Selling your boat
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There are various ways to go selling your boat. You could try using standard online classifieds yourself. Or, you could hire a local broker who lists the boat with a few photos and a hopefully accurate description. Then, they simply wait to see if—and when—anything happens. And you? You are waiting, too.
How much time do you have to sell your boat?
Alternatively, you can start off on the right foot with professional assistance. I will compile a comprehensive dossier on your boat that answers the key questions a potential—and reasonably knowledgeable—buyer would ask. Creating this description and inventory list takes effort; unfortunately, it cannot be done in just a few hours. The documentation process involves several stages to clarify technical details and the boat’s condition. This work is carried out step-by-step, as not all information is available immediately and further questions often arise. The process spans numerous days; the fee for this work is payable upfront and is subsequently offset against the final commission due.
Selling Your Boat: The Clock Is Ticking
It is better to tackle the process properly than to waste time on a seemingly “free” approach. You continue to pay mooring/storage fees and insurance costs for your boat—even if it is rarely or no longer being used.
This involves explaining the maintenance history of key boat components. It is a wise investment, as not knowing or dishonesty tends to be exposed quickly. Like you, the buyer is looking for a leisure asset; he wants a boat, not a problem. The deciding factors are the condition of the engine and transmission (including the Saildrive membrane, if applicable), the sails, the rig—especially the standing rigging—and any deferred maintenance. I have certainly pestered some of my clients with questions about these matters, but it paid off in the form of a quick sale. Take a look at the boat listings and the references below.
→ Boat offers, → References, → Background Yachtberatung, → about Swedesail
In my decades of observation, I have found that many brokers take only a passing interest—sometimes none—in these details, because clarifying these questions requires effort. Some sellers also find these questions bothersome. For understandable reasons, they may not have looked into these details—or only superficially—since a boat is, after all, a leisure item.
Remove obstacles to selling your boat
However, clarifying these questions beforehand is important because they are part of a professional sales offering. If a prospective buyer raises these issues later on, it can significantly delay the sale, or he simply walks away. Many boat buyers are unsure. From the buyer’s perspective, any inconsistencies undermine your credibility and lead to frustration due to a substantial price reduction you may be forced to grant.
My approach has been simple for decades: I am a sailor, and I act like one. If there are uncertainties or issues regarding the boat that will foreseeably need attention—whether soon or in the coming years—I recommend documenting them from the start. This saves you a great deal of trouble, the need for surveyors, and, in a worst-case, letters from lawyers. After all, when you sell your boat, you want to draw a line under the matter and close the chapter; you do not want endless disputes with a dissatisfied buyer.
Your boat is marketed until it is sold
Since time is money, I don’t simply forward every inquiry to you unfiltered; instead, I first try to get an idea of the prospective buyer—so you don’t waste your precious time on dreamers.
It is also important to weed out the chronic complainers among the interested parties. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee success in this, but I do try—so that you can close this chapter with as little hassle as possible.
Simply listing the boat is not enough; well-timed, supporting measures are crucial
Since a used boat does not sell itself in today’s market—which is saturated with offers—I remain active in collaboration with you and promote your boat across various channels, including traditional offline methods, until the sale is finalized.
Photo above: Swedesail founder Erdmann Braschos sailing west of Wismar in Wohlenberger Wiek near Boltenhagen. Published by Erdmann Braschos on August 30, 26; updated August 30, 26.