Selling your boat can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But if you want to attract serious buyers and get the best price, it's not just about listing and waiting. At Boatshed, we know that the boats that sell fastest are the ones that are clean, functional, realistically priced, and well-marketed.

Cleanliness Counts — First Impressions Matter.

A tidy, spotless boat speaks volumes. It reflects good maintenance, pride of ownership, and sets a strong first impression.

  • Clean inside and out: decks, hull, bilges, windows, heads — everything.
  • Remove odours: ventilation helps, and don’t underestimate the effect of a fresh scent.
  • Declutter: tidy up lockers and remove personal items to help buyers imagine the boat as their own.
  • Don’t forget the engine room: a clean and organised space reassures buyers that systems have been properly looked after.

Functionality First — Everything Must Work.

Buyers will test and question every system onboard. From the anchor windlass to the USB chargers, nothing escapes scrutiny.
Remember, our buyer condition surveys are incredibly detailed — if it’s faulty, it’ll be flagged. Address it early to avoid deal-breakers later.

  • Check engines, generators, pumps, and nav systems.
  • Ensure safety kit such as lifejackets, flares, extinguishers are in-date and present.
  • Electrical items like lights and radios should all be operational.
  • If something’s broken and not being replaced, take it off the boat or be clear in the inventory.

Price Realistically — Use the Data.

Boatshed's platform provides clear pricing comparisons across boats sold, under offer, and currently live. Yet many sellers still overprice based on sentiment or historic value.

Use the data, not your memory — the market moves fast. Consider condition, age, equipment and market activity. Boatshed brokers can help benchmark using tools within our dashboard. Overpriced boats stagnate; well-priced boats generate interest and sell faster.

Marketing That Works — Transparency Builds Trust.

At Boatshed, we go big on visual marketing because buyers today shop online first — and make fast decisions.

Every listing features 80+ high-resolution photos, deck-level walkthroughs, and detailed equipment breakdowns. We highlight both strong features and any areas needing attention — this builds trust and reduces surprises Listings are featured across 70+ Boatshed offices and major partner sites. We log buyer views, favourites and comments — giving you data on engagement and interest. We respond promptly to enquiries....communication is a huge part of a buyer’s confidence.

Quick Q&A for Sellers.

What’s the best way to start preparing my boat?
Start with a deep clean, fix obvious issues, and remove personal clutter. Then get in touch with your local Boatshed broker.

How do I know the right price?
Use our dashboard to benchmark similar boats — your broker will help position it competitively based on real-world sales.

What if some items aren’t working?
Fix them or remove them. If they’re staying, be upfront and price accordingly.

How do I handle buyer feedback?
Our platform logs all customer interactions and feedback. Use this insight to adjust your listing if needed.

Final Thoughts

Selling a boat isn’t just a transaction — it’s the start of someone else’s adventure. By preparing well, pricing smartly, and being transparent, you’ll not only secure a better deal but make the entire process smoother for everyone involved.

At Boatshed, we’re here with you from initial listing to final sale — every step of the way.

Thinking of selling your boat?
Contact your local Boatshed broker today or login to your dashboard to get started.