Frequently Asked Questions

The most reliable way to determine your boat’s value is to combine market research with professional insight. Start by gathering details about your boat—year, make, model, engine hours, upgrades, and overall condition. Sites like NADA can provide a bluebook value to give you an idea on where to start. However, comparing your boat to similar listings is a good thing to consider. For a more accurate valuation, we have access to boat blue book values, sold history data, and comparable units that can help you determine exactly what your boat is worth.

The amount that you can negotiate on the price of your RV will depend on a number of factors, including the make, model, age, condition, and overall demand of your RV.

It is important to be prepared for negotiations by knowing the fair market value of your RV, and being willing to compromise on price and other factors, such as delivery, financing, or other terms of sale. It is not unusual to negotiate 5% for an RV above $50,000 and 10% for RVs below $50,000. Ultimately, you the seller gets to dictate the amount you sell your RV for.

Consignment can be a good option for selling your boat if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling it yourself. However, one of the cons of selling your boat through a broker is the cost associated. Typical broker contracts charge a 10% commission on the sales price. If the idea of paying a broker 10% doesn’t concern you, then consignment could be a good option for you. In our opinion, it is quicker and easier to sell privately or trade in straight to a dealership, versus hanging on to a depreciating asset and handing control to a consignment lot.

Selling a boat can be challenging, and finding the best way to sell your boat is important. The two main ways to sell a boat are to use a borker or sell it privately. Here are some pros and cons of each:

• Consigning your boat is a hassle-free way of selling your boat. You give the broker complete control of the sale and will only be involved in the transaction once the sale has been completed. The downsides are: loss of control of sales process, contractual obligations mean you can’t use your boat while it is on the consignment lot, and about 10% commission once it sold.
• Selling your boat privately is the best way to maximize the amount you receive during the sale. You don’t lose money trading it in, there are no commissions to pay a broker, and you control the sales process.

When selling your boat, having the proper paperwork will make the process smoother. However, the exact documents can vary based on your state but here’s a list of some of the essential documents you’ll need:

• Boat title: if paid in full, and no lien
• Bill of sale: state specific (generated from state boat is being sold from)
• Registration
• Maintenance and service records
• Marine survey or inspection report (optional)

Yes, you can sell your boat if you still owe money on it. This is a very common practice. First, contact your lender and ask for the payoff amount and the process for releasing the lien. Be transparent with the buyers by letting them know there is an outstanding loan and explaining how the payoff process will work.

To sell your boat fast, there are several things you can do to increase your chances:

• Price your boat competitively.
• Thoroughly clean your boat.
• Take high-quality photos.
• Advertise your vehicle on reputable boat sites.
• Respond to every inquiry or question quickly.

These steps will increase the likelihood of selling your boat quickly.

The best time to sell a boat can vary for many reasons.

• Season – typically the best time to sell your boat is in the spring and early summer. That’s when buyer demand is at its highest. However, the fall and winter can give you a competitive edge. With fewer boats on the market, your listing stands out more, and serious buyers—especially those looking for off-season deals—are still actively searching. Some buyers are planning ahead and want to avoid spring price jumps or inventory shortages.
• Market demand – is influenced by seasonality, economic conditions, and lifestyle trends. Strong economies and rising interest in outdoor activities boost demand, while downturns or high fuel costs can slow it.
• Personal circumstances – your personal situation can be just as important as timing when deciding whether or not to sell your boat. Factors like lifestyle needs, financial situations, work relocation, all play a role on your decision to sell being the most practical decision rather than waiting on when the time is perfect.

The length of time it takes to sell a boat can vary depending on several things, including the condition of the boat, the asking price, location, and the season. Some boats sell quickly, while others may take longer. The most important determining factor for how long it will take is the price.

If your boat is not selling, there are a few things you can do to increase your chance of finding a buyer:

• Re-evaluate the price
• Improve the listing description
• Add pictures & replace poor quality pictures.

Selling a boat can be a process, but with persistence, patience, and effort, you will eventually find the right buyer for your boat.

If you are selling your boat on the private market (not through a dealer or via consignment), yes, you can still use it while in the process of finding the right buyer. That’s just one of the many advantages of selling your boat privately.

To stay protected during the sale of your boat, start by verifying that all paperwork—title, registration, service records—is accurate and ready. Be transparent about the condition of the boat to avoid any misrepresentation claims. Meet serious buyers in safe, public places and never hand over keys or allow a test drive without proper ID, proof of insurance, and supervision.

When it comes to payment, avoid personal checks—opt for a secure method like a wire transfer or escrow company. And most importantly, use a bill of sale to document the transaction clearly, including the boat’s condition, terms of sale, and “sold as-is” language to protect yourself legally.

Selling a boat can be straightforward-but a few common mistakes can slow down the process.

• Overpricing the boat
• Poor presentation
• Lack of good photos or description
• Not disclosing known issues
• Skipping maintenance or repairs
• Incomplete paperwork
• Poor communication with buyers

Unfortunately, there are some scams to watch out for when selling your boat. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Overpayment scam – never work with anyone who wants to send a check for more than the asking price and have you send them money back.

Bad personal check or cashiers check – accepting payment by these methods without validating funds is risky. Talk to your bank if you will be accepting a check.

Communication only via text – Someone really interested in your boat will be willing to talk on the phone or in person as the deal progresses.

Identity theft – providing too much information to a prospective buyer can leave yourself vulnerable to identity theft. Never give your personal information (bank account, loan number, social security number, driver’s license number to a prospective buyer).

Yes, it is important to disclose any known issues or needed repairs with your boat when selling it. When disclosing issues or needed repairs, be honest with potential buyers. It is also good to have maintenance records and documentation for repairs you have done.

Yes, you can sell your boat to someone in a different state. The bill of sale should originate from the state in which the boat is licensed. Additionally, any expenses because of an intrastate sale (i.e., transportation, state title inspection) are typically covered by the buyer, unless otherwise negotiated during the sale.

Banks will often be willing to provide financing for boats. There are a few places that specialize in boat financing and may be able to respond quicker and find better rates than banks. For help financing your boat, we suggest SeaDream Inc. In addition to having access to great rates, they are known for the personal service they offer their clients.

The cost and coverage of boat insurance can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. We have teamed up with American Adventure Insurance to provide boat insurance policies in all 50 states for private buyers like you. They work with all major insurance providers, so their rates are always competitive, and they get you the coverage that you need while on the water.

The best time to buy a boat depends on several factors including your budget and current market conditions. Typically, the best time to buy a boat is at the end of the boating season. During this time, inventory on the market could be discounted as it is no longer peak season. Additionally, some dealers tend to reduce prices to clear out inventory to make room for new stock. Private sellers are often motivated to sell their boats, so they do not have to deal with off-season storage fees and winterization fees.

When trying to negotiate the best price on the boat you are trying to purchase there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best shot at paying the lowest price. A few steps to take are to research the market, point out the flaws, make a reasonable offer, be respectful the entire time, and lastly be prepared to walk away.

The biggest boat financing mistake we see is biting off more than you can chew. When purchasing a boat, it is best to check your finances, set a budget, and then stick to it! Remember licensing and insurance will need to be paid as soon as you buy a boat.

Here are some of the most common problems that boat owners experience, as well as tips on how to avoid them:

Engine problems – the number one issue boaters run into. Regular service can help avoid some potential issues.

Electrical problems – corrosion, especially in saltwater, can cause electrical connections to fail.

Fuel system leaks – over time, fuel lines can crack and leak.

Bilge pump failure – test the pump before heading out.

Steering and control issues – saltwater, corrosion, or worn cables can cause steering issues.

Hull damage or leaks – small cracks can lead to big problems over time. Regular inspections can help in the long term.

Mold and mildew – proper ventilation prevents mold from accumulating over time.

Boats reward proactive care. A pre-launch checklist and preventative maintenance plan can go a long way in preventing issues down the road.

There are many things to consider when deciding what type of boat is best for you. First, consider what you will be using the boat for? Is it to casually stroll a lake on the weekend or are you into deep sea fishing. Another consideration is where the boat will be used? How many people will be using it with you and what is your budget? Once you have answered these questions you will be able to key in on the perfect vessel to enjoy on the water.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a new or used boat comes down to your budget, the features you need, the availability to find the boat you desire, and your comfort level with owning a pre-owned boat over a new one. There are pros and cons to each. Here are a few to consider:

New Boat
Pros

• Latest features and technology
• Manufacturer’s warranty
• Customizable options
• No previous wear and tear
• Less short-term maintenance

Cons

• Higher cost
• Faster depreciation
• May haven initial issues and bugs to work out
• No history of reliability

Used RV
Pros

• Lower cost
• Depreciates at a slower rate
• May have necessary upgrades or modifications
• Proven track record of reliability

Cons

• Risk of pre-existing issues
• Limited customization options
• Financing could be more difficult and expensive
• Cost of maintenance will probably be higher than buying new

Make sure to do your research and find out what your best option is. If you are patient and do your due diligence, there are some great benefits to owning a used boat.

The most important features in a boat really depend on how you plan to use it, but there are a few things that you want to consider before making the purchase.

Size and layout – choose a boat that fits your typical group size.

Hull type – the shape of the hull affects how the boat rides.

Engine type and power – make sure you have enough horsepower for your intended use.

Electronics and navigation – things like GPS, depth finder, fish finder, and stereo aren’t always standard.

Safety features – safety gear is a must-have no matter what.

Condition – check the hull for cracks or blisters, check the engine hours and condition, and look for water damage.

Trailer (if applicable) – if towing, make sure trailer is included.

Owning a boat comes with ongoing maintenance—some of it seasonal, some of it routine. Some of the most important maintenance tasks include:

Routine Maintenance:

• Rinse and clean the boat after each use
• Inspect the engine for leaks and wear
• Check fluid levels
• Inspect the propeller
• Check the bilge pump
• Inspect and clean strainers

Scheduled Maintenance:

• Engine service
• Change fuel filters
• Bottom cleaning and inspection
• Hull waxing and buffing
• Inspect steering system
• Flush and winterize
• Inspect trailer (if applicable)

You might be able to drive a boat with a standard driver’s license but it depends on where you live, your age, and the type of boat you own. Most states do not require a special boating license for adults, but many do require a boating safety course. So even if you don’t need a separate license, you may still need to complete a state-approved boater education course to legally operate a boat.

Bottomline, if you’re an adult and plan to drive a recreational boat, you probably don’t need a special license, but you might need a boater safety certificate depending on your state. It is best to check with your state specifically as the rules and regulations are different for each one.

To transfer boat ownership, the buyer and seller need to complete a bill of sale with details like names, sale date, price, and boat info. If the boat has a title, the seller signs it over, and the buyer submits it—along with the bill of sale—to the state boating agency to get a new title and registration. If a trailer is included, it may require a separate title transfer through the DMV. The buyer may also need to pay sales tax and should check for any liens and make sure the hull ID number matches all paperwork. Getting insurance is also a smart step before using the boat.

Properly maintaining and storing your boat when it’s not in use is key to protecting your investment and avoiding costly repairs.

• Clean the boat thoroughly
• Flush the system
• Drain water systems
• Change engine oil and filters
• Add fuel stabilizer and fill the tank
• Disconnect the battery
• Lubricate moving parts
• Check for need repairs and fix them