info
2001 Chaparral Signature 300
Engines
Twin 5.0 Volvo DPs with 7KW Kohler
As many of you probably do, I spend time looking at boats for sale online (even non Sea Rays). Last night, I found this ad on Craigslist for a 2003 Cobalt 360 cruiser. There were actually 2 in a row and I responded to both and got a response from the first one.

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/bod/3168282223.html

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/bod/3167232199.html



The price looked low, so I searched online for comparable boats online and saw a range on yachtworld from around 90K to 170K. I decided to respond to the Craigslist ad and this is the response I got.

Hi,
Thank you for contacting me about my 2003 Cobalt 360 36' Cruiser that I have for sale. This boat is in great shape (67 hours,Engine Model: Twin Mercruiser 496 Mag HO Engines (425 hp each), Engine Make: Mercury, Length (feet): 36, Hull Material: Fiberglass). I'm the original owner. It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects, never been in salt water. It is in immaculate condition,meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident. I do have the title, clear, under my name.My husband and I divorced last year,after the divorce I was awarded with the boat, I don't need it and that's why I'm selling it so cheap and also I have a mortgage and I need the money very quickly.The total price is $28,500 including delivery and handling. It is located in Fort Worth, TX. I recently moved here after I divorced. We can use eBay protection program for our safety and for payment I prefer to use a eBay's buyer protection plan. The financial part will be managed by them. Which means that you will have 5 days inspection period before committing to buy the boat, a refund policy is included. The deal will go strictly according to eBay rules and policy. There are no other costs on this transaction through eBay. If you want me to reserve the boat for you, just let me know.Final Price $28,500.00 (shipping included)
All the best to you and your family!
Mia Carter
P.S. Here you can see more pic and specs: http://img405.imageshack.us/slideshow/webplayer.php?id=48980811.jpg


I can't see the pictures through my firewall at work, so I'm not sure if they show any damage or red flags or not.


I'm not particularly interested in this style of boat, but I'm wondering whether any of you think this is legit.

Mike
 
Hi Mike...

The pics are pretty sweet. Tri-axle trailer, blue hull, white topsides. It has a whack of bells and whistles. IF it's for real with the email you got.

At that price it would be worth the trip to look at it in person and hand over cash. Online payment for this type of thing scares me personally.

They say "if it sounds too good to be true, it is" I get a lot of Paypal only emails from scam artists for purchasing a boat I have for sale. That email reads a bit like one of those.

That's my 2 cents.

Mark
 
Call me a pessimist but that's a lot of boat for under $30k.

Usually boats to good to be true are not what they appear.
 
I dont know if its a scam or not but when I got divorced my x got my boat and she unloaded it for crap money just to pi$$ me off and it worked let me tell you. So it could be real,if it was id buy it and flip it for that money.But im here in the NE
 
Ask the lady to enter into a contract for sale, give here a $100 deposit thru paypal on a credit card and then ask her to fax you a copy of the title. If it is in a joint name or her husband's name, then you need a copy of the court order granting her sole ownership. If all that checks out, I'd go to Texas.....that is way too cheap, but the ad doesn't have any of the red flags you usually see in a scam ad.

I got serious about a 36 Cobalt a few years ago, but never could get together with the seller and that is a $350,0000 boat when new.
 
I just bought it. I got her down to 24K.
 
Is it just me or do those photos not seem to portray a 36 footer (?)
 
SCAM!!!

There is no phone number which is a red flag for me. I saw a mint 2006 220 Sundeck advertised locally on CL for $3800. No phone number so I emailed and "she" said it was a divorce situation and....here's the kicker....the shipping would arranged by Amazon. She lives here but the boat was in Indiana...moved here after the divorce. hahah.... I fell off my chair laughing.
 
I found this article on a Craigs List scam article:

Avoid Unrealistically Low Prices - If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. There are thousands of ads on Craigslist every day that seem unbelievably cheap. I once found a $16,000 motorcycle on there for $2,900. The catch? The bike was 'out of state' in storage. The seller would have gladly sent me pictures of the bike and then proceed with a shady transaction where I would have to pay via MoneyGram and then have the bike shipped to me. This is absolutely classic SCAM material.
 
Ron,

It does seem small on the inside for a 360. Shouldn't it have a fixed bed fwd at least? It smells a little fishy to me with the "shipping included" statement. That cost can vary greatly depending on location. What is her seller rating? Has she sold big items before? BTW: What's with the campers in trhe background? Call me cynical but I am a skeptic at heart. I would pass but that is just me.
 
Coast Guard Vessel Documentation
Data found in current database. Vessel Name: PLAN B USCG Doc. No.: 1158315
Vessel Service: RECREATIONAL IMO Number: *
Trade Indicator: Recreational Call Sign: *
Hull Material: FRP (FIBERGLASS) Hull Number: FGE36006H203
Ship Builder: COBALT BOATS FIBERGLASS ENGINEERING INC Year Built: 2002

Length (ft.): 26
Hailing Port: ELEPHANT BUTTE NM Hull Depth (ft.): 7.8
Owner: Hull Breadth (ft.): 10.5
Gross Tonnage: 14
Net Tonnage: 11
Documentation Issuance Date: January 11, 2005 Documentation Expiration Date: January 31, 2006

Previous Vessel Names: No Vessel Name Changes Previous Vessel Owners: TRUST AGREEMENT DTD 8/12/99
TRUST AGREEMENT DTD 8/12/99
 
My wife and i found our 330 DA 1993 for a steal. We actually took the leap to travel to see it. It was on several respected boat sites as well as eBay. All told web actually took ownership, cash deal. It wad listed for 28k and was wanting to sell fast. They also offered many of the options on ebay, but since we went to see it, ended up being a cash deal for $7300. I almost fell out of my chair but had to keep my composure to make sure the deal was done. T's crossed I's dotted. Family is now having the best boating year ever. And did I mention the boat was solid, surveyed after ownership, I know I know, got lucky but it was in such great shape. So my point, ya never know.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2
 
SCAM. I know someone in TX. Get the address and he will look at it for you. Bet she balks at that.
 
I have responed to the adv. with an offer to purchase the boat for their asking price less the shipping.
I have asked for a copy of the clear title and have requested the location of the boat.
I have offered cash or wire transfer funds with a noterized title with me present at the time of signing. this can be arranged at the time of pickup. I bet that I never hear from them and if I do I will buy the boat.
 
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