How will your boat be marketed?

In today’s market, boat buyers are getting information from many different media outlets which is why we make sure your boat gets exposure across the board. We want to make it as easy as possible to sell your boat here in Annapolis or anywhere you wish:

Internet Advertising

This is the way the majority of buyers start their boat search! Your boat will be seen through our website and directly on the top yacht sales sites such as Yachtworld.com, BoatTrader.com, and YATCO.com. We track the number of hits your listing gets each week and are always looking for red flags as to why your boat might not be getting leads or offers.

E-Mail Marketing

We send out targeted emails to our HUGE client base featuring our listings that meet the criteria they are searching for. We also send emails to other selected brokerage houses that specialize in your type of boat, giving them a heads-up when something they might be interested in hits the market.

Print Advertising

Yes, it still exists and it still sells boats! We place your boat in our print ads in local publications such as Spinsheet, and PropTalk as well as in selected regional and national publications for maximum exposure.

Word of Mouth

With our large network of buyers, we’re always checking our database to see if your boat is a match for what they’re searching for. Professionally, we’re an integral part of the local broker network and are working together to find potential buyers for your boat!

Sell your boat quickly for top dollar!

Price

This is the first thing buyers will notice, as price and size are the most common parameters used to search for boats. Because of the Internet, buyers are very educated and have most likely done their research on price and know what a fair target is. Overpricing your boat not only makes a bad first impression to potential buyers – it actually costs more in the end when you add up the months of holding costs such as your mortgage, storage fees, and insurance. It’s much better to price it right and turn down offers than to have it sit with no interest. Also, it’s important to be realistic about the value of the upgrades you’ve done to your boat. Overvaluing these sunk costs – costs that have already been incurred and cannot be recovered – is the most critical mistake sellers make when putting a value on their boat.

Condition

You know the saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression? The first impression your boat leaves on potential buyers is SO important! A clean boat that’s tidy and well organized gives potential buyers a positive message that says “this boat was loved and well cared for”. Subliminally, it leaves them with the impression that the things they CAN’T see are just as well kept. On the other hand, a boat that is dirty and cluttered with unfinished projects gives the impression that no one cares about it anymore. A neglected boat plants a seed of doubt that often results in a low offer (doubt = dollars!) or worse, no offer at all! Pay attention to all aspects of the boat – the hull, deck, interior and even storage and mechanical spaces, as buyers will look everywhere and judge your boat on what they see!

Location

You hear it all the time in real estate – location, location, location! You may not think it’s as important when selling your boat, but it IS! Location plays a big role in how much traffic you’ll get and can make a big difference in how quickly your boat sells. A clean boat that’s priced right but kept in a remote location or is difficult to access will receive much less attention than the one that’s right in the action. Many times buyers are traveling from out of town to a boat buying destination (such as Annapolis) to see several boats in one day. If yours is too far off the beaten path, the chances someone is going to see it – either planned or by chance – are much lower.

We are often asked if storing the boat in or out of the water is better when selling. Both have their pros and cons – a boat in water may be a bit easier to board, but it doesn’t give buyers a chance to see the underside of the boat during their inspection. The question we ask is – Will you be using the boat, or at least checking on it regularly? If so, leaving it in the water is just fine. However, if you’re moving it to a location where you won’t be able to get to it frequently, the best and often safest option is to have it hauled, preferably to a spot where your broker can check on it and act as stewards in your absence.

During the survey they surveyor will go through the boat from one end to the other, looking at all systems, structures, and mechanics of the boat, including putting the engine through its paces and pulling out the sails during the sea trial if that applies. A report will be issued with survey findings which will include a list of suggested essential and non-essential repairs. A second round of negotiations may occur to address any essential repairs discovered at survey prior to Acceptance of Vessel.

What to expect with Yacht Brokers of Annapolis?

Once we decide on a price to be competitive with the market, and it’s show ready, now it’s time to list your boat:

Expect to sign a Listing Agreement which includes:

  • Selling Price – The price at which your boat will be offered for sale, based on active comps, sold boat data and your boat’s condition and location. That selling price will appear on your Agreement.
  • Timeframe – The agreement is for a minimum of 180 days – 6 months – to exclusively represent your boat. After which, this can be terminated with written notice.
  • Commission – In exchange for marketing, representing and processing all documents necessary to complete the sale of your boat, we collect a commission of 10% of the selling price or a minimum of $5,000, whichever is greater. Nothing is due until we sell your boat.
Expect to provide a copy of your driver’s license, title, registration card and Certificate of Documentation (if applicable). Having this on hand will make the paperwork process quick and simple when your boat sells.
Expect us to familiarize with your boat, take pictures and/or video to build your listing.
Expect us to build an effective listing and work tirelessly to promote your boat and protect your best interests!

Trusted Partners

We’ve partnered with great companies who want to sell your boat as much as you do.

CLOSING

After Acceptance is signed, the closing paperwork can begin. Expect a closing coordinator to reach out to you to introduce themselves and explain what is needed from you as the Buyer. Typically, closing documents are prepared and a package is emailed to you to print, sign notarize if needed and FedEx back to us. Your closing package will include wire instructions for the balance due, as cashier’s checks and personal checks are usually not acceptable forms of payment since they require additional time to clear. The sellers will also receive their own closing package to execute. Once all paperwork is returned and funds have been distributed, the deal is considered to be closed and congratulations are in order! You may now go and enjoy your new boat.

Ready to sell?

Give us a call today to get your boat on the market!

Contact Us

Port Annapolis Marina
7080 Bembe Beach Rd #211, Annapolis, MD 21403

Providing excellent yacht brokerage service to Annapolis as well as Kent Island, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and the surrounding areas.