How to Sell a Used Boat: The Complete Guide

If you are considering disposing of your vessel to purchase a new one or simply wish to sell your used boat, you will find all the technical information, regulatory rules, and field advice here to proceed with confidence and achieve the best return from your sale.

Just keep the following key aspects in mind:

Ensure that all nautical documentation complies with current regulations. It is essential to have conformity declarations, CE certificates, and engine power declarations for vessels, and for registered boats, VHF licenses, safety certificates, and navigation licenses. Check our Necessary Documents section for selling a used boat for a detailed checklist of all required documents. Better to have one extra check than one too few!

The presentation of the vessel is a critical factor. Our Preparing and Presenting Your Used Boat for Sale section will guide you through the processes of preparing and presenting your used boat, both inside and out, with practical tips on how to enhance every corner of your vessel. You will need to use professional photos and videos, ensuring you create a technical sheet that offers informative, up-to-date, and high-level technical content, incorporating specific nautical terminology.

Investing in having your boat checked and appraised by an expert is essential. In Valuation and Appraisal, we provide information on how and why to choose a qualified surveyor who can provide you with an assessment and/or a guarantee on the condition of your boat.

To turn interested parties into buyers, targeted and professional marketing is essential. In the Effective Marketing for Selling a Used Boat section, we offer strategies and tips for creating appealing listings, making the most of nautical portals, and effectively communicating with potential buyers, including international ones, who today represent 40% of the used boating market.

How many onboard visits do you think it takes to successfully complete the sale of a used boat? And how much time do you think you need to dedicate to this activity? Find out in the in-depth Selling Times and Onboard Visits.

Approach the legal and administrative aspects of the sale with peace of mind. Our Legal and Administrative Aspects for Selling a Used Boat section covers everything you need to know about the transfer of ownership, the implications of the boat's flag, and much more.

Your used boat deserves the attention of serious buyers, and we are here to help you achieve an effective and profitable sale. Read all our tips, enrich your knowledge, and prepare to sail towards a successful sale!