by Ron Gorka
A major part of the business at Sunset Dreams is selling boats. Our inventory of used boats is developed in one of three ways: representing owners in the sale of their boats on a consignment basis, direct purchase of boats for resale or accepting trade-ins toward the purchase of a new C-Hawk or Mitzi Skiff.
Whatever the circumstances, whether the boat is being sold through Sunset Dreams or another boat dealership, there are a number of factors that will affect the resale value. Obviously, the age and type of boat as well as the age, type and size of the motor are probably the biggest factors in pricing but they are also beyond your control. Boats more than 10 years old may be difficult to finance and may limit your market to cash buyers. Boats with 4 stroke motors are in demand; 2 stroke motors along with inboards or I/O motors are very hard to sell. The point is that despite what the NADA or book value suggests as the retail value of your boat, the value is dramatically diminished if the boat will sit on a sales lot for a year or more before a buyer can be found.
There are several steps a boat seller can take which will increase the value of the boat and promote a quick sale at an above average price. First among these is to make sure the boat is clean inside and out with extra attention paid to buffing and waxing the hull including compounding or wet sanding to eliminate signs of oxidation of the gel coat⌠first impression is everything. Empty and clean compartments and hatches discarding any accumulated debris and leaving only safety or utility items that will be of some value to the buyer. Eliminate as many signs of rust as possible and donât neglect the upholstery.
It is futile to try to sell a boat and motor if the motor is not functional. Make sure not only the motor but all switches, gauges and components are operable and have the work done professionally if necessary. New buyers will very often ask for service records and a recent history that shows engine hours and compression as well as dates when filters were changed and the water pump and impeller replaced or rebuilt.
There are many venues for advertising your boat for sale if you intend to try to make the sale yourself. You can upload photos and details to Craigslist at no charge when advertising âFor Sale by Ownerâ. Donât neglect to check out local Facebook pages, for example the site âBoats for Sale in SWFLâ.
Consider using the services of Sunset Dreams in negotiating your boat sale. We have excellent exposure on Pine Island Road just east of the 4 way stop, the only land access to Pine Island. We can handle the preparation work, the advertising, the potential customers and the sale closing all for a small percentage of the final sale price. Web site: www.sunsetdreams.com or email: info@sunsetdreams.com. Call: 239 283-4843