Selling Your Boat: Prep, Pricing, and Paperwork

Prep that pays

Detail, fix safety fails, service engines, organize manuals/spares, and assemble service history. Buyers pay for confidence. A clean bilge and a fat folder of receipts sell boats.

Pricing

Start with Boat Day’s educational boat value estimate (demo / not an appraisal), then use regional comps by year/LOA/engines/hours/condition. What you've put into her isn't what she's worth on the market, sadly. Time listings for your season when possible.

Broker vs FSBO

Brokers bring process, co-brokerage networks, and filtering; you pay commission. FSBO saves fees but costs time and exposes you to tire-kickers—use written showings/sea-trial rules.

Paperwork

Clear lien payoff timing, bill of sale, title assignment, tax forms (state-specific), trailer title, and insurance cancellation only after risk transfers.

FAQs

Should I get a pre-sale survey? Optional accelerator for serious pricing conversations.
Leave personal gear? Remove it; provide an accurate included-equipment list.