Selling boat out of state?

[jEt_jAk]

Had an offer on my boat, buyer is out of state and offered to buy it via check mailed to me. Claims I can wait for funds to clear, and they will arrange pickup/shipping. They also didn’t ask to see it which may or may not be a red flag, but I don’t have much experience selling a cars/boats. Any risk from my side doing it this way? Want to make sure I am clear from any potential fraud here, if ok how long before all is clear on the check?

 

[ImHowl]

This is a scam.
Do not accept money from this person. Do not send money to this person.
Just stop communicating with them all together.

 

[Bruce]

Sounds like a scam. If they can write a check they can bring cash, a cashiers check or send a wire,

 

[Jeep7797]

Lots of red flags going on there! I agree, just stop talking to him. If someone is really interested, they'll figure out a way to meet up with you and bring cash or a cashiers check which you can call the issuing bank to verify.

 

[biffdotorg]

When I purchased out of state, our two banks were talking to each other before I left on a 1500 mile one way drive. They held the funds until I had a good sea trial. And still maintained contact until the lean was cleared and the title was transferred. Much safer, and they protected both of us.

It was in their best interest to communicate, as I had a loan on the purchase, and the bank wanted to be sure I was not scammed. And the seller wanted to be sure the funds were secure prior to the sea trial as a valid offer. As he held the boat while I traveled to meet up. And we planned on towing it away that afternoon. He confirmed the funds, while the marina put it on the trailer and we ran to Walmart to get a trailer wiring adapter.

All in all, it was worth the trip if only to go for a ride on salt water before bringing it back home to the cool fresh water of Minnesota