How did YOU sell the boat

[peterandjeanette]

Having got to the point where we have decided to go bigger, the matter of selling the current vessel has arisen.

Bearing in mind that the boat is based on the Thames, in use, at least, every other weekend do we:-

1. Advertise privately

2. Use a local broker who would obviously want the boat around at weekends

3. Use a national broker to get names and do the "show around" myself to appointment.

4. Move the boat to a more active sales area - e.g. the Solent.

and who keeps the boat clean and tidy for prospective purchasers to examine?

Part exchange is apparently not an option as we will not be buying new or from stock.

I'm sure there are some horror stories and minefields around that would benefit future prospective sellers

What was YOUR story?

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[boatone]

Oh dear.....

.....I didnt realise I upset you that much..../forums/images/icons/frown.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsontheweb.com/> Website, Photo Gallery, Chat Room, Burgees</A>

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I use to try to sell my boats privately through mags like MBY and Boats & Yachts but I found it was unsuccessful. You have to go through the hassle of going to your boat every time a buyer wants to see it and then, half the time, they dont turn up anyway. Then some buyers want the security of buying through a broker anyway, however illusory that security is. You may think you are saving the broker's commission by selling privately but often a good broker will get a better price for your boat that outweighs the commission cost. In any case, commission is negotiable and a hungry broker will shave his commission to facilitate a sale
I've come to the conclusion that the best way to sell a boat is to choose an active broker for your marque of boat and then put the boat on his sales pontoon or on his hard - often you'll get free berthing for a month or two. I've found that the best brokers are not the ones who sell new boats as well but the ones who only make a buck if they sell used boats. The point about putting the boat on the broker's sales pontoon is that the broker knows your boat is costing him money and it's in his face every day - he's got every incentive to sell it
For a Sealine, I would recommend Eric at Walrus Yacht Sales at Shamrock Quay or Inwards at Hamble Point. You could try Racecourse Yacht Basin at Windsor but I've had problems with them in the past but they're a big concern and specialise in Sealines



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[Nick_H]

Just to put the other side of the coin, I had my Sealine S37 for sale through a broker and on "boatsandoutboards.co.uk" at the same time. Had ten times as much interest through the website, and sold it for a fair price. I would have had to sell it at top bat to get the same money after paying brokers fees. My advice is to set the price attractively for a private sale.

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[DepSol]

I am doing just that at the moment but will probably put it through a brokerage unless I start my own brokeage up by the time I really want to sell it.

Only found one other Leader 805 2nd hand same year with Diesel and have priced it lower than that one after taking off the VAT.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.soltron.co.uk>the website</A>

 

[peterandjeanette]

Re: Oh dear.....

Tony

I can assure you that you haven't upset me.

I am just working on the theory that if I DO manage to acquire the QM 11 then I probably will not be able to scrape under Cookham Footbridge for the Saturday afternoon dash to the shoe shop for Jeanette before they close. And I seriously doubt that gas struts on the funnel would make an awful lot of difference.

However, if I could just make it then I could possibly reserve berths for all the forumites on the Thames.

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[LiamS]

Had boat for sale on many sites and with a few brokers.Never under estimate the power of a for sale sign with a contact number.Most potential buyers will stroll around marinas and rivers just looking so that they may spot the type of boat that they really like.My boat was sold to such a prospector and I received as many calls from the sign as all sites put together!

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[Greg2]

Sold our boat via Boats and Outboards. Free of charge so it gave us room to manouvre on the price. Excellent site.

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[hardy]

I have sold 3 boats now via the same route.I live near, almost on ,Chichester Harbour we have a pub right on the water and of course a boat yard, I have put a picture and accurate description on some A4 paper and the pub and boat yard put it in a well displayed place and they have all sold pretty quickly. timing is crucial of course, end or begining of season . previously used a major brocker in the area , internet etc not a nibble! if in boaty area try private sale , get sale papers from RYA web site good luck

<hr width=100% size=1>KISMET HARDY

 

[aquaholic]

boatsandoutboards did the job for me in three days!
Stuff the broker!
(no offence)

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[peterandjeanette]

Interesting replies from all. Thank you.

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[Roy]

Have sent you a pm Roy

<hr width=100% size=1>What does this mean then?