Are you planning to sell your boat and upgrade to a bigger, better model? Or maybe you simply want to make some cash. Whatever the situation, you are ready to sell your craft for the best available offer. But where do you start and how do you get the most money for it? Read this guide created by the fine folks at RVs and Boats For Less to learn how to sell your used boat successfully. If you have any questions or you want to explore some quality boats for sale, head over to our dealership in Chubbuck, Idaho, where we serve all those coming from Idaho Falls.
Get Your Boat Ready
You want your boat to look as desirable as possible and that starts with its aesthetic. A shabby vessel sends the message of a lazy owner who probably slacked on maintenance, which can be a red flag to potential buyers. Take the time to thoroughly clean your boat and make it look like new. You’ll want to scrub down the entire boat and deck with a mild detergent and a soft brush. You can even have it buffed with rubbing compound and polished with wax. Clean out the kitchen and get rid of crumbs, make sure the fridge and icebox are spotless, and clean the carpets, curtains, and upholstery.
You’ll also want to conduct a thorough inspection of your vessel. Make sure that everything is running well and ready to hit the water. This isn’t just referring to the engine. You’ll want to ensure that the smaller details are in order, too, like the hatch, hinges, pulleys, and cleats. See if there are any minor repairs you can handle to make the boat even more appealing. Remember to charge up the batteries so the engine will start instantly and the lights will shine brightly. Of course, if you need any help with repairs or maintenance, you can get in touch with us at RVs and Boats For Less.
Choose the Right Re-Sell Price
Many factors affect a pre-owned boat’s price, such as hours used, horsepower, upgrades, and wear and tear. If you set your price too high, you likely won’t get any buyers. If you set the price too low, you might miss out on some potential income.
Gather data on your craft’s worth using classified ads, online listings, and dealership inventory prices. Look around on forums to gauge the popularity of your model. If more people are interested in it, then you can charge more. Make sure you’re accounting for the boat’s age and condition, as well as any accessories you may have added that could improve its value. Where you sell it matters, too, since those in big cities are probably going to be able and willing to pay more than those in a small town or rural area.
Pick the Right Time to Sell
Boat prices can change based on the time of year. The lowest selling prices tend to happen in the winter months, which is the off-season for most marine dealerships. Many dealers offer great sales in the off-season to entice customers and you likely won’t want to compete with those low prices.
Instead, consider selling your vessel in the spring. Many people start researching models around this time so that they can find and purchase a boat before the summer starts. Selling to a private customer or dealership in the early spring can be an excellent strategic move.
Consider a Trade-In
If you are selling your boat so that you can get a different model, consider doing a trade-in option at a reputable dealership. Sales tax is calculated on the difference, which can help save you money. This approach is also a much faster and easier way to replace your current boat with your dream model!
Documentation
Finally, after you have sold your used boat, you’ll need to handle the paperwork. If you made the sale yourself, you’ll need to enter all the necessary details in the invoice. This must include the price, buyer and seller names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, size and type of boat, registration numbers, and the gear
Remember that your work is not done when you sign the pink slip or title. The next step is to send in a form to the boat registration agency with all the information about the sale. If you forget this essential step, you could be held liable for accidents or liens caused by the new buyer.
We hope that you enjoyed this guide to selling your used boat! If you want any advice or want to explore boats for sale, visit RVs and Boats For Less in Chubbuck, ID. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with whatever you need, from answering questions to suggesting the best models for your family. We proudly serve all our patrons visiting us from Pocatello, so stop by today!
