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YACHT SELLER’S GUIDE TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SELLING PRICE
To improve the resale value of your boat, follow these time-tested steps:
1. MAKE YOUR BOAT SHINE.
First impressions are critical — any yacht broker will tell you that the first few minutes a buyer spends aboard your boat are the most important. Hire a professional detailer and have them trans- form the exterior to pristine condition. Make sure
the decks are washed and free of unused lines and deck equipment. A fresh wax job will take years off the boat’s real age and make it appear much newer. This is also the time to pay close attention to the stained decks commonly
seen on sportfish vessels.
Look at your boat through the eyes of the buyer and try to notice the small details. Polish all stainless and aluminum, clean the teak, examine caulking, and remove dirt and grime from the engine room. The goal is to make your boat appear to be very lightly used even though it may have
been well-loved for years. A modest time investment in pre-sale maintenance can return thousands in resale value.
2. PERFORM REPAIRS AND COMPLETE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE.
An extremely important step you can take in preparing your boat for sale is to put all mechanical systems in good working order. Make sure the engines start easily, the batteries are serviceable, the engine oil is clean, and the electronics are in good working order. Because the boat will be hauled for an inspection, have the bottom painted and zinks replaced in advance.
Buyers can be expected to notice problems with your boat and the small fixes you make prior to an inspection and sea trial can have a big impact on the closing price. If your diesel engines are nearing the 1000-hour service schedule have the work done before you put the boat on the market. Yes, it’s costly but buyers don't want to have to face this expense on a newly purchased boat. If there are repair or maintenance issues left unresolved you can bet the surveyor will find them.