4 Tips for Selling Your Boat
Maybe you need the extra cash to take on a large project. Perhaps you don’t spend as much time on the water as you used to. No matter why you have decided to part ways with your beloved watercraft, selling a boat takes some finesse. Use these tips to help you prepare yours so that another family can set sail and make memories this summer.
Clean It and Tune It Up
Before you list your boat, perform routine maintenance. Typically, maintenance includes replacing the fuel filter and adding a stabilizing additive, checking the pumps and seacocks to ensure they are operating properly and maintaining the operating systems and safety gear, among others. After the boat is in excellent operating condition, have a professional detail job done on it. This includes removing any rust spots, degreasing the engine, cleaning the cabin and anything else that will make your boat look like new. Gather the maintenance documents, title, registration and any other important documents to have on hand when speaking to potential buyers.
Know How Much It’s Worth
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Before you place your boat on the market, have it appraised so you can be sure that you’re getting a fair price and not overcharging potential buyers. The value of boat sales will depend on several factors, including the type of boat it is, the make and model, its age, how often it has been used, the condition it’s in and the number of extra features it has. Be sure to price your watercraft competitively and be willing to negotiate with potential buyers.
Let Potential Buyers Take It for a Spin
Expect to let any potential buyers take the boat for a spin. After all, you wouldn’t purchase a used car without taking it for a test drive first, right? This allows you to show that everything works correctly, shows the buyer how the boat handles and gives them an idea of how roomy it is. If possible, ask them to limit the number of people who accompany you on the test drive. The more people on the boat, the harder it will be to discuss specifics without interruptions.
Advertise in the Right Places
Selling a boat requires you to list it in the right places. It isn’t enough to stick an ad on Craigslist or post on your Facebook wall and leave it be. Consider the local paper, local selling walls, bulletin boards at the local lake or boat club, auction websites and other types of sites. Some companies, including Boaters Net, will help you create a free or paid ad that will be displayed on Google, Yahoo!, Facebook, Twitter and several other sites. Regardless of where you post your ad, be sure you take plenty of pictures, use keywords and provide plenty of information. Avoid listing a firm price. People who don’t think you’ll negotiate are less likely to contact you at all.
Perhaps the most important part of selling a boat is to get documentation. Put everything about the boat, including any problems it may have, in writing. Do your best to get cash from a buyer. If you do take a check, don’t sign the title over until it has cleared. Soon, you’ll be on your way to the bank while they’re on their way to the lake.
