When it comes to buying or selling boats of any kind, there are several things you will need to take into consideration. First and most importantly, you need to be 100% certain that the boat is still in optimal condition and safe to be taken out into the waters – buying or selling a boat is a huge responsibility given that, just like any other vehicle, its purpose is to transport people safely. If you’re selling a boat, it is your responsibility to note any issues or damages in your sales pitch, so the buyer is aware of what they are buying in to, as you wouldn’t want any accidents weighing on your conscience. On the flipside, if you’re looking to buy a boat, don’t shy away from asking as many questions as you like to ensure the seller’s answers match your purchasing desires. If you lack boating experience, it is always a good idea to attend a viewing with someone who is well versed with boats and their needs, as they will be able to offer insight into maintenance, motor or other issues you may not have noticed. Here are more tips on how to buy and sell boats.
How to Sell Boats
Unless you’re in possession of a large, glamorous yacht that looks like it may have been used as an extra in Kanye West’s latest music video, you will quickly come to realize that it is rather difficult to find a broker or a dealership who will do it for you. While this means that you’ll be stuck with the responsibility of getting word out about your boat, it also means that you will be saving on taxes and commission costs – and there’s nothing wrong with saving a penny or two. The best way to go about selling a boat that doesn’t fall within the yacht category, is privately.
If you’re docked at a private harbour, design a nice For Sale sign featuring pictures of the boat’s interiors, details about capacity, speed and recent renovations, and any other information you deem important for a potential buyer. The boating community is tight-knit (or knotted!) and word about a new find will travel fast. Idyllic docking harbours also draw a lot of tourists and you never know who might be looking to buy a somewhat bigger souvenir to sail home or keep for future holiday adventures.
Various online second hand buying/selling platforms are also available to you for advertising, FAFB has some great tips on their sell my boat page for how to make sure you get a sale.
How to Buy Boats
If you’re looking to purchase a boat, the first thing you will need to decide on is what type of boat will fit your needs. Are you looking for a boat that will comfortably fit the whole family for long-weekend trips out at sea or are you looking for a small fishing boat to take to the lakes on Sundays? If you are still unsure as to what type of boat model it is you are looking for, consider visiting a boat show for inspiration. Boat shows are hosted by boating experts who will be able to guide you based on your wants and budget.
Online boat forums and e-commerce platforms selling new and second-hand goods are always a good place to look for exciting deals. If you don’t have your own place to dock, it’s wise to look for deals that offer not only the boat, but also the possibility of taking over the docking space as this can often be the trickiest aspect of buying a boat.
Another highly important factor to look out for when buying a boat, is whether the boat comes with any fines – you need to be sure that the boat is sold “free of any encumbrances” or you will run the risk of all former fines being carried over to you.
