Why follow the steps in order?
In the boat-buying journey, Step 3 is where most boat shoppers begin. While searching online for boats can be exciting, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Did you know that at any given time, there are approximately 2,000-3,000 used sailboats available on the east coast?
However, starting at Step 3 and contacting multiple listing brokers for each boat of interest often leads to frustration. Lack of responsiveness or unwanted pressure from brokers can hinder your progress and potentially result in costly decisions. Searching online and making calls to multiple broker is not in your best interest.
Before you select your boat, select your buyer’s broker. Having a buyer’s broker allow you to decide who you work with. If you decide to work with me, my proven step-by-step guide will help you find the ideal boat to meet your goals and set you up for success in your boat ownership journey.
Your Work and Perseverance Lead to Success
In previous steps, we have completed the essential groundwork, including identifying your boating plans and creating a basic budget. We have obtained pre-approval for financing and insurance and explored potential boat storage locations. Now, it’s time to narrow down the options and focus on finding the perfect boat.
To accomplish this, we will leverage reputable websites like YachtWorld and IYBA to narrow the selection of 3,000 boats to a shortlist of four or five suitable options. We will maintain a shared Google folder with a spreadsheet containing each boat’s specifications, manufacturer videos, reviews, and more. This efficient communication and note-taking system will help us keep track of each boat under consideration.
Once we have identified the top contenders, we will visit each boat to understand better your preferences and what feels right for you. During these visits, I will take pictures, record your thoughts, and upload them into the shared folder for your review. I’ll also look for any red flags that may signal potential trouble. While I am not a professional surveyor, my extensive experience has given me valuable insights.
After the initial visits, we can reassess and refine the criteria if necessary, conducting another search if needed. Requirements such as size, condition, age, budget, and layout can change during the process. We will take the time required to ensure that we find the best possible option that truly meets your needs. By keeping your goals from Step 1 in mind and diligently following the step-by-step guide, we’ll avoid the common pitfall of “paralysis by analysis” and secure a boat that will set you on the path to achieving your goals. As Bob Bitchin of Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine wisely said…
