How To Buy A Ski Boat On Ebay Without Getting Burned

As someone who has recently bought a ski boat on Ebay I wanted to share some tips on how to avoid getting burned.

First of all don't bid on any boat from a seller that does not have at least 50 or more transactions and 95 or better feedback. Also, it should have lots and lots of photos showing all details of the boats including scratches and any other damage, etc.

Request more photos if you are in doubt about anything.

Also, make sure the seller has clear title to the boat and owns it himself. In my case I drove all the way to Nevada only to find that the seller was not the real owner of the boat. Having driven all that way I went ahead and took a chance, closed the transaction with with the assurance of the seller that he had full authority to make the sale and having notarized documents signed by the real owner in hand. I did have some trouble back home registering the boat because I ended up needing one more signed form and I lost contact with the original owner who moved without a forwarding address. I ended up having to get a "bonded title" on the boat, what is essentially what you must do if you have lost the original title. Make sure you get your state's forms, print them out and take them with you to meet the buyer.

I would also advise getting a marine surveyor to come and inspect the boat if you are looking at one of substantial value before placing your bid. You may be able to get a condensed inspection, or a statement of estimated value from a surveyor without paying for a full blown boat survey.

There are some good ski boat bargains on Ebay but you need to be careful. Avoid old boats without making a first hand inspection and getting a marine survey. Old boats are notorious for having rotten stringers, or the wooden support underneath the fiberglass and having blistering or hidden damage underneath the glass that only a marine surveyor can find.

Also, avoid boats with "classic engines" unless you are a boat mechanic yourself. Old boat motors, pre 1980 are very, very hard to get repaired and many repair shops will not touch them because they are not sure if they can get parts once they tear into an engine.

Also, be sure the trailer is in very good shape if you are going to drive to pick it up. Ask when the bearings were serviced, if the trailer lights work and how the tires are and what size the hitch is.

There are good deals on ski boats on Ebay, just be careful, ask lots of questions and bid smart.