The other evening I ran into an industry friend who was looking for a different boat. For someone in-the-know his knowledge of buying and selling was surprisingly lacking. It convinced me that everyone buying a used boat should consult a broker.

A common misconception about us yacht brokers is that we cost you, the buyer, money. In my opinion, almost every time a broker will save you money. Broker to broker conversations tend to be more direct regarding selling price and overall condition. That alone can save time and money.

My recent purchase of the next Late Start, a 1997 31-foot Blackfin went smoothly thanks to the selling broker and surveyor. Both added tremendous insight to the process even with my reasonable knowledge of boat construction and mechanics.The broker previously sold the brand and was an encyclopedia of minute details.

I asked countless questions and ultimately purchased a boat that had some issues, but was structurally sound. Those issues were identified during our survey and were not deal breakers. The Web makes it easy to view boats nationwide, but use a broker right in your area. He'll be there for you and the one holding the deposit. If something goes awry it will be easier to move to the next vessel.

Used boats have history and an abusive owner or poor construction will rear its ugly head years down the road. All manufacturers, even the best, have produced some dogs or had glitches in the build; the same for engine companies. Often times a few calls by a sharp dealer can map a boat's DNA. Once a deal has been struck and a deposit accepted, the surveyor steps in. The process is very well orchestrated and should take anywhere from four to eight hours depending upon LOA, engines and the sea trial.

The surveyor reviews all the ship's systems, turning on every switch, pump, appliance and inspecting all viewable spaces. Deck joints, stringers and bilges are scrutinized. Once this phase is complete, you can discuss proceeding with a sea trial or squashing the deal. If all's well the seller will provide a captain for the run to test electronics, running gear, and check the engines under load to assure all perform as advertised. A buyer should be present during the survey, asking questions, but trying to stay out of everyone's way.

The last step is the out-of-water hull inspection. This is another level where you can chose to continue with the purchase or not. The boat is hauled, at the buyer's expense, and the surveyor zeros in on the running gear, through-hull fittings, and looks for any moisture in the hull. Moisture is located by tapping the hull with a mallet and listening for sound inconsistencies or with a moisture meter or both. Any issues to be talked about should be done with the surveyor in private. He will furnish the buyer with a deficiency list, actually three. Boiled down the first is comprised of issues directly related to hull integrity and vessel safety. This is the list to concentrate on.

The next two lists are usually secondary systems and cosmetic items needing attention. The last is service recommendations. The broker now reemerges to keep a deal together. He will offer solutions to repair major items of concern, if any. Hopefully all parties work together and any issues can be resolved; remember you are buying a used boat.

A separate engine survey should be performed on diesel boats. Usually compression tests will spill the beans on a gas engine. Newer outboards can be hooked up to a technician's laptop and a print out will offer the entire running history including warning codes the engine has experienced. Every step in the buying process offers the potential for expensive repairs. Your team will do their best to cut the best deal on the right boat and minimize, not eliminate, the exposure for costly repairs down the road.