Out of town buyer.

Couple questions:

What are some of the things you require, if any, from a buyer that you are driving a decent distance to meet?

If your boat is now “off market” do you require a good faith deposit of sorts in the event they back out before you can meet up?

I'm assuming you're meeting at a lake so the guy can test drive the boat and not towing it to him just so he can look at it, that's a no no. I wouldn't take it "off market" until it's sold, lots of tire kickers and people who can't get financed for a used boat. If the guy says he definitely wants to buy the boat but needs time to get the cash or financing then a good faith deposit is in order. Good luck with the sell and watch for low ballers.

We’ve agreed on a price and he says he’s a cash buyer.

don't take it off the market until you have funds in your hand or a good non refundable deposit. lots of folks say they are going to buy from you while they are still shopping for a better deal elsewhere. don't waste your time with test rides until they have approved financing or cash in hand.

If you want to fish a lake anyway the trip is not a waste of time if he doesn't show up or buy it. If he really wants it he will come to you. Like stated above don't take it off the market till deposit or cash is in your hand. Guy in Kansas sent a deposit when he was coming down in a week to "buy" mine. The deposit arrived the day before he got here with the rest of the cash. He got to take his new boat home.

Typically, they should come to you because so many will look and not buy. I'd ask for some money prior to pay your expenses and time that you would credit towards the sale if he bought. Without a non refundable deposit you should keep the boat for sale.

I've sold 3 boats and all 3 were sold out of MY GARAGE. The deal over the phone was come look at the boat and if you like the boat and we agree on a price then you give me a deposit and we take it to the lake. The buyer always goes to the boat, same thing you did when you bought that boat. As far as him agreeing to the price and having cash money that is yet to be determined. Once again, good luck with the sale.

First BUYER with cash gets the boat. Period!! If they miss buying yours, there's another one out there for them.
As far as lake tests. They should have money " in hand". Too many tire kickers & joy riders out there. If a man is "serious" about buying your boat, he will understand that. .JMHO
Good luck with sale.

Here is my take on your sale:
- Buyer will want to check out the boat.
- He may want to have a shop do a compression check on the motor.
- He may want to test drive the boat and look it over from head to toe.
- These things are reasonable request before he goes after the money.

If he is by-passing these things then that is to your favor and saves you time and money.
- Make sure the check he brings is BANK CHECK and not a personal check.
- If you accept a personal check then take him to the bank to deposit it; before letting him just take your boat.
- He should bring proper papers and forms for both of you to sign. Make sure you get copies.
- I would also carry a boat bill of sale with me to get all his information on and have him sign it for your records. It may not be possible to get copies that day of his papers which he brings unless you go to the bank with his payment to deposit. Then the bank will witness the signatures and run you copies of everything.

let him
come to you

Even that isn't 100% safe. They forge those too and the bank can't always tell you. I took one before, drove to the bank to verify it was good and they assured me it was. It took several days for them to process it and then tell me that it was fake. Mind you, the check was made out from the same bank that I used and they couldn't tell.

^^^^^^^this^^^^^^^

This day and age there's nothing for sure anymore.