My transaction with Ray for Seaweed was very easy and flawless.
We wrote up an initial receipt for a deposit to hold the boat dependent on a survey and sea trial. I scheduled a survey, in this case only a power review of the engine. I did not have to worry about getting financing, but did allow for a time frame to get access to the cash and we wrote that in our initial agreement. After the survey and sea trial went well, we agreed on a closing date, Ray provided copies of all titles to boat and trailer. He wrote up a more formal Bill of Sale, easily found online and listed all the Pertinent Vin #'s and a list of all included equipment. Ray actually delivered Seaweed to my home on the agreed date, exchanged Cashiers check for Boat, Docs, Equipment. Other than my own registration of boat and trailer and paying tax on the trailer only, getting insurance, we were good to go. I think buying from a C-Brat owner directly also gave me a sense of comfort in knowing I had both a community and an owner who loved his boat and post purchase he was enthusiastic about answering questions that inevitably come up as you stick your head in the nooks and cranny of your new treasure.
Paul