demo ride in San Francisco bay area?

C

cagambler

New member
My wife and I are interested in purchasing a 25 Cruiser. We are more likely than not to purchase a used one from one of the C-Brat listings. But we've never ridden in one!

I'm reluctant to ask the dealer in Oakland for a demo ride if I'm not certain that I'd be buying a new one from him.

Are there any local owners that would be willing to give us a brief introductory ride?

Thank you.
 
cagambler":1kuhddcn said:
I'm reluctant to ask the dealer in Oakland for a demo ride if I'm not certain that I'd be buying a new one from him.
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I'm absolutely certain that the dealer is fully aware that he is competing with used boats. Maybe Marc from Wefings will comment on the dealer's perspective. I would not give it a second thought.

OTOH, a sea trial with a Brat would give you much more insight into what it is like to live with one of these boats.

Warren
 
Bill Burkart at the Outboard Motor Shop in Oakland is an exceptionally nice man and a very low-key salesman -- and I'm sure he would view the test ride by someone seriously interested in a 25 but leaning toward a used one as a sales opportunity. We stopped by OMC to look at the boat because it was convenient for us, but we thought we would be buying from Les Lampman because of EQ's reputation. We bought from Bill and have been very happy with the decision. Goes to show you never know for sure. Bill may offer you a deal you can't refuse.

That being said, I wouldn't use a dealer for a test ride if I knew for certain I was buying elsewhere, but that doesn't seem to be the case with you. Most good salemen appreciate the opportunity to sell -- even if remote.

Regards,

Greg
 
I can appreciate your concern. But, there is also a lot of "service" that a dealer may provide in the future, and a good relationship at the start, whether or not he/she sells boat, can be mutually beneficial later on.
 
I was at Outboard Motor today and Bill is on holiday all this week. I was not paying attention but I dimly remember a new 25 with a $79k "sticker" but have no idea how it was equipped though it may have had a Honda 150 on it.
Bryan or one of the others would be happy to talk with you I am sure.
 
I also will highly recommend Bill Burkhart at Outboard Motor Shop in
Oakland. They have two CD-25's on their lot, one with green highlighting,
one blue, both with Honda 150hp outboards installed at the factory.
I was going to buy the blue one; but, ooops, I bought their last
Ranger 25 Tug instead. They have been gracious and helpful at every
step of the way, and I recommend Outboard Motor Shop to help with
acquiring a C-Dory 25.
 
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