Ask The Experts | Replace, Repair, Repower and Recycle

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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If you're replacing, repairing or upgrading parts on your boat this winter, you might consider selling unused equipment to other local boaters or to online buyers to re-purpose those items. With many boats out of the water, you're likely to find other boaters looking to get their own vessel in tip-top shape before the spring thaw. Or, given the current value of copper, steel and other recyclable metals, you might consider recycling those materials to put some extra cash back into your boat repair account.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Whether you've got an older engine block, topside repair materials, or an unused pontoon sitting in your garage - classifieds sites (eBay, Craigslist, etc.), and uShip are great solutions for selling and moving marine gear. Even in the winter months, the expertise of feedback-rated boat carriers on uShip makes it easy to affordably ship boats and parts of any size across the country.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]With the days growing shorter and colder, the boating off season is the perfect time to make repairs, upgrade parts, and sell any unused equipment.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Here's my 5-step guide to selling and shipping marine equipment this winter:[/FONT]

1. [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Tell friends or list your items on reputable classifieds site[/FONT] [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Network with boating friends to help them out or visit popular online re-selling sites. The key to selling your used boat or equipment is to offer as much detail as possible. Include exact specifications, weight, and note any existing damage. Attach close-up high-resolution images from several angles, if possible. These details help set expectations for customers and allow them to make purchase decisions more quickly. Engine power heads or blocks are popular items for rebuilders. If your shipping costs are affordable, you'll have little problem selling the engine to help afford your new one.[/FONT]
2. [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Communicate with your buyer[/FONT] [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Once you've secured a buyer, it's important to communicate with them about how and where they'll be receiving the equipment. In the winter season, the buyer may need to first secure storage space for boats (SpareFoot is a great option), or designate a drop-off location for other large equipment.[/FONT]
3. [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Winterize your boat or parts prior to transport[/FONT] [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Make sure you've taken all the necessary winterization steps, regardless of whether you're selling a fully-outfitted boat or parts. Here's an excellent guide on iboats. Powertrain equipment is especially susceptible to freezing damage in cold temperatures, so be sure to flush the engine with marine antifreeze. If you're shipping a boat, you should also fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer.[/FONT]
4. [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Arrange equipment (or boat) transport by listing on uShip.com[/FONT] [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Services like uShip make it easy to move large online purchases across the country at a reasonable cost. Either you or the customer can list the shipment for free on uShip.com- even prior to finalizing the sale. After publishing your uShip shipment listing, thousands of specialized boat transportation companies can place competing bids for your business, which helps to reduce the cost of transportation.[/FONT]
   [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]uShip makes it easy to select an experienced and well-reviewed transportation company from several bids. Transportation company profiles on uShip include a wealth of information about each business: recent shipments and customer feedback, licensing, operating authority, and cargo insurance information, as well as truck and trailer photos.[/FONT]
5. [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Follow up with the transporter and the customer[/FONT] [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Once you've chosen a boat or equipment transporter, you should take a few additional steps to make sure your buyer is a happy camper. Communicate with the transporter to make sure your boat or equipment is properly secured and protected from the winter elements. You should also ask the transporter for the Bill of Lading and share it with the buyer. The Bill of Lading document should include everything you're shipping to the buyer, and list any existing damage to the boat or equipment.[/FONT]
   
   [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]As always, make sure you're comfortable with both the transporter and your buyer. Don't be afraid to ask your transporter questions to make sure your boat or equipment will be delivered on time and without winter weather road damage.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Dean Xeros has nearly 30 years of motor transport experience and logistics sales leadership. As vice president of sales and general manager of uShip Motors and Relocation, his expertise guides both sales and partner relationships for uShip's highest-volume categories, including boats, vehicles, motorcycles and household moves. Prior to joining uShip, Dean spent five years (2005-2010) as Vice President of Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS).[/FONT]