Other: Best source for FSBO ?

[utazo89]

In your experience, what is the best source for FSBO boats, besides the TF/Craigslist/buyer broker?

Thanks.

 

[lowcountry]

Boat Trader?

 

[BlindHog]

Boattrader and craigslist are your primary sources. Locally, walk the docks. If you know what you want talk to local owners. You never know when one is ready to sell. If you see one listed, get a broker on your side. The seller pays their commission so it costs you zero and you will RARELY get a better deal working solely with the listing broker.

 

[utazo89]

I would walk the docks, but most of the marinas, where the owners are present, locked. The open ones are brokerage areas.

 

[CPseudonym]

I would walk the docks, but most of the marinas, where the owners are present, locked. The open ones are brokerage areas.

Buy, a dinghy...

 

[utazo89]

Buy, a dinghy...

It won't fit into my shoulder bag....lol

 

[CPseudonym]

Keep it in the marina.

 

[CraigC]

You could also talk with the for-hire captains/pilots in the area, boatyard employees, and marina staffers. They might know of owners who have been kicking around the idea of selling or may be prepping a boat for sale.

That said, is your reason for asking because you have run out of inventory at brokerages? Or you are trying to bypass any involvement of a broker? FSBO's not already in boat trader or CL may simply be not very motivated to sell, not wanting to field lots of calls from their ads, but rather just enjoying their boat until they trip over someone willing to pay top dollar for whatever reason.

Also visit boat builders online owners' clubs, as some have classifieds sections.

 

[IRENE]

In your experience, what is the best source for FSBO boats, besides the TF/Craigslist/buyer broker?

Thanks.

Each area I have lived in has had a local paper or magazine that has classifieds...here in our region it is Northwest Yachting. In the last few years it seems like internet listings are more thorough and more frequently updated.

I sold my previous two boats via craigslist and internet forums.

When it's time, I intend to sell IRENE myself, then work with a buyer's broker for our next purchase.

What type of boating mission do you have, and what are you searching for?

Jeff

 

[utazo89]

Keep it in the marina.

Not a bad idea, thanks.

 

[utazo89]

You could also talk with the for-hire captains/pilots in the area, boatyard employees, and marina staffers. They might know of owners who have been kicking around the idea of selling or may be prepping a boat for sale.
Also visit boat builders online owners' clubs, as some have classifieds sections.

These are good ideas.
I am starting to take classes locally by captains, who are giving courses under the Coast Guard umbrella. Who know, I might find good contacts there.

To your other question; let's just say, I had really bad experience(s) in both directions.
My request is mainly for information, just to see, if there are other sources I have not used, yet.

 

[utazo89]

Each area I have lived in has had a local paper or magazine that has classifieds...here in our region it is Northwest Yachting.
What type of boating mission do you have, and what are you searching for?

Jeff

That is true, local newspaper. I missed out on that one. Thanks.

Mission?
45-55', LRC, future live-aboard, limit 150K.

 

[CraigC]

Mission?
45-55', LRC, future live-aboard, limit 150K.

I was looking for similar and found that it is very hard to get over 48' under $150K in any kind of acceptable condition. I tried (well, looked at) a Tolly 48 - too small for what I wanted.

While not exactly LRC's, in the PNW I had these on my radar for potential liveaboards, that might fit at your <= $150K target:

86 Symbol (reduced from $189K, still looks overpriced, but 'tis the season...)
1986 Symbol Yachtfisher CPMY Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

91 TransWorld (know nothing about this builder. And 800 gallons of water? Ready for the apocalypse yet?)
1991 Trans World CPMY Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

87 WestBay 45 (my #1 pick out of these - local builder - just double-check the engine listed, I think it's a typo)
1987 Westbay Pilothouse Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

1979 Vic Franck 53 Raised Pilothouse Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
(you will have to accept the VT903's on that)

 

[utazo89]

I was looking for similar and found that it is very hard to get over 48' under $150K in any kind of acceptable condition.

- I agree. It is not easy, although, exists:

1983 Canoe Cove Sedan Bridge Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
I wanted to buy this one, but the broker does not like me, I think.
Long story....


86 Symbol (reduced from $189K, still looks overpriced, but 'tis the season...)
- Yes, overpriced and I am not into fishing.


91 TransWorld (know nothing about this builder. And 800 gallons of water?
- I have been eying this one. Let see, if the price comes down?

87 WestBay 45 (my #1 pick out of these - local builder
- Local builder sounds good. 45', I don't know.




I normally search on YW the $50K-200K range and 45'-70' length in the PNW. If I see something, I try to visit the boat in person. The only thing I don't think I could handle is a wood hull. I like wood, but have no time, or energy, for all the work.
Luckily, I am not in a hurry, so I can wait a year, or two. Miracles happen....

 

[CPseudonym]

In addition to Northwest Yachting don't forget the sailing rag(is that redundant) 48 North. I've seen plenty of large diesel cruisers in it.

 

[utazo89]

In addition to Northwest Yachting don't forget the sailing rag(is that redundant) 48 North. I've seen plenty of large diesel cruisers in it.

Yes, I have it bookmarked:

"The Magazine" | 48ºNorth.com

Mostly sailboats in the private ad section. The rest is brokers' lists.