Offer that can't refuse?

[Macless Pete]

I am probably flying next weekend to see a that I think might be the one. I am going to schedule a survey and give a deposit for the boat while I am there. The plan is to drive and pick up the Mac about a month after if everything works out.
My questions for you all are:
1. Is a $1,000 deposit reasonable?
2. What is a good source to prepare a DIY contract document?
3. I am waiting to hear back from the seller on a few details about the boat, but it is hard to negotiate a price without having been on the boat. On the other hand, it only makes sense to me to fly there if we have a pre-agreement on the price, any suggestions/comments?
4. If I am paying with a cashier’s check from a bank, do I have to wait until the PO clears the check to get the title? Putting myself in the owner’s shoes I would not want to give away the title before the check clears, but then again I cannot leave without the title and a cashier's check is way safer than a personal check.

Thanks all,
Still Macless Pete

[Catigale]

I am not a lawyer so this is not legal, but business advice

1 Put the 1000 USD into an escrow account to be released on delivery of a good title.

2 If you are looking to buy at fair market price (anything within 10% of the NADA value) you should so indicate. If you want a pure red negotiating (I win, you lose) then you should expect the seller to do the same - knowing that you are in for a plane trip and a return visit you could expect hardball if you play hardball...is your goal to get into a mac or get into a mac as cheap as possible? (Dont answer here....

3 Same deal with title - have PO put into escrow with same lawyer until check clears, then have lawyer send deposit check to PO and title to you.

4 You should run the HIN with authorities to check for liens and theft of course. Its best if the boat can show its line of registration in the state of use.

[FLembo18]

I agree with Catmandu (Catigale), you could also try and get someone, whose on this board, owns a Mac X, and lives in the area where you're purchasing your Mac, to go with you and check it out. Hopefully, that person isn't BEST friends with the seller. This would be very benefical to you in the long run, then if the price is right.... the deal is real ! Good luck to you with your purchase and your new Mac !

Frank L.

PS: Cat & I would gladly hold the $1000.00 (CASH) for you, but it would only end up in a Lap Dancers garter !

[bartmac]

Given the exchange rate I would hold your money......but the only lapdancer I know has the same last name as me???? and seems to be able to spend what ever monies she comes across

[Gypsy]

We bought our from a man in North Carolina , on Lake Murrary .

We drove up one weekend , test drove the boat , went over it etc.

We came back home and made him an offer . He counter offered , etc

After we made a deal , we drove back up , picked up the boat and paid with a cashiers check .
He gave us a bill of sale and the title.

It was a 500 mile drive one way 2000 miles total , which inculded towing thru downtown Atlanta on I85 , but it was all worth it .

[1st Sail]

I purchased an '06M very lightly used in '08. I spent 2ys reading this board and many marine used boat listing sites. When I got to the serious purchase time I joined Boat US and used their research service. I also contacted a marine surveyor. For a 24k purchase I was taking no chances. Th PO was a straight up guy. I drove a total of 900mi. round trip to inspect the boat. When I got to the sale closing stage I did all negotiation by email so we had a written transcript, offer and acceptance in writing. Prior to close I had the PO email be a scanned copy of the title. That insures you are purching a boat with clear title. I in turn emailed the PO a scanned copy of the cashiers check, name, address, phone numbe and contact for the PO to call an veriy the check. You can also have Boat US handling the closing. Not only will they assist you in determining fair market value I believe they also do a title search verify the title is clear and free of any leins. It is not as cheap as DIY but they do protect you from some of the erros a new boat owner my make. Best of luck. This is a great board with a lot of good people willing to help.