[red20]

There is no law that says your initial offer prior to sea trial is the final offer. If you put up the 10% refundable deposit, pay for a survey + take a sea trial and find issues with the boat you simply change your offer. Most contract to purchase have an out if the buyer or surveyor finds the boat unacceptable. You will receive your deposit back if you and the seller can not come to terms. The buyer is out the survey fee and his time and the seller is out a bit of fuel and his time.

A marine survey is a great tool for a buyer. It provides an independent report on the condition of the boat and usually the survey is the buyers bargaining tool to get a lower price.

My advice - put up the 10%, take a ride, if you like it buy it. If there is a problem change your offer. If the deal doesn't work move onto another boat, there are plenty of them for sale.