Hi guys. My question is regarding cosmetic and fiberglass damage on a boat that you're buying or selling. I'm not talking any major damage...just deep scratches here and there, a couple punch spots in the glass from nicking some rip rap, scratches on the keel, etc...

As a seller are you intent to have everything fixed to near brand new condition before you list for sale or do you just consider the imperfections and reflect them in the sale price of your boat?

As a buyer are you expecting every used boat you buy to be near showroom condition or are you completely ok with some wear and tear from a boat that is regularly fished out of?

I don't baby my boat but I don't beat the [censored] out of her either. I go where the fish are and if that means in the middle of a giant cedar tree where a biggun got me hung up then I'll be in the middle of that tree, boat scratches and all.

TIA

Guess it would depend on year and selling price.

I’d rather buy an “honest” boat vs lipstick on a pig. That said, I’d like a not-beat-to-hell honest boat. Lol.

As far as selling, if it is a cheap fix that would significantly increase the selling price then I would make repairs. most of the smaller scratches and dings in the glass probably aren't going to matter to a buyer who plans on really using it as long as the price reflects the condition. The you have to remember there are people who know nothing about boats who might be looking and they might not be as picky as someone else might be. If it has something like fading from the sun then that would be worthwhile paying to have it buffed out and made right. I'd recommend having a detailer really clean the boat up for you to sell.

As far as buying I'd prefer to have the boat in perfect condition but willing to take a few imperfections that are just cosmetic at a slightly lower price because I know they will happen to me anyway.

Many times when selling, you have blemishes that stand out like a sore thumb because you were there when they happened and you will always see them even if they are repaired you will still see something there. When others look at your boat they generally look at it in it's entirety and don't even notice many of the little things that drive you crazy.

I took my boat over to Mike at Lake Fork Fiberglass. I had some long scratches (once hit an underwater fence trolling but hit me right on the bottom of the boat so had a 14' scratch). To my shock it was $5K to fix all the scratches. None were through the gel coat. To my bigger shock Allstate is picking up the cost. Just costing me $250 to get the hull back to new. I'm almost tempted to sell why it's in perfect condition. So if you're selling you might want to see if your insurance will fix it. Maybe because I've been with them for 35 years don't know but I wouldn't have fixed it up if I'd had to pay. Whole boats only worth mid 20s.

^^^ that’s not common for an insurance company. Sounds like repair shop advised the damage (scratches) came from one incident, and not over a period of time as you suggested.

Allstate is awesome. I tore up my trailer a while back. They fixed the trailer fast and left the claim open on the gel coat damage on the boat, until I get a chance to take the boat in for repairs. The deductible was handled on the claim during the trailer repairs. Finding time to be without my boat is tough with Corona Virus...had to cancel all the vacation plans I had. That was gonna be my “fix the boat” time.

I actually told the adjuster the scratches happened on at least 3 occasions. He told me I'd have to pay separate deductibles for each so I was thinking I might pass but then they came back and said I'd just have to pay once and cut me a check for $4750. I was very upfront about it. I try and be honest in all my business dealings.