Preparation of a yacht to sell

[Stemar]

Honestly, I can’t believe what a bunch of namby-pampies sailors are! I couldn’t give a monkey’s if boat is clean or not, or whether there are cups in the sink. These things are minor details to me. Its a days work or two to clean a boat, I’d be far more interested in the big ticket items, for which I’d pay a surveyor to check.

Well, me too, though I'm not sure I'd bother with a surveyor when I'm paying under £10K. I reckon I can work out the state of most of the big ticket stuff, and most of the surveys I've seen have too much arse covering and "visual inspection of..."

I can clean a mess, though it seems to take me twice as long as Milady, but first impressions do count. A well-presented boat has me expecting things to work, though I'm still going to check; a messy one has me wondering what else the seller hasn't bothered with. It's purely psychological, but it's true. It does depend on why it's being sold, though. I wouldn't expect the same presentation from someone whose health is forcing them to swallow the anchor or a probate sale as I would from someone who's upgrading.

 

[fredrussell]

Well, me too, though I'm not sure I'd bother with a surveyor when I'm paying under £10K.

Agreed. My Super Seal was just north of £10k, and I didn’t get a survey done. It had sat unused on a swinging mooring all season and was absolutely covered in bird sh1t. Didn’t discourage me, and other than that boat had been scrupulously well maintained it turned out, so you can’t always judge a book by its cover.

 

[slawosz]

I would say it could be also psychological. If someone sees boat that is not clean or with jobs to do, he will have struggle to reach the decision, as he will have few other boats in similar state to see. And he will have to compare few untidy boats: one has older engine, but newer sails/ rigging, new/old battery etc etc.
As others wrote - when boat looks good, it gives an impresion that owner cared and will be less hassle during next seasons.

As first boat (well, in UK), I bought an empty shell Achilles 24, hull rigging sails in good condition - very good day boat. Was cheap as well. Than spend 3 seasons adding many features required for cruising, learning about jobs and my requirements. This helped me to choose the right next boat.

 

[jwilson]

Honestly, I can’t believe what a bunch of namby-pampies sailors are! I couldn’t give a monkey’s if boat is clean or not, or whether there are cups in the sink. These things are minor details to me. Its a days work or two to clean a boat, I’d be far more interested in the big ticket items, for which I’d pay a surveyor to check.

Yes, you will find some buyers who don't care, but you will put off many others. Why not present a boat ultra-clean and ready to go, and all potential buyers will be interested, and offer a good price.

 

[RogerJolly]

I'd like to think when the time comes I will do potential buyers the courtesy of presenting a clean and tidy boat, rather then insulting them with a mess.

 

[Rhylsailer99]

I bought a boat with not much idea now its sitting waiting for new rigging and new sails, pretty much the whole boat had been sugar coated to make it look good .
my advice to anyone is buy a boat ready to sail as even then it will need work.

 

[TSB240]

I’d be far more interested in the big ticket items, for which I’d pay a surveyor to check.

My personal view is the average survey would give me no more confidence on a 10k boat big ticket items.
Assume the worst that it will need a new engine, standing rigging, through hulls, rudder bearings or pintles and some sail repairs or replacements. If it floats it is a bonus!

Loads of rubbish advertised at up to £10k now that were being given away before covid.
10k is the new project boat starting price!
As an aside apart from cleanliness the first thing I check to see how well maintained a boat is the gas flexible pipe date. If a little low cost item like that has been overlooked then you know who and what you are ikely to be dealing with.

 

[DanTribe]

From my experiences as a buyer, I would say;
Remove any half finished meals, especially if weeks old.
Close hatches to keep rain out and drain bilges especially if rainwater is knee deep
Remove cushions if they are growing mushrooms.
If the boat is ashore make certain a ladder is available.
Don't rely on brokers being helpful.

 

[johnalison]

I'd like to think when the time comes I will do potential buyers the courtesy of presenting a clean and tidy boat, rather then insulting them with a mess.

I would hope so too, but prolonged illness or bereavement can cause boats to lose their pristinity (neologism warning). We met a couple who had bought a 40' Oyster from a widow that was perfect but very dirty but immaculate by the time we saw her.

 

[Praxinoscope]

What world do some of you live in? 10k a project boat? My present boat was £8k had standing rigging only 18 months old, Sails 2 years old engine only 900 hours the running rigging was clean and did not need replacing, batteries only 3 years old as was the spray hood.
The only work I have done (wasn’t essential but felt I could improve upon) was replace Houdini hatch and install a new compass, other work was purely to make some changes in the cabin.
Whilst I was looking for a replacement boat I looked at several in the £7-9k category, yes there were some horrors, but there were also many which were in excellent condition and wouldn’t be classed anywhere near ‘project boats’.

 

[doug748]

I would not antifoul a boat I was selling as a lot of prospective owners like to get a close look at the hull and it can look as if there is something to hide. Last boat I sold I prepared for sea for the new owner, after the deal was done.

Just one other tip; don't leave a little present in the bottom of the toilet bowl as one owner did for me on a Trident 24 viewing.

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[V1701]

A good set of photos also goes a long way, take some that give a good impression of the spaces, i.e. saloon, forecabin, cockpit, etc. not just a series of close-ups of each item on the boat. And I would suggest that you don't use a fisheye lens - bit of a pet hate for me when they do that just because they can.
Even those who say they aren't bothered about dirt, etc. would surely be more likely to come take a look in the first place if the photos show a clean & tidy boat. Based on having sold four boats ranging from £6k - £21k, all quickly and for what I paid or more, quite a lot more in one case, all of which were very clean, tidy and uncluttered. I would say it absolutely makes a difference...

 

[slawosz]

Its good topic for me too, as I am preparing my boat for sale after 'accidentally' purchase for my colleague's boat. I do several jobs including painting all over. To be honest, painting of hull is not really needed, but current paint is scrached in places, but overall, in good condition, so it will be quick.
I will let you know, how fast the boat will sale - I am in cheap boat sections currently.

Edit: doing market research by looking on similar boats for sale, I see that photos are bad, boats are often unfinished or dirty, I believe I have huge edge.

 

[davidpbo]

I would not antifoul a boat I was selling as a lot of prospective owners like to get a close look at the hull and it can look as if there is something to hide. Last boat I sold I prepared for sea for the new owner, after the deal was done.

Just one other tip; don't leave a little present in the bottom of the toilet bowl as one owner did for me on a Trident 24 viewing.

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Or a full Porta Potti bottom tank as we found on our new (to us) boat.