If you are Planning to buy a boat or vessel, NMC can help you:

• Interview-assess your needs
• Provide consultative information as to Pros-Cons of the different type of vessels, purpose, use such as Fishing, Fishing-Family combo, Family (cruisers), Sport-Fishing Yachts, Gasoline Vs Diesel pros-cons
• Budget, additional expenses-costs to consider

Once you have selected which vessel suits best your needs and budget, then we assist in the search of the best possible option-vessel on the Market through our extensive knowledge-background. We provide assistance with best practices, legal documents, contracts for protecting potential buyer-owner upon the purchase of a vessel-boat.

Regarding Buyer-Seller Agreements; It's essential to include clauses such as successful “Survey-Sea-trial testing” for purchase contract to be valid, etc.

• More often than NOT, lost of money commonly ocurrs the day of the “Purchase”. Yes, believe it or not:
  • Example: The day you purchase a new boat, it is a day of celebration-excitement. Most persons will not think of the day this boat will have to be sold and or traded this early in the process, much less prior to the actual purchase occurs. If the wrong vessel or let’s call it the “least best” choice was made due to lack of knowledge-orientation, the owner may learn a hard lesson at the time to sale this vessel. Several factor’s should be considered:
    • Brand re-sale value
    • Local market needs in regards to the type of vessel
    • Making a good purchase-value will ensure flexibility when negotiating the sale of this vessel in the future, etc.

We also assist-provide info. (based on individual needs-circumstances) as to:

• Title agency’s
• Deposits
• Escrow accounts
• Boat transport services
• Financial-Insurance options

Buying The Perfect Boat

Finding that perfect boat is a real undertaking for an experienced boater. It can be a nearly impossible feat for the new or first time boater. To make the task of finding that perfect boat a little easier, we have outlined some basic tips and suggestions for improving the odds that you end up with the right boat to meet your needs.

What is really important?
Choosing the right boat is a matter of understanding what is really important to you. Will you be using the boat primarily for your own use, i.e. fishing boat or just plan cruising, or will you need to take the considerations of others into account such as your family members. Buying a boat that only suits your own personal needs while neglecting the interest of others, can lead to a disappointing experience or reduced time on the water. There’s nothing worse than a boat that’s two small for your families needs or not used enough because your family can’t fit on it. Be sure to think about what is really important to you and those around you.

How often will you use the boat?
Weekends, infrequent use, or use in different locations probably means your boat should easily fit on a trailer. Keep in mind the larger the boat, the more it will cost to operate, maintain and store. These are often overlooked when buying a new or used boat. A general guideline for boat cost is to take the boats monthly payment and double it for estimating your total monthly outlay. Most boaters do not understand that they will spend that due to added cost for gas, insurance, maintenance and mooring or storing the boat. The good news is boats with Galleys (cooking, head and sleeping quarters) do qualify in most states for a write off as a second home. This can be a great benefit when it comes time to pay Uncle Sam. Often times it allows you to get 30% more boat for the same cash outlay. Check with your accountant before you buy a boat to see what the tax implications are.

Where will you use the boat?
If you plan to use your boat on the Great Lakes or Ocean, you must answer one question first. Will you be taking it overnight and/or far off shore, or for day trips close to shore. There is nothing worse than buying too little boat for your use. If you plan to go far from shore or use it overnight you should select a boat designed for that purpose. We would not recommend a boat under 25 ft for comfortable Great Lakes/Ocean cruising or overnight stays. Be sure your boat has a hull designed for rough water. Some boats are not designed for the type of wave patterns experienced on the Great Lakes. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair due to thier shallow depths create very choppy wave patterns. Boats that do not have deep V hulls will tend to ride rough on these waters. Even day trips can be brutal if you have a boat that is not designed to handle the water you are on. Keep this in mind when selecting your next boat. The oceans present a whole different set of problems. Be sure you talk to fellow sailors before purchasing a boat. It should also be noted that Sailboats tend to work with the wave patterns and do not experience the same problems with discomfort.

What type of boat suits your needs?
Boats typically fall into five categories: Fishing Boats, Power Boats, Sailboats, Personal Watercraft and Self powered boats. Let's look at each one and the various configurations they each have. Keep in mind as to whether you will moor the boat or trailer to your destination.

Get a Survey
Marine surveyors universally recommend new boat surveys, not just because they want the business, but because new boat surveys often turn up as many defects as used boat surveys. Not only can the surveyor tell you a lot about the quality of the boat you're buying, but he can help you get those problems fixed before you take delivery and head off warranty problems before they become problems.

Diesel Engine Surveys
Diesel engines over three years old should be subjected to a full survey. Engine surveys are expensive, but the cost is nothing compared to the repair costs you may face. As with any surveyor, seek out the best you can find. Engines over 5 years old should either have a compression test or the injectors pulled and the cylinders inspected with a boroscope.

Yacht Surveyors
The way to find the best surveyor in your area is to ask people who know and are willing to give you an honest answer. Insurance agents, company claims offices and yard managers are in a good position to know which surveyors know their business. If you want a good surveyor, choose your surveyor carefully.

The next most important consideration is to make sure that the surveyor has adequate time to do his job, along with good working conditions. The surveyor can't do a good job if he's being hustled by a broker or seller. Nor can he do a good job if too many people are present on the boat. As the buyer, you should accompany the surveyor so that you're available to see things first hand. Sea trials should be conducted in open water, not restricted waterways. A brief run up a river, or the Intracoastal, interspersed with no wake zones won't do. If weather conditions don't permit an open water run, be prepared to reschedule another day. It is extremely important to give the vessel a good run.

Purchase Agreements
Make sure that your purchase agreement allows you to cancel the deal if the vessel does not meet your standards. If the seller warrants that he will repair any defects, make sure that you get that in writing, preferably with a maximum dollar amount attached. It is not wise to allow the seller to repair deficiencies himself. The reason should be obvious, but many buyers overlook the possibility that the repairs that the seller makes may not be satisfactory. Indeed, they often aren't. The best procedure is to negotiate a dollar reduction to the sales price and make the repairs yourself, even if there is an element of uncertainty as to cost. Of course you should get cost estimates on deficiencies.
If you can't get away from the seller making repairs, at least stipulate in the contract that the repair firm must be mutually agreeable to both buyer and seller. What you're looking to avoid is the shade-tree mechanic who doesn't do the job right.
Remember that the broker represents the seller, not you, the buyer. If you want to believe their representations, make them put it in writing. That way you have a contract, not just a sales pitch.

Concluding the Deal
Don't be too quick to condemn an otherwise good boat that has a major problem such as a bad engine. If you've done your homework and have researched more than just a few boats, you know what is available and at what price. The old saying that the devil you know is better than the one you don't applies. If you can get serious defects repaired well within economic range, you'll probably end up with a better boat than the next one you look at. The reason is simple: if the problem has manifested, it has become known. When you're looking at boats of comparable age, chances are those boats are also well on the way to having similar problems. Therefore, the more problems that can be discovered and repaired, the better off you'll be.

Some points to keep in mind:

• Make quality a major consideration. Don't try to get the largest vessel that your budget will allow. Better to take a step down in size and a step up in quality.
• If size is a major consideration, seriously consider used versus new as a means of staying within your budget.
• Look beyond glamorous interiors, luxurious upholstery and racy designs: the beauty may only be skin deep.
• Calculate the full cost of ownership, including depreciation, interest, insurance, dockage, fuel and repairs. Figure maintenance as an annual percentage over the period of ownership.
• Seriously consider gas rather than diesel for boats under 35' for which you don't expect to get much use.
• Once you've decided on several possibilities, take a tour of a marina or boat yard and see how the products of those builders hold up over the years. Talk to their owners and see what they have to say.
• Take the time to find the best surveyor in your area.
• Consider the advantage of getting major machinery or parts overhauled or replaced based on a reduction in price.

Boat Seller Information >>