How to Sell a Boat With a Newspaper Advertisement

Whether you're ready for a new boat, or just need to put your current one up for sale, a newspaper advertisement in the classified section is a good way to find interested buyers. There's more to the process than just calling up your local newspaper and placing an ad, though. Here's what you need to know to sell your boat with a classified ad.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleaning and detailing supplies to get your boat looking ship shape
• Recent photographs of your boat
• A recent survey or appraisal of your boat
• Newspapers to check other ads
• List of all equipment for sale with your boat

1. Decide on your selling price by browsing other ads and checking local boat sales for your make and model of boat.

2. Decide what's included in the sale and remove anything that won't be sold with the boat.

3. Make a list of all navigational and operational equipment on the boat.

4. Dig out the license or registration, as well as any other papers that you'll need for the boat.

5. If you've had recent work done on the boat, gather receipts showing what was done. These repairs and improvements can increase the selling price of your boat.

6. Get your boat ready to show with a good cleaning, inside and out. Consider waxing and detailing, and even putting a fresh coat of paint on the lockers.

7. Survey local newspapers to decide which will give you the best exposure for your ad and value for your money.

8. Write your ad with a catchy headline and enough information to make the boat appealing.

9. Be available to show your boat at different times during the day to accommodate potential buyers.

10. Negotiate with prospective buyers to get your best price, but keep in mind that you may be able to make other concessions to make the price more attractive.

11. Put all agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings and legal problems later.

12. Get a deposit from the prospective buyer to be held in trust till the completion of any surveys, sea trials and financing.

13. Have your boat available for inspection and sea trial, but only agree to arrangements if you are comfortable with them.

14. Before completing the sale, let your insurer know of the cancellation date, and arrange to pay off any remaining liens on the boat as part of the final transaction.

Tips & Warnings

• Selling a boat is like selling a house--appearance matters. Before you place your newspaper ad, give your boat a good cleaning inside and out so that it's attractive to prospective buyers.
• Consider placing your ad in specialty newspapers and classified ad magazines.
• Remember that ads with photos sell better than those that are just text.
• Set your newspaper ad apart from the rest with a bold headline or a graphic.
• Be careful of scam artists. Never sign a final release or hand over the title to your boat until you have checked all credentials and are sure that the offer is legitimate.

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