Almost Mooba Owner - worried about scam?

We are working with a private seller via Craigslist to purchase a 2007 Moomba Outback. The boat is sweet and we'll only need to do some cosmetic work on it to bring it to like-new condition. My husband has spoken to the owner over the phone many times, and we have had numerous emails with him including a multitude of pictures.

He is asking for a $200 deposit to hold the boat for us for a few weeks until we're able to make the long drive to see the boat, and the sale is pending an engine test and thorough inspection.

I am 80% sure this is a genuine deal. The only thing that worries me is this deposit. While I completely understand the reason for it (I would be peeved if the tables were turned and I took a listing down for 3 weeks and didn't end up selling it), it raises a red flag for the mere reason that this is a CRaigslist deal. It has nothing to do with the guy personally. I am just leery of Craigslist deal in general. My husband isn't worried at all. This is just my worry.

So, if you were selling your boat to someone hundreds of miles away, what would be the best method to prove the boat exists and that you are, indeed holding it for the potential buyer?

where is the boat located. this is a great community and if the boat is close to someone here I'm sure they would go check it out for you.

I don't see an issue with a deposit, most dealerships require the same thing. they aren't gonna hold the boat for you for 2 weeks and potentially lose the sale to someone else while waiting. pretty normal to ask for a deposit I think


sent from my home phone

Jason,

Thanks for replying. I think I just need reassuring, LOL. First boat purchase, so I'm naturally nervous. The boat is located near Louisville, KY.

I understand the concern. On the other hand it's only $200 which seems like a very small amount to hold a big ticket item for several weeks. There are brokers that can help with transactions like these too if you really want to be careful. Might cost you more than $200 though... Hopefully someone local can go verify the boat is legit for you.

Well, my husband thinks I'm being silly. I think it is probably fine, but it was just one of those things that I got concerned about. If there happens to be anyone on here from Louisville that would be able to check this boat out for us, that would be awesome. If not, I doubt we'd hire a broker due to cost. We're getting a great deal on this boat, though so we are super psyched. Can't wait to start joining in on the wakesurfing posts!

:)Adriane

I agree with Petty. Tell us where it is, and most likely, somebody on here is close enough to check it out for you. Frankly, I think you're in a good spot and somewhat lucky the seller is willing to hold it for you for only $200. When I sell an item on CraigsList, first one to put the cash in my hand gets it. I got burned too many times with folks saying they were on their way and then no-show which cost me selling to other interested parties.

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Originally Posted by O-Boat

Can't wait to start joining in on the wakesurfing posts!

:)Adriane

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Adriane - please, please, please don't let me steal any joy from you, but the Outback isn't the best choice for surfing unless it's the right price point for your budget. If wakesurfing is your thing, you may want to consider a V-drive boat.

Allright, who's from near Louisville? I'm sure we have somebody.

Hey, O-Boat, what part of the country are you in? (I am guessing near Washington DC.)

How do they want the deposit? I wouldn't do any transfers or personal checks, imo.

Was thinking the same thing... paypal deposit maybe?? I can understand them wanting something to "take the boat off the market" for you. I would be concerned if they wanted 1000.00 + deposit. 200.00 risk for the right boat seems reasonable to me. Good Luck!!!

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Originally Posted by wolfeman131

Adriane - please, please, please don't let me steal any joy from you, but the Outback isn't the best choice for surfing unless it's the right price point for your budget. If wakesurfing is your thing, you may want to consider a V-drive boat.

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Drew, thanks for posting. This boat is definitely the price point we were looking for, and allows us to do some work to the boat to bring it to like new condition. It has several upgrades including a 325 and a 400 lb ballast. We surf behind a similar 2001 Moomba all summer long, so we're pretty confident in this selection. We're by no means pro surfers, but we surf about 3 days a week when the weather allows. We considered V-drives, but the private community lake we live on limits the length on VDs to 20' whereas DDs are 21' limit, and we tend to host a lot of people on the boat, so we like the layout and room of a DD over a VD.

To answer another posters question, we live outside of Gettysburg.

UPDATE: My husband just had a long conversation with the seller. He said he doesn't want/need a deposit - he feels comfortable holding it for us because he has been in touch with us so many times and will hold the boat for us for about a month until my husband and his buddy can drive there. That makes me feel a lot better!

Thanks for everyone's input!

hope it works out and make sure you post up pics of the delivery :)

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Originally Posted by wolfeman131

I agree with Petty. Tell us where it is, and most likely, somebody on here is close enough to check it out for you. Frankly, I think you're in a good spot and somewhat lucky the seller is willing to hold it for you for only $200. When I sell an item on CraigsList, first one to put the cash in my hand gets it. I got burned too many times with folks saying they were on their way and then no-show which cost me selling to other interested parties.

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Amen to that....that's how I roll :)

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Originally Posted by viking

Amen to that....that's how I roll :)

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I missed out on several boats during my search, sometimes I couldn't get the paypal deposit out fast enough. If it's a decent boat and priced right it'll move, someone just needs to stop by with cash and it's gone.. Better to send a paypal deposit and pick it up asap...

I agree. If it is the right one then go get it. I dropped everything and went to Owensboro, Kentucky one time. Another time I left at 3 am for Cary, North Carolina. Sometimes you just gotta go.

3-4 weeks out and others will start looking for a boat soon, if the price is right and its a good one, dont wait to long or somebody else may be towing her home. Cash is king and a seller may not wait even when promised they will.

Really hope it works out for you

if the price is right I should swing down and take a look at it maybe i could use a new dd ;)

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Originally Posted by O-Boat

2007 Moomba Outback

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O-Boat - Outback is a great model. 2007 was a great year. Hope this deal comes together for you. - Deerfield