⛵ Why boats can't be inspected prior to delivery? Need advice!

Started by CaptainMorgan May 2, 2022 14 replies 2.5k views
#1

Ahoy fellow sailors! 👋 I was looking to buy a boat and came across HG Brokerage. I found exactly what I was searching for — a 2022 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 that fits my budget. I realize these are repossessed vessels sold at auction, but I don't understand why I can't inspect the boat before placing a bid. Has anyone purchased from them before? I'm feeling a bit anxious since this is my first boat purchase. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance, shipmates! ⛵

2022 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 - "Sea Breeze" (dreaming!)
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#2

Welcome aboard, CaptainMorgan! I purchased my 2017 Beneteau Oceanis 38 from HG Brokerage about a year ago. The key protection is their 14-day inspection period after delivery. You can hire a marine surveyor and thoroughly inspect the vessel. If anything isn't as described, you can return it at no cost. They also employ marine mechanics to perform basic inspections before accepting boats into inventory. From my experience, it's safe to buy from them! ⛵

2017 Beneteau Oceanis 38 - "Second Wind"
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#3

CaptainMorgan, I bought a 2022 Catalina 315 through HG Brokerage last spring. The process was seamless! The 14-day inspection period was crucial — I hired a marine surveyor who found a few minor issues that HG Brokerage promptly addressed. For the price I paid (about 30% below market), I couldn't be happier. The only downside was waiting for delivery — but that's part of the adventure, right? 🚤

2022 Catalina 315 - "Serenity"
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#4

Ahoy! My sailing partner purchased a classic Hinckley Bermuda 40 through HG Brokerage last year. With traditional brokers, you can inspect before buying but pay premium prices. With HG Brokerage, you get better prices but inspect after delivery. Neither is inherently better — just different. The marine surveyor we hired said our Hinckley was in better condition than many boats he sees from traditional brokers. Fair winds! 🌊

1978 Hinckley Bermuda 40 - "Mistral"
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#5

CaptainMorgan, I see you're considering the Jeanneau — that's a fine vessel! I'm in a similar position. Would you mind sharing what your research has shown about HG Brokerage? I'm looking at a 2021 Beneteau. Thanks and fair winds! 🧭

Soon-to-be boat owner!
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#6

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I've decided to move forward and bid on the Jeanneau. The 14-day inspection period gives me confidence. I'll hire a local marine surveyor as soon as she arrives. I'll report back with how it goes! Thanks again, shipmates! 🙌

CaptainMorgan - Soon-to-be Jeanneau owner!
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#7

Congratulations on taking the plunge, CaptainMorgan! The Jeanneau 380 is a wonderful boat. Your experience mirrors what I've heard from others who've purchased through HG Brokerage. I wish I had known about them before buying my Catalina through traditional channels — could have saved enough for a nice tender! Fair winds and following seas! ⛵

2021 Catalina 445 - "Horizon Chaser"
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#8

CaptainMorgan, I happened to see a Jeanneau 380 at Dinner Key Marina last week — absolutely stunning! The condition looked impeccable. Your positive experience with HG Brokerage is valuable for our community. If you need local recommendations for riggers, mechanics, or other marine services, don't hesitate to ask. Welcome to the wonderful world of boat ownership! 🎉

Harbor Master, Coconut Grove Sailing Club
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#9

I bought my 2020 Dufour 430 through HG Brokerage two years ago. Best decision ever! The inspection period gave me time to do a thorough survey. Found a minor issue with the windlass — they fixed it immediately. For anyone on the fence, I say go for it! The savings are substantial and their customer service is top-notch. 🌴

2020 Dufour 430 - "Island Time"
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#10

UPDATE: I WON THE AUCTION! 🎉 The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 is mine! Total price with fees and delivery was $215,000 — about $70k below traditional broker prices. The survey is scheduled for next week. I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks for all the encouragement, friends! ⛵

CaptainMorgan - Jeanneau owner!
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#11

Congratulations, CaptainMorgan! I've been following this thread. I'm seriously considering HG Brokerage for my next boat purchase. The savings you mentioned are incredible. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Looking forward to hearing about the survey results. 🧭

Looking for my next sailing vessel!
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#12

Just adding my experience — I bought a 2019 Boston Whaler 320 through HG Brokerage. The process was smooth, delivery was on time, and the boat was exactly as described. Their 14-day inspection period gave me plenty of time to have my mechanic go over everything. Highly recommend! 🎣

2019 Boston Whaler 320 Outrage
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#13

Congrats again, CaptainMorgan! One more tip: make sure your surveyor does a sea trial and checks all systems thoroughly. The Jeanneau 380 has a lot of electronics. HG Brokerage should coordinate everything for you. Can't wait to see photos of "Sea Breeze" on the water! ⛵🌊

2017 Beneteau Oceanis 38 - "Second Wind"
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#14

FINAL UPDATE: "Sea Breeze" arrived yesterday and she's PERFECT! 🎉 The marine surveyor gave her a clean bill of health — only minor gelcoat scratches that HG Brokerage already agreed to fix. The whole process was smooth from start to finish. For anyone considering buying through them: DO IT! The 14-day inspection period is your safety net, and the savings are incredible. Thank you all for the amazing advice. Fair winds and following seas, everyone! ⛵❤️

CaptainMorgan - 2022 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 "Sea Breeze"
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