Tips for selling your boat

Are you considering selling your boat? Whether you decide to sell with a broker or sell privately, there are several things you should consider before putting up the "For Sale" sign. The worst thing you can do is put your boat up prematurely and have it sit with no action. When a boat stays on the market for an extended period of time, .customers start to wonder if there is something wrong with it that is preventing the sale.

 

 

When a prospective buyer comes to see your boat for the first time, you want them to be impressed by how great it looks. As humans we judge everything we see the first time. Whether it's  in pictures or in person, first impressions mean a lot. If you have a freshly cleaned and decluttered boat  definitely wins over buyers and the buyers family. Some people will think if you neglect the upkeep on the boat then did you also neglect the maintenance? 

 

 

 

 

1. Do a deep interior and exterior cleaning. Look at your boat through the eyes of a buyer. 

2. Remove personal items. You want the buyer to envision themselves owning the boat with their own items, not yours.

3. DeClutter. It will make your boat look like it has more space than it does.

4. Consider Staging. You don't want clutter but you also don't want it to look barren. Decorative pillows, clean fresh bedding and towels go a long way.

 

When you go to sea trial you want the boat to perform flawlessly. You want all mechanical items working properly. This all goes back to are you a person that has made sure you perform all the proper maintenance? Small fixes can go a long way.Here are some things to look at before listing your boat.

1. Are the engines and mechanical components in working order?

2. How does the gel coat look? Are there alot of cracks and blisters?

3. Do you have current maintenance records?

4. Has the bottom been painted recently?

5. How does the running gear look?

6. Are the electronics working? Are they new or outdated?

7. Do the lights work?

8. Do the bilge pumps work?

9. Does the boat run smoothly at cruise and come up to proper RPMS?

10. Is the upholstery and canvas in good shape or is it ripped?

This list can go on and on but the key part is all items need to be addressed before the boat goes up for sale. Flaws will make a buyer try to offer you less money.

 

 

With all the information available on the internet today's buyers are more informed than ever before. So what does this mean to you?

1. Buyers will know what your boat is worth. You probably have a number in mind that you feel your boat is worth. Boat values are driven by the market and sometimes you cannot get exactly what you are asking. Most people will think they have the best boat on the market and you may have that. Unfortunately the market will dictate the price in most cases.  One quick search on the internet looking at Yachtworld or Boat Trader and they know exactly what similar boats are selling for. On a side note sometimes this can work in your favor. If there are very few on the market than maybe you can dictate the market price.

2. You cannot hide problems. There are many boats that have problems or issues specific to those models.And realize that buyers will find that out. There are so many reviews,articles and forums on every boat brand and model out there and buyers do research as they should. Purchasing a boat is a huge expense and a well informed buyer wants the most and best for their money. 

3. Know your boat. There will be many questions from prospective buyers. Be prepared for them, some of the simple ones are total length, beam, draft, tank sizes, warranties, engine specs, and other mechanical information. Also what upgrades have you done?

 

 

Crafting a listing can sometimes be an art. You want the buyer to want to see your boat. Quality pictures are key. It's about that first impression we talked about earlier. If you are serious sometimes a professional photographer will assist with quality photos. 

 

 

Just like with the Real Estate model the location of the boat can mean alot. Some people will try and save money and have their boat in a run down marina. This can affect someone even wanting to see the boat. Again it's about first impressions. 

 

All of the things mentioned here a broker can help you  with. It's a matter of whether the broker is the right fit for you and your needs. Is the broker knowledgeable?  Can they answer your questions? Will they walk you through the listing process? Will they market your boat to the best of their ability? Are you just a number for them or do they actually care about the customer?  Does the broker have repeat customers? Would you recommend the broker to a family member or friend?  These are all things you need to consider when you pick your broker. 

Whether you decide to list with us or someone else or even try selling the boat on your own we hope this guide will help you.