Finding the right trawler is a time consuming vocation and though most buyers are savvy enough to determine their preferences and locate a desirable trawler for sale, the actual transaction process, from making an offer to closing the deal, can take a confusing path with twists and turns that end up in frustration, unexpected expenses and wasted time. It's a much simpler process if you find a trusted yacht broker who will protect your interests during the hunt, throughout the purchase negotiations, and even after the sale.
Interestingly enough, picking your yacht broker is typically not your choice to make…at least that is how the industry has set it up.
Put yourself into the shoes of the yacht brokerage owner who wants to provide for their sales staff. Every email, phone call, walk in, etc. is a “LEAD” to be distributed to the salesperson who is “UP”. Most boat buyers have no idea that by making a call they have created what can amount to a lifelong relationship with the salesman who happened to pick up the phone.
If you have been to a boat show or two, you may realize that those “BOARDING PASSES” where you filled out your name, address, phone number, and email so you could take a tour have been integrated into the company contact management system and you now not only have a permanent home in the data base, but you have a salesperson assigned to your “ACCOUNT”.
“Most boat buyers have no idea that by making a call they have created what can amount to a lifelong relationship with the salesman who happened to pick up the phone.”
For most buyers, purchasing a trawler is not an impulse purchase. It is a long, drawn out, well-analyzed process that can be done in a matter of weeks, but on average takes five years from original contact to purchase.
The broker you select should be experienced in the type of boat you are looking for and absolutely should be someone you can confide in and trust.
Your yacht broker needs to know you very well and what your cruising plans are in order to find the right boat for your purposes. This is a huge responsibility that requires a strong work ethic and professionalism throughout the process. Your broker should practice excellent communications skills, promptly respond to your phone calls and emails, have attention to detail, and be a good listener.
It's best if you can meet with your yacht broker in person and continue the relationship with phone calls, texts, and emails. This is a major purchase, and your yacht broker should help you understand that the spending does not just end with the purchase price. There are many other expenses, such as maintenance considerations, repairs, and upgrades.
Well-connected brokers offer an additional benefit. Connected brokers have a network of resources that they can make available.
