Finding a buyer for your boat
Browsing the boat listings on online marketplaces like Boats and Outboards, Boatshop24.co.uk or YachtWorld, you will find boats advertised with photos that give the impression that the boat has been poorly taken care of by the owner. For example, some are dirty, while others are cluttered. Some even have imperfections so plain to see that they make you skip to the next listing. These are clearly not good examples to follow when selling your boat.
If you have read advice about how to sell a boat, you have probably made sure that your boat looks good in your advert’s photos. However, now the time has come to show your boat in person, so it’s not just about making them look clean and tidy for photos. You now need to try to get your boat as close as possible to its initial state as a shiny new model.
If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to do repairs. Thoroughly clean the hull, give it a coat of antifoul and anything else that can improve your boat’s condition and make it look better against the competition. Anything you invest now will be rewarded and it could mean selling your boat within weeks of posting the listing, instead of waiting months. You should also think about whether your boat is located in a good area for potential buyers to easily access. If this isn’t the case, you should consider moving it to a closer mooring.
Remember that this is the most difficult part of selling a boat - showing potential buyers your boat and allowing them to test it. That’s why it’s crucial to make a good first impression, which is also the first step to closing a sale successfully.
Keeping your boat clean and tidy
Whilst preparing your boat for sale, you have probably taken out any personal belongings or things that shouldn’t be there, such as magazines, newspapers, old furniture, or food. If you have a dog that you usually bring on board with you, make sure you also take out your dog’s belongings. This is because some people don’t like the idea of buying a boat that has had pets on it. You should also take out any ashtrays if you have any lying around.
Make sure anything that’s staying on the boat is organised and clean. If you live far from where your boat is moored, or you already know that you won’t be able to clean the boat yourself, find someone trustworthy who can do it for you without the worry of having to arrive early and prepare everything.
Most viewers love opening and closing wardrobe doors and drawers to see if they are in good condition. Make sure that everything is either empty or organised and that all the fittings work properly. It is also important to make sure that your boat doesn’t smell funny, so don’t forget to ventilate it or even use an air freshener with a gentle scent.
Make a good impression
First impressions count. If the boat looks good, clean and organised, your buyer will be at ease and able to imagine the boat as their own. This is a very important step since it will help your boat stand out against the crowd and become something desirable. It is also crucial that potential buyers have easy and safe access to the boat. This will help to build trust. Be kind and friendly, but don’t overdo it, meaning it’s fine to offer a drink but don’t get carried away and open a bottle of wine.
Pay attention to the details
Prepare a list with everything that isn’t included in the price. It’s best if you do this for each part of the boat, for example, tenders, the fans in the cabins, the television, etc. If some of these objects can be sold separately, mention this in the list so that everything is clear from the outset. You should also include a photo of the boat, its location and your contact details so the buyer has access to all the information. The more detail, the better.
Make sure you are available to show the whole ship and allow plenty of time for each visit. Showing a six-metre boat isn’t the same as showing a 15-metre cruiser. If you have multiple viewings on the same day, leave enough time between visits so that you don’t have to run, or worse, interrupt the viewing because you have other people waiting. On the other hand, if you don’t have time, or simply don’t want to handle the whole process of selling your boat, you can use a broker. You can consult our directory of brokers here.
Some things may seem obvious to you since you know your boat inside and out, but to potential buyers, it may not be as obvious so you should show them all the details of the boat. Think about how you were first shown the boat when you bought it. Make sure to mention any advantages you have found out about your boat.
Know your potential buyer’s preferences
When you are organising viewings, it’s important that you also ask the buyer a few questions so that you know what they’re looking for. This will help you mention details that might interest the buyer during the viewing. For example, if the buyer wishes to fish, you can show him how the stern lounge furniture can be taken out and put back in for a fishing day with friends. If they liked to cook, you can show them your boat’s kitchen and explain its advantages. Ask if they are coming alone or accompanied, some like to do everything with their family, while others prefer to do the first viewing alone or with a friend who is a boat expert. When you ask potential buyers, take note so that you remember all the information about your potential buyers, especially if you are organising lots of viewings within a short period of time.
Respect counter-offers
A buyer who is really interested in buying your boat will propose a counter-offer that is probably below the asking price. Don’t take a particularly low counter-offer as an insult. Instead, try and see it as the beginning of negotiations. Being polite is essential at this stage to ensure that all goes well during the negotiation process. Be pleasant with all potential buyers to leave them with a good impression.
Learn more tips, tricks and advice on how to sell your boat more quickly and easily.
