How to Sell Boats Online

Digital Photo of your boat

Thanks to the Internet, the world's new shopping mall, selling a boat has never been easier. Still, there but are several steps to consider before marketing your boat online. Remember that you will reach a vast audience and you may have to be able to deliver or ship your boat to a distant location. Selling a boat online can be made easier with the use of available social-networking tools.

Things You'll Need

• Digital camera
• email account

Instructions

Selling Your Boat Online

1. 

   Boats can be bought and sold online.

   Determine the value of your boat by checking the NADA Boat Value Guide. This will help you ascertain a fair market value for your boat based upon determining factors such as make, model, year and condition. The NADA guide informs you of both the low and average retail values for your boat. (See Reference 1)

2. 

   Clean and polish your boat to make it look attractive.

   Before taking pictures of your boat, clean and shine it, and make any needed repairs. This will help you get good offers from people who will see images online. A few simple touch-ups can translate into lasting first impressions that will mean more resale money in the long run.

3. 

   Take digital photos of the boat.

   Take several digital photos. Posting several different pictures from various angles will give potential buyers the opportunity to get a good view of the boat. The pictures should be clear and crisp and depict as much of the boat as is possible to capture. Take exterior and interior pictures, including the inside cabin with gauges and instruments.

4. 

   Email everyone that your boat is for sale

   Use your social networks. Post messages on blogs and listservs for the boating community. Use Facebook and Twitter to get the word out. Email all of your friends and family with attached photos, letting them know that your boat is on the market.

5. 

   Prepare a list of your boat's unique features/

   Prepare a description of the boat that can be used in an online or newspaper ad. List the year, make, and model of the boat, plus any additional features that make your boat unique. Describe any additional selling points such as a boat trailer or depth finders that may be included in the sale. Indicate whether or not delivery is included in the sale price.

6. 

   Post your ad on several online sources.

   Post an ad about your boat in several sources online, including Craigslist and eBay. Websites such as www.Boattrader.com offer the opportunity to place a basic two-week ad for about $35.

Tips & Warnings

• Putting just a bit of effort into shining and polishing your boat beforehand could be the difference between a sale and a no-sale.

• Never accept a personal check. Ask for a money order or certified check.

• Be aware of sales taxes that may have to be paid.

• Be aware you may have to follow legal requirements involving the transfer of title of the boat.

References

• NADA Boat Value Guide

Resources

• Boattrader.com
• Boats.com
• Internet Boats
• Craigslist
• eBay