FAQs for selling a boat
Fastest way to sell my boat online?
If you want to feature your boat prominently in search results and on the homepage, our Premium Package is
the
right
choice. It comes with a full set of features and optional add-ons, plus a 15% discount if you choose to
auto-renew.
If you're confident your boat will get enough attention based on high-quality photos and detailed
descriptions,
the
6-week Enhanced Package is a popular choice - plus it comes with a 10% discount if you choose to auto-renew.
If
you’ve priced your boat to sell fast, the Basic Package may be the best fit for you. Whichever you choose,
all
of
our packages will help you reach the largest audience of boat buyers in the U.S.
How do I price my boat?
Pricing your boat is very important since the starting price can easily make or break the sale of your boat.
Asking
too much may dissuade potential buyers from requesting more information, while asking too little may make
many
buyers suspicious and wary of making an offer. If you find yourself asking “how much is my boat worth?” -
it’s
important to research blue-book type boat pricing data that banks, government agencies and finance and
insurance
companies will use for valuing your vessel. The boat price checker is a great tool for learning the range of
listed
prices for your boat, including the average, lowest and highest prices found in BoatTrader's search results.
What details should I include in my boat listing?
When it comes to writing your boat listing - be as specific as possible. Try to use the boat builder’s
specs,
minimum draft, exact dimensions, on-board equipment, engine hours, tank capacities, accessories, outfittings
and
brand names. Get high-quality photos and videos of your clean boat from all angles - bow to stern - both in
and
out
of the water.
What is a bill of sale for a boat?
A boat bill of sale is a contract used to transfer ownership of a vessel from a seller to a buyer. The
agreement
must be signed by both parties and may also require a witness signature, boat financing lender
approval/signature,
and in some cases a notary to notarize. The bill of sale should typically only be filled out and signed once
the
seller has delivered the watercraft to the buyer, and the buyer has remitted payment to the seller.
Why should I pay for a listing when other sites offer free classified ads?
When selling a high-value item like a boat, it’s important that you are reaching the most qualified
audience.
Research shows that paid classified ads generally deliver 10 times the exposure of free ads because they
offer
more
options for marketing your boat - including guaranteed exposure, longer run times, larger ads and photos and
videos.
Further, paid classifieds make it clear to potential buyers that the seller is serious about selling their
boat,
and
as a result, consumers feel more confident in their shopping experience.
Is my boat too big or expensive to list on BoatTrader?
No, regardless of price point, type or size, BoatTrader will help you reach the number one marketplace for
recreational boating in the U.S. This includes all types of boat buyers interested in a wide variety of boat
types
and price ranges.
What do yacht brokers do and do I need one?
Yacht brokers work like real estate agents but specialize in the sale or purchase of a new or used yacht or
boat.
Selling brokers represent the buyer while listing brokers represent the seller and vessel. Traditionally,
the
seller
pays the commission a yacht broker earns – not the buyer. However, in every transaction brokers have a duty
to
both
the buyer and seller. Brokers can help you understand the laws, negotiate your sale, find the right loan,
insurance
provider and set up escrow. If it’s your first time buying a boat, it is often wise to work with a broker.
How much do boat brokers charge?
Generally, boat sellers agree to pay a 10% commission of the purchase price to the selling broker at
closing.
