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Found “the one” and ready to make an offer? Boat negotiations aren’t just about price—they’re about contingencies, seller psychology, and what the survey reveals. In this episode we walk through a practical approach to making a strong offer, avoiding common mistakes that kill deals, and renegotiating the right way after the survey.

We cover why many buyers start 10–20% under ask (depending on motivation and market), why your offer should be contingent on survey (and often financing/insurance), and why low-balling or criticizing the boat in front of the seller is the fastest way to lose the deal. Then we explain the post-survey step: how to handle major findings (like standing rigging beyond useful life) and negotiate credits or price adjustments—sometimes full cost, sometimes splitting the difference.

We cover:

• Offer strategy: how far under asking price to start (and why it depends)
• Key contingencies: survey, financing, insurance—know your position first
• What not to do: low-balling and “trash-talking” the boat to the seller
• Why maintaining a good seller relationship matters after closing
• Survey renegotiation: turning findings into credits/price adjustments
• Real example: using big-ticket survey items (e.g., standing rigging) in negotiation