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I have never given a deposit on eBay and don't expect I ever will.

When the auction ends, tell them you will be there immediately therefore not needing to send a deposit.
If the boat is for sale, then it should be ready for pickup.

Otherwise, I think you already know the answer as you are already frantic and it is most likely a Scam.

I will delete the other duplicate post.
As a reminder though, the posts are still active in the discussion areas, just not on the front page if they are older then a day generally.
Here is the entire Discussion Area page.
http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/in.../index.php