DandV

I asked a principle of a substantial hire boat company with a fleet of beta powered craft what their experience of engine life was. A company that holds onto to its fleet. They replied that in the coming winter they were planning on changing out a 14000 hour beta 38 and a 18000 hr beta 43. He said they have had better from both engines.

Brokerage businesses are very largely built on reputation. And a good reputation is hard earned but easily lost with missteps. Sales going wrong are very damaging to reputation, so there is a very considerable incentive on reputable brokerages to minimise the risk of them being a party in any fraudulent transaction. So by buying through a reputable broker you are already taking a significant step in reducing the risk of the boat being a security registered against a debt. And if you have asked the right questions reduced the risk of buying a dud.