The many sides of Jeff....
The past few weeks have exhibited the zero tolerance Jeff.
I have been in a zero tolerance bullshit mode since I have reluctantly had to deal with boat sales people. A few have been very honest - like Hugh Pollock from Offshore Performance in Grasonville, MD and Dan Cox from Midwest Performance Marine. Then there's also been Eric Smith from Boston Yacht who is great.
I will not mention the lying scumbags that I've dealt with.
The past few weeks have left me more jaded and skeptical than ever before in my life.
The best lie to date was the Top Gun for sale --- that's sold, but still advertised on Boattrader.com where the ad says "this boat has never seen salt" which is an outright lie.
Yes, I'm jaded, tired and anxious to get the purchase of the Top Gun over and done with but I won't believe it until the boat is in the water and I'm in it. Every day brings new challenges and obstacles. I never thought it could be so hard to give my money away, but it is!!!!
The owner of the Top Gun I'm buying (or trying to) is one of the few bright spots in this quagmire of untruths, deception and double talk by people in this business. His name is Matt and he's honest, to-the-point and a no-nonsense, no bullshit kind of guy. The kind of person I like to deal with. He doesn't blow smoke up anyone's butt. He and I have butted heads a few times and I like dealing with someone who doesn't back down. I guess I like dealing with New Yorkers because they're brash and honest...like me....without the new yawk accent.
I am doubtful the deal will ever happen simply because the people at the bank are total assholes and change their lending guidelines daily. I am mentally resigned to ending the season boatless (except for my 222 Stinger).
If it all does comes together it will be for one reason and one reason alone....my will to prevail.
After it's done, there wil be some pretty nasty posts out here by me exposing the liars and cheats in this industry that prey on hard working people like you and I.....
I have always remembered what Ronald Reagan said years ago when he was dealing with the Russians. "Trust but Verify". Let that be your mantra if you're shopping for a boat.
Trust no one, verify everything and always, always remain skeptical when it comes to something someone has told your about a boat - especially their own if it's for sale.
have a nice day!

- jeff