Selling Your Boat? Tips For A Better Ad
A better boat ad starts with a clean, tidy and well-photographed boat, an honest and detailed description, and a prompt, trustworthy response to enquiries, since these are the factors that make the real difference between a quick sale and a long time sitting on the market.
Sell your boat fast by presenting your boat or boat gear for sale in the best possible condition. The way you present your boat can make the difference between a quick sale and a long time on the market. Whether you’re listing privately or working with a dealer, the tips below cover cleaning and tidying, photography, writing your description, keeping your details correct, and staying alert to fraud.
For a full overview of how the listing process works on BoatsOnline, including pricing and ad duration, see our guide on how can I sell my boat online.
Clean and Tidy First
If you are putting your boat on the market, cleaning it and tidying up are the first rules of selling your boat. Clean the complete boat inside and out, and consider polishing the hull, since a shiny boat is something like a smiling boat. Remove anything that clutters up the saloon, keep crockery in lockers, clean the sink and icebox or fridge, dispose of all garbage bags, make the beds, tidy the bunks and remove personal items.
Keep in mind that the new owner of the boat will imagine themselves in your boat, and that is easier to do in a boat free of clutter. Make sure everything is in good working order, and repair or remove what isn’t. If you are selling boat trailers or boat motors, the same rules about clean, tidy and in good working order apply.
Take Good Photos
Photograph your boat or gear in good light conditions, as this will produce the best results. Zoom in on details that are outstanding features of your boat. For the interior, you may need a flash for extra light. If using photo processing software, photos can be enhanced before upload. For best results, use the original photo from your camera or phone; there’s no need to worry about resizing your photo before uploading, as the BoatsOnline system will do that for you.
Write a Clear Description
When selling a boat, the description should present a general overview of your boat or gear, for example: “Popular model in excellent condition, only one owner and regularly serviced. Fitted with all the features needed for extended offshore fishing trips.”
Enter as much information about your boat or gear as you can. List the make and model of products of value, as this will give the buyer an idea of what they are buying. Be correct and truthful about the condition and inventory of your boat.
Keep Your Details Correct
Take care that your details are correct, and proofread for errors when your ad is online, correcting any typos and spelling mistakes. Remember you can access your boat ad as often as you like to make changes. Make it easy for the enquirer to contact you. Your email address will be used for enquiries from the website, and in addition you may want to give a telephone number. Enter your address, with town or suburb being sufficient, so that a buyer knows how far they have to travel to inspect your boat or gear.
Reply Promptly and Stay Alert to Fraud
Reply to your boat advertisement enquiries as promptly as you can. This will communicate that you are serious about the sale of your boat or gear. Buying a boat involves a considerable amount of money, and a buyer likes to be reassured that you can be trusted. Your first impression will set the tone.
Unfortunately the internet attracts its share of deceit and fraud. If an offer sounds too good to be true, or the circumstances seem in any way suspicious, it pays to be extra careful. Read our full guide on staying safe online for the most common scam patterns to watch for when selling privately.
Once your boat sells, our checklist of things to do after selling your boat walks you through the transfer forms, receipt of sale and next steps.
Ready to sell your boat? Just click here to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cleaning and tidying my boat really help it sell faster?
Yes. A clean, decluttered boat makes it easier for a potential buyer to imagine themselves owning it, and presenting the boat in the best possible condition, including polishing the hull, is one of the simplest ways to make a strong first impression.
What’s the best way to photograph my boat for an ad?
Photograph your boat in good light conditions, zoom in on standout features, and use a flash for interior shots if needed. Upload the original photo from your camera or phone, since the BoatsOnline system will resize it for you automatically.
How much detail should I include in my boat ad description?
Include as much accurate information as possible, including the make and model of valuable items, and be correct and truthful about the boat’s condition and inventory, since this builds buyer trust and reduces wasted enquiries.
How quickly should I respond to enquiries about my boat ad?
Reply as promptly as you can. A prompt response signals that you are a serious seller, which matters to buyers who are about to commit a considerable amount of money to the purchase.
