Are you ready to sell your boat so you can upgrade to a bigger, better model? Or maybe your life has changed and it’s not the right boat for you anymore. Either way, The Boat Yard is one of Louisiana’s highest-volume dealers of pre-owned boats, and with over 30 years in the business, we have learned virtually all there is to know about selling boats.
Here’s some information about preparing your vessel for sale. Good preparation can really boost your sale price, so we recommend that you invest a little time and effort in primping your boat, and it will pay off in a better price and a faster sale. If you’ve got questions, or want to sell your boat to The Boat Yard or participate in our consignment program, please get in touch! We’re ten minutes away from New Orleans in Marrero, Louisiana, right across the river.
Clean and Tidy Your Boat
The better your boat looks, the higher the price it will command. A shabby-looking boat suggests that the owner neglects it, both aesthetically and mechanically. You don’t want to make that impression. First, declutter the whole boat. Pull everything out of storage, clean the storage areas thoroughly, and only put back things that will be included in the sale. Keep those things orderly and tidy, so it looks like there’s plenty of storage.
Either clean it from top to bottom yourself or pay someone to detail it for you. Scrub down the entire boat and deck with a soft brush and mild detergent. Buff it, polish it, polish the metal, make it shine! Clean the carpets, curtains, and upholstery.
Inspect Your Vessel
Inspect your vessel and make sure everything is running well and ready to hit the water. Try to apply a fresh, critical eye and notice those little things that stopped bothering you years ago, like the hatch that relies on a bungee to stay open or that broken hook. Check the hinges, pulleys, and cleats, and replace anything that isn’t right. Do any minor repairs that will improve your boat’s appeal. Charge the batteries so the engine will start instantly and the lights are bright. Of course, our repair department at The Boat Yard can help you with repairs or maintenance.
Gather Your Documents
Make sure you know where your ownership papers are. If you’ve been saving your maintenance and repair receipts, put them all neatly in one place. Gather any manuals for the vessel or for its accessories and make a binder, folder, or envelope to consolidate everything.
Ready to Sell? Talk to The Boat Yard!
The Boat Yard has been selling boats for over 30 years. Please reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable sales, service, and parts departments to help get your boat ready for putting on the market. We’re in Marrero, Louisiana, just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans.
