selling a boat re test drives?

That's a good question. I fully understand going to a mechanic for a compression test. But I don't want every guy who can dial a phone to take my boat out for a joy ride. You can tell when you have a serious buyer. I feel like they deserve a chance to see it float.

Would you buy a used car with driving it?

If you have nothing to hide and expect full near full asking price I would allow test drive and mechanic inspection.

Test drive is an absolute must for a buyer. They need to get in and run all the functions of the boat to make sure they aren't getting screwed.

Ask for a deposit to see how interested they really are, or if they just want to waste time and boat ride. Most people who are really serious buyers wouldn't have a problem doing that if running the boat is the final factor in buying or not buying depending how it runs.

Great question, and can be argued all day, even on boating sites.

Test drives cost money and time.

Most people agree that the test drive should be a functionality test. The terms should be agreed upon before the test drive, that is, the final $ number, if everything on the boat functions as it's supposed to. I'd tell him that a test drive is fine but he has to prove that he's serious about buying. Deposit, date with his wife, or whatever.

Ask him specifically what he's looking for in the test drive. Then you will know if you're boat should pass his test or not.

Test drives should not be to test out if "this is the right kind of boat" for the buyer. He needs to KNOW this is the right kind of boat by looking at it. You're not a boat dealer, giving free rides to tire kickers.

If he wants a mechanic to look at it, I'd say "That's fine, come up with a plan that suits my schedule and we'll make it happen." If you like the plan, do it and let the buyer pay for it unless there's some value in it for you.

What kinda boat you selling?

Last two boats i sold there was no test drive involved just cranked em up on the trailer. However on the boat i just purchased back in September we went on about a 30 minute test ride out of Dauphin Island AL. I did have a cashiers check in hand before riding out to AL to look at it though so they new i wasn't tire kicking.

Yea as a condition to sale only. I would work out the deal and say condition to a test drive on the lake being successful. Although most can test drive a car without having a deal in place the situation is different as well. No need going through the hassle of dropping it in the water over and over again. Work out all the details and make sure buyer is serious and then let them test drive it to close the deal.

Eta: just saw others gave same advice.

I would let down the lift and take them for a ride.

I've bought and sold 2 used boats. I took both out for a test ride when buying, and went with the guys to test drive mine when selling.

Both guys that test drove mine bought them. I would make sure and go with them.

when i bought my kenner back in december i had the mechanic on stand-by to stop by his shop for an inspection. i had already ridden in kenners before so i knew what i was getting, therefor no test ride needed. BUT, i have sold other boats before and the best way i found to weed-out the joy riders is to require a non-refundable deposit to be credited toward sale post a satisfactory inspection.