There is an important distinction between real estate and boat brokerage here. In most states, "representation" and "fiduciary obligation" when it comes to real estate, including seller's brokers, buyer's brokers and in some states dual agency are clearly defined in the regulations, and there's paperwork, disclosure, to be signed by all involved to go with it. Who gets to see what file in which office is regulated, period.
I am not aware this is happening anywhere in the boat brokerage business, but set me straight if I'm wrong.
If I am correct it's really nice for a boat broker to play buyers broker and I am sure some are doing that with a self imposed fiduciary obligation to the buyer, whilst building a solid reputation doing so, but since it is not regulated there is no recourse on the buyer's part if things go pear shaped, and they do. Often.
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