There are three main categories which will prompt a buyer to even consider purchasing your boat. For this discussion, let's not consider size, model and location of your boat... it is what it is.

Price, Cosmetics and Condition of Equipment are variables that can be controlled and adjusted by you, the seller. Price, cosmetic appearance and condition of equipment must be in proper balance to generate a sale.

	Price
	Cosmetics/Condition
	Equipment

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BACK TO TOP Price
"Developing Interest is the critical first step in selling your boat."

Without Proper Pricing, you will greatly reduce the number of inquiries on your boat. In fact, you may never get a call or opportunity to show the boat. Ask yourself what initially prompted you to select your current boat from a list of similar boats. Probably Price.

Portside Yacht Brokers can help you arrive at a price level that will generate interest, and be appropriate to the current market. Remember, without interest, you may never get a chance to receive an offer, let alone sell the boat. You can request a FREE, no obligation Online Quotation for your boat value by filling out the Free Price Quotation Form.

Portside Yacht Brokers uses a variety of resources, including the BUC Price Guide (only book that uses actual selling prices) and Boat Multiple Listing Service, to arrive at a price that reflects current market listing/asking values. In addition, we have access to a Sold Boat Database that provides the actual selling amount for similar boats. We use these tools and services to arrive at a realistic listing price.

By knowing current listing amounts and historical selling prices, we can help list your boat at a level that will generate calls and emails while maximizing it's value.

REMEMBER - "The value of your boat is only worth what the next person is willing to pay."

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BACK TO TOP Cosmetics and Condition
"A boat in Bristol condition will generally sell faster."

Would you buy your boat in it's current condition and price? Often a few dollars and a little time will make a big difference.

If it seems that the price of cleaning and repairing may be high, consider the amount of money you'll spend if the boat doesn't sell... storage costs, slip costs, continuing monthly payments, interest payments, insurance, yearly depreciation and deterioration of equipment can really add up if the boat doesn't sell. Add up how much it will cost to keep the boat for another year!

Here are some things to consider when preping your boat for sale.

• Consider getting the boat a current survey. (Portside Yacht Brokers can supply a list of surveyors in the Western Michigan area)
• Clear out all unnecessary gear and clutter. If it's not included in sale, get it off the boat.
• Clean drawers and stowage bins. Place a dryer sheet in lockers to remove odors.
• Remove any stale water from the shower sumps.
• Vacuum, clean and remove scumline in the bilge area.
  (Buyers feel engine compartment maintenance is reflective of the boat's general upkeep)
• Clean or prime and paint the engine(s) and generator.
• Clean out debris in hatch bindings and scuppers.
• Clean all exterior surfaces, windows, portlights and hatches. Mineral deposits look dingy.
• Shampoo the carpet and have drapes and bunk covers cleaned, if needed.
• Enclosures and canvas should be in good condition. Repair or replace canvas if necessary.
• A clean bottom will make the boat show better and increase performance during sea trials.
• Replace worn-out accessories. Replacing a $100 piece of carpet could sell the boat!

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BACK TO TOP Equipment
"If it doesn't work, a buyer will usually deduct more than the actual repair."

SURVEY: It is advisable that you have a current survey on file (within 2 years) to discover possible mechanical or structural dificiencies. By addressing issues before selling, you can make appropriate repairs on your schedule and eliminate 'surprises' that may squash a deal.

You'd be amazed at how many boat owners tolerate a problem because it isn't important to them. Everything should be in working order.

If you are aware of an existing condition, it may be cheaper to have the work done on your schedule after collecting several estimates, and then put the boat up for sale. By getting repairs done correctly and at the right price, you might be able to sell your boat faster and put more money in your pocket.

This is an equipment checklist that may help you.

• Make sure all guages function properly.
• Replace worn hoses and clamps.
• Clean out the raw-water strainers.
• Change the oil and fuel filters.
• Have the boat fueled and ready for a thorough sea trial.
• Gather all paperwork for mechanical systems and put them in a binder.
• Have maintenance records handy and readable.
• Prepare a list of spare parts and extra equipment such as props, shafts and filters.

Portside Yacht Brokers LLC

915 W. Savidge Spring Lake, MI 49456, USA

Toll-free 877-891-3335 Tel 616-850-7678 Fax 616-850-7679 Email Us

http://www.yachtworld.com/portsideyachtbrokers

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