If you’re looking to trade up to a new boat—perhaps one of our outstanding models available from Scout Boats—you’ll need a strategy for selling your current craft. It’s not only important to sell it for a good price, but you also don’t want to create a significant burden on your already limited time and energy. Learn how to sell your used boat in a simple, effective way that allows you to speed up the process.
If you’re looking to purchase a new boat, consider creating your ideal craft with our Build Your Scout tool. This allows you to customize your boat exactly to your liking so that you can fully maximize your time on the water.
Will You Sell it Yourself or Use a Broker?
One of the first decisions you need to make is whether you will sell the boat yourself or use a broker. If you sell the boat yourself, you will receive 100% of the profits from the sale. However, if you use a broker, you will not have to deal with the numerous tasks that come from selling. These tasks include setting a price, listing and advertising, negotiating sales, and finalizing the deal. A broker takes many of these time-consuming issues off your plate, but they cut into your profits. However, it’s also possible that using a broker could sell the boat for more, but this is not guaranteed.
Prepare Your Boat to Sell
To prepare your boat for the market, you don’t have to perform a complete overhaul. However, you need to do some basic cleaning and maintenance. Remember that you are selling a non-necessity, so the more appealing your boat, the better.
You want to entice buyers by making sure they see a clean, tidy boat. Wash and wax the boat thoroughly, and remove any dirt and debris from the interior. Pick up any extra gear so it looks uncluttered and attractive.
Research and Price Your Boat Appropriately
Setting the right price is crucial. Do your research and find a price that will help the boat sell without making it a complete giveaway. If you are not in a rush to sell, you can set the price high and see if any offers come through. NADA offers reliable guides for valuing a boat.
Be Available for Showing and Even Test Drives
When selling the boat, you need to work with the buyers. If you make your boat available for showings and test drives, you are far more likely to sell quickly at the price you expect.
Sell it to the Dealer
One of the best ways to conveniently sell your used boat is to simply trade it back to the dealer. Like auto dealerships, boat dealers are constantly looking to increase their inventory of available used products. While you won’t get as much as you would if you sell yourself, this can be a convenient option.
Custom Design Your New Craft
Now that you know how to sell your used boat, it’s time to start dreaming of your next purchase. With our Build Your Scout tool, you’re able to customize your craft exactly to your liking to create the boat of your dreams. From an onboard grill and XM stereo to sturdy outriggers and Garmin Display Screens, you’re sure to have maximum enjoyment on the water with a craft from Scout!
