8 Insider Tips to Sell Your Boat Fast

1. CLUTTER KILLS

Hoarding is not appealing to potential buyers. Knick-knacks cluttering cabinet-tops can be distracting and make your Salon look smaller than it really is. Put the dirty laundry away and clear all surfaces of personal items.

2. PICTURE PERFECT

Sometimes bad photographs can ruin the best listings. Using high-resolution photos is critical to a strong presentation. Attention to lighting is also important for a crisp image.

3. DOCK APPEAL

An unorganized and haphazard dock may be a red flag for buyers. Some buyers may see your messy dock as a reflection of the way you care for your boat. Pick up miscellaneous gear and make sure that hoses, cables, and wires are coiled up and secured. A good pressure wash could also do wonders for your dock.

4. PRICING MATTERS

Research is key. Do a simple search online to get a better idea of current market conditions. If your boat is priced higher than the lowest comparables, you’ll likely not receive much action. Be able to justify your asking price.

5. MAKE YOUR BOAT A MOVIE STAR

According to Boat Trader, boat shoppers are 52% more likely to take action after viewing a listing with a video, than a listing with just photographs. Take the time to film your boat’s interior and exterior, along with running footage. A video gives the most realistic overview of your boat, and can giver a buyer a better understanding of spacing and layout.

6. BE SURVEY READY

Take the time to make sure your boat is ready for the critical eye of a good surveyor. Check that your boat is up-to-date on servicing with clean fluids and filters as well as working sea cocks and bilge pumps. A clean boat is impressive, so consider getting it detailed, or at least clean the bottom. Don’t forget about tidying up the engine room.

7. FEATURES OVER FLUFF

A long and superfluous rambling about how great your boat is probably more boring than you think. Instead of adding “fluff” to the description of the main living areas, talk about the features. Benefits sell, so identify why and how the features will be beneficial to the boat buyer.

8. PARAGRAPHS PUT PEOPLE TO SLEEP

Who has time to read a novel about your boat? Keep it short and sweet, succinct and to the point. Break-up your descriptions into small paragraphs, 3 sentences maximum. Also consider using bullet points. They are easier to read and draw attention to the reader’s eye.