Begin with an honest assessment
Walk the boat as a buyer would. Note anything that does not work, looks tired or would raise a question in a survey. Fixing small, visible issues — a failed light, a sticking hatch, a stained cushion — is usually worthwhile because buyers tend to assume that small neglect hints at larger neglect. For bigger items, decide with your broker whether to repair, disclose with quotes, or reflect the issue in the asking price.
Clean, declutter and stage
- Detail the exterior: hull, decks, canvas, stainless and glass.
- Clean the bilges and engine room; a dry, clean engine room is reassuring.
- Remove personal items so buyers can picture the boat as theirs.
- Air out the interior and deal with odors at their source.
- Make up berths neatly and leave galley and heads spotless.
Photographs that answer questions
Good photographs are the first viewing. Plan a set that covers the exterior profile, decks, flybridge or cockpit, helm and electronics, every cabin and head, the galley, the engine room and any key equipment. Shoot in good natural light, with hatches and blinds open. If you are not sure what to include, send what you have through our listing form and we will advise on the rest.
Assemble an accurate specification
Collect the facts a buyer will ask about: builder, model, year, length, beam, draft, engines and hours, generator and hours, tank capacities, accommodation, electronics and major equipment. Accuracy matters more than completeness — a wrong figure discovered during the survey damages trust. If you do not know a value, say so and let the survey or documentation confirm it.
Organize maintenance records
A tidy file of service invoices, engine and generator logs, upgrade receipts and any previous survey reports is one of the most persuasive things a seller can provide. Arrange it chronologically and summarize the major items on one page.
Check your documentation early
Make sure registration or documentation is current, ownership is clear, and you know how any loan or lien will be released at closing. If the vessel is foreign-flagged and in Mexico, confirm its import or temporary-import status with a qualified professional. See documentation for a yacht sale.
Price for the market you are in
Asking price strongly influences how many qualified buyers look at a boat. We discuss comparable vessels, condition, location and timing with you to set a realistic strategy. Results always depend on the market, and no broker can promise a particular price or timeframe.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, customs, financial or survey advice. Requirements depend on your circumstances and change over time — consult qualified independent professionals before making decisions.
