| Just like selling a car, or a house, a buyer's first | | | | lifetime. |
| impression of your boat is so important! If your boat's | | | | Here are our top 10 hints and tips to help you sell your |
| appearance does not wow the buyer, they are unlikely | | | | boat: Wash and wax the deck and hull Polish the metal |
| to consider buying it. | | | | Carry out any repairs Wash canvas, sails and poles |
| There are four key areas involved in a selling a boat: | | | | Clean and coil lines neatly Clean and tidy the inside Get |
| Deciding on a price Deciding how to sell it Preparing for | | | | rid of any mildew smell with air fresheners Make sure |
| sale The final paperwork | | | | that there are no fuel or water leaks Be sure that all |
| Deciding on a price Research, research, research! | | | | safety equipment is working, up to date, and readily |
| Check current market prices in boat magazines and | | | | accessible. All navigation and cabin lights should be |
| on the internet. The price should then be set according | | | | working. |
| to the boat's condition the accessories. | | | | The final paperwork To get the best price for your |
| How to sell your boat | | | | boat it is essential to have all your documents in order: |
| You have three options: | | | | Declaration of Conformity, stateing that a boat |
| Private sale Trade in Through a boating broker | | | | complies with the EU Recreational Craft Directive |
| By using a broker, your job is made easy. But again, | | | | (RCD) The boat's original sales invoice showing the |
| research is vital. Compare brokers before choosing | | | | VAT was accounted for |
| one. Selling the boat privately means you are left with | | | | If your boat was manufactured before June 16th 1998 |
| most of the money but this involves a lot of hard work. | | | | or imported outside the EU will likely not have |
| You could advertise your boat in the local paper, on a | | | | Declaration of Conformity. |
| club notice board, in specialist magazines or use a sites | | | | The sales invoice is also very important as any buyer |
| on the internet. Trading a boat in when you buy a new | | | | seeking to borrow money to buy your boat will need |
| one will leave you with least amount of money but will | | | | to see a copy of this document. |
| save you any bother. Boats sell at their best from | | | | The boat's original operational manual |
| spring through to October, so it is best to start | | | | Copies of invoices detailing the boat's service history |
| attracting buyers early on when they are keen. | | | | Any relevant licences such as the Boat Safety |
| Prepare for the sale Think about carrying out some | | | | Certificate. |
| extra cleaning and get round to those repairs you've | | | | Investing a small amount of time and effort, as well as |
| been putting off. Spending a little bit of time and money | | | | a little bit of cash, to make sure your boat is in the best |
| will be worth it in the long run. The boat needs to | | | | working order, you're more likely to get a quick sale - |
| appear as if it has been looked after well during its | | | | and more importantly, get the price it deserves. |