Proven Tips, Tools and Tactics to Successfully Buying a Boat on Ebay

By: Patricia Abney

The Internet is an astonishing and incredible modern creation and there's no reason why boaters, sailors and yachtsmen shouldn't take advantage of the buying opportunities on hand inside the "Worlds largest marketplace." This series is about buying and selling boats on the internet. The opportunities are astounding, particularly in this current market, but our series can save you time, stress and help you avoid some costly mistakes.

You're "all in". You've decided that you're buying a boat and you're looking at doing it on ebay. Here are some of our priceless tips and tools to get you started, and they won't cost you a dime.

Know what you can afford, and the total costs. Set guidelines for what you're willing to pay. All bids on eBay are binding so you should make certain that you know how much you can afford first. View final prices on other eBay Motors listings for similar boats by looking at Completed Items from search results (use Advanced Search and select "Completed items" from the "Item Status" drop-down menu; also select "Other Vehicles" from the "Search in categories" drop-down menu). You can only look at completed listings if you are a registered ebay member. (If you are not registered yet, it's free, just clear here to do so.) If a boat is selling at a price far below fair market price, use added caution as to the nature of the transaction.

Know your total costs and how you'll cover them. Owning a boat isn't just about the dough that you handed over to aquire it. Think of the storage fees, registration, fuel, upkeep, toys, toys, and did I say toys? What should the boat buyer look out for when buying on ebay?

Learn about the boat. Review the description thoroughly. The description is the seller's opportunity to elaborate on all the particulars of the boat - the condition, terms of sale, any guarantee, etc. Some descriptions are more effective than others, and the best sellers will be very complete. If you have a question that isn't addressed in the description, contact the seller (use the "Ask seller a question" link at the top of the listing). Don't hold off until the end of the auction. Also, be aware that many Sellers do not wish to negotiate the price or reserve price (after all, that's what the auction marketplace is for), but would like to answer any questions that you may have. Assume the boat is sold in "as is" condition.

Make an independent appraisal of the condition of the boat and again, contact the seller with any inquiries about condition before giving an offer. Be practical in your expectations of used or older boats - expect average "wear and tear". Also, the listing should have heaps of photographs showing all details of the boat including scratches and any other damage, etc. Request more photos if you're uncertain about anything.

Ask questions. Once again, click "Ask seller a question" If you cannot reach your seller, or your seller is inaccessible by email and/or phone, don't attempt to purchase the boat until you can make contact and the seller answers your questions to your satisfaction. By eBay policy, if you are unable to reach the seller during the course of the auction, you may retract your bid once it has been placed.

Learn about the seller. Know your seller and review his/her feedback rating. Check the seller's feedback rating for favorable comments and to see if the seller has sold similar items in the past. Feedback is a vital part of buying and selling on eBay. It provides crucial information to buyers and sellers about the people with whom they are transacting. As such, it is one of the most effective ways to build trust and a reputation on the site. Be sure to look at every seller's complete feedback history, and not necessarily eliminate someone with a few negatives. The same applies to sellers just starting out who have no or very little feedback. Everyone has to start somewhere, and all of ebay's best sellers (and buyers) started with 0 feedback at one time. Give them a chance, but once again, be sure to talk to the person so that you are able to form your own judgement.

Bidding over $15,000? Be sure to have your credit card on file first! You are required to have a credit card on file with eBay if you bid more than $15,000 on an item. You will be advised when you bid, so allow for some additional time if you are bidding in the last minutes of an auction. Your credit card won't be charged - but is used to confirm identity - a safety measure to help protect both buyers and sellers from possible high bidding fraud. Apply for financing so you'll be able to make monthly payments. Buying the boat you want is simpler when you can make affordable monthly payments. eBay, in collaboration with several top lenders, can help you get the financing you need.

Title - Also, make certain the seller has clear title to the boat You want to know that it is actually theirs to sell. It's also a good idea to get your state's forms, print them out and take them with you to meet the buyer.

Survey - I would also advise getting a marine surveyor to come and inspect the boat if you are considering one of considerable value before placing your bid. You may be able to get a condensed inspection, or a statement of estimated value from a surveyor without paying for a complete boat survey.

Older Boats - There are some great boat bargains on Ebay but you need to be mindful of a few things. Avoid old boats without making an on-site inspection and getting a marine survey. Old boats are infamous for having rotten stringers, or the wooden support underneath the fiberglass and having blistering or concealed damage underneath the glass that only a marine surveyor can discover. Also, avoid boats with "classic engines" unless you are a boat mechanic yourself. Old boat motors, pre 1980 are very, very difficult to get repaired and many repair shops will not work on them because they're not sure if they can get parts once they tear into an engine. Also, be sure any boat trailer is in very good shape if you are planning to drive to pick it up. Ask when the bearings were last serviced, if the trailer lights function, how the wear on the tires are and what size the hitch is.

There are good deals on boats on Ebay, just be careful, ask lots of questions and bid smart. If you missed our first article, check it out here: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Everybody-Ought-to-Know-About-How-to-Buy-a-Boat-on-eBay&id=1894353.

To learn the Absolutely Crucial Tools to Successfully Buying a Boat on eBay and to pick up some other free tips from Tricia, visit her website at: http://www.wikigoodstuff.com/How-To-Buy.

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To learn the Absolutely Crucial Tools to Successfully Buying a Boat on eBay and to pick up some other free tips from Tricia, visit her website at: www.wikigoodstuff.com/How-To-Buy.

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