There a return Law in SC on a used boat from a private deal. Three days? Or would it be fraud?

Question

I bought a boat from a local guy who works for Hucks pool in Myrtle Beach.

I think its the owners Son.

He said there was nothing to fix on the Boat and it was water ready with no issues.

After Someone inspected it for me they found it to have a bent axel and metal filings in the foot and also does not shift into gear smoothly. Does SC Law allow a 3 day return policy on used boats or do I have to file a small claims suit against him?

Answer 1

There is no 72 hour rule on a private sale.

Unless you have a written warranty, any private sale is assumed to be as-is, where -is. how -is. Verbal statements as to the condition of an item are not enforceable. If you file suit against him, he will deny ever saying the boat was perfect.  Unless you have something in writing or a warranty that says the boat has no problems, you have no case.

This is an expensive lesson, but one most people will eventually learn.

Why did you not have the inspection done prior to purchase?

Answer 2

Remember when Greg Brady bought the POS car and Mike told him CAVEAT EMPTOR?  

Buyer Beware!

Tough way to learn a lesson, but an independant mechanic could have found these issues for a small percentage of your present loss.

Answer 3

should have had the inspection before you bought it.

what does your bill of sale say?

most likely as is, where is.

Answer 4

Generally there are disclosure laws, but you need to be able to prove the previous owner had knowledge of the problem.

Why did you have the inspection AFTER you purchased the boat?  One of the main reasons to have a boat surveyed is so you know what you are buying BEFORE you make a purchase.    Most often what one does is make an offer contingent on an  inspection/survey and then re-negotiate if anything is discovered.    

It's much the same as buying a house.    It's in the interest of the buyer to have an inspection.  If you choose to not pay for this, the results are your responsibility.