The Search

As we go about searching for the "perfect" boat for us, we'll try to describe some of the processes along the way.
Since we are located in the desert, away from either coast, we felt we needed to engage an experienced and principled buyer's broker to represent our interests in any negotiation, and to provide informed answers to our thousands of questions along the way. Susan did the research, and found the perfect guy (I'll call him Cap'n Jim). I'll reveal his name once we've completed our business, but suffice it to say that his background, experience, and credentials are extensive: Career Coast Guard officer, with duties ranging from Vessel Commander to Base Commander. Once retired from the Coast Guard, he established his own Marine Surveying company (similar to home inspection), and later his own Marine Brokerage business. We spent several days with him in February, reviewing boats up and down Florida's eastern coast, during which we learned much from him, and he worked to establish our requirements. Most importantly, we feel that we established open communications based on mutual respect and trust.
This past week, we identified a strong candidate boat, and discussed it with Jim, who for the first time, was really enthusiastic about one of our "picks". Today, we engaged a marine surveyor to provide a preliminary report and photos of the boat. If his report is encouraging, Susan and I will fly out to see the boat in person, and decide whether or not to take the next steps.
We've been actively looking for seven months, and have eliminated many, many boats from the running.
My next post will describe some of the selectioncriteria we have established.