Preparing your boat for the marketplace and how to maximize your proceeds of sale.

Scott Taylor

Martin Bird & Associates

Here are some thoughts and observations garnered from years of selling in the used boat marketplace:

1. Create a punch list of needed repairs. If you have not operated the boat for awhile get the boat out and load up the systems. Attend to that list before the boat is shown to prospective buyers. The idea here is to minimize the repairs that will be suggested by a marine surveyor. If the post survey list is a lengthy one, a seller can face loosing the interest of a qualified buyer, or renegotiation of the agreed to contract price. Work hard to whittle down the list to a short one. Knock out even “small stuff” like navigation lights. If bulbs are shot replace them. If it’s a connection, clean it up and get it operable. Any equipment listed in the vessels inventory of sale should be in working order.
   
   
2. Create a plan to detail the boat. All things equal, clean boats that show pride of ownership sell quicker and for more dollars than their neglected sister ships. Concentrate on putting the boat in better condition than during you usage. This is so important and includes attention to all facets of the boat. Compounding, buffing, waxing, and bright-work should lead the way. Wipe down or oil interior woodwork. Have sails and canvass checked over and repaired as needed by your sailmaker. Paint the bottom, install new zincs, scrape off and polish shaft and props. The engine compartment can be degreased, the bilges cleaned, metals polished, and the galley scrubbed clean. In regard to the head, don’t offer a boat for sale that has an odor related to plumbing and holding tanks. This is an obvious but not uncommon “turn off”! Remember that a minor problem here will be magnified by a boat out of usage and in warmer weather. Lastly on this subject, make sure that when you enter the boat through the companionway, you are greeted by a pleasant smelling boat! Add simple decorations, hang a nice print on an empty bulkhead, or add an oriental runner on the cabin sole. De clutter the boats lockers, drawers, and remove food from the galley.
   
   
3. Position the boat as near as possible to the marketplace; should the boat be kept in a remote area, consider relocating to areas of greater boat population. Boat buyers tend to look for boats first in major yachting venues such as Newport, R.I., Annapolis,Md. and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. An extra six months on the market is not unusual for a remotely located boat.
   
   
4. Make sure your boat is easy to board. If on land provide a ladder and carpet to wipe off feet dirty from yacht yards. If winter covered provide reasonable access ports. Provide heat if possible along with a flashlight on the chart table. Yes, you can sell your boat in the dead of winter! If in the water be sure it is properly tied with spring lines and that boarding gates are accessible. Use quality dock lines and provide chafe protection, another signal for a well kept boat.
   
   
5. Update safety equipment. Have life rafts inspected, replace outdated flares, batteries in Epirbs, and be sure the Coast Guard recommended gear is aboard.
   
   
6. Engine: replace any worn or cracked belts and hoses. Replace peripheral components that are due such as exhaust components, heat exchangers, and zincs. Change oil and filters and be sure that the fuel is clean. Dirty fuel, dead or undercharged batteries, and difficult to start engines all are potential deal breakers come survey day. If significant maintenance has been deferred here, put a mechanic aboard the boat to square away the power plant.
   
   

The above can represent lots of work but it will impact on the “bottom line” proceeds of sale, and increase the enjoyment of your boat while for sale.

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