Boat selling/buying experts - need some advice on sale prep

[timyerby]

So it has come time for me to part with my Chappy. Have enjoyed her the last few years, but my family just doesn't love boating as much as I do and with my oldest in college and youngest starting in two years we could really use the money. Only took her out 4 times this year.

I'm hoping the folks with more experience than I on this subject can give me some advice on how to get top dollar for her. Wondering best time of year to advertise, needed prep, etc.

Like all used boats she is not in perfect condition. She's a 2001 Chapparal 216SSi with the Volvo Penta GXi 320hp 5.7L and extended swim platform

Interior is in great shape except for the engine cover which is beginning to tear at the seams. I was planning to have it replaced this winter....Should I ?.

Hull and topside look pretty good....Wondering if anyone has any advice on anything in particular I should do to prep her for sale.

Any recommendations appreciated! Thanks guys!

 

[pckeen]

Don't put a lot of money into it now, as money put into a boat before sale is rarely recovered. There are some exceptions - inexpensive repairs to obvious cosmetic problems are worth their weight in gold. Make sure it is clean, shiny, and polished, as typically, this involves elbow grease and little $$$. If people see a nice looking boat, they are more likely to assume it is in good shape. If you have mildew anywhere, make sure it is cleaned off.

Best time to list varies with the region, and boats do sell year round, but as a general rule, you will get a better price at the start of the boating season than at the end. Your plan to put it up next April makes sense. Obviously, make sure it is running and can be shown, when you begin listing it next year. If you are not planning on putting it in the water next year, take it out on a shiny day, and make a video of it that you can post on youtube. Next spring, take good photographs of it (with the cover off).

Be honest in the ads - craigslist or a paid ad here on iboats is a good place to start. List all the good features. Lastly, work out what is actually worth to a buyer - not what you would like to get for it....if you really overprice it, it is unlikely to sell. Check out ads for similar boats with similar features. Check NADA. Check boat listings here on iboats. Monitor the prices over the next few months to see what is actually selling.

Good luck!

 

[thumpar]

When you list it say that you are ready to hit the water for test run. I listed my boat last year just before a camping trip at the lake and posted the dates they could come out and see it on the water. The boat was sold in 2 days to a person that responded the day of the listing. I got $100 more than I paid for it 7 years earlier. It helps when you are confident enough to put it in the water and show. The "new" boat we have was on the water when we looked at it and he had no problem with us taking it for a run.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

I'll echo everything said so far. I sold a boat last year the day after I listed it on craigslist and got my asking price. I cleaned it up, took GOOD photos to show in my listing (out of focus photos from a cell phone won't cut it), and was very honest about it's condition. I readily agreed to a lake test (told the buyer he'd pay me $20 for gas and I'd knock that off the price if he bought it). I also agree that a video of the boat running is a good idea even though I didn't do that. And of course do your homework on what the boat is worth.

 

[smokeonthewater]

8. You may not solicit any personal transaction (buy, sell, rent, trade free, donate, etc.) in the forum. This includes solicitations for charitable and non-profit causes. Personal transactions arranged completely by Private Message are not affected by this rule. Solicitation by PM must be preceded by contact in the forum. Please note: threads or posts that give extensive details on anything that is for sale will be assumed to be an attempt to advertise and are subject to deletion

 

[timyerby]

Please let me clarify, boat is not currently for sale. Needs a transom bearing and other work to be ready for sale. Not accepting offers at this time.

8. You may not solicit any personal transaction (buy, sell, rent, trade free, donate, etc.) in the forum. This includes solicitations for charitable and non-profit causes. Personal transactions arranged completely by Private Message are not affected by this rule. Solicitation by PM must be preceded by contact in the forum. Please note: threads or posts that give extensive details on anything that is for sale will be assumed to be an attempt to advertise and are subject to deletion

 

[timyerby]

Also, thanks to the other posters who offered the advice I was looking for, much appreciated!

 

[oldjeep]

To the OP - I would strongly consider replacing or having someone fix the torn engine cover if that is the only bad spot of the interior. Don't under estimate the value of a pristine interior.

 

[tpenfield]

In terms of selling, the best market will be in the spring (April-May-June). In order to effectively sell your boat, think about what the buyer wants - typically that is the best boat for the lowest price.

Buyers are not looking to pay top dollar for something, but will generally pay more for a better boat versus one with a few issues. So, put your boat in nice condition, clean and shiny, etc. Do your homework in terms of market research and price comparisons. Then position your boat so that it will be the boat that people want.

 

[gtochris]

To the OP - I would strongly consider replacing or having someone fix the torn engine cover if that is the only bad spot of the interior. Don't under estimate the value of a pristine interior.

You stole the words from my mouth. $100-$200 spent on a repair so visible will not only help make the inside right and the next buyer confident, but might help you sell quicker.