Whether you’ve used your boat to cruise the bay with mates, go fishing, or simply to explore the coastline, it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye. But selling for a good price definitely tips the balance towards sweet!

The best way to get a great price selling a boat second hand is to put your best foot forward and sell quickly. Boats that hang around on the market too long don’t do so well!

So, here are 9 tips to find your boat a new owner, fast:

1: Know When to Sell Your Boat

Everything has its season, and selling a boat is no different. Be smart about when you decide to sell. Almost no one buys boats during the cold months, so if you try to sell then you’ll be facing a buyer’s market – and that means a lower sale price.

Unless you need to sell urgently, wait until spring or summer when boating season is back in full swing. The tables turn once people are keen to get on the water, and the higher demand will push up prices.

2: Choose a Realistic Price

Choosing the right price for your boat is important. People tend to overvalue their boats, but if you aim too high you’ll price yourself out of the market.

Unless there are special features or upgrades to justify a higher price, just stick with what the market tells you. Browse through listings for boats similar to yours, and choose a price in the same neighborhood.

If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional boat broker who can assess the value of your boat with an expert eye.

3: Know the Competition

You’re not alone in the boat-selling game, you’re in competition with everyone else who is trying to sell a boat, new or used!

Look at boats that are selling fast or getting a lot of interest. What seems to be drawing people in? Often, it will be highly sought-after features like built-in radios, GPS systems, and fish finders. So, highlight the most desirable features of your boat. Don’t highlight older tech though, as most people don’t get excited about features they’ll need to replace soon!

4: Be Smart About Online Marketing

Like any other product, most people start their hunt for a new boat online with sites like NZ Trade Me.

As such, you need high-quality photos of your boat to make your listing stand out from the pack. Get lots of good angles, and include interior photos as well as exterior.

Don’t forget about social media – post your boat on Facebook’s marketplace too. It’ll open up a whole market of potential buyers who might not check boat sales sits regularly.

5: Find a Good Boat Broker

Does the thought of showing buyers your boat, answering their questions, and negotiating over the price make your stomach turn? It might be best to get a professional to do this for you.

Hiring a boat broker means you’ll have an expert ally on your side to help create a great listing, assess possible buyers, and take care of finalizing the deal for you. It may mean a little less money in your pocket, of course, but you’ll also be more likely to sell quickly.

6. Be Ready to Wait, but Not Too Long

Selling your boat may take several months – we’ve seen listings that hang around for years! Give it time and be patient, but no when enough is enough.

If your boat is still sitting around after 3-4 months, something isn’t working. It’s probably best to take it off the market and re-think your strategy.

Listings that outstay their welcome attract bargain hunters who will see you as desperate to sell and try to lowball.

7: Prepare Your Boat for Sale

If you have a job interview, you don’t just roll out of bed and head straight there. It’s important to present your best self, so you probably get up a little earlier, spend time getting yourself fresh and clean – maybe you even buy a new outfit! Well, it’s just the same with selling your boat. Don’t just take a few phone pics of your boat straight after a fishing trip or cruise. Thoroughly clean the boat inside and out, clear away any clutter, and take care of any repairs you’ve been putting off.

Then use a decent camera to take lots of photos on a nice, sunny day. Don’t use photos of you or your family on the boat – you want nice, clean photos so the buyer can imagine themselves on the boat instead!

8: Your Price Should Have Some Wiggle Room

You want to sell your boat for the highest price you can, and buyers want to snag a bargain. That conflict means you may need to compromise to make a sale.

Decide on a minimum you’ll accept so you’re prepared for haggling. And be ready to talk up the best aspects of your boat, if you want to keep the price high.

9: Consider a Professional Survey

If you really want to sell quickly, hire a professional surveyor to look over your vessel.

Including this information in your listing will show potential buyers you are trustworthy. It also means the sale will be easier because the customer won’t need to get the survey done themselves. A mechanical report is a good idea for the same reason.

These will both cost money, of course, but people will be prepared to pay more for the convenience and peace of mind you’re providing.