Tips for selling your boat

We get asked all the time about used boats.  Mostly we have customers approaching us looking to purchase a pre-owned unit, but we are often asked about the best way to sell a boat or if we will sell a boat on consignment or brokerage.  The advice is the same, and there are some quick tips we can offer to make the process of selling a boat more efficient.  The first thing I would advise is to make sure your paperwork is in order.  If you do not have clean titles (if your state requires them), lien releases (if applicable), and a Bill of Sale ready to go, then you are wasting your time trying to sell or trade your boat you need to start with clean paperwork ready to go.  Then, take stock of the condition of your boat.  We are always asked how many hours are on a motor when we sell a used unit, and the honest answer is that except in extreme circumstances, the number of hours do not really matter.  The condition of your boat is a much stronger driver of value than hours ever would be.  How are the seats, carpet, hull, dash, etc?  A good thorough cleaning is typically the #1 thing you can do to see an increase in street value.  The mechanical state of your boat is next.  Does everything work as it should?  A third-party verification of the engine and major mechanical systems on the boat goes a long way towards increasing value.  If there are significant running or safety defects with your craft then those need to be fixed up front or declared beforehand and the price adjusted accordingly.  If you have a bad starter or fuel pump, that is preventing your boat from running properly then that needs to be fixed or you will never get good value from your boat.  However, it is usually a bad idea to repair or replace things like electronics, stereos, and other fringe options as they may or may not be important to the next owner of the boat anyway.  Then once your paperwork and condition are straight, you need to market your boat.  I have seen the old sign in the driveway technique work in the past, but you are much more likely to get a viable market offer in a short period of time if you advertise it.  There are free venues like Craigslist and Facebook, but especially if you have a high value or narrow demand boat, you should strongly consider some paid advertising with a larger reach such as Boat Trader or other major websites like that.  Your degree of urgency will dictate how aggressive you should be in advertising your boat.  Don't forget the power of word of mouth, make sure that you mention to everyone you can that your boat is for sale.  Sometimes you will be shocked and a buyer might just materialize from your own circle of friends and family.  Lastly, when you do find that buyer, make sure that you treat them with respect and handle the transaction professionally for both sides.  Offer a test ride.  You have done your due diligence and preparation for the sale, so it is OK that you require some professionalism and general respect from your buyer as well.  You should not have to hold the boat more than a day or so without a deposit.  Insist on cash or a certified check in exchange for your paperwork when the boat changes hands.  Having all of your service records and a recommended place for future service needs is a nice touch.  Selling a boat yourself does not have to be intimidating or even all that difficult.  And the best part is when you are done, you get to keep all of the proceeds yourself and you are ready to go buy that new boat!

If you do not have the inclination, time, or desire to sell your boat, give us a call and we will walk you through the procedure for consignment or brokerage of your boat.  And we will also give you a trade evaluation which makes life even simpler and easier.  Regardless of what method you choose, please let us know if we can help you in any way.  At the very least we are here for advice and will wish you good luck!