New 2012 RZ2....salvage title??

[robert theisen]

You could be lighting a match to your money or adding a little more to that amount and buying a 2012 with a clear title and warranty available.

[boardman74]

For comparison sake what is the price on this boat vs. the clean used one I know of for 65K?

[What she said]

If its like auto insurance the damages have to be about 70% of the the boats value. The question is where did they value it at? Maybe the dealer pushed on the repair prices to make it a total loss. My guess is some of both happened. I say take a hard look at the boat make sure the repairs where done correctly... If so go for it, just make sure your getting a deal, because you may have to do some repairs in the near future.

[boatwakes]

FYI there are NO SALVAGE TITLES FOR VESSELS. Boat insurance carriers base their insurance payouts on a 50% or greater cost to repair (I deal with this a lot) meaning if a $50k valued boat has a $25,001 repair estimate, insurance company will write you a check sans your deductible. But for you, if you're going to buy something you know has been in an accident here's some stuff to remember:
1) Fiberglass does not bend, it breaks, repairs to affected areas are stronger than original layered glass.
2) Boats don't have frames that twist or bend, there are stringers that stay parallel with the boat and when they get stressed, they crack and break. Look for that because a broken stringer means big problems, it can be repaired but know what is going on in the hull.
3) Prop shafts, struts and rudders are most affected by impacts and may be hard to see problems if you don't know what you're looking for. As someone above said, get a certified marine surveyor to go through the boat before you make an offer.
4) Anything can be fixed with money it's just the headache of not being prepared for what may lie ahead.

Good luck.

[boardman74]

^^ I think that varies state to state. Many States do, including the state of California, I just read about it on Google. All I did was searched it. Had to check that after you said that as I have held a Minnesota Vessel salvage title in my hand! Value also varies state to state. I think here in MN they start at 35% of value for cars. Here there are 2 for cars, damage and salvage.

I know many Insurance companies start total loss around 50%, but it's not until 75% that you have the option. Trust me that is federal law and I have been to court with that one. So what I am saying is at 70% they can fix your vehicle and you don't have a say. But if your vehicle is issued a salvage/damage title they do have to comp you for the loss of value.

But I think we are getting away from the point here. If there was as little damage as they said that would be in the 10% range and that would never be a total or salvage/damage title. Also no dealer changes all the under water gear for no reason, just for "piece of mind". Ask that dealer if they change it on every boat they receive, just for the piece of mind!! After all they don't know where it's been!!

Boatwakes brings a great point..what happened inside the hull where it's hard to see? I wouldn't touch it. Still curious as to the price compared to a clean used one.

[boatwakes]

Sorry boardman, should have been more clear: a salvaged vessel only means: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_salvage, not anything pertaining to the damage, condition or value of the hull or vessel, just that it was "salvaged" (as per definition) by people or agencies other than the owner. Documented vessels, state registered vessels and the like do not carry a "salvage" title akin to a vehicle salvage title. A boat that has been "salvaged" can be reported as such by the salvors but a vehicle must carry a salvage title if it has been totaled and the two have completely different meanings. But again, I'm puling us off topic.

[Magnumruger]

All the points of view and facts shared in this thread are much appreciated! Looking elsewhere for some answers over the weekend haven't helped half as much as this site and its members...thank you all This particular boat is going for 55k without a trailer as stated above...glad to hear of another personal experience with this boat. With the story behind the damage/repair plus the assumed hassle with a potential lender or insurer I've decided not to pursue this boat and keep looking. I'm a perfectionist in many ways and feel that I would be a little paranoid owning this boat and using it as it should be used. For now I think it's best to keep saving my pennies for that dream boat (new z3/z1 set up to surf) whether its out there now looking for me or yet to be made in the factory. Thanks again for all the shared time and info!!!!