what should i do before i sell my boat

[foresteronw]

I am thinking about selling my boat, and have a couple of questions before I start. I want to be able to sell it with the least amount of problems possible. I would also like to make it easy for the buyer. Any help would be gladly taken.

 

[flashback]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

W H Y ?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

I would give it a GOOD clean up job form the bilge area up.... Clean everything and anything and give it a wax job too....<br /><br />Make sure before you put it up for sale, that everything works properly, and be willing to demonstrate to the buyer on the water.... <br /><br />If something is not correct with the boat be honest....<br /><br />Last but not least, I would include all nessary safety gear in the deal...(lifevests,fire extingusher,ect.)Make sure the safety gear's in good shape too.... Ready ta go!....

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

Snapperbait hit the nail on the head. With real estate it's location...with a boat it's clean. It will sell faster and for a better price if it is really clean. I have bought and sold many & always made money, but it has to be clean and ready to go.

 

[ndemge]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

Don't know your storage situation...but...<br /><br />I drive down the road all the time, and will see an uncovered boat sitting out for sale. That's fine... but when you drive by the next day in the rain, and the boat is still uncovered.. right there, I know I don't want to own that boat. Am I the only one that thinks like that?

 

[Beaux]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

I agree.... the words "boat kept covered" mean more to me than just that. It implies to me that the person who owns it takes care of it. And with Boats as with apples....a "nice clean,shiny one looks better" especially to a novice new boat owner.. Nothing you do will sway a real boat person from test ride,mech.check, marine survey. On that last note, a recent marine survey could help "seal the deal" and could help the buyer get financing/insurance quicker. Good Luck

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

Pray. In a recession and it being late fall it is a buyers market. Just remember when you set your price is not how much you think its worth its how much its really worth.

 

[MrBill]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

Foresteronw:<br />Yes, clean is good, but expected....evidence of good maintenance is better. So if you really know your stuff, and can tell a buyer how you've maintained the boat...that's a comfort. If you're not mechanically adept but know the value of preventive maintenance and have it done by someone...show the slips. If you've just run it and are hoping a half-day clean-up job will cause a knowledgeable buyer to over-look neglect, hope that you find a novice.<br /><br />A well taken care of, well maintained boat shows.....otherwise your only out is an enticing price. Good luck.............

 

[MrBill]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

More.....snapperbait gave great advise too. I sent off my first response impulsively after reading the first response you got from flashabck WHY?????...make it easy to buy? Does any one remember the stupidity and arrogance of american auto manufacturers and dealers in the 70's that allowed the Japanese to take 50% of the market in about a decade??? Take snapperbait's advise, and you'll be able to sell your boat...and feel good about it.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: what should i do before i sell my boat

MrBill makes an excelent point that I forgot to... Maintinance records and recepts...If ya got em', show em' and pass them (or copys) on with the boat for the future owner...