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Has anyone bought a used boat, out of state, without actually physically seeing it in person? How would you handle that kind of transaction? Its going to be shipped from seller directly to my summer house. I'd rather not have to fly out to do a transaction, but curious as to how you handle money transfer, title, etc... i feel the seller is legit, but is a private sale, not from a dealer.

Thoughts?

Did you have it surveyed?

My FIL bought a bass boat from a judge, took his word everything was in excellent working order - I mean he's a judge right? - Next summer had to replace the 250hp outboard. Dealer found it had been worked on, pervious person knew it needed a new block, and it had been scabbed back together and sold to my FIL

I would be on a plane to check it over...

Ive Prob bought at least 5 of my last boats like that. I even bought jeepers on here like that.
My 220 I have now like that.
1st where is it. Ask people on forums if they can put eyes on it. Before sending any money get a picture of the title, Dr license and SS number! See now your set with their info. Lol
Get them to take a current video and send it to you. The banks can do a wire transfer. Do ovn shipping on the title and keys and bill of sale. Do your homework. If it doesn't feel good don't do it.

Good advice BBP. You can also set up an escrow for payment, people do this for old cars

perfect, thanks. This boat is 9yrs old with 160 hrs, looks super clean, but again, i can't see with my own eyes. Appreciate the info, definitely would do an escrow acct. Thanks

IntrepidBoater wrote: Thu Mar 04, 2021 7:14 pm perfect, thanks. This boat is 9yrs old with 160 hrs, looks super clean, but again, i can't see with my own eyes. Appreciate the info, definitely would do an escrow acct. Thanks

What state is it in?

You can pay a local dealer to do a once over.

Kansas , I think Shady Creek is the closest dealer

Its listed as McPherson, KS

Bring it to the factory ask them if they can look at it

Big Block Power wrote: Thu Mar 04, 2021 7:58 pm Bring it to the factory ask them if they can look at it

Right. Hull warranty....

Private party sales are terrific and terrifying as funds should transfer as the hitch is dropping on the ball.

I sold a 100k boat with a cash buyer 2,000 miles away.
The buyers bank and mine achieved a verifiable transfer so I released possession as U-ship was pulling up.
I had no idea how to make the buyer feel better or myself but I’m glad our banks were cordial in the process.
Talk to your Bank. As the seller should consult with theirs.
After verification get us some pics!!

I’m 20 minutes away from McPherson. I’m no mechanic, but I’d take a look at it for you.

thanks for all the feedback, the mechanics of this kind of transaction is not ideal, but could be worth the headache for the right boat.

Brokentoy1 wrote: Thu Mar 04, 2021 9:24 pm I’m 20 minutes away from McPherson. I’m no mechanic, but I’d take a look at it for you.

See eyes are everywhere for you. This is what I would use. I would trust anyone on here way before a stranger. I would let anyone on here also get their hands on the title and stuff too. Just saying it's worth paying someone a 100 bucks vs someone you never met. I even paid the person and then my forum buddy took the boat to his house then uship picked it up from his house. Internet weirdos can be your bestest friends!

IntrepidBoater wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 7:28 am thanks for all the feedback, the mechanics of this kind of transaction is not ideal, but could be worth the headache for the right boat.

If you decide to have the boat looked over by a mechanic, you are actually in luck for this part of the state. Barry Dorion owns Barry's Westside Marine just west of Wichita, Ks. Barry was a master mechanic for a Cobalt dealership until the mid-90's, and then he opened his own shop. He is widely recognized as one of the best boat mechanics in the area. His knowledge base is incredible. He works on everything from old classics to the newest boats out there. My boat went straight to him before I ever signed or agreed to anything. He stays very busy, but if you want to know for sure that the boat is mechanically sound, I would think about trying to get the boat to him.

Ironically, thats who I was going to call! thanks, happy to hear he's the right guy