Preparing a boat for Sale

[Scalem]

As I have only ever owned one boat, my much loved and faithful Mustang 1500 runabout, the time is quickly approaching where I will be selling her. The family of 4 just don't fit in it any more, and have an enjoyable day out on the water without getting in each others' way.

The questions about what I should do in preparation to sell, and what is considered overkill is a little bit of a quandrie. As I will be selling it privately ( don't like the idea of being on consignment, heck, I can place adds a number of places like any boat yard can ) there are a few things that I could do for the ol' girl which will restore alot of pride back into the boat, making it harder for me to sell her. The two outstanding jobs to do are - new canopy as the old one is getting tired, and new windscreen where there's a crack from where the anchor door whipped up during a stiff SE.

Other than that, she has passed ( in writing) an inspection on the condition of the glass and particularly the transom, the 70hp 2s has had its 12 month service and passed with flying colours, including compression check. The swiftco trailer is about 2 years old, so there's nothing to do there either.

I know it all comes down to a negotiated price with an interested party. The new canopy is a quoted $680.00 to replace including higher support frame for extra head room which I would do if I kept her, but who would bother doing that thinking it will add the salability of the boat?

Time to find similar boats being advertised to establish a base price and go from there I suppose ...... What are your standards for getting a boat ready for sale? What examples have you seen where an owner has neglected even the basics for presenting a 2nd hand boat for sale?

This is a prelim for placing a classified on the right page, but interested to know anyones' thoughts.

Scalem

[peterbo3]

Double post. Delete.

[peterbo3]

Just to start:
1.Engine service records, receipts, registration papers & manuals for all the electronics.
2.All required safety gear & in date, PFDs clean & neatly stowed yet accessible.
3.Anchor & anchor rope in good condition.
4.Hull clean & polished.Windscreen repaired. Remove the canopy if it is looking sad.(You will probably not get your money back if you replace the old one but it may make the boat more desirable). Cushions/vinyl clean. Carpets clean. Motor polished, no dings in prop.
5.Battery in good condition with terminals clean. Tie-down strap fitted.
6.Wiring neat & electricals/electronics working.
7.Trailer clean with no rust. Winch greased & winch rope in good order. Lights & brakes working. Tyres inflated. Safety certificate on hand.
8.No junk of any type lying around in the boat.
I am sure that others will have things to add. Good luck with your sale.

[Steeler]

Hi.Ditto to everything peterbo3 has said with particular reference to the canopy issue.When selling a boat the first impression is the most critical.Speaking for myself and most likely many others buying a new boat package is out of my league. When buying a used boat i have always looked at how its been looked after and set up,tidy wiring,fused accessories,S/steel with nyloc nuts all things that portray a sign of pride in ownership.I remember the soundest boat i ever purchased was a 5.1 Vickers Easyrider Half Cab and the guy selling it was a very fussy owner almost to the point of being a little anal ) but that boat was the best buy i had ever made.So long as everything is presentable and in sound servicable condition i am sure you will do well.Best of luck.

Cheers Steve

[Scalem]

Just to start:
1.Engine service records, receipts, registration papers & manuals for all the electronics.
2.All required safety gear & in date, PFDs clean & neatly stowed yet accessible.
3.Anchor & anchor rope in good condition.
4.Hull clean & polished.Windscreen repaired. Remove the canopy if it is looking sad.(You will probably not get your money back if you replace the old one but it may make the boat more desirable). Cushions/vinyl clean. Carpets clean. Motor polished, no dings in prop.
5.Battery in good condition with terminals clean. Tie-down strap fitted.
6.Wiring neat & electricals/electronics working.
7.Trailer clean with no rust. Winch greased & winch rope in good order. Lights & brakes working. Tyres inflated. Safety certificate on hand.
8.No junk of any type lying around in the boat.
I am sure that others will have things to add. Good luck with your sale.

Peter that's a good list, I'll get the anchor replaced, it's rusted up. So you think the windscreen is a must do? The prop is stainless, no dings, one battery is new, the other needs replacement soon but still charges up, I only use for accessories anyhow. The hull is old, scratched, but structurally sound as inspected by a boat repairer - anyone buying it will be a fishing nut not fussed about spilling mullet gut over the paintwork, it's a fishing boat!!

What do you mean "safety certificate?" Who issues them?

Scalem

[peterbo3]

Scalem,
The trailer will require a Safety Certificate (same as for a car) if it is over 750 kg gross if my memory is correct. Yellow pages will help you locate an Inspection station near where you live.

[Scalem]

Scalem,
The trailer will require a Safety Certificate (same as for a car) if it is over 750 kg gross if my memory is correct. Yellow pages will help you locate an Inspection station near where you live.

Thanks

I know what you mean now, this has to happen with the transfer of registration to the new owner. Never sold a boat b4!!! DOH!!

Cheers
Scalem

[stevenc]

What do you mean "safety certificate?" Who issues them?

Scalem[/quote]

Trailers with a rating of 750kg or over need a rwc, check the brakes, lights etc . When I sold mine I was lucky that the local bp garage a minute away was able to do the rwc. I think any descent rwc inspection station will do it just need to book it in so they do it while you wait.

[PinHead]

Get registration transfer papers from Mani Roads as you will need to sign them and give them to the new owner..their responsibility to complete the transfer.

[Tangles]

You need the following forms which you can download, if trailer under the 750kg, no need for a safety certificate, the rating plaque should be on the trailer
F3520
F3521
F3970

[Scalem]

You need the following forms which you can download, if trailer under the 750kg, no need for a safety certificate, the rating plaque should be on the trailer
F3520
F3521
F3970

Thanks Mike, it's not a braked trailer and the 15 footer would not be over 600kg but I'll look those forms up, thanks!

This is all very useful information, but the original reason for the post is trying to find a line in the sand with what is an acceptable amount of work I should do on a 2nd hand boat in order to sell it. There will be a point of over capitalizing where I can spend a motsa on a boat which only has a certain market value, no matter how much work I do to it. The windscreen and canopy are both high on the agenda now, that's one answer I was looking for thanks Peterbo3.

Scalem

[finga]

To be honest I'd be getting the hull detailed by someone like Dave (Blackened).
The money spent will make the sale so much easier and quite possibly give you a much higher sale price.
As many have mentioned presentation or 1st impressions is what will sell her.
I mean would you have a second gander at a car that's all gungy, dull and dirty when it's sitting next to my Kingswood.
I would not worry about the canopy but have the old one there and also the quote for the new.
Not everyone wants the same style but if they know what their up against decisions are easier.
If it's been a few years since the wiring was done I'd consider getting that redone as well.
There's not much electrical stuff in your boat to rewire and it doesn't take long but goes a long way showing the prospective purchaser your not selling a dodgy brothers special.
To me that'll be more important then the canopy.

[Scalem]

Well there you go. Had a concretor around today to quote on some work and he asked if I get out to fish much.. The boat's still sitting there in all her glory from last Saturday fish, basically clean, but lifejackets all over the floor, dried up gulp softies on the back seat. He says " I'm looking for a boat just like this one" and he seemed very interested when I told him I'm getting ready to sell.

Started the motor 1st pop and showed him the receipt for the service last week. Told him the other little bits I'd do for the deal, so he is apparently going to be in strife with the one who must be obeyed. It's not a done deal yet, but it's looking good. Might be just a good timing kinda thing, or there might be something to be said about being up front about the condition of the boat, with all the scars and bumps from many a successful fishing trip.

I'll still follow all your advice though if he doesn't buy it, which might take a while yet.

Scalem