99/00 44 Hardtop express thoughts, opinions, reviews, etc

[Cooler]

I would be a little suspect of a broker that has been "doing this for 26 yrs and never heard of such a thing". Brokers of that tenure have heard of almost everything. He is working for the seller for sure. Also, around here, the surveyors are generally on the high side of FMV. Last boat I bought surveyed at $20K higher than I paid, and that was on a $34K asking price. Your price point is much different. True value is what a buyer is willing to pay, and the seller is willing to accept. The Trojan in Canada sounds a lot more attractive, especially with that hardtop. Remember, very few things payoff as much as " a little patience ". But that is easy to say, and tough to execute. I love the boat buying game, but I would have been a terrible broker....way too honest. Continued good luck. er

[SeaNile]

I agree, not thrilled with the broker who hasn't gotten back to me in a week about seeing the boat. I don't hold that against the boat and still would like to see it. If for no other reason it's only 2hrs away and would be my first time seeing a 44 Express. Seen a million Sea Ray 400/410 but never a Trojan Express.

Canada one does sound like a better boat but buying it will be difficult. Can't goto Canada to see it and I'd have to hire a captain to get it from Toronto to the Chesapeake, or at least to NYC. I wouldn't be able to invest in the time for the entire trip, but from NYC....no problem.

[SeaNile]

Broker can't get in touch with the 159k boat owner so we can't even look at it because the broker is unaware of where the boat is for winter storage. Frustrating for me and the broker.

[Cooler]

Yea, well this tells you the "broker" is simply another party trying to snag a commission. There are many instances where "brokers" just piggyback on other sites, adding another layer of expense and communication issues to the transaction. The primary broker would have direct contact to the owner, know where the boat is, and would have a signed brokerage agreement with the owner. The person you are dealing with doesn't know anything about the boat more than you do by just reading an ad. I am sure he is "willing" to help you find another boat. That boat or broker is not passing the simple smell test. Sorry you are going through this experience. Buying a boat should be fun, not frustrating. er

[SeaNile]

Apparently he is the listing broker. I always make it a point to deal with the listing broker. If not I have a broker I would (should) use to do the work. Going to look at the ads again to confirm the listing agent. His name is at the bottom of the ad on every site.

[SeaNile]

http://www.newjerseyyachtsales.com

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1999/t ... t-3692895/

[Cooler]

Well, continued good luck. I guess I find it really strange that he does not know where the boat is. When I bought my Carver, I called the listing company, talked to a "broker", and he said the boat was not available to see unless I was willing to pay for repair to shrink wrap because it was stored outside. It was January. BUT, he had several boats he could show me in his storage facility. I recognized the marina where the Carver pictures were taken, so I called the dockmaster to ask him if he knew the owner of the boat name. He said yeah I do, the owner is a good friend. The boat is in the marina warm storage facility, and could be viewed anytime. Called the owner and set up an inspection ( did broker's job ). Turns out he is a great guy! We negotiated the transaction, and it went really well for both of us. He disclosed I was the only person who expressed interest in the 4 months it was for sale, but he was happy the vessel was going to someone who will use and respect her. He was still going to pay the broker fee, until I told him how the "broker" represented his boat. He was a little shocked, as this broker was a "friend" who sold him the same boat originally. There are honest broker's out there, but they are probably getting squeezed out by the others. Sad commentary, but I did end up with a great boat. FYI - I live 15 miles from the main Carver factory. Know a lot of people who worked there at one point or another. Continue to use this forum. Lot's of help here. I am retired and work very part time at a marine store that some friends own. My boat is the test boat for new product offerings. Fun little job, but never conflicts with my boating passion. Take care. er

[SeaNile]

It's early January so I am not totally frustrated just yet but I would really like to see this boat before I purchase a 99-02 Sea Ray Sundancer. Not that the SR is a better boat but because i can easily view about 6 of these before making my final decision.

[bud37]

FYI......Ontario with especially the Toronto area is at this time locked down due to the virus spread till the end of the month about.

[Cooler]

SeaNile - you're doing the right thing! Your patience will be rewarded, one way or the other. Saw your post to Toronto resident. There are a lot of Carver owners there, that are on this forum. Just a matter of when they see your request. Keep updating it so you are on the cover page. You mentioned the survey was completed. Were you able to get a copy? Final piece of help. I have a friend who is a licensed capt, and he does cruise boats to new owners. If things get serious with the Toronto boat, let me know. If you want, I will talk to him about an affordable fee structure. Travel expense, and very reasonable fee. I will offer my assist at no additional cost to you, just consider it an adventure. My buddy is very mechanically inclined, and retired. He cruises a 48 MY. Not sure how the international piece will play into the equation, but as long as Covid starts to loosen up, I am thinking both countries want to get opened up. Hope this works for you! I have one of those strange feelings it is meant to be! We gained 10 full minutes of daylight since 12-21, and we are just 112 days to boat season! er