Vessel Rating Guide

3/14/2008
10:16 AM

Good morning all,

Hope this week has been good for y' all; yep that was the southern accent in me you just read.

I've made yet, another improvement to help buyers find the perfect boat. I'm doing everything I can to take the guess work out of boat buying. This evolved from the Disclosure we discussed in the last posting. My intention is to accurately portray a boat to an interested buyer. I want to be sure he knows what he'll likely have to do if he buys the boat in order to cruise her.

When you visit my website, this is what you will find for each boat.

Vessel Rating Guide

A rating guide has been developed to give you an overall summary of the vessel’s condition as it relates to what you might need to do to prepare her for use. The rating guide is not to be confused with a rating given by a surveyor to establish value.

Each boat is rated based upon the owner’s certification of condition and the broker’s personal inspection of vessel.

BRISTOL CONDITION – is given to a vessel that has been maintained in mint or bristol condition, with many extras, the boat is better than factory new. All electronics and equipment are new, hull and interior is blemish free. Nothing needs to be done or added for immediate use. Turn key! This boat is rare.

ABOVE AVERAGE – is given to a vessel that has had above average care and is equipped with recent electronics, equipment and gear. Written maintenance records show continual upgrading and servicing by her owner. Everything works. Boat has no mechanical issues and few if any cosmetic issues. Exterior surfaces shine. Engine room is very clean and tidy. This boat is turn key, ready to cruise!

AVERAGE – is given to used boats that has have average type of care. Her electronics and equipment are dated but are usable. Most of equipment is original and boat shows normal wear. Canvas is functional but will need replacing soon. Exterior surfaces need attention to restore its shine. The boat will need some servicing, detailing and polishing before it is ready to cruise.

FAIR – is given to a boat that needs some significant attention to prepare her for use. Some equipment may not work. She needs a number of upgrades such as electronics, canvas, bottom work, and fiberglass repairs. She will require substantial yard work to allow worry-free cruising.

POOR – is given to a boat that is deemed a “project boat”. There is enough of the hull and machinery left to restore her to usable condition.

Mike