Selling a used boat is a great way to generate money. This is more so if you rarely use the boat. However, considering this is a big decision, you will have to work with a number of professionals to help with the sale. One of the professionals you will need is a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale. The responsibility of the inspector is to perform a thorough inspection so that you know the exact condition of your boat and what you need to improve on. You also need to do the following.
Know its actual value
You will not be able to price your boat correctly if you have no idea what its fair market value is. This is where a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale comes in. The boat inspector will perform a marine survey and help determine the true value of your boat. He will take a look at every aspect of your boat, consider what similar boats are selling for and help you know the real value of your boat. Some inspectors will also share some information on the repairs that ought to be done and how much the said repairs will cost.
Good presentation
Knowing the issues that your boat has and how much it can sell for in a perfect market is not enough. You need to present it properly to potential buyers so that you get the best price for it. For this purpose, there are three very important things you should do.
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Fix mechanical issues
Mechanical issues are the main turn-off for potential buyers. This is because if your boat is not working properly, the buyer will not be able to get it in the water right away. Away from the engine, if the handrail is loose or there are some leaks, you have to get them fixed before you get the boat on the market. Buyers are interested in vessels that will not cost them a lot of time and money to make them sail-ready.
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Declutter the boat
Every boat inspector Fort Lauderdale wants you to declutter your boat before they arrive. This is because a decluttered boat is easier to inspect. Once the inspection is done, you also need to remove anything that will not be included in the sale. Doing so will increase the perceived space as well as eliminate confusion.
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Deep clean the boat
The next thing you must do is give your boat a deep clean. Cleaning and polishing the hull will make your boat more attractive to potential buyers. It is all about the first impressions.
Legal Issues
Last but not least, you have to demonstrate that the boat is actually yours. You should show the prospective buyer a trail of bills of sale that lead back to when the boat was brand new. The boat must also be free of unpaid charges and bills.