There's a very nice Four Winns 250 on eBay that I'm interested in. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=330264604741

I'm registered, and bidding, but a real neophyte at this.

Any eBay suggestions, dos and don'ts would be greatly appreciated.

Boat is in TN, which is a 600 mi. road trip for me, but that part is do-able.

Thanks! in advance.

On tip...don't outbid me . Just kidding, but did take a look at that boat earlier in the week.

Have you sent him an email to see if he will tell you what his reserve it? Just curious as if the reserve is too high, you are wasting your time even bidding.

See it first, buy only with a sea trial and survey requirement, then bid.

Its purty.

Here is a clicky link

Rental history?

I'd be concerned, he has 400+ [censored] feedback, but hasn't sold anything in over a year, be careful. If you win, be prepared to take all the money to him w/i 48 hrs, then you see the boat before he gets any money. I'm prepared to do this for all the vehicles I sell, and expect the same for all I buy.

I bought my boat on ebay. A couple of dozen other things also. No reason to bid now, your just driving the price up. Wait till the last couple of minutes. If you are really into it, I'd bust my azz down there right now and do what Seabuddy said. Bring your laptop and make sure your motel has wifi. Love that 100% on the seller. They might NOT take your bid if you don't have many transactions

Nice find if it works out. I can't help on the purchase though. I'd be too chicken to drop that much cash on an E-bay purchase unless it was close to home.

Very nice boat. Sounds like time for a road trip!

I found my boat on eBay, the auction ended with no bids. I had a forum member who lived close by check it out, and he said it looked good. I was in constant communication with the seller though, we agreed on a price, and I made the trip out there.

I'd shoot the seller a message and see what you can work out. Depending on his reserve price it won't even sell. A lot of people think there boat is worth a lot more than it is on the market today. Take these for instance... 2008 FW Vista 258
which just ended with no bids, and this one had a Buy it Now of about 56k if I remember right.. 2004 FW Vista 268

Put in your last and final only bid for the maximum amout you're willing to pay about 15 seconds before close of the auction. You either get it or you don't.

eBay does have several approved escrow services. With dollar amounts over $1000 I'd highly recommend using one - and you'd probably want to contact the seller to see if they have objections to using an escrow service.

Forgot to say, my road trip was 800 miles round trip, and well worth it. Call the seller.

Do not make any bids until the end is near.

Good advice. I've been in sales 35 years, and believe I'm a good judge of character over the phone. I just had a very nice conversation with the owner, and have little doubt that this boat is as advertised.

Turns out he's from the midwest, and is moving back.

Doggg - Yep, did, he ain't giving up the reserve $.

Thanks for all replies so far.

Awesome. Hope it all works out for you. I wish I was seriously in the market for a cruiser now, as that '08 is available for about 45% off MSRP.