Best Time to Sell?

[Guest]

I'm thinking of upgrading my 28 foot yacht next season, can anyone tell me the best time to sell?
Is there a period when it is more likely to sell?
I've heard that jan - feb is a good time because of the boat show.

Also the boat yard I store my boat over winter has a clause in the contract that says you have to pay the yard 2% commission if you sell.
Is this legal? What are they doing to deserve this?
Is there any way around it?

Regards

Sean Foster

 

[rogerroger]

I reckon jan / Feb is a popular time to sell as spring is around the corner and people are thinking about sailing again.

However - if your boat is exactly what someone is after and they want to spend several months working on it over the winter then why not try to sell it in the autumn?

As far as the boat yard cut goes, don't tell them. Unless you put a "for sale" sign on they're not going to know - I think demanding a cut is outrageous - at least a broker (arguably) does something for the cut.

What are you upgrading to ?



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[JeremyF]

Go for the March and May editions of PBO or YM according to the boats price. The gap allows for post LBS and post first decent weekend's weather. You canb adjust your price if you get no calls from the March ad.

Make sure she is looking pristine. Have a heater and dehumidifier on board to keep the damp at bay.

Final tip, make sure you can drop everything and get down to accompany a viewing at their convenience. If you can't get down with 2 hrs notice, use a broker

Jeremy Flynn

 

[tony_brighton]

The problem with not telling the yard is that they will want to invoice you for any work they do (a/foul, lift-in etc) after you've sold it. Best to agree that the boat gets lifted in for trial sail and then 'sold' once in the water so they can't have a claim. If you go through a broker they often have deals with boat yards to waive this charge.

(I agree - its a completely bogus charge of dubious legal standing but a contract has been entered into...)

 

[rogerroger]

Doesn't make it legal just cos you've signed a contract...

and surely any charges for lift in/out will be invoiced straight away?

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[graham]

If you intend keeping your new boat at the same yard I would be honest with them .Possibly try to negotiate the charge being waived or at least reduced on the grounds that your new possibly larger boat will generate more income for them.

If not I would do my best (by whatever means neccessary)to avoid such an unreasonable charge .

Some brokers offer free or very cheap berths or storage in return for being the only agent.

Depending on the value of your boat it may be worth going afloat again .Remember the purchaser pays to haul out for a survey.

 

[ruthhobson]

We are currently looking to buy and a broker told us two weeks ago that they were short of yachts (but not motor boats). They suggested to us that as a buyer we would have the best chance of finding something in Sept as that was when most people would put their boats up for sale...

But if there is a shortage now... are you better selling now?? Supply and demmand and all that stuff??

Ruth

 

[billmacfarlane]

I put my last boat up for sale in September , but never got a viewing until March and the boat was sold by May. Your boat yard is at it . Look around and you'll get a better deal elsewhere.