How to Handle Boat Showings During Active Use Season

There is an obvious advantage to seeking a boat during boating season: buyers are excited about buying and getting out on the water as soon as possible, meaning it is easy to sell quickly at a good price. It’s also ideal because your boat is likely already in tip-top shape and ready to hit the water. That said, there is a challenge in that you might be using the boat fairly regularly during this time of year. The good news? You can definitely still sell your boat while using it in between boat showings. Here’s what you need to know. 

Keep the Boat “Show Ready”

It can be easy to assume you’ll just get your boat ready to show when a potential buyer contacts you. The thing is: many buyers really want to see your boat the same day they contact you, especially during this time of year. For this reason, I recommend getting the boat ready to show again after every single outing. Yes, this takes a bit more time, but it’ll save a lot of stress and could help you avoid losing out on a sale. 

Make a checklist like the one below and do these tasks every time you use the boat and you should be good to go.

• Wash the exterior.
• Rinse saltwater from all surfaces if applicable.
• Remove trash and food.
• Wipe down seats and vinyl.
• Clean the windshield.
• Dry wet compartments.
• Replace life jackets neatly.
• Organize dock lines and fenders.

Stay Ahead of Dirt and Grime

Summer usage can leave your boat looking, well… used. Things like water spots and muddy footprints accumulate quickly and while these little messes are easy enough to clean up in the moment, trying to clean lots of dried-on messes before a buyer comes can be time-consuming and stressful.

Instead, stay on top of cleaning messes as they come. Keep a kit containing the following on board to make this easy to do. 

• Microfiber towels
• Marine-safe spray cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Vinyl cleaner
• Soft brush
• Paper towels
• Trash bags

Limit Personal Clutter

Yes, it’s easiest to keep all of your things onboard your boat. That said, buyers like to be able to picture themselves using the boat and this can be difficult to do when another person’s stuff is filling every nook and cranny. I recommend keeping some totes of things like extra clothing, toys, snacks, etc that get carried on and off the boat between uses. This keeps the boat clutter-free, while still ensuring you have everything you need. 

Organize Storage Compartments

I don’t know about you, but I like to nose around in every compartment when looking at a boat I might buy. Because of this, it is important to keep your boat compartments neatly organized. Not only does this make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves in the boat, but it also helps them feel confident that the boat has been well cared for. 

Protect Upholstery During Use

One thing that really hurts resale value on a boat? Damaged upholstery. Unfortunately, upholstery does tend to see a lot of day-to-day abuse during boating season. To ensure your upholstery stays in good shape, remind everyone to towel off before sitting, avoid putting sharp objects on seats, keep pets away from upholstery, and wipe up spills and messes right away. 

Keep Maintenance Current

Obviously, if you’re using your boat, it is going to continue to see wear. Make sure you continue to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule while the boat is listed for sale. Keep up with all of the following:

• Oil changes
• Lower unit service
• Engine inspections
• Battery maintenance
• Bilge cleaning
• Propeller inspection
• Trailer maintenance

It’s also important to fix anything that breaks right away and address any potential issues rather than letting them slide while you wait for the boat to sell. 

Save Maintenance Records

In the same vein, make sure you keep records for all maintenance that you do. Documentation helps buyers feel confident, which helps sell your boat faster and at a higher price.

Keep receipts for:

• Engine service
• Winterization
• Annual inspections
• Repairs
• Upgrades
• Electronics installation
• Trailer work

I like to keep everything in a folder that buyers can review during showings.

Fuel the Boat Before Showings

If you’re offering sea trials — and you should — keep enough fuel onboard. Running low will create stress and that isn’t something you want a buyer to associate with you and your boat. Besides, a buyer will feel more confident buying from someone who is on top of things like keeping the fuel tank filled. 

Be Flexible With Scheduling

Yes, it is peak boating season and yes, that means you probably have a busy schedule. So do buyers. Keep in mind that many buyers will only be available in the evening and on weekends. Try to be flexible and work with buyers as much as possible, as the more people you are able to show the boat to, the more likely it is to sell 

Avoid Last-Minute Trips Before Scheduled Showings

While I fully support using your boat while you’re trying to sell it, I don’t recommend taking last-minute trips out before showings. This means that if you have a Saturday afternoon showing scheduled, you really shouldn’t head out on a Saturday morning adventure. Unexpected weather and mechanical problems could arise, which could pose a big problem when it comes time for the showing. 

Choose the Right Marina Presentation

Yes, the way your boat looks is important. That said, the place where the boat lives should also be tidy. Make sure your slip is nice and neat and your equipment is tidied neatly. Remove clutter from the dock and if shore power cords or hoses are visible, range them neatly. A clean environment reinforces the impression that the boat has been responsibly maintained.

Take Advantage of Good Weather

It seems silly, but beautiful weather sells boats. It allows buyers to appreciate things like gel coat shine, canvas condition, upholstery color, waterline cleanliness, etc. For this reason, it makes the most sense to schedule daytime showings on days when the forecast looks clear whenever possible. 

Be Honest About Active Use

You might be tempted to apologize that your boat has been used recently or even try to hide the fact. Don’t do it. Just be honest about the fact that you love your boat so much that you are still actively using it. This will show that the boat is a worthwhile purchase and will also demonstrate that:

• Systems are exercised regularly.
• Batteries stay charged.
• Engines receive routine use.
• Problems are identified quickly.

Let the Boat Speak for Itself

During showings, resist the urge to narrate every feature. Yes, you love your boat and you want to share that love with the people who come to see it, but many buyers prefer to explore the boat at their own pace. Instead of hovering, welcome the buyer and be available to answer questions honestly and demonstrate systems when requested, but allow time for quiet inspection. 

Highlight Recent Improvements

You will also want to find time to highlight recent improvements to the boat. For example, if the boat has fresh batteries, new electronics, an updated trolling motor, new upholstery, or something else along those lines, let the potential buyer know that. Providing receipts for these things can really help add value. 

Be Transparent About Imperfections

At the same time, it is important to be honest about flaws and imperfections. Every used boat has them, so buyers expect to find them, but by pointing them out honestly rather than hiding them, you show the buyers that you can be trusted. Remember that buyers are likely going to discover defects during inspection, so trying to hide them just makes you look like a dishonest seller. 

Have Paperwork Ready

I mentioned earlier that I like to keep maintenance paperwork in a folder. Other documents that I keep with that paperwork include the title and registration, the trailer title, the owner’s manuals, and warranty information. If you have upgrade receipts, this folder is a good place to keep those as well. Have this folder put together and ready for buyers to look through when they arrive. 

Consider Professional Photography 

Professional listing photos can make all the difference in the world. They grab a buyer’s attention and make your listing memorable. I recommend taking listing photos immediately after detailing the boat and then maintains that level of cleanliness after the photos are taken until the boat sells. 

Communicate Clearly With Buyers

Once a showing is scheduled, confirm:

• Meeting time
• Marina location
• Parking instructions
• Slip number
• Whether a sea trial is planned

Clear communication gives buyers confidence in you as a seller, reduces delays, and helps buyers arrive prepared. If weather or a personal issue forces a change of plans, notify them as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Showings