Are you thinking of selling your documented vessel? This is a major choice, and there are many factors to consider. When do you even begin? Do you have any suggestions for preparing the yacht for sale? From listing your yacht online to finalizing the sale, we’ll cover everything in this piece. Putting your registered ship up for sale is a big deal that may bring up a lot of emotions. You’ve probably put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that the yacht you’re selling goes to a reputable owner. However, ensure to do a few things before putting your boat up for sale to ensure a successful transaction. What you need to know about selling a documented boat.
Determine the Selling Price
Setting a price for your boat is the first step you should take after deciding to sell it. As simple as it may appear, this is not a simple task. You want to receive a good deal on your boat, but you also don’t want to be taken advantage of. To establish a reasonable price, it is recommended that you search online marketplaces like Craigslist or eBay for previously sold boats that are comparable to the one you’re interested in purchasing. You may also check with local marinas to find out how much comparable boats sell for. When deciding how much to ask for your motorboat, it’s important to factor in the price of new components. As an additional consideration, consider that selling a motorboat may be more challenging than selling a sailboat.
Make Sure All Vessel Documents Are Up-To-Date
If you consider selling your documented vessel, now is the time to check everything to see if it is in order. Take into consideration the fact that your USCG paperwork is about to expire in six months or that you don’t have your Certificate of Documentation (COD) for granted. Ensure to renew these certifications regularly since they are essential to your yacht’s registration (unless an exception is made based on circumstances). If you fail to comply with these requirements, you might face penalties and a suspension or revocation of your vessel’s registration.
Please contact a local marine service business as soon as possible if you need assistance with any of the above, are unsure where to begin, or want to double-check that everything is in order before advertising your boat for sale. They should be able to handle any paperwork problems for the right price.
Clean and Organize The Boat Inside And Out
To get the yacht ready for possible purchasers, the owner must do a few things after deciding to sell. The first order of business is to tidy up and put everything in order. Considering the buyer’s perspective is a no-brainer when preparing a yacht for sale. The outside of your boat is the second thing a potential buyer will see when they come up to it. Please take the time to thoroughly clean the outside of the boat, including the hatches, windows, rails, and anchor windlass.
Fix or re-paint any areas of the boat’s exterior where the paint or gel coat is damaged or peeled off before selling it. Spend some time cleaning the inside of your documented vessel. All your bedding, towels, and dinnerware for the duration of your cruise. Rooms with lockers, cabinets, and even the head (bathroom). Some of your vessel’s hidden concerns, like water damage or mold, maybe in these sections, so it’s crucial to give them as much attention as the main living quarters while cleaning.
Take Photos of the Documented Vessel From All Angles
Selling your yacht may be a satisfying endeavor, even though it isn’t always simple to figure out how to start the process. Remember, you’ve invested a lot into this boat financially, and in terms of time, so you deserve the highest possible return when you sell it. You may start the process of selling your yacht by taking one of many possible actions. Shoot pictures of the yacht from every vantage point. If your boat has a motor or a trailer, images of such accessories are crucial to have as well.
Don’t forget to include modifications, such as extra fittings or paint jobs. Photographing the engine and hull serial numbers is also an excellent idea. After you’ve snapped some photos of your boat, peruse local internet classifieds. When putting out an advertisement for your yacht, it’s always ideal for including as much detail as possible. Dimensions, beam, hull type, and sleeping capacity should all be stated (if applicable).
The staff at the Maritime Documentation Center is here to assist you with the sale of your documented vessel. We have years of experience and have assisted thousands of customers just like you in optimizing the value of their boat sales. Contact us today at 800-535-8570 to find out more about our services.