blue water catamaran sailing
LIBERTY2

While the global search option was available to us, we limited ourselves to the South Pacific due to age-related time constraints and sailing seasons. Our 'capture area' of potential yachts included a look at New Zealand, Tahiti, Raiatea, Fiji, New Caledonia and Australia.

5 yachts sparked our interest. One in New Zealand (Leopard 48 - 2013), one in Tahiti (Leopard 45 - 2018), one in Raiatea (Lagoon 45 - 2015), and one in Australia (Lagoon 45 - 2015).

To show how serious we were, we flew to see each yacht individually. We were not just tyre-kickers (as many are). Our first stop was New Zealand where we made an appraisal of the Leopard 48. We did our numbers and forwarded our contracted offer with a 48-hour window. This was not accepted without a hint of movement, so took our cash offer elsewhere.

Arriving in French Polynesia, we flew to Raiatea appraised the Leopard 48, did our numbers and compared this to a very similar Lagoon 45 for sale in Australia. The Australian vessel came up trumps for many reasons, so chose not to pursue the Raiatea vessel.

While at the upper end of our budget, we seriously looked at the Leopard 45 in Tahiti. Given the remoteness of this French Polynesian paradise, we had to get our numbers and expectations right the first time, as getting them wrong was going to cost big dollars.

We made our offer using the IMPACT METHOD, then all bets were off and we moved to the next. Give them:
1. A big-cash-cheque-deposit, 
2. A 48-hour reply window to respond, and
3. The quickest settlement period possible, knowing that it takes at least two weeks to deregister a foreign vessel.

We were very fair and serious about the acquisition, and if they were serious about selling, they would come to the party.

In summary, 6 rules to turning the tables and getting your way buying a yacht:
1. Do your homework.
2. Find a salesman you can trust - yes...there are a few around.
3. Hold your cards close to your chest, but don't tyre-kick. You must COME IN WITH IMPACT.
4. Be dead serious about buying the vessel and do not let your heart ('I like it, it's pretty etc') rule your head.
5. Limit the sellers decision period. We use 48-hrs, then all bets are off...move on (i.e. if the seller is serious, they will come to the party).
6. Don't be silly about the offer. Have factual numbers to back yourself.