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nicho

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This post will probably get canned if responses are negative, but I have to sell Prophecy, and wondered if the first port of call should be the Yachting Monthly classifieds. This would save a fortune in brokers fees, but I'm not sure what their success rate is.

Does anyone have any experience of selling boats in this way? If so, your experiences would be welcomed - perhaps it would be better if you PM'd me with your comments, otherwise I'll be Kimmerised.

Thanks in advance.
 
I think that this is a perfectly valid topic (for all my opinion is worth!). As a would be buyer in the future I would enjoy reading a bit of debate about the value added by brokers etc.

I am just in the process of buying a Laser Pico from the small ads - different scale I know, but there is a generation of Ebayers out there who wouldn't think twice about buying privately. There are even zero commission websites where you can sell your house.

Do you have the skills to do your own web page? How about the owners association? That is the first place I would look if I knew what I wanted.

To my mind the best thing about a brokerage (as a buyer) is that I might go to look at one boat, then see one I've never heard of before that fits the bill. I'd still go on a private search afterwards though.
 
Negative replies? I think not! You're selling a boat, and thus the prospect of lucative advertising revenue for an IPC-owned boating magazine looms.

First of all, of course, you will have to tell us what sort of boat it is, and how much loot you want for it. Only then will people will be able to advise on where to advertise it, surely.
 
The choice of mag is dependant more on price than anything. I'd say under £20k go for PBO, otherwise YM and for really posh stuff (£250k+) consider YW, though I think it's mostly for dreamers.

A Bav 36 is squarely in YM territory.

The pitfalls of private selling v brokers have been aired a lot here recently.
 
Have you thought of Ebay? You have to be sensible about loony bidders and fraud merchants but if you start it at your asking price you needn't be afraid of it selling for too little. FWIW I looked at ebay every day when looking for my boat. Even though I eventually found it in the free-ads! Don't know what your selling but some expensive boats do appear there. I recently sold a motorcycle and the only genuine buyer came through ebay.
 
Soory to hear you are selling your Bavaria 36. Are you buying a bigger one or will it be a stinky again? I know several people in the Bavaria Owners Association who have recently sold their boats to upgrade to bigger ones. They go to Opal who seem to sell them very quickly and most seem very happy with the price.
 
Hi Tony,

Yep! age has finally caught up with me. I have advertised "Prophecy" for one month in Yachting Monthly mag to see if there are any bites. I've contacted Opal Marine, but have been warned they try to sell enquiries for used boats up to a new boat "....have you thought for an extra £15K you can have a new boat" etc etc. We'll see....!

Cheers Mike N
 
I sold a BMW for £12k on ebay and a Mini for £4k. Both painless processes except that I really wanted £2k more in each case.
If your item is top quality it doesn't reflect the fact in the bids.
 
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The Boats and Outboards website is very effective, but am not sure if it fits your bill. Perhaps worth a look.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/

[/ QUOTE ]

Agree entirely: have bought and sold my last three boats all through this site, and never had to wait long to find either buyers, or the next 'right' boat.

Personally I would only use Ebay to sell a) if I am in a hurry to sell. b) don't mind taking a cut in the price, or c) if the boat needs things doing to it and is being sold as a 'bargain' (and we all know there is actually no such thing - except for the keen DIYer /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif).
 
Have you thought of a for sale notice attatched to the boat?

you never know your luck.One thing I have come across in the past is the buyer who expects that as you are not using a broker he should pocket the saving on commision.You are the one who has done the brokers job so I think the seller should benefit in that case.

boats and outboards for sale costs nothing and covers boats of all price brackets.you get a secure phone and email connection so you only give out your personal details to those you think are genuine.Put a good photo with the add then have several more pictures ready to email to enquirers.

With some exceptions I have found brokers attatched to boat yards are a disinterested bunch.They get the yard space /mooring rent from the seller and will lose this if someone buys and moves the boat.

best of luck with the sale.
 
Another item to consider is where you have your boat berthed. Some (many?) marinas have "resident" brokerages and have a clause in the berthing agreement to the effect that the boat may only be sold through the "resident" broker or failing that the "commission" paid to the marina anyway.

It may not apply in your case but it is worth checking out beforehand to save any problems later.

Personally I think such clauses are illegal or if not then they should be.
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