Want to sell your boat? Read our tips for a successful sale:
Selling a boat can take some time—after all, it is an illiquid asset. Even with a below-market price, it is common for the process to take a few months. On average, sales at a fair price happen between 3 and 6 months. Well-known models from renowned shipyards tend to sell more easily. Thanks to the large number of online classifieds, today it has become much simpler both for those looking to sell and for those searching for the ideal boat.
1. Setting the price
The first question anyone looking to sell a boat usually has is: how much is my boat worth? Setting the price is not simple, as it depends on several factors—condition, equipment, engines, year, among others.
To help, eboat has created a tool that shows the average value of listings published on the site, offering an excellent baseline of reference. We also recommend researching listings of similar boats to compare prices and set yours more confidently.
Be realistic. It is natural to have a special fondness for the boat, after all, it was part of great moments—but when it comes to selling, the ideal approach is to be objective and rational. Honestly evaluate the general condition, equipment, and engines.
Access our Used Boat Price Research tool and get a reliable starting point.
2. Performing maintenance and repairs
A boat in good condition and ready to cruise has a much better chance of selling quickly. Most buyers look for practicality and want to go out cruising without surprises or remodeling projects.
If your boat needs repairs, do what is essential to put it in usable condition and consider discounting the rest from the price. It may take a little longer to sell, but good value for money attracts buyers willing to invest.
3. Defining sales channels
With the price set, it is time to choose the best advertising channels. Start with online classifieds, prioritizing sites with greater visibility and a nautical focus—such as eboat.
Another great option is the marina where the boat is stored. Many buyers visit marinas looking for opportunities, especially in the regions where they usually cruise. Most marinas have a bulletin board: print your eboat listing sheet and pin it to the board.
With that in mind, eboat created the option to print your listing directly from the website in PDF format. This sheet is ideal to leave at the marina or present in person to interested parties, as it contains a QR Code that takes the buyer directly to your online listing, facilitating access to the boat's photos, videos, and other information.
4. Preparing the listing
With the price and channel set, prepare the listing carefully. Create a clear, objective description highlighting the main features of the boat. Always state the price—listings without a price tend to drive away interested parties, as they give the impression of a lack of transparency.
Listings with photos get many more views. Photograph the boat from the outside in, highlighting general angles and important details. Here on eboat you can also include a YouTube video—take the opportunity to record a mini video showing the boat and its standout features.
If the engine is new, for example, take a good photo of it and mention it in the description. Put effort into the images and information—this makes all the difference.
Additionally, eboat allows you to include PDF documents, such as manuals or specification sheets, and videos recorded from your cell phone or YouTube directly in your listing. These features make your listing much more complete, attractive, and professional, increasing buyer interest.
5. Intensifying promotion
After publishing the listing, it is time to promote it proactively. Look for potential buyers in nautical groups and communities, and share it with friends and acquaintances. Traditional "word of mouth" still works very well.
On eboat, use the "Send this offer to a friend" tool—this way you can forward the listing by email directly to people who might be interested. You can also share the listing on social media with just one click.
Take advantage of all available tools: the printed version of the listing features a QR Code that leads directly to the digital listing. Use and abuse these options to increase your visibility.
6. Security
Beware! There are malicious individuals trying to commit scams. eboat never requests personal data confirmation, SMS, or codes to release listings.
The entire publication and management process is done exclusively within the website, through the advertiser's control panel. If in doubt, contact advertiser support directly—our team is always ready to help.
Avoid suspicious negotiations, dubious international contacts, or payments outside secure platforms. When in doubt, talk to us: we are here to guide you.
Happy selling,
The eboat Team
