Whether you’re selling a fishing boat, ski boat, cruiser, powerboat or just your everyday pontoon, there are some basic things you need to do to be successful in selling your boat.
This article breaks it down into 6 basic steps. Easier and get more for it if you take this approach you’ll sell your boat faster.
Having a good record of all repairs and maintenance especially winterizing, summarizing and repairs tells the buyer that the boat was taken care of very well. And it can have a huge impact in selling a boat quickly. When a potential buyer comes to take a look at the boat, the thing he’s thinking about in the back of his mind is how many things have been broke on the boat and what’s my chances of them breaking again.
Step 1 – Cleaning There’s nothing more beneficial in making a boat saleable than getting it cleaned up really well. Wash and clean the trailer thoroughly. Boat dealers and boating centers carry gel coat cleaners and polishes that can remove the scale and residue build up on the hull and restore is color and luster.
Step 6 – Negotiating and selling There’s some very important basic rules to follow when you’re trying to sell a boat. If you ignore it, the interested party will quickly move to the next available boat that fit’s their requirements and there’s a lot of boats on the market. Quick responses to inquiries can bring a buyer to view your boat and he or she could be the one.
Others charge a lot for listing your boat with several pictures and then there’s sites like ours that charge a nominal fee and allow the ad to run until the boat sells.; placing your boat near the street with a sign allows potential buyers to stop and take a quick look. They can write down the phone number and call to make an appointment to review the boat more thoroughly.
When the buyer does make an offer, do not reject the offer if it is lower than your set price. If the buyer asks what’s the lowest you’ll go, and a lot of people ask that, a good answer is,” I just listed it or I’m starting to get a lot of calls, so I’ll take. Most buyers will either offer you a lower offer or many times will flat out ask what’s the lowest you’ll take for it.
Step 2 – Maintenance and Repairs Make sure that everything is functional on the boat including lights, horn, radio, instruments, depth finders, fish finders, GPS, bilge pumps, fans, blowers, etc. Ideally the boat should be fully functional when it’s sold. Your boat will sell much faster if everything is in good working order.
When you do get an interested buyer, it’s important to be sincere and open about why you’re selling it, how long you’ve owned and how it’s performed for you. This builds a relationship and trust between you and the potential buyer. This is critical in getting someone comfortable enough to make an offer.
Check the local newspaper classifieds, your local used boat dealers and the Internet boat classified to find prices for similar boats. Based on those and your urgency to sell the boat, you can set your sales price accordingly. Buyers are always looking to get a bit of a price break on a boat they’re considering buying.
Clean the windows. You should also wax the hull and polish all railings – stainless or wood. Clean all amenities thoroughly – especially the head, galley and sleeping area, if required.
If You’re Planning To Sell Your Boat, Here’s How To Prepare, Market And Sell Your Boat Successfully.
If the buyer offers you a deposit, make sure you write out a receipt – 2 copies, one for you and one for the buyer. It’s a good idea to have these prepared before meeting potential buyers. You should prepare deposit receipts that provide a blank for the amount and set a time limit for holding the boat after which the deposit is forfeited.
Ø Boat is being purchased in “As Is” condition
Ø As of this day and time, legal ownership, responsibility and liability is transferred to said purchaser.
Boat dealers and boating centers carry gel coat cleaners and polishes that can remove the scale and residue build up on the hull and restore is color and luster. When a potential buyer comes to take a look at the boat, the thing he’s thinking about in the back of his mind is how many things have been broke on the boat and what’s my chances of them breaking again. Check the local newspaper classifieds, your local used boat dealers and the Internet boat classified to find prices for similar boats. Others charge a lot for listing your boat with several pictures and then there’s sites like ours that charge a nominal fee and allow the ad to run until the boat sells. If you ignore it, the interested party will quickly move to the next available boat that fit’s their requirements and there’s a lot of boats on the market.
If the buyer is paying by check, you should go to the issuing bank to make sure it clears. Do not let the buyer take the boat until the check is confirmed and cleared by a bank. If the buyer is reluctant or resists in going to the bank, you should insist on cash.
Ø Make sure both purchaser and seller sign it and date it.
Ø Purchaser is buying said boat for $______ and accepts all responsibility and liability for said item.
Ø No written or verbal warranty or guarantees apply (unless mfg. Warranty is still in effect).
Ø Write down the buyers drivers license # on your receipt.
Ø Specify Date, Time, Seller Name, Buyer Name (blank), Boat Description.
