How To Sell A Boat In Florida?

Are you a boating fan who wants to sell a boat in Florida? This state is great for selling boats because it has beautiful coastlines and lots of waterways. But selling a boat here can be tough, especially if you’re new to it. Don’t worry, though. This guide will help you sell your boat in Florida step by step. You’ll learn how to get your boat ready to sell and how to close the deal.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Boats listed with videos tend to sell 20% faster than those without.¹
boats.com is a comprehensive online database with over 120,000 boats for sale.¹
Consider a pre-sale survey to expedite the selling process.¹
High-quality photos and videos create a positive first impression and enhance the listing’s appeal.¹
Utilize a combination of print, online, and other platforms to maximize exposure to potential buyers.¹

Thinking about selling your boat? Let’s start with a detailed plan for a smooth and successful sale.

Prepare Your Boat for Sale

Before showing your boat to buyers, make sure it looks its best. Fix any mechanical problems and clean it inside out. This first step helps make a great impression, boosting your chances of selling.

Address Mechanical Issues

First off, check for anything wrong with your boat like strange noises or doors that stick. Fixing these issues can really change how buyers see your boat. This also lets you avoid problems when you’re trying to sell it.²

Declutter the Cabin

Then, tidy up the inside by getting rid of unnecessary stuff. A neat, clean space looks more attractive to people thinking of buying. Take out personal items and clutter so the boat’s good sides stand out.

Clean and Wax the Exterior

Don’t forget to clean and wax the outside of your boat too. Wash, scrub, and polish it to a shine. A sparkling, well-maintained boat catches more eyes and might fetch a better price.²

Fixing the inside, tidying up, and polishing the outside of your boat does wonders. It makes your boat more inviting for buyers and can lead to a quick, successful sale.

Take High-Quality Photos and Videos

To market your boat well and catch people’s attention, you need great images and videos.³ Make sure your boat looks its best by cleaning it and removing unnecessary items.³ Show your boat in its full glory to make a strong first impression. This helps sell it faster.

Capture Eye-Catching Images

Take your time with photos to show off your boat’s best features and condition.³ Don’t take pictures in messy places or in bad light. Instead, focus on showing what makes your boat special.³ First impressions are key, so every photo should make your boat shine.

Include Videos in Your Listing

Don’t forget about videos when making your boat’s listing.³ Boats with videos sell faster, about 20% quicker.³ These videos give buyers a better look at the boat’s features and condition. You could do a walkthrough, show its performance, or give a virtual tour. This lets buyers really understand your boat.

Determine the Right Asking Price

Finding the best price for your boat needs deep thought. Start by looking at the market. Use tools like the Boat Trader Price Checker. Also, check similar listings on boats.com. Look at book values for a fair and competitive price.⁴ Guides like NADA offer a suggested list price. They show the current low and average prices based on the boat’s make, model, year, and options.⁴ Online boat ads often ask for more money than the boat is worth. Sellers might lower the price later.⁴ For prices that are closer to reality, check local ads. These prices reflect how many boats there are for sale in your area.⁴

Consider a Pre-Sale Survey

Think about getting a pre-sale survey. It can make selling your boat easier and show any fixing needed.⁴ A boat’s shape, inside and out, really affects its price. Good-looking and well-serviced boats sell for more.⁴ Where the boat is can change its price too. In less crowded areas, a boat might not sell for as much. But in places like south Florida, prices could be better.⁴ The stuff the boat comes with, like electronics, can sway its price. However, these things lose value quickly. They usually don’t raise the selling price much.⁴ If your boat has gotten new things recently, like an engine, you might get more money back when you sell.⁴

Create a Comprehensive Sales Plan

To sell your boat well, a smart sales plan is key. This plan helps make the selling smooth and boosts your chance of selling successfully. You must first decide if you want a boat broker or dealer’s help or prefer to sell it yourself as the owner. Each choice has its own good points to think about. This helps you pick what’s best for you.

Decide on Broker or Private Sale

Using a boat broker or dealer means you tap into their know-how and a bigger group of people who might buy. But, you’ll have to pay them a cut, which could be anywhere from 10% to 15% of the final sale price.⁵ Selling on your own lets you keep more money. But it also means you have to spend more time and energy putting your boat out there and looking for potential buyers.

Develop an Advertising Strategy

Your sales plan, whether with a broker or by yourself, must include a good way to show off your boat. Think about using both online and offline ways to let people know it’s for sale. This includes putting it up on¹ Boats.com, which has loads of boats listed. Also, think about ads in magazines or on social media.

photos and videos of your boat. This makes your ad stand out and could help sell your boat faster.¹

When you plan your ads, think about who you’re trying to reach and where you can be flexible on price. Also, study what other boats like yours are selling for. By blending a good sales strategy with the right type of ad, you can make selling your boat a better experience. Plus, you might end up with more money in your pocket.

How To Sell A Boat In Florida?

Finding the right place to advertise your boat is crucial. Try using boats.com, which has over 120,000 boats for sale.⁶ With boats.com, you can easily update your listing. This means your boat can always look its best with new photos or price changes.⁷ You should also look into advertising in newspapers, newsletters, and special online classifieds. This can help you reach buyers looking for your specific type of boat.

List on Boats.com

List your boat on Boats.com to get it noticed in Florida. It’s a top website for selling and buying boats. By using Boats.com, your boat gets seen by a large network of potential buyers.

Explore Other Advertising Platforms

Don’t just rely on Boats.com. It’s smart to try different ways of advertising your boat. Think about putting ads in local papers, newsletters, or targeted online sites.⁶ These other places can help you find buyers who might not see your boat on Boats.com.

Show Your Boat to Potential Buyers

When you start getting responses to your ads, it’s time to show your boat. Expect questions about the model, its condition, key features, and any upgrades.¹

Arrange Virtual Tours

Think about setting up virtual tours. These can be done through video chats. It lets buyers see your boat from anywhere. This is great for those far away or with little time.¹

Organize Sea Trials

Also, plan in-person sea trials for serious buyers. They get to feel the boat’s performance and see its condition for themselves. Watch out for those just looking for a free cruise. Learn how to spot the serious ones to make the most of your time.²

Complete the Sale Process

You’ve found a serious buyer for your boat. Now, it’s negotiation time. Go into the negotiations confidently, ensuring you get a fair deal. Be wary of common boat sale pitfalls and scams to stay safe.

Negotiate the Price

When discussing the price with the buyer, consider your boat’s true value. Think about its market value and any special features. Be ready to haggle, but stand firm on your boat’s worth.⁸ Use your research and the boat’s standout qualities to back up your price.

Finalize Documentation

To legally end the boat sale, make sure all the forms are accurately completed. You’ll need a bill of sale and the title transfer.⁸ For an electronic title, get a printed one in the mail or visit a Service Center for an instant one.⁸ For paper titles, sign them over with the selling details.⁸ Keeping the paperwork in good order will safeguard both parties.

Check out the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s site for details on the right documentation for boat sales in Florida.

Selling an Unsellable Boat

If your boat is old and not selling, stay positive. There are ways to still do good with it. You can try selling or giving it away for a low price. Or, you might consider donating it to someone in need or a cause you care about. For boats that can’t be reused, it’s important to dispose of them the right way. We will guide you on boat disposal, donations, and the right steps to take.

Find a Good Home

Selling your boat around boat show season is smart because more people are looking then. If selling isn’t an option, consider giving it to someone who can fix it up. This could be a DIY enthusiast or a charity. By posting it online for free or a small charge, you might attract the right buyer. Someone who will cherish it, even if it needs work.²

Proper Disposal Methods

When your boat can’t find a new home, proper disposal is key. The Lee Hendry County landfill in Florida is an option, charging boats from Lee County at $75.45 per ton and from Hendry County at $72.45 per ton.² Make sure it’s free of dangerous materials first. This helps protect our planet. Remember not to let the boat sink. This prevents water harm and keeps paths clear.

After selling the boat, fill out necessary papers like the HSMV 82050. This is vital to avoid any legal issues after.² Signing the sales papers in front of a notary is wise. It’s a step Florida’s DMV suggests.² Also, don’t forget to register a new boat within 30 days in Florida. Skipping this step is a second-degree misdemeanor.²

Conclusion

Selling a boat in Florida can be a great experience if you plan well. It’s all about preparing your boat, taking good photos, setting the right price, and spreading the word. With a clear plan and focus on being open and precise, your selling journey will be smoother. Make sure to follow every step, from checking your boat thoroughly to filling in all paperwork. This in-depth guide equips you with what you need to know for selling a boat in Florida.

No matter how much or little you know about selling boats, you can do this. Stick to the steps in this guide, and you’re on your way to finding the perfect buyer and getting the best price. Remember, it’s smart to ask for help from experts like marine surveyors or specialized brokers. They can make your sale go smoothly.⁹

The real trick to selling your boat in Florida is knowing and meeting the state’s rules and tips. This way, you protect yourself and make the sale a good experience for everyone involved. Keep focused and use a smart plan, and you’ll succeed in finding a good buyer and getting a fair price for your boat. Good luck with your sale!

FAQ

What are the key steps to prepare my boat for sale in Florida?

To ready your boat for sale, start by fixing any mechanical problems. Then, clear out the interior and give everything a good clean and wax. This makes a great first impression for buyers.

How important are high-quality photos and videos for selling my boat?

Top-notch photos and videos are crucial when selling your boat. They grab buyer’s attention and make your listing stand out. This can speed up the sale of your boat.

How do I determine the right asking price for my boat?

Setting the right price needs thought. Check the market using tools like Boat Trader and look at similar boats on boats.com. It’s also wise to think about a survey to help sell the boat quicker.

Should I use a broker or sell my boat privately?

Choosing to sell with or without a broker is a big decision. Know the pros and cons. This helps in making the most of your sales strategy.

Where should I list my boat for sale in Florida?

Listing your boat on boats.com is a great start. They have lots of boats and it’s easy to update your listing. Also, think about ads in newspapers, newsletters, and other online sites to reach more buyers.

What should I keep in mind when showing my boat to potential buyers?

Have all the info ready about your boat’s make, condition, and any special features. You could set up video tours or actual boat rides. Watch out for people who just want a free ride.

What do I need to finalize the sale of my boat?

Once someone’s ready to buy, it’s negotiation time. Make sure all the paperwork is in order, including title changes and the bill of sale. This makes the sale legal and protects you and the new owner.

What can I do if my boat is unsellable?

If no one wants to buy your boat, consider giving it away. Post it for a low price or for free. DIYers or charities might be interested. If it’s really not usable, make sure to dispose of it safely, like taking it to a boat-friendly landfill.