Step 1: Plan and Prepare Your Boat
The Importance of a Thoughtful Plan
Selling a boat takes more than just listing it online—it’s a process that requires careful planning to get the best results. Whether it’s organizing paperwork, preparing the boat for showings, or positioning it in the right location, every step matters. The better prepared your boat is, the smoother the sale will be. Together, we’ll tackle each step so your boat stands out and attracts serious buyers.
Set a Realistic Timeline
Selling a boat can take months, depending on its condition, the market, and pricing. Allow time for key steps such as cleaning, completing repairs, professional marketing, showings, and paperwork. Rushing these steps can lead to missed opportunities or unnecessary stress later. Having a clear plan ensures your boat is ready to make a great first impression the moment it hits the market
Get Your Documents in Order
One of the first steps we’ll handle together is making sure your boat’s documentation is ready. This is critical not just for the sale itself but also for signing the listing agreement. Ensure that your boat title, U.S. Coast Guard documentation, and any dinghy titles are up to date and ready to transfer. If your boat is registered under an LLC, confirm the business is in good standing and have the necessary paperwork ready. Having these items organized prevents delays when an offer is made.
Documents You’ll Need for the Listing Agreement:
- Boat title
- U.S. Coast Guard documentation (if applicable)
- Dinghy title (if applicable)
- LLC paperwork (if registered under a business)
Organize Paperwork to Build Buyer Confidence
Buyers value transparency and want proof that your boat has been well cared for. Gathering key documents early makes the entire process smoother and more efficient. Compile service records, maintenance logs, and invoices for major repairs or upgrades. If you’ve had a recent survey conducted, include it to highlight the boat’s current condition. Additionally, prepare details on any outstanding loans or liens, including payoff amounts and lien releases, to ensure the transfer of ownership goes smoothly.
Your preparation should also include organizing manuals for onboard systems, creating a detailed inventory of included gear, and gathering login credentials for accounts like MMSI registration, EPIRB, remote monitoring systems, or onboard internet services like Starlink. Providing this information upfront streamlines the transfer process and reassures buyers that they’re purchasing a well-maintained and organized vessel.
Checklist for Paperwork Preparation:
- Service records and maintenance logs
- Invoices for major repairs or upgrades
- Recent survey (if available)
- Loan payoff details and lien releases
- Manuals for all onboard systems
- Inventory list of included gear
- Login credentials for MMSI, EPIRB, and other accounts
Position Your Boat Where Buyers Are Looking – Location, Location, Location…
Where you display your boat can make or break how quickly it sells. To maximize interest, position your boat in a location with strong market activity (like Bert Jabin Yacht Yard in Annapolis, MD)—where brokers and buyers are actively viewing listings. If it takes 10 showings to generate a strong offer, your boat needs to be in a place where those 10 showings can happen quickly. See the Resources Page for for additional marinas.
Buyers working with brokers often have only one day to view multiple boats, and brokers plan their itineraries around convenience. If your boat is stored in an isolated location, it’s less likely to make the shortlist. A broker might tell their client, “The boat we came to see isn’t quite right, but there’s another one nearby that you should see.” For your boat to be part of that conversation, it must be positioned where the action is. I’ll help you evaluate the best location to ensure your boat is visible to the right buyers and brokers.
Preparing for Success
Taking the time to plan now will save you stress later and increase the likelihood of attracting serious buyers. From setting a timeline to organizing paperwork and positioning your boat in the right location, each step ensures your boat is ready to stand out. Together, we’ll prepare your boat to shine in the market and appeal to the right buyers—getting you one step closer to a smooth and successful sale.
