Why Use a Catamaran Company Broker to Help You Buy a Catamaran

Yacht Brokers work like real estate agents. They are agents whom people consult to find and purchase a boat, and whom people hire to list, represent, and sell boats for them. Traditionally, the seller pays the commissions that a yacht broker earns – not the buyer. Typically, the commission is 10% of the agreed upon price which is split up between listing and selling brokers and brokerages. Both brokers have a duty to both buyer and seller in every transaction. At times your broker will find boats that are for sale by owner (FSOB) or the listing broker is unable or unwilling to obtain the full 10% or to split the commission on a boat with your broker. In these cases, it is wise to enter into a Buyer Agent Agreement whereas you will be paying up to 5% of the agreed upon price for his/her services. In ALL cases, you want your own independent representation. Like the old saying “A lawyer that represents himself has a fool for a client”, this is very true in boat deals.

The broker’s role for the buyer

Most pre-owned boats are advertised on YachtWorld and are a “central agency listing” of a yacht broker. if you find a boat on YachtWorld of interest, you may contact the listing broker directly. However, a safer and often more rewarding option might be to select a yacht broker of your own and consult with that broker about all your boats of interest, and let that broker represent you in your inquiries and transactions.

  • The Initial Inquiry – Your Catamaran Company broker will listen closely to your wants and needs and will help you determine if the boat you are calling on is the right boat for you at the best value. They can objectively tell you about the condition of the vessel before you decide whether to spend your time to look at the boat. They will help you determine if there are similar boats on (and off) the market, the history of the yacht, how long it has been on the market, and the motivation of the seller. Anyone can look up asking prices on boats, but it takes a professional broker to have an intimate knowledge of current market conditions, a familiarity of similar boats, and information on recent sale prices and time on the market.

  • Getting a Boat Loan and Marine Insurance – You may want to pre-qualify for a boat loan before you shop. That will give you some extra leverage and breathing room when you’re negotiating prices. The Catamaran Company has a wholly owned subsidiary, DetailsDetails, that helps you with financing, insurance, and all of the documentation involved with closing.

  • Making an Offer – Your Catamaran Company broker can help you decide on a realistic offer that increases the chances of buying a pre-owned boat for a fair and reasonable price, and with the necessary elements to protect your interests. Your broker prepares an Offer to Purchase for your signature. It will spell out the terms of the sale including obligations that you and the seller have agreed to, and when these obligations will be fulfilled. You also make a good-faith deposit of 10% on the boat, which is placed in escrow and subject to sea trial and survey.

  • Paperwork – Professional brokers and dealers are familiar with all the paperwork requirements for the applicable country, state, or province, from the initial Offer to Purchase and Bill of Sale to licensing and registration; or documentation and titling, to paying tax and other fees, as well as certificates of ownership, security agreements, and other documents needed to complete a sale. For example, 23 forms are needed at a closing of a brokerage boat in Florida (27 for foreign-flagged vessels). Professionals will understand maritime and admiralty liens for the type of vessels they represent, as well as agency contracts, listing agreements, closing statements, deposit requirements and escrowed accounts to safeguard funds.

  • Sea Trial and Survey – The buyer of a pre-owned vessel will usually request a sea trial and the services of a marine surveyor. Buyers pay for the surveys and for hauling the boat out of the water for inspection. Your yacht broker will usually attend the sea trial and marine survey with you, and help you determine how to properly address the nearly inevitable yacht survey issues and put the problems in context. They can help estimate time and cost of correcting, and where to obtain accurate quotes for items that are unfamiliar. Your lender and insurance carrier will usually require a copy of the survey.

  • The Art of Negotiating the Deal – The broker can use his position as a middleman to keep the negotiations between buyer and seller moving to a successful conclusion.

  • Safeguard Funds – The Catamaran Company ALWAYS uses an escrow account for clients’ funds, and ensure that at closing, any existing loan or other encumbrances are paid off. This safeguard is of critical importance to the buyer and seller, and can be a potentially serious hazard in a private transaction not involving a broker.

  • After the Sale – Your Catamaran Company broker can help you find moorage and yacht maintenance and repair specialists or facilities. They can refer you to classes on sailing, boathandling, and seamanship. Their experience in local waters can help you chart a course for great day, weekend or longer trips. They can connect you with boat clubs, races and rendevous sponsored by builders and dealerships. Plus, you’ve got a new boating friend for life.

Capt. Terry Grover
Broker, Captain, Instructor – The Catamaran Company
Kemah Boardwalk Marina
Kemah, TX 77565
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Adapted from a YachtWorld article https://www.yachtworld.com/research/why-use-a-broker-to-help-you-buy-a-boat/