How to Sell your Boat in Florida: A Step-By-Step Guide
Selling a boat in Florida can be a rewarding experience, especially with its beautiful coastlines and active boating community. Whether you’re upgrading or stepping away from boating, this guide walks you through the key steps to successfully sell your boat in Florida.
1. Prepare Your Boat for Sale
First impressions matter. Before showing your boat to potential buyers, tackle any mechanical issues and maintenance tasks. Fix squeaky doors, clean and organize stowage spaces, and ensure everything is in working order. A thorough cleaning and waxing can make your boat look more appealing. Potential buyers appreciate a well-maintained boat, so attention to detail is key.
2. Take On-the-Water Boat Videos & Photos
High-quality visuals can significantly boost your listing’s appeal. Ensure that photos highlight your boat’s best features and avoid clutter in the background. Even better, consider including videos of your boat in action on the water. Listings with videos tend to sell 20% faster than those without, as they allow potential buyers to see how the boat performs.
3. Set Your Price Based on Your Boat’s Value
Pricing your boat correctly is critical. Use online resources such as the Boat Trader Price Checker, review comparable listings on sites like boats.com, and consider getting a pre-sale survey to evaluate your boat’s current condition. A fair and competitive price can attract serious buyers and shorten the sales timeline.
4. Make a Sales Plan
Decide how you want to sell your boat. Will you sell privately, or use a boat broker or dealer? Each method has its benefits: a broker or dealer can handle much of the paperwork and marketing for a fee, while a private sale might give you more control and potentially higher profits. Create a detailed plan that includes advertising, negotiating, and finalizing the sale.
5. Advertise Your Boat: Where to List It
Select the best platforms for advertising. Online boat marketplaces like boats.com and Boat Trader allow you to reach thousands of potential buyers. Consider updating your listing regularly with new photos, videos, or price changes to keep it visible. Additionally, print advertising, boat-specific classifieds, and even local marina bulletin boards can help you reach the right audience.
6. Show Your Boat – Virtually or In-Person
When inquiries start rolling in, be prepared to showcase your boat. Answer questions about its features, maintenance history, and any upgrades. Virtual tours via video chat can provide convenience for distant buyers, while in-person viewings and sea trials allow buyers to experience the boat firsthand. However, be cautious of timewasters and people just looking for free boat rides.
7. Ensure a safe payment and beware of scams.
When you talk with a potential buyer you must try to identify if they are a scammer or and sincere buyer. This is NOT easy to do and you should exercise an extreme level of caution. Allowing a buyer to see the boat at your home is quite risky and for that reason we recommend contacting a dealer who is very successful at sell boats on consignment. Some dealers also offer a cash buy out option which will pay you immediately and take the boat off your hands.
8. Selling a Boat with Proper Documentation
When you have a serious buyer, it’s time to negotiate and close the sale. Make sure you complete the necessary paperwork, such as a bill of sale and title transfer, to ensure a smooth and legal transaction. Proper documentation protects both you and the buyer, ensuring a hassle-free process.
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the process of selling your boat in Florida, maximizing your chances of a quick and successful sale. At Top Notch Marine we have been consignment selling and cash out purchasing boats for 40 years. Our reviews are great and our average sell time is 43 days. We can sell your boat for you or buy it on the spot.
