Why Need A Surveyor

Buying any boat is a big decision and is probably the second biggest personal outlay you will ever make. It's a major decision, and bluntly, when buying a used boat YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN.

When buying a used boat there are no warranties or guarantees. How do you know...

• That the boat is even what the advert states?
• That the boat is fit for the purpose?
• That the boat is undamaged?
• That the boat is safe, sound or seaworthy?
• That the engines are serviceable?
• That the rig is safe?
• That the boat will provide good service without huge repair costs?
• That your investment is justified; are you paying too much, or too little?

If there are problems your only recourse is pursuit of the vendor through the courts; which can be along and costly procedure with unknown results. Almost everyone you will deal with in choosing and selecting your boat will be working for the vendor. Brokers, advertisers, agents, agencies are all paid buy the vendor. If you use a broker make sure they are professional, sea recognized form of contract.

Who Can Help? You need a Surveyor. 

• Your surveyor is your professional.
• Your surveyor is on your side.
• Your surveyor works for you.
• Your surveyor cares about your boating safety.
• Your surveyor protects your investment and risk.
• Your surveyor enables you to make an informed decision.

You need a professional surveyor experienced in the type of boat you are considering.  A good surveyor will help and advise you on suitability and what to look for, he will play devils advocate in your decision purchase. He is your only guarantee and back up.

How do I find a good Surveyor?

Surveyors can be found in the advertising in the yachting press, at the professional association's web sites, broker's lists. Ask around in the yard, yacht club or marina for a personal recommendation.

Alarmingly there is no legislation, qualification or requisite standard to set up as a yacht surveyor. In the Turkey look for a surveyor who is a member of an established and tangible, professional body. This ensures that the surveyor is fully accredited, scrutinized, and follows a recognized code of practice.

Points to Check, and Questions to ask, when selecting a Surveyor.

• Membership of Professional Association.
• Qualification, Experience, or Accreditation.
• Level of Professional Indemnity. Cover for you.
• Third Party Insurance. Cover for the boat/vendor.
• Specialty and or Experience in the type of craft.
• Fees. Compare Quotes - beware too cheap.
• Does the surveyor offer formal terms of business and survey instruction form?

Ask for a sample survey; see what you might get for your money, and a reference from a previous client. The Surveyor should be flexible to suit your needs or any special requirements and should explain and discuss the types and benefits of different surveys. The surveyor should be receptive to your enquiries, positive, helpful, willing and enthusiastic never casual or dismissive. Remember he is working for you.

The Survey

If at all possible attend the survey, after all it's your survey. Ask questions and talk to your surveyor, but don't stop him doing his job. The surveyor should explain what he is looking at and why and what it means. This is invaluable when you need to understand and quantify a technical report.

After the Survey

Digest your report, make notes and discuss it with your surveyor. Ask questions. It is important to understand the findings and implications of the survey report and the advice of your surveyor. You will get more meaningful information from a frank discussion than a report. If you are satisfied that you can make an informed decision, renegotiate buy the boat, or pull out.

Remember that your surveyor should still be available for help or advice on an ongoing basis.

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Surveys & Sea Trials

Care should be taken when choosing a Marine Surveyor, the industry is unregulated meaning any individual can set themselves up and call themselves a Marine Surveyor.

There are two internationally recognized British based organizations that represent surveyors. The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) and The Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA). All surveyors are vetted before they can join either of these organizations and to keep their membership both organizations have systems which ensure continuous professional development. Any legitimate practicing surveyor would be expected to be a member of some form of surveying organization. Before you choose any surveyor please check their credentials.

The buyer’s best friend when it comes to inspecting and evaluating the condition and seaworthiness of a boat is a competent marine surveyor well versed in boat construction, as well as safety and manufacturing laws, requirements and practices.

Hire your own surveyor to be sure the inspection is done with your interests in mind.  Don’t use a surveyor recommended by the seller or rely upon a survey report provided by the owner. It could pre-date existing conditions that need repair or gloss over problems that are expensive to fix, even downright dangerous.

Gulets should be surveyed both in and out of the water. Haul-out and other fees are at the buyer’s expense. Engines should also be inspected by an independent marine mechanic.

Follow up the survey inspection with a sea trial to see how the boat handles underway. Are there performance problems that make the boat unstable? Does all the gear work properly? All electronic equipment should be tested for accuracy.

Surveys and sea trials that turn up flaws or problems can either allow you to back out of the contract without penalty or can be used to renegotiate the purchase price of the boat.

Impartial Advise

There are internationally recognized independent surveyors and experts in Turkey who can assess the condition and suitability of the Gulet for its intended purpose. The marine surveyors exist on their expertise and independence. They all have personal experience of the majority of boatyards and repair facilities in Turkey and understand the Gulet charter business.

Gulet Condition

Gulets come in all manner of shapes and designs! Though some have been built and equipped to withstand the rigors of an ocean crossing, the majority have been constructed for coastal cruising.

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Boat Registration & Safety

Every engine-equipped Gulet operating in Turkish waters, as well as many other types of boats, must be registered with a Ship Registry.

Registration numbers consisting of a four number and home port and a combination of letters and numbers are displayed on the bow. Sea worthiness is usually renewed every year.

Boat registration is similar to car registration. Mostly, registration fees pay for the enforcement of navigation and pollution rules. Registration programs also aid in identifying lost or stolen boats. Not always required that boats be titled, so ownership can also be established through boat registration records.

Re-Registration 

You will receive an invoice and registration papers(bill of sell, deletion certificate), for re-registration into your name. Ask your broker if they have yacht purchase legal formalities follow up services and import and export formalities follow up services to do all these formalities for you. If no, they should have a good contact for these services. Expect to be required to pay cost of purchase legal formalities

Boating Safety

“Fun,” “speed,” “freedom” and “escape” are the catch phrases often hyped by boat advertisers who rarely use the word “safety.” But safety is just as important since the marine environment can be unforgiving.
Safe boating means being prepared for emergencies, having a thorough understanding of how your boat operates, having proper safety equipment on board and observing these basic safety rules:

• Alcohol, drugs and boating don’t mix!
• Know how to operate your boat. Make sure your partner knows as well.
• Keep proper safety gear accessible and know how to use it.
• Wear life jackets.
• Stay alert to changes in weather and sea conditions; check the marine weather report frequently.
• Learn first aid.

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Written Warranties

It might not have the appeal of bright chrome and shiny varnish or have the exhilarating kick of a high-horsepower engine, but the manufacturer’s written warranty can make or break the new boat experience faster than a fish-finder can spot a school of blues.

Ask the warranty is the manufacturer’s promise to stand behind its products by providing service and repairs after purchase.

Since marine warranties vary widely in their coverage, comparison shop before you buy.

Look for multi-year warranties for hull structures and engines, as well as warranties for equipments. Please note that if the boat is more than 10 years old then probably there will be no valid warranties to ask.

Remember:

• Written warranties must be made available to you before you buy. Call the manufacturer of the equipments and engines for a copy if the dealer won’t provide one.
• The limited warranties on most boats and engines mean that you may end up paying for some part of the repair costs. Read the fine print to avoid surprises later on.
• New boats come with separate warranty coverage from the engine and boat manufacturers, as well as the makers of other major components.
• Fill out and return warranty cards to be sure you’ll get service when you need it.

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Deposits & Trade Ins

Deposits

Most brokers and dealers require a 10% cash payment on a used  Gulet but a nominal deposit is enough to get the dealer to write a contract. Often, the deposit is placed in an escrow account, but this is less common with private party sales.

The seller may have a right to keep all or a portion of the deposit if the buyer backs out of the deal without cause. As a buyer, you should include as many contingencies as necessary to protect your interests, including satisfactory survey and sea trial, clear title, and ability to obtain financing and insurance. On new boats, a written delivery date is crucial.

Trade-Ins

Dealers are often willing to apply the value of trade-in boats against the cost of a new boat, but be aware that you will probably not get top dollar on the price, since dealers stick close to the maxim “buy low, sell high.” In addition, dealers may scrutinize your old boat far more critically than a private buyer, since part of their profit margin will be based on how easy a trade-in boat is to sell.

With this in mind, have your boat in top condition when you bring it to the dealer.

In some states, a benefit of a trade-in arrangement is that you pay sales tax only on the price of the new boat, less the amount of the trade-in. Check with your state’s boat registration agency.

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Need A Lawyer Or Not?

Do you NEED a lawyer to buy a boat? Absolutely not. Whether you use an attorney or not should be weighed against the level of risk and complexity in the transaction. Most boat purchases that do not involve financing also do not involve an attorney. Few yacht brokers will recommend an attorney unless they anticipate a problem. On many occasions, even financed vessel transactions do not involve attorneys.

Marine transactions are best compared to real estate transactions. Property is being bought or sold. It is fundamental contract law. Each party desires (or should) a record of the sale to evidence ownership (it’s mine!) or lack thereof to deny liability (it’s NOT mine!).

When deciding whether to use an attorney, consider the level of sophistication of the party on the other side of the transaction, whether they are represented or not, and the depth of the purchase contract. If you don’t use an attorney, spell everything out with sufficient detail to determine who gets what – dishes, charts, parts, and etc. – and get the seller to state that he/she will defend any claims against the vessel for the buyer. List everything on the Contract to Purchase as well as the Bill of Sale. Complications can and do occur.

Finally, at the risk of being repetitive, if you do handle your own vessel transaction, get everything in writing. Make lists of all ground tackle, electronics, galley items and inclusions in the sale and make sure they are intended to convey with the boat. Such items can amount to tens of thousands of dollars and are often the source of dispute. You, the buyer, need to protect yourself by doing your research, know what you’re getting into, and by making a clean, clear contract

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Sales Contracts & Deposits

Sales Contracts

Whether you buy a brand new Gulet or a used Gulet directly from the owner, outlining the terms of the sale in writing is the best way to protect your interests, since oral agreements are good only as long as both parties agree. If you are dealing with a broker, they usually have a sample contract written with international laws.

A written agreement will eliminate or minimize questions and problems that could later turn a sweet deal at the dock into a sour one in court. By spelling out the obligations of buyer and the seller, as well as the time frame in which the sale is to take place, you have a legally binding, written document of the parties’ intentions.

It’s not necessary to have a lawyer write the contract, although this should be considered, especially if you are buying a high-ticket Gulet or are having one custom-built for you.

Most brokers use contracts printed with their name and address, but fill-in-the-blanks contract forms found in stationery stores will suffice. A handwritten agreement will also serve the purpose. Regardless of the form, both parties must sign the contract. If the sales agreement requires the signature of both the salesperson and owner, make sure both spaces are signed.

Basic Contract Terms

Sales agreements or contracts should include the following minimum information:

• Complete names and addresses of buyer and seller.
• Complete description of boat and engine, including make, model, year, and Hull Identification Number and engine serial number(s). A complete equipment list is a must.
• The purchase price, including a description of any deposits paid by buyer and how the balance will be paid. It should also describe the trade-in boat, if any, and its exact value.
• A firm delivery date describing when and where the boat will be delivered and the deal finalized.
• The boat’s condition at the time of delivery, including a complete list of the accessories and items that convey with the boat.
• A full description of any warranty from the dealer or manufacturer. When boats are sold in “as is” condition, recourse may be impossible if problems arise.
• Buyer’s contingencies: Spell out that the sale hinges on a satisfactory survey and sea trial and the ability to obtain acceptable financing and marine insurance.
• A statement that the boat is free of all liens and encumbrances. The seller should also assume all responsibility for debts incurred during his ownership.

Deposit

Most brokers and dealers require a 10% cash payment on a used  Gulet but a nominal deposit is enough to get the dealer to write a contract. Often, the deposit is placed in an escrow account, but this is less common with private party sales.

The seller may have a right to keep all or a portion of the deposit if the buyer backs out of the deal without cause. As a buyer, you should include as many contingencies as necessary to protect your interests, including satisfactory survey and sea trial, clear title, and ability to obtain financing and insurance. On new boats, a written delivery date is crucial.

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Financing and Marine Insurance

Financing a new or used Gulet is a fairly straightforward process if you’ve got a good credit history and the 15-25% down payment. You may even want to pre-qualify for a loan before you go boat shopping to give yourself some extra leverage when it comes to negotiating prices with dealers.

On a new Gulet, the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin certifies that it has had no other retail owner. With used boats, lenders check for a clear title or record of ownership. In addition, information about pending liens or unpaid debts may be recorded in the county court where the boat is kept or where the owner resides.

Basic marine insurance includes Hull Coverage for damages to the boat whether it is on land or in the water.
Insurance costs are affected by length of boating season, area of navigation, previous insurance claims, and boating experience. Expect to pay more if you own a “muscle” boat, a wooden boat or if you live aboard or cruise offshore.

Impartial Advise

There are internationally recognized independent surveyors and experts working for insurance companies in Turkey who can assess the condition and suitability of the Gulet for its intended purpose. The insurance surveyors, They exist on their expertise and independence. They all have personal experience of the majority of boatyards and repair facilities in Turkey and understand the Gulet charter business.

Gulet Condition

Gullets come in all manner of shapes and designs! Though some have been built and equipped to withstand the rigors of an ocean crossing, the majority have been constructed for coastal cruising.

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The Cost Of Owning A Gulet

Prices

In between May and September is charter season in Turkey and the Gulet owners accept the heights price. There for from October to April is the best time to purchase a Gulet. Make sure that you use recently updated brokerage web sites to compare the prices. If you are interested in new construction, check first 1 or 2 years old ones to have an idea about the costs. Please note that it should b e same size, material, labor and equipment.

The profit margin

When it comes to bargaining, keep in mind that, although mark-up rates vary according to owner volume, profits on new boats are generally 15-20% over construction cost and labor about 25%. After-market equipment installed by the owner is marked up roughly 40%. The going broker commission rate on used boats is 10%, so buying directly from a builder can reduce costs but a good broker can have a better price from the owner as well so you will be protected for possible problems by a broker.

How do you know it’s a fair price?

A good broker can give you an idea about value of the Gulet you are interested in. If you are still not confident, have your boat inspected before purchase. A marine surveyor will give a valuation as part of a written report.

The cost of owning a Gulet

Your boat’s price tag and the interest on your boat loan, if you have one, are foreseeable, obvious costs of ownership. It’s the not-so-obvious costs, however, that can take the wind out of your sails if you have not budgeted for them. These include one-time fees, like sales tax, or recurring ones, like storage, personal property taxes, slip rental, maintenance and insurance.
Keep in mind that the yearly cost of operating, maintaining and repairing or replacing equipment averages could cost as much as 10% of your boat’s value. Age, use (racing, rather than daytrips, for example), hull material, and quality of construction all affect annual expenses.

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New or Used Gulet

Personal finances are often a key factor in the decision to buy a new or used Gulet. However, other factors should be considered.

After-sale service 

The retail cost of a new boat includes the cost of providing warranty service. When a used Gulet is sold “as is,” the only thing that’s guaranteed is that the buyer will pay to fix any problem that crops up.

Financing

New and used Gulet are treated equally in terms of interest rates and down payments.
However, expect some extra financing hurdles if you’re buying a boat over 15 years old or one that requires a lot of repairs.

Depreciation

Depreciation on new Gulets is at its highest during the first season of use. However, depreciation on a used Gulet kept in good condition should level out with proper maintenance and equipment improvements.

Beauty may be only skin deep

Cosmetic flaws caused by age and wear are hard to hide when a boat hasn’t been properly cared for, but structural defects and mechanical problems are harder to detect. Ask the owner’s mechanic for the repair history. Have the boat surveyed. Similarly, the owner of a new boat could also be testing uncharted waters. Dealers say an average of a dozen problems, both big and small, crop up on every new Gulet they sell.

If you patient 

The procedure of building Gulets today has changed very little over the centuries. The changes to the basic plank-on-frame method are superficial but significant: advanced tools now allow craftsman to design and deliver far more precision than they used to be able to by hand, and laminated epoxy materials allow for fantastic durability.

In Turkey it is possible to build steel or laminated hull Gulets up to 45 meters length, there are some shipyards that their establishment has approved its quality especially on building traditional Turkish type motor sailors. (Gulets).  Depending on the Gulet size, the construction of a Gulet may take from 8 months to 24 months.
I you do not want to wait that long, there is always a used one suits to your search and waiting for you.

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Choosing The Right Broker

There is no shortage of salespeople who would like your business. To a first time Buyer, many of them can be pretty convincing that they have plenty of knowledge and experience. But take note: there are relatively few “career professionals” in the industry. While most salespersons may share a sincere love of yachting, many have nominal “yacht brokerage” sales experience. There are also some with excellent sales skills, who know relatively little about boats and yachts, who can fool you into thinking that they do.

Buying a Gulet or a sail yacht is a major purchase…probably your largest expenditure, with the exception of you home. Don’t choose someone who will be learning their trade at your expense! If you’re not sure about what to buy, at least be sure of your Broker.

The number of types and models of yachts to choose from is overwhelming. There are good choices and poor choices…endless compromises and trade- offs. One person can’t possibly know it all. But clearly, the more experience your Broker has, the more likely he or she will provide you with sound, reliable advice. Since you don’t go through the buying process everyday, it makes sense to work with someone who does.

There are generally two ways to shop for a Gulet: You can look at ten Gulets with ten different brokers; or choose a single Broker, and evaluate them together, to determine the best choice. In the former, each salesperson is simply trying to make a sale, and will try to convince you that “this is the one”. You get pulled ten different directions. You might buy the right Gulet, or you may buy the most convincing sales pitch.

Why not select a knowledgeable broker whom you can trust…like choosing a Realtor to work with in buying a home? Yacht brokers work co-operatively, just like in real estate. The Seller ultimately pays the commission, so it costs you no more. Your own Broker will have your best interests at heart, and should help you throughout the entire purchase: before, during, and after.

An ethical Broker can point out the positives and negatives in comparing one boat to another, BUT ONLY as long as they possess a broad scope of knowledge! There is so much to know about boat builder’s reputations, engine reliability, design features…quality, performance and value.

Most boaters are quite opinionated. Boating friends may tell you what you should do…and their input should be considered, since they know you. But do bear in mind that their scope of knowledge is probably limited to the few boats they have purchased in their lifetime, not hundreds of boats. Unless one has many years of experience as a Marine Surveyor, general repair person, a Yacht Broker, or a Professional Captain, one cannot really give reliable opinions. There is simply too much to know. Experience makes the difference, and with the right Broker, all that knowledge can go to work for you.

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Why Work With a Broker?

The two happiest days in the life of a boater are the day he buys a boat and the day he sells a boat.
For some people the buying and selling may be fun, but for others it is frustrating. Those who find it frustrating might want to consider the services of a yacht broker to handle details of the search, marketing and closing of the transaction. Most yacht brokers are independent businesses but some are affiliated with or employed by new boat or yacht dealers.

Both buyers and sellers can benefit from the services of a yacht broker whose job is to arrange transfer of ownership. For their services, brokers charge a commission.

Buying Through a Broker

If you are trying to locate a specific type, model, year, size and price range but your search of boat yards and classified ads has not produced the Gulet you want, a broker can usually help.

However, sometimes a buyer has seen only one sample of the Gulet that meets his requirements. A knowledgeable and skilled broker may explore with you several questions to help clarify your intended use and specific yachting needs. With this information, the broker may be able to suggest other types and models meeting your needs.

Interview Questions

Before you contact a broker, ask yourself some important questions.

1. What are you looking for – Gulet, Ketch, Tirhandil, Tour Boat, Sailing Yacht or a Motor Sailor House Boat? 
2. Where will you do most of your Sailing? Will you use it in between protected bays along the coast of Turkey, Mediterranean, Ocean or take it to your country for offshore cruising? 
3. How many people will be the boat need to accommodate and for what purpose? 
4. What is your yachting experience, knowledge, skill and physical ability to handle a boat of this size? Will you always have enough crew with you? 
5. How much money can you afford to spend on a boat or yacht? Have you considered the annual cost of dockage, maintenance, haul outs, repairs and replacements, insurance and operating expenses? 
6. Where will the boat be berthed while in the water? What is the availability for dry-docking and mooring? 
7. Is it for commercial use or private?

When all of these topics have been discussed, both you and the broker will have a clearer picture of your needs. Now the broker can go to work and locate several boats or yachts that meet your requirements. Samples will be presented to you with information ranging from a sheet of specifications to a video of the boat.

If a particular selection catches your fancy, the broker can arrange for a visit to the boat on which he will accompany you. You many decide to make a purchase offer or you may decide to continue looking.

Remember, the broker's job is to negotiate and handle the details leading to an agreement.

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How to Buy a Gulet?

First, you must research the different types of gulets available, then you must determine which type of gulet is the best for your purposes and your enjoyment.

Steps

1. Search the different types of gulets available. There are many websites that offer gulets for sale. They also offer different categories of gulets, so that you can pinpoint exactly which type will suit your needs. For instance, Recently Listed Gulets is one such page. In the boat search category, you can search for all types of gulets for sale. Here you will find gulets, ketchs, tirhandils, tour boats, sailboats, and motor sailor yachts.
2. Educate yourself on the value of your purchase. Gulets For Sale list can be very helpful in learning the value of your boat.
3. So you have a gullet, the boat of your dreams, in the yachting adverts contact the broker by phone or e-mail to determine whether this boat is as you expect. Make an appointment with the broker to inspect (if you make an appointment you will receive more of the broker's attention). Your initial inspection should really be an overview. Does it look as expected from outside? Does it feel like your style of boat on the inside? Has it been properly looked after.
4. Some sellers of gulets seemingly always expect a better price for their boat than the actual value. When negotiating the price of a boat, expect to pay 5% less than the asking price. This 5% difference is what is expected by most brokers and dealers. This percentage might go up to 10% in some particular situations. Please note: Your broker should negotiate with the vendor to allow for or make good any discrepancies discovered during the above inspections.
5. It’s time to make an offer subject to a professional survey and sea trial. If your offer is accepted, it’s time to choose a surveyor. Even with a vast knowledge of boats it’s always wise to have another pair of eyes. You will also need a survey for financing and or insurance. Normally the sea trial and survey are at the buyer’s expense. A surveyor will explain his fees and services. After you have made your choice your broker or surveyor will schedule a haul out to inspect the bottom. A sea trial should be performed with your surveyor aboard. You then will receive a written survey that should list any discrepancies or recommendations. Do remember that any used vessel will likely have recommendations. You should now have the information to allow you to make an educated decision.
6. At this stage the broker will prepare a selling agreement which will set out all details of the sale (buyer and seller's name, a detailed description of the gulet and equipment, the agreed purchase price and a settlement date) for the buyer and seller to accept and sign.
7. Upon striking a mutual deal on the price for a boat and sea trial, expect to be required to give a 10% deposit to continue the deal. Make sure the deposit is subject to you getting a satisfactory survey and satisfactory test sail/run. The deposit should be refundable to you if you are not satisfied (expect to pay for the slipping and test sail/run costs if you don't go ahead with the purchase). After a deposit and purchase and sales agreement has been executed, the buyer has right to an inspection and survey.
8. If all checks out on the gulet and you are ready to move towards the closing, request copies of the documentation for the gulets and hire a company to do a "clear title search." This ensures that you are receiving clear documentation on the gulets.

Tips

• Always request copies of the seller's driver's license (or any other picture identification) along with the boat documentation. Some state registration offices will require this to register the boat.
• Make sure all documents that require notarization are notarized.
• Check out any brokers or dealers that you are doing your transactions through. Make sure they are in good standing as a corporation and as a broker.
• When buying a used gulet ask for maintenance records for the engine and discuss any major work done on the hull and engine.
• When negotiating, be sure to ask if the basic accessories are part of the deal. For a small gulet this can be fairly worth of equipment.
• Have the seller take you for a ride. For small gulets it is beneficial when the conditions are windy or choppy. You can learn a lot more about how the gulet rides and how dry you stay in rougher conditions.
• When buying a used gulet, call a manufacturer and find out the price of the new boat. Also talk to the broker for advice on the valuation of the used gulet.

You now own the gulet of your dreams!

There are a few other things to take note of:

1. You will receive an invoice and registration papers(bill of sell, deletion certificate), for re-registration into your name. Ask your broker if they have yacht purchase legal formalities follow up services and import and export formalities follow up services to do all these formalities for you. If no, they should have a good contact for these services. Expect to be required to pay cost of purchase legal formalities.
2. There is no tax to be paid by the buyer.
3. It is recommended that you take out a comprehensive insurance policy at the time of settlement; your broker will give you a quote for this and arrange a cover note for you.

Warnings

• Please take your time for thoroughly inspecting the gulet you intend to purchase. You should be able to do this before any money changes hands. Hire a marine mechanic first to inspect the motor. Often, if it fails to pass his inspection (too much needed to repair/replace it) you should consider passing on the gulet. Then find a reputable surveyor and expect to pay a tidy sum to have the gulet hauled (lifted from the water by straps) or pulled out (on a trailer) before the full payment.
• You can skip the boat survey/ inspection if it is a small gulet or relatively inexpensive, or doesn't require a bank loan. But most boat insurers require it. Still, bring/ hire an experienced boat owner with you to inspect the boat if you do not know what to look for.
• Never purchase a boat "sight unseen."

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