Sea Travels

Danielle Salem, Sea Editor Jenny Scroggins, Deanna Martinez and Sara Hedges enjoy a Newport Beach Harbor cruise on the Outback 50 courtesy of Offshore West, Inc. in Newport Beach CA.

Caroline Schmoops, manager at Bistro St. Germain in Seal Beach CA enjoying the easy life in Isla Mujeres, Cancun.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO be featured in Sea Travels? Send your pictures traveling with the Sea Magazine along with name and travel destination to me at seaeditor@goboating.com. You will automatically be registered to win some of our signature Sea Swag (baseball hat, t-shirts, travel bags, mugs, etc.)!

Q&A

BROKER EDITION– EXPERT ADVICE

Here’s What Top Experts Had to Say

BY JENNY SCROGGINS

Why is it important to go through a Broker when buying or selling a boat?

Brokers know the market, know how to manage the process and keep the transaction on track. Brokers have the proper contract forms, a trust account for secure banking and a network of associates they can tap into. Brokers are looking for long term relationships and put their reputation on the line with every deal. Brokers have been on both sides of the deal and this understanding helps Jeff Merrill, CPYB them focus on keeping everyone’s best Jeff Merrill Yacht Sales, Inc interests in mind. Jeff@JMYS.com For Sale by Owner is the ultimate 949.335.4950 Buyer Beware scenario – not involvwww.JMYS.com ing a broker to help you may very well cost you way more than you thought you were saving. For consumer protection California requires yacht brokers to be licensed. CYBA members (California Yacht Broker Association) have a more professional approach and are held to a higher standard including a code of ethics. – Jeff Merrill

Van Helker van@waterlineboats.com Waterline Boats Port Townsend Office 425.246.5101 Seattle Office 206.282.0110 waterlineboats.com

What qualities/tips should a buyer/seller look for in a broker?

Imagine the ideal broker to help you buy or sell your boat. What are their qualities? On-the-water experience, a strong network of experts to call on, the ability to add or create value for you in negotiations - these are all desirable. But don’t overlook the importance of selecting a broker that you personally click with. Buyers should also find a broker that is passionate about helping them take the helm of their perfect boat and who will be there every step of the way. Sellers should identify a broker that has an effective digital marketing strategy that is suited for their boat. – Van Helker

What are some buying/selling changes that you have seen during the pandemic? There has been a huge increase in boating activity and demand in general, and the supply of new and used boats nationwide, and even worldwide, has diminished significantly. As such, customers are more likely to buy what is available rather than wait for the ordered boat of their dreams. Additionally, manufacturers are Schock Boats steve@schockboats.com 714.642.1227 www.schockboats.com Steve Schock Ruth SchockQ&Abooked out months longer than normal on new boats, so there is a higher level of competition for the available inventory in order for customers to get out on the water this season. We are seeing models that will normally ship in 3 to 6 months, that now have a lead time of a year or more for a custom ordered boat. On some of our incoming new boat shipments, we will have four or five customers interested in the same boat. Consequently, once a customer has determined the boat that they are interested in, they will need to have a deposit ready to go and be willing to put their deposit down before the boat arrives and someone else puts down their deposit. Additionally, covid impacts and supply chain and shipping constraints have caused delays in some boat and parts areas. And boat slips and storage have become more precious. – Steve Schock

Is it a good time to buy a new/used boat?

It is always a good time to buy a boat - if your financing allows for it, and your lifestyle will welcome and adapt to the wonderful experience of boat ownership. As Warren Miller said: “If you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do.” – Dean West

Dean West Dean A. West Marine Enterprises cayachting@yahoo.com 619.590.1999 WestMarineEnterprise.com If you’re selling a used boat in today’s market, what improvements, if any, should you do to the boat prior to the sale? What should you leave to the buyer?

Have your diver make sure the bottom is clean prior to haul out for survey. Remove all clutter and personal effects including the cleaning out of lockers that are usually stuffed with years of old items. Presentation plus easier to survey. Change the oil to avoid bad oil samples that will have to be done over if the oil is old, will give high readings on most items. Make sure the machinery space is clean, neat and tidy Frank Lawson with no or very little water in the bilge. Lawson Marine Surveyors Test the bilge pumps along with exer1595 N Milford St cising the sea valves to make sure they Orange CA 92867 fnclawsonl@aol.com 714.308.9652 are in working condition. It is always a good ideal to wax or buff the boat if it is badly sun faded. First impressions are a must. Make sure the interior including the galley stove top are clean and neat. Most sellers leave the safety equipment, dock lines along with fenders with boat. Most sellers leave bottom paint to the new buyers. – Frank Lawson

What are some insurance tips for a buyer of a new/used boat?

Please go to a marine insurance agent versus your homeowner’s company. As all of us marine insurance agents are specialists in our field and know what carriers to quote depending on your boat experience, type of vessel, and navigation limits required. I can’t stress enough how important policy wording is. Don’t shop for price as the two don’t always go hand Gina Doyle in hand. Hayden Insurance Services Examples: gina@haydeninsurance.com 949.723.1170 www.haydeninsurance.com How is the boat valued at the time of a claim? Agreed value versus ACV (actual Cash)? Agreed Value is the stated value on the policy declarations page. Actual Cash Value (ACV) is depreciated value of the boat at the time of the loss.

Does the policy cover Consequential Damage?

Get a survey no matter what new or used. If you are purchasing a bigger boat, make sure you are ready to have training if the new vessel is more than 10 ft jump in size.

Make sure to call an agent a week in advance for a quote, to avoid any hiccups at the end of your boat deal. Most importantly, Enjoy your new boat once its insured. – Gina Doyle