I posted a few hours ago about an ad on craigslist. Based on the replies here, I got to thinking, what exactly are the pros and cons of going with a used boat from a dealer vs. a used boat on craigslist. Part of the problem here is that I know relatively little about boats, but I gotta start somewhere. The way I figure it so far is as follows:

Dealer (assuming a reputable dealer):

Pay more

Some sort of warranty, either factory or dealer

Payment system (still really want to avoid that though)

Package deals where everything has been checked out already

Paperwork completed more easily for titles and whatnot.

Craigslist:

Lower prices

Could piece a boat together over time

No guarantee on the boat or the person selling it

No warranty

In some cases, person may not know much about the boat

Obviously, the lower prices from craigslist are the best part about the private seller type sources, but would the extra information and possible warranty be worth the extra money from a dealer?

As an aside, which aluminum boat brands tend to have the best warrantees?

If it's an older boat out of the FW, a dealer normally will provide a very limited warranty at best.

Dealer completely checking the boat out?  They'll go through most of the major stuff but don't be surprised to have issues with it down the road, some of which won't be covered by that limited warranty.

If you have limited boat buying experience and know of anyone that does you could bring along the dealer is probably the better way to go.

I would agree with the prior post.

A dealer makes his living by selling boats.  Unless he's a total idiot, he wants to keep his customers happy.  Word of mouth is the best advertising.

An individual wants to get rid of his boat.  Unless stated in the purchase/sales agreement, it's buyer beware.

The individual once he has his money in hand, has no vested interest in dealing with the problems you may encounter.  Unless you can prove fraud, or misrepresentation on the part of the seller, you are stuck with whatever happens.