When Is the Best Time to Sell a Boat?

Boat owners are often faced with the question: when is the best time to sell a boat, both for a quick sale and for the desired proceeds? The best time to sell your boat for maximum profit is usually during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warming up and people are looking for boats to use for water activities. In this guide, we'll give you an overview of the best times to sell your boat, as well as effective strategies to use when selling your boat.

The Best Time of Year to Sell Your Boat

When considering the best time to sell your boat, a variety of factors such as the season, local market conditions, and potential buyer preferences are critical. Here are the times of year to sell your boat:

Spring and Summer (Best Time)

As soon as spring and summer arrive, boat owners begin to prepare and get their boats ready for sailing, and potential buyers prepare for the boating season with great anticipation. As the weather warms up, boat sales are on the rise and people start looking for the boat of their dreams. Selling boats during these two seasons is the best time for sellers. Since the demand for boats is at its peak, sellers are likely to reap higher asking prices. On the other hand, various boat shows continue to be held, sparking interest in boat ownership, and selling a boat during this time of year is more likely to attract the attention of potential buyers.

Fall (sell quickly at a lower price)

While selling in the spring and summer can get you a higher selling price, if you want to sell your boat quickly and are willing to accept a lower price, consider selling your boat in the fall. Demand for boats is lower at this time of year, and some owners are thinking of selling their existing boats, upgrading or replacing them with newer models. As a result, boats tend to sell faster at this time of year than in the off-season.

Winter

Winter is usually a tough time to sell a boat. Boating activities are severely limited due to the cold weather and the demand for boats is drastically reduced, and for buyers, the inclement weather discourages them from purchasing a boat. During the winter months, boats are sold at a significantly slower rate because the cold weather is not conducive to boating and people are less enthusiastic about boating activities, resulting in fewer people wanting to buy boats. If you sell your boat at this time of year, the owner will have to lower the asking price to attract potential buyers.

Preparing your boat for sale

The best time to sell your boat is influenced by a number of factors, and boat owners need to be well-prepared before selling their boats so that they can highlight the value of their boats for a higher return. Here are the things to do before selling your boat:

Clean and maintain the boat

Thoroughly cleaning a boat for sale is more appealing to potential buyers, especially during the peak boat selling seasons of spring and summer. Cleaning the boat should be thorough, including the interior and exterior of the boat, upholstery, fixtures and equipment. It is also important to remove debris from the boat, clean and polish all surfaces, wash and wax the hull and decks, as well as inspect and clean the mechanical systems and make necessary repairs and maintenance.

Gelcoat Repair

When preparing a boat for sale, it is critical to repair damage and wear to the gelcoat. Gelcoat acts as a protective layer on the surface of the boat to resist damage and external erosion. When worn, it can damage the appearance of the boat, which can affect the selling price. To enhance the boat's appeal to buyers, the gelcoat needs to be inspected for cracks, chips, or oxidation, minor damage treated with a gelcoat repair kit, and the boat's luster restored with light sanding and buffing.

Upgrading accessories

Properly upgrading a boat can increase its value and appeal to buyers. Examples include adding new electronics, upgrading seating, and replacing modern lighting. When upgrading, focus on items that really add value and avoid over-customization. Things like high-quality stereos and updated navigation equipment can appeal to tech-savvy boat owners, while over-customization can narrow a boat's audience.

Develop an effective marketing strategy

When selling a boat, it's important to have the right timing and an effective marketing strategy to raise the asking price and attract potential buyers, whether it's a new or used boat. Here are some ways to market your boat when selling:

List the website

List your boat for sale on reputable platforms such as yachttrading.com, which are websites that can pinpoint the target audience for your boat. Set a fair price by comparing your boat to boats on these platforms and list it in the spring and summer to help sell it quickly. Use clear photos when uploading information about your boat, and provide details about the boat's features and maintenance history, with a clear asking price and contact information.

Classified Ads

Use local newspapers, magazines and telephone classifieds to reach local boat owners and enthusiasts. Choose a reliable publisher and be prepared to answer questions. Publishing in the off-season (e.g., early fall) can speed up the sale of your boat.