6 tips on preparing your boat for sale

Selling your boat involves more than just putting up an ad and waiting for a buyer. Whether you are looking to upgrade, or simply no longer using your vessel, there are a few imperatives to be checked off to ensure a smooth and legal handover.

I’ve sold many boats in my time as my needs are constantly changing, and with that experience I’ve put together a guide to help you prepare your boat and ensure you have the right documentation in place before selling.

A well-maintained boat that is thoroughly clean will always attract more buyers. But I understand some may not have the time to do this – in which case I would recommend hiring a professional detailer to do it for you. You will more than likely make this money back in the sale of the boat, so in my opinion it’s well worth doing.

If opting to clean yourself, I recommend cleaning inside and out with special marine cleaner. Salt-removal wash solutions always help make the process easier while cleaning the hull. Check the condition of the upholstery and interior and spot clean anything in need.

If there are any repairs that need attention, such as leaks, worn parts etc, make sure these are properly fixed and that your safety gear is in good working order. Buyers are more willing to pay a fair price for a boat that’s in good condition.

Ideally, to reach top dollar, it all needs to be in good working condition – so the buyer could launch it the day they buy it. In contrast, if you list what still needs to be done, this allows the buyer to negotiate and could impact the selling price significantly, even if the required repairs are only minor.

A boat that is ready to hit the water will always attract more interest.

Depending on when you had your last service done, it’s a good idea to book your motor in for a once-over. If you have a service log, make sure you pass this onto the buyer. It’s always worth showing potential buyers the service history as it instils confidence in what they’re purchasing, especially if they can see the hours on the motor.

Here at boatsales, we help you price your boat by entering the specific details, and you can edit the price any time while your ad is active.

To determine a fair price for your boat, you will need to do some research. Try to find listings of comparable boats of a similar model year to help you price your vessel accordingly.

The most important document you will need is proof of ownership. This is generally shown through supplying your registration papers to the buyer.

This document proves the boat is in your name as well as allows you to transfer it into the buyer’s name. Both you and the purchaser will need proof of identity – a driver’s licence should suffice.

If you have any finance owing on your boat, you must contact your loan provider and pay the loan off beforehand. It’s a good idea to obtain a certificate as proof.

A marine surveyor report or ‘certificate of seaworthiness’ is not a legal requirement, but it is recommended to give buyers added peace of mind. Older boats in particular will benefit from this.

You can engage a company that conducts these reports, which are carried out by expert marine technicians who thoroughly inspect the boat and provide a detailed report on its condition.

You can usually have this report emailed to you within 48 hours of the inspection. And if you have owner’s manuals, warranties etc, these should also be handed over to the buyer.

Once the buyer has agreed to purchase your boat, you will need to transfer the ownership by completing the transfer of registration forms. These must be completed and signed by both the seller and purchaser and the transfer must be logged with your local state or territory authorities.

It’s also a good idea to write up a sale agreement. Include details such as the date of sale, the boat’s make and model etc, and have both parties sign it.

If the boat you’re selling is registered with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) you will need to notify them of the transfer, but this generally only applies to large boats or commercial vessels. The majority of recreational boats are usually registered at state or territory level, so this may not be necessary.

Most important of all, make sure the payment has cleared and the money is in your bank before handing over the boat. While boatsales prides itself on being a safe place to buy or sell a boat, always try to meet people in person and be cautious of potentially fraudulent buyers.

Selling a boat requires preparation and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the documentation. By ensuring your boat is in good condition and by having all your paperwork ready, you can make the selling process a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Good luck with your sale!

Ready to sell your boat? Visit Boatsales' Sell page now to list your vessel for sale.