What You Need To Know First Before Selling Your Boat

21 Dec 2023

Two people onboard a white boat while it's underway.

Selling a boat that’s been with you for some time is a big decision, but if you’ve already got your next new boat picked out, in many cases you’ll have to part with the old one. Unfortunately, selling a boat can sometimes be a long process but there are some tricks to follow to help speed up the sale. Here are some tips and tricks you need to know about selling a boat.

What is the Best Strategy for Selling My Boat?

The most effective way to sell your boat is to target the right kind of boat buyer. In other words, identify the kind of buyers who are searching for exactly the type of boat you are selling and then figure out how to best reach them. For example, if you’re listing a  small Quintrex boat for sale, you’ll most likely want to target areas with lakes and protected inland waterways known for leisurely cruising.

Here are also the basic steps to follow when selling your boat:

  • Determine if you are going to sell the boat yourself, or work with a broker or dealer.
  • Make sure the boat looks and runs as well as possible.
  • Research the price of similar boats taking make, model, size, and age into consideration.
  • Decide on an asking price.
  • Advertise your boat for sale.
  • Show the boat and seal the deal.

What’s the Best Site For Selling a Boat?

Boats.com offer some great selling options for boat owners and this site can be used by anyone from every corner of the world. However, there are also a few other great options for selling your boat online as well. It all depends on what type of vessel you’re selling and the kind of boat buyer who would be most interested in purchasing that type of boat. For larger yachts, you may want to check out YachtWorld where many buyers are searching for luxurious, ocean-going yachts that can be used for various commercial and recreational purposes from running their own fishing charter. If you have a trailerable boat under 35 feet, BoatsOnline and BoatSales are great places to reach a mass audience of boaters of all levels and interests in Australia. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process or don’t have the time to manage it yourself, try hiring a professional boat broker or bring your boat to dealerships to sell your boat. These professionals will take a commission but they typically sell the boat for more money and tend to have a great network of well-qualified, interesting boat buyers.

How Can You Know How Much Your Boat is Worth

Many boaters ask the question of how much their boats are worth when they’re considering selling them. This can be a tricky question to answer because there are so many variables to consider when assessing the value of a boat. These range from the most obvious, such as the age and condition of the vessel, to things like boat accessories add-ons, customizations, electronic equipment and gear, location, and even the peak boating season.

How to Sell a Boat Quickly?

If you’re looking to sell your boat quickly, try setting the price to just below what you see most of the others in its class listed for in your location. Clean it thoroughly, take great on-the-water photos, to grab attention, and have it ready to show for when an interested buyer chooses your boat. Another recommendation would be to target the type of keywords buyers would be looking for in your ads, such as location, boat brand, hull type, and amenities. For example, if you live in Geelong and you want to sell your fishing boat, you can add these words in your listing “used boat for sale Geelong”, or “fishing boat Geelong”.

When is the Best Time to Sell a Boat?

The best time to sell a boat for many boaters is during the spring since many boaters are getting ready to get back out on the water. If you’re staying in warmer areas, you may find there are interested buyers during every season. When you’re selling a boat online you can reach interested buyers any time of the year.

 

Do you have any suggestions for new boating or fishing topics? Or do you want to promote product deals or reviews related to all things boating? Fill out the form below to suggest a boat story, submit a boat review, or announce a promotional deal.