Getting Your Boat Ready To Sell

Sooner or later every yacht owner is confronted with selling his/her boat. You desire to sell her as soon as possible yet obtain the best value you possibly can.

Here are some ideas to make the sale go as planned.

Prepare the Yacht for Sale:
Make any obvious repairs. Shattered glass, rotten or stained wood, torn canvas or zippers, stained upholstery, are harmful attention getters. Remember that $5,000.00 spent up front to rectify issues may net you an extra $10,000.00. The majority of buyers do not want to purchase a yacht and have to put it in the yard. Turn-key vessels sell for top dollar.

Clean, clean, clean! Clean toilets, vacuum carpets, scrub cushions, clean windows, window treatments, mirrors and of course, the engine room.

Remove the clutter. Take away all excessive items, personal effects, rubbish, tools, knick-knacks, magazines etc. both inside and out including lockers and cupboards. You would like your boat looking ship-shape and close to showroom perfect.

Look for any water leaks around windows, sinks, plumbing, thru hulls, rudder posts. Fix as needed.

Dock appeal. Make sure your yacht has a good look to her from the dock. First impressions set the stage for the real viewing.

buff and wax gel coat
touch up all exterior varnish
wash and organize dock lines
blow up and clean fenders
inflate tender
varnish bright work
clean metals to eliminate superficial rust
scrub any growth on hull at waterline
take and examine oil samples to present purchaser the health of engines. Your purchaser will perform it in the survey. We can help you with that.

Organize for Boat Viewings:
Keep her clean by regular cleanings

Make up bunks with sheets

Ensure lights work within cabin and engine room

Be sure air conditioning/heat works. If a purchaser thinks air conditioning is not cooling, he'll think about the money it will take to replace it.

Clear yacht of any odor sources. This is a huge turn off.

Provide all upkeep records in easy-to-read binders. This also means operating manuals, logbooks, etc.

Get ready for Survey/Sea Trial:
Check all hose clamps. Replace all corroded clamps; make sure hoses are double clamped.

Check hoses. Change any cracked or worn hoses.

Check all engine instrumentation. Replace inoperable gages or calibrate as required.

Inspect all electronics. Make note on disclosure any item that doesn't operate.

Check all sea cocks for functionality. Exercise as required.

Run vessel up to operating temperature. Any elevated reading ought to be investigated.

Have engine(s) inspected for operating temperature, belts, fuel or oil leaks, mounts. Remedy deficiencies; add oil or coolant as necessary.

Have bottom and running gear cleaned by diver.

Get running gear checked. Clean and replace zincs.

Test all appliances, heads, inverters, televisions for operational condition. Repair as required.

Check all strainers. Scrub as needed.

Check batteries. Top off wet cells.

Start and run all engines. Any hesitation in starting or unusual operation must be investigated.

Inspect all bilge pumps and floats. Replace as needed.

Check flares and extra safety equipment. Replace as needed.

By: Marinetrader

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Mike Dickens, the author, is a live aboard boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts in Florida USA. Paradise Yachts offers used quality yachts to customers worldwide. 904/556-9431 Visit the Paradise Yachts website to view our selection of Used Trawlers, Used Motor Yachts, and Used Sailboats for Sale National and international sales. We ship Used Trawlers, Motor Yachts and Cruisers worldwide. Located in Florida, USA. 904/556-9431 Interact with us at the Trawler Blog