What is your vessel’s realistic market value?
Many owners turn to comparable asking prices from websites and boating magazines. These sources can give you a solid starting point by comparing similar makes, models, years, engine types, engine sizes, engine hours, condition, equipment, and extras.
Another great tool is the J.D. Power Power Boat Manufacturers Directory. It’s like Kelley Blue Book for boats. With just a few clicks, you’ll see three pricing tiers: Suggested List Price, Low Retail, and Average Retail. Best of all, it’s free.
The ABOS Marine Blue Book offers detailed downloadable reports covering boats from 1976 to today. You can even adjust values based on engines, trailers, condition, and popular upgrades. A small one-time fee applies per report.
Once you have a good sense of your vessel’s value, focus on two key numbers: your asking price and the lowest amount you’re willing to accept. It’s easy to overvalue your boat—you know every upgrade, every detail, and how much you’ve invested. But if you’re pricing above the market average, be prepared to explain why.
For example, if comparable vessels don’t have stabilizers and their average price is $200,000, you might reasonably ask $40,000 more. Your listing could say:
“This vessel includes an automatic ACME Fin Stabilizer System, custom added five years ago at a cost of $70,000, which automatically adjusts to vessel motion for enhanced stability.”
Unless these extras are truly exceptional, however, a higher price may be seen as “high” or “overvalued.”
Overpriced vessels tend to sit unsold, grow stale on the market, and even after price cuts, buyers may not revisit them. Getting the price and listing right from the start is critical. Talk with your broker.
Before you start snapping photos, take time to declutter. Remove all personal items that won’t be included in the sale. Everything! Stow onboard essentials like lines, fenders, and lifejackets neatly out of sight. Then give the vessel a deep cleaning—walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, galley, fridge—leave no surface untouched. If you’re still using your vessel, keep your personal gear in a tote bag or sail bag to avoid clutter creeping back in.
Smell matters. Buyers can be turned off in seconds by musty odors, sewage smells, wet dog scent, or anything unpleasant. Don’t mask smells with plug-in air fresheners—it feels like a cover-up. Instead, track down and eliminate the source. It’s not easy, but it makes a huge difference.
Once the cleaning is done (or you’ve hired a pro), here’s a bonus tip: stage your vessel. Staging means presenting your boat in its best light, ready for the next owner. For example, make beds in all staterooms and v-berths using coordinated bedding—it’s a small touch that creates a big impression.
According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), 23% of sellers’ agents say staging helped increase offer amounts. Even better? The IRS considers staging costs a legitimate selling expense for both new and used vessels—yes, that means they’re tax deductible.
To attract serious buyers, your listing needs to shine. Here is where you can help your broker. Focus on presenting your vessel in the best possible light with detailed information and—most importantly—data. The more specifics you share, the easier it is for buyers to determine if your boat matches their needs, wants, and dreams.
We even provide a downloadable Listing Assistance Guide (check-sheet) that helps you walk through your vessel step by step. You’ll check off categories and jot down details as you go. This guide makes it much easier to create a compelling, thorough listing later. Remember: details, details, details—that’s what buyers are looking for.
Never skip this. Listings without a price often get filtered out in search results—and even if they don’t, buyers tend to assume the boat is overpriced and move on without calling. New Dealers sometimes omit prices on new vessels because of manufacturer nondisclosure agreements, but as a private seller, it’s a mistake. Don’t let your listing get ignored.
Your broker’s ability to present your vessel in its best light depends on a few key details. Stay responsive by promptly returning calls, texts, and messages—it keeps the momentum with interested buyers. If you’re planning to enjoy time aboard your yacht, let your broker know in advance to avoid overlapping with scheduled showings, including evenings or weekends. For marinas that may be harder to find, providing GPS coordinates ensures a smooth, effortless experience for all involved.
This thoughtful collaboration not only protects your time but also enhances the presentation of your vessel to discerning buyers
Enable your broker to manage inquiries with confidence by supporting their process for screening prospective buyers. Your broker may ask key questions to distinguish serious interest from casual curiosity. Reinforce their professionalism by clearly stating your expectations:
“No rides. The engines will not be started at this stage.”
It’s standard in yacht sales for haul-outs, surveys, and sea trials to occur only after an accepted offer. By entrusting your broker to set this boundary early, you protect your vessel, preserve its value, and create a smoother experience for qualified buyers.
When it comes to inquiries and negotiations, stay professional and keep emotions out of it. Before any back-and-forth negotiations begins, decide on your absolute bottom-line price—the lowest amount you’re willing to accept.
Don’t take a lowball offer personally. Some buyers will test the waters with an offer as low as 50% of your asking price, not because it reflects your yacht’s true value but as a tactic to see how you might respond. Brokers are required to present all offers to their clients, no matter how unrealistic they may seem. By staying composed and relying on your broker’s expertise, you allow them to manage these situations professionally and keep the negotiation process on track.
Remember: buyers are simply trying to feel confident they’re getting the best deal. Stay calm, counter respectfully, and don’t let emotions derail your strategy.
While initial discussions with buyers may begin verbally—often with an informal offer—it’s wise to take your time before responding. If you need 24 hours to consider, communicate this clearly to your broker so they can manage expectations with the buyer.
Always expect—and insist—that all offers, counteroffers, and agreements be documented in writing. This not only protects both parties but also eliminates misunderstandings and ensures every detail of the transaction remains clear and professional.
The sea trial is a critical step in any vessel sale. Often, it’s scheduled on the way to the haul-out location. Most purchase contracts include a sea trial clause, and they typically last 15 to 60 minutes. Make sure there’s enough time for the engines to reach operating temperature and to take the boat out into waters where it can safely reach cruising speed.
A professional survey benefits both the buyer and seller. This process, known as a “noon haul,” usually takes a few hours and includes a full out-of-water inspection. The surveyor’s findings often lead to one of three outcomes: minor price adjustments, a decision to walk away, or no change at all—well-maintained vessels tend to hold few surprises.
We recommend hiring a surveyor accredited by either:
Keep in mind, survey results may reveal repairs that need attention—this is the ideal time to discuss a price re-negotiation if necessary.
Most marine insurance and finance companies require a professional survey before approving coverage or loans. Financing is generally available for vessels less than 20 years old. Some specialty lenders focus on antique and classic boats, so exceptions do exist.
The haul-out is also the perfect opportunity to redo antifouling paint if it’s been 18–24 months since the last application. Be sure to budget for this added expense—it can make your vessel even more attractive to buyers.
When it comes to transferring ownership, attention to detail matters. Marine vessels can have their titles held in different ways, and knowing which applies to your sale is key.
For smaller boats, most owners are familiar with state titling systems like DMV “Certificates of Title” or “Pink Slips.” Larger vessels, however, may use national registration forms like “Vessel Documentation” or “Coast Guard Documentation,” which are internationally recognized. There are even other forms of titling in specific cases.
If you’re selling without a broker, it’s highly recommended to use a marine title and escrow service company. They ensure:
This small investment gives both parties peace of mind and helps avoid costly mistakes.
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