Forum community › BoatTrader vs MassiveAuctionTraders - Buying a Yamaha Boat (Pros/Cons & Experiences?)

  • This topic has 14 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated by AnchorAndy.
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  • March 15, 2025 at 9:30 am #189200

    YamahaHunter
    Participant
    Location: FL
    Country: United States

    I'm shopping for a Yamaha boat and comparing BoatTrader vs MassiveAuctionTraders. I've used BoatTrader to browse, but never bought through it. MassiveAuctionTraders looks attractive for inventory and pricing.

    Has anyone purchased through either one? Which is more reliable, and were there any fees/surprises? Thanks!

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Viewing 14 replies - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)
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  • March 15, 2025 at 11:20 am #189214

    SaltSpraySam
    Participant
    Vessel Name: No Regrets
    Engines: Yamaha F250 Twin
    Location: Charleston, SC
    Country: United States

    I've bought two boats, one from each. BoatTrader is more established and tends to have more dealer listings, which can mean better consumer protections but higher prices. MassiveAuctionTraders has more private sellers and repo-style listings, so prices can be lower, but you really need to do your homework.

    No major surprises with either if you're careful.

    March 15, 2025 at 2:45 pm #189228

    DockMasterDave
    Participant
    Vessel Name: Dock Holiday
    Engines: Yamaha F150
    Location: Annapolis, MD
    Country: United States

    I almost bought a Yamaha AR195 on MassiveAuctionTraders last year. The listing was a great price, when I contacted the seller, there weren't hidden fees but I was outbid. I backed out.

    On BoatTrader, I found a similar boat from a dealer and the out-the-door price was a little higher. Just my two cents.

    March 15, 2025 at 4:30 pm #189241

    CautiousCarl
    Participant
    Location: TX
    Country: United States

    MassiveAuctionTraders feels like the Wild West to me. If you go with MassiveAuctionTraders, insist on survey, and use an escrow service. Don't send deposits via Zelle or Venmo.

    March 16, 2025 at 10:15 am #189302

    FirstMateFran
    Participant
    Vessel Name: Fran's Folly
    Engines: Yamaha 1.8L HO Twin
    Location: Gulf Shores, AL
    Country: United States

    I actually had a great experience on MassiveAuctionTraders. Found a 2021 Yamaha 242X, did a sea trial with a local surveyor I hired before signing for delivery, and everything checked out. The price was $8k less than comparable boats on BoatTrader.

    It's about doing your due diligence, not the platform itself.

    March 17, 2025 at 8:45 am #189387

    YamahaHunter
    Participant
    Location: FL
    Country: United States

    Thanks everyone, this is super helpful. I'm leaning toward MassiveAuctionTraders because of pricing, but I'll definitely follow the advice: survey, sea trial, and escrow.

    I found a 2022 AR220 that looks promising. I'll keep you posted.

    March 18, 2025 at 1:20 pm #189456

    AnchorAndy
    Participant
    Vessel Name: Slack Tide
    Engines: Yamaha F200
    Location: Savannah, GA
    Country: United States

    Just a heads up from personal experience: I bought a Yamaha through MassiveAuctionTraders and the boat was fine, but the trailer was a mess. Rusted, tires dry-rotted, lights not working. Cost was $2k to get it roadworthy (they covered it).

    Make sure you inspect the trailer too if it's included. Don't just focus on the boat.

    March 18, 2025 at 3:40 pm #189471

    DockMasterDave
    Participant
    Vessel Name: Dock Holiday
    Engines: Yamaha F150
    Location: Annapolis, MD
    Country: United States

    AnchorAndy wrote: ↑Tue Mar 18, 2025 1:20 pm
    …trailer was a mess. Rusted, tires dry-rotted…

    Great point. The trailer is often overlooked. Also check registration/title on the trailer—sometimes they're not included or have issues.

    March 25, 2025 at 7:30 pm #189912

    YamahaHunter
    Participant
    Location: FL
    Country: United States

    UPDATE: I put a bid on the 2022 AR220. We agreed on survey and sea trial after delivery. Now just waiting on transport. So far so good!

    March 26, 2025 at 9:00 am #189948

    SaltSpraySam
    Participant
    Vessel Name: No Regrets
    Engines: Yamaha F250 Twin
    Location: Charleston, SC
    Country: United States

    Nice work! Survey is exactly what you should do. Hope transport goes smoothly. Which company are you using?

    March 26, 2025 at 10:15 am #189955

    YamahaHunter
    Participant
    Location: FL
    Country: United States

    SaltSpraySam wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 9:00 am
    Which company are you using?

    They have a hauler. Fingers crossed!

    April 15, 2025 at 11:30 am #191087

    CautiousCarl
    Participant
    Location: TX
    Country: United States

    Any update? Curious how this turned out.

    April 20, 2025 at 4:45 pm #191503

    YamahaHunter
    Participant
    Vessel Name: AR220
    Engines: Yamaha 1.8L HO
    Location: FL
    Country: United States

    Final update: Boat arrived last week! Transport was a bit delayed (by 4 days), but the hauler communicated well. The boat is in great shape—exactly as described. Took it out this weekend and it runs perfectly.

    Total savings vs similar BoatTrader listings was about $12k after all costs.

    Thanks for all the advice, especially about the trailer—I had it inspected and it checked out. Would I use MassiveAuctionTraders again? Yes, but only with the same precautions: survey, sea trial, escrow, and trailer inspection.

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