Questions to Expect when Selling Your Boat

Buying a used boat is risky, so most buyers do in-depth research before investing. As a seller, you should study your boat carefully and be prepared to answer buyers’ questions persuasively.

If you fail to do your homework, you may end up making a bad impression and lose the sale altogether. 

In this article, we prepare you for the most frequently asked questions from boat buyers. As industry experts, we realize the importance of showing professionalism, and answering common queries from used boat buyers honestly and convincingly is part of that. 

Importance of being prepared for questions from prospective buyers

Once your boat listing becomes live, it is time to wait for the inquiries to come in. However, knowing what to say and having all the information ready is very important to addressing buyer concerns like a pro.

Even if you have created a comprehensive listing with all the boat details, you can be sure to receive the same questions again during the initial inquiry. Those would be the Most Asked Questions When Selling Your Boat.

When you answer a prospective buyer’s question promptly, it not only makes them feel valued but also puts you in a good light. This significantly increases your chances of turning them into paying customers. Transparency is very important in today’s internet, so if a buyer doesn’t receive a proper answer, they will look elsewhere.  

It is crucial to be patient and consistent with your ad, and it helps to have it printed out and kept on hand in case you receive any unexpected calls. While texts and emails give you plenty of time to draft your answers, phone calls force you to answer on the spot. If you seem unprepared to answer your client’s questions, they might get suspicious and decide to move on for good.

Listing a boat on classified platforms

When listing a boat on classified platforms like BoatTrader, Kijiji, eBay, or Craigslist, make sure the additional information you provide to the buyer is consistent with your original ad.

Another tip is to include several methods of communication, including email, phone, and other active social media handles. This will make the buyer feel that you are very eager to accommodate their questions, thus making them feel welcome. They probably have a boat checklist.

Boat-Showing Etiquette | Answer Questions on your Boat for Sale

Our advice is that before we talk about the common questions that prospective buyers ask boat sellers, it is important to learn boat-showing etiquette. 

Stay Unemotional and Prepared for These Questions from Boat Buyers

As a private seller, you have an advantage over a broker when selling a boat – you know the vessel inside out and can answer the questions comprehensively. You have numerous memories associated with it, great stories to share, and some cool tips and tricks up your sleeve. You also know the boat’s strengths and weaknesses and how you have improved it over the years. 

But at the end of the day, it’s your boat, and it may be hard seeing a stranger analyze it and perhaps even say unflattering things about it. The key here is not letting your emotions get the best of you. Remain calm, composed, and unbiased, and try to answer the questions as honestly as possible. 

Be Transparent and Upfront 

The best time to disclose things about your boat, both good and bad, is during the showing. Let it out in the open if there’s a defective system or any other underlying issue. There’s no point in concealing the information since the buyer is bound to find the issues during a marine survey. 

Showings hardly involve sea trials. If the boat’s in water, you can start the engine or systems for the buyer’s satisfaction. But there is no obligation for you to take them out on a boat ride if you are not prepared or if they don’t seem interested. 

Read more about how to stage your Boat for Viewings.

Common Questions Asked to sellers by Prospective Buyers

The Top Questions from Boat Buyers are listed below are some common questions prospective buyers ask boat sellers. We have categorized them by themes and added a few sample answers to help you prepare better. 

What is the age and condition of the boat?

Be honest about the age, and highlight the boat’s best features, items that you’ve recently installed, and maintenance programs that you have kept to. Briefly touch on the things that need to be fixed as well. 

Are you the original owner?

This is a common question buyers ask about a boat’s ownership history. Take time to prepare a folder of all the boat documents, including the bill of sale, title, warranties/insurance, maintenance records, inspection certificates, and any paperwork related to your purchase of the vessel if you were not the original owner.

Include Boat-Alert Report upfront to show you have nothing to hide along with the HIN (hull identification number). 

Which Payment Methods do you accept?

Be cautious if you hear this question early in an inquiry since it could be a scam. The majority of questions about payment should come up after a boat has been viewed, inspected, and a price agreed upon. Learn more about boat fraud prevention and reporting here. 

Can I see more pictures of the boat?

Prospective buyers almost always request more photos of the boat before they decide to see it in person. Make sure to provide them with high-quality photos from all angles, including the inside and outside. You can also supplement the photos with a video for the buyer’s peace of mind. 

Can you arrange for the delivery?

If the buyer is international, they may be interested in knowing if you can take care of the delivery. Search what options you have for transporting the boat so that you can either offer to arrange the delivery for an added fee or offer the buyer the information they will need to arrange it themselves. 

Do you provide a boat history check report?

It is normal for a buyer to want to dig deep into a boat’s background, so they ask for a history report. A boat history report takes a detailed look at the boat’s lifespan, ownership history, and whether it has been involved in any accidents or legal issues. 

Get your boat history report from Boat-Alert.com, which carefully presents the results of different background checks, such as HIN, boat recalls, accidents, environmental damage, and auctioned and stolen boat checks. For further clarification, you can also ask them to perform an online HIN lookup on the website, or you can do it for them. All you need to do is enter the boat’s hull number into Boat-Alert’s search bar, and you can receive the results in a few minutes. 

Assure them that there are no hidden liens and give an affidavit attesting that.

Boat specifications and features

• How many hours has the boat been used?
• What is the maximum speed the boat can achieve?
• What type of engine does the boat have?
• How many hours has the engine been used?
• What is the fuel consumption of the boat?
• What is the maximum weight capacity of the boat?
• What is the boat’s draft (how deep does it sit in the water)?
• What is the width and length of the boat?
• How many people can the boat comfortably accommodate?
• Is there a toilet or bathroom on board?
• What types of electronics are included on the boat?
• What types of sails are included on the boat(if applicable)?
• What is the range of the boat (how far can it travel on a single tank of fuel)?
• What is the top speed of the boat?
• Are there any additional features or accessories that come with the boat?
• Is there a boat cover or other protective gear included?
• What is the condition of the sails (if applicable)?
• What are the dimensions of the boat’s cockpit?
• Is there any storage space available on the boat, and how accessible is it?

Boat history and ownership

• How long have you owned the boat?
• How many owners did this boat have before you? /What is the history of the boat’s ownership? 
• Has the boat been in any accidents or undergone any major repairs?
• Has the boat ever been in saltwater or freshwater only?
• What is your reason for selling the boat?

Price and negotiation

• What is the asking price, and are you willing to negotiate?
• Are there any additional fees or charges associated with the sale (e.g., sales tax, delivery charges, transfer fees, etc.)?

Test drive and safety

• Does the boat come with a trailer? If yes, what condition is it in? 
• What is the condition of the upholstery and interior?
• Is there a warranty or guarantee on the boat?
• Are any safety features or equipment included (e.g., life vests and fire extinguishers)?
• Has the boat been stored indoors or outdoors?
• Can I take the boat for a test drive or sea trial?

Conclusion | How to Tackle Questions from Boat Buyers

Selling a boat can be an exciting yet challenging process. Preparing for prospective buyers’ questions ensures a smooth and hassle-free process.

Do your research beforehand and study common topics such as your boat’s specifications, history report, price negotiation, sea trials, and safety. As a seller, this will help you provide honest and accurate answers to build the buyer’s confidence, thereby increasing the chances of a successful sale.

Moreover, remember to prepare your boat for a showing and test drive, and ensure that all safety measures have been taken into consideration. By following these tips, boat sellers can set themselves up for success. 

The laws in each state/jurisdiction are different for registration/titles but most of the time you will need a bill of sale. Use these templates.

#anticipate #buyer #questions #SellBoat #queries #commongQuestions #FAQ #sell #boat #sellingtips #FSBO #boatforsale

Read Related Articles:

• Best Marine Surveyors in Destin
• Why U.S. Boat Sales Are Booming | More new boat owners during Covid
• Boat Alert History Report Subscription Service For Dealers & Brokers Launched
• What to do with a Boat Abandoned on your Property
• How to Register a Boat in New Brunswick | Vessel Licensing and Registration in New Brunswick