A Yacht Broker’s tips for sellers
Apr 12, 2018
Spring is here and the scent of two-foot-itis is in the air. That means selling so you can buy. Here’s a professional’s insight.
Chris Power is a Halifax based yacht broker with Sunnybrook Yachts www.sunnybrookyachts.com . Born and raised in Chester, NS, he learned to sail on his fathers J24. Chris got his first job at 16 where he operated the tender service at South Shore Marine and he’s been hooked on boating ever since. He has gained extensive knowledge and skills in the automotive industry, the financial services industry, as well as the radio broadcasting industry. Chris has been brokering boats since 2014.
Here are Chris’ six simple steps which can make an enormous difference to a prospective buyer when it comes to making an offer on your boat or moving on to the next boat.
1 – MAKE SURE THE BOAT IS KEPT CLEAN! Get rid of the clutter. Yes, it’s a chore but it can add thousands of dollars to your boats value and accelerate the time of sale. This includes cleaning interiors, the deck and hull, bilge, lockers, bright work.
2 – THE HEAD – Make sure the head is the cleanest place aboard your boat and you won’t be sorry when it comes to the close.
3 – MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS – Make sure all systems are in proper working order before you put your boat on the market. There is no bigger deal breaker than a system failure during a survey, mechanical inspection or sea trial.
4 – EQUIPMENT INVENTORY – It makes sense to remove all equipment and items you will not be selling with the boat. Make sure your full specifications are accurate to give the client a proper idea of what they need to purchase to make the boat theirs.
5 – TEAK WORK & BOTTOM PAINT- Often the first thing you see when viewing a boat on the hard is the bottom. Make it pretty and turn key for the next owner. Having woodwork in good condition is a great selling point.
6 – ACCESS – Make your boat easily accessible for buyers and broker to board and inspect the boat. Give your broker updates on when you will be away for extended periods of time.
