How to Prepare Your Boat for Sale

A Practical Step-by-Step for Private Sellers on JustWatercraft.co.uk

Everything you need to know to list and sell your boat successfully on JustWatercraft.co.uk

Selling a boat can feel like a big job, but with the right preparation, it can also be smooth, profitable – and surprisingly fast. Whether your craft is moored in a leafy marina in Devon or floating just off a private pontoon in Essex, a well-prepared vessel is far more likely to attract serious interest and command a good price.

This guide is for private sellers planning to list their boat on JustWatercraft.co.uk. It walks you through everything you need to do: from cleaning and maintenance to photos, paperwork, and viewings – with a free downloadable checklist at the end.

🔧 1. First Impressions Count: Clean, Tidy & Declutter

Before you even touch the camera or write a listing, your boat should be cleaner than it’s ever been. Buyers aren’t just looking for seaworthiness – they’re judging how well the boat has been cared for.

Interior & Exterior Clean-Up Checklist:

• Decks & hull: Scrub clean of bird droppings, algae, scuffs and stains.
• Brightwork: Polish stainless steel fittings and oil any teak or wood trim.
• Cabin: Wipe down surfaces, clean windows, vacuum cushions, and remove any musty smells.
• Bilges: Clean and dry – this tells buyers everything about your boat’s condition.
• Personal items: Remove clutter. No one wants to see your boots, spare tins, or laundry bags.

💡 Tip: Consider hiring a professional marine detailer if you’re short on time. A well-polished boat can add £££ to your asking price.

📸 2. Take Stunning Photos That Sell

Your photos will be the first (and sometimes only) thing a buyer sees – so they need to look crisp, honest and inviting.

Suggested Photo List:

• Wide shots of the entire boat (moored, side-on, and stern)
• Clean cockpit and helm close-ups
• Cabin: saloon, galley, berths, and heads
• Engine bay: clean, tidy, and leak-free if possible
• Any unique features: navigation gear, sails, canopies, outboards, etc.

🔧 3. Do a Mini Survey Before the Buyer Does

A few hours of preventative maintenance now could save you from awkward questions later.

Pre-Sale Checks:

• Engine running? Top up oil, inspect belts, and fire it up for 10–15 minutes.
• Batteries charged? Make sure they hold charge and start the engine.
• Sails & rigging? Look for wear, tears, or corrosion.
• Hull condition? Any signs of osmosis, flaking antifoul, or previous repairs?
• Electricals: Lights, instruments, bilge pumps all working?

💡 Tip: Keep receipts for any recent work – buyers love a documented maintenance history.

🧾 4. Paperwork: Don’t Let It Sink the Deal

Nothing stalls a sale like missing paperwork. Gather all documentation ahead of time.

UK Boat Sale Documents You’ll Need:

• Proof of Ownership (bill of sale, invoice, builder’s certificate)
• Proof of VAT status (receipt, import paperwork)
• Proof of RCD/CE compliance (especially post-1998 boats)
• Service records and maintenance logs
• Registration docs (e.g. with the Small Ships Register or MCA)

If selling a trailer too, include its V5C registration (if applicable) and any roadworthiness details.

🧠 Tip: Create a “buyer’s pack” folder – physical or digital – with all documents, ready to hand over.

🏷 5. Price It Right for the Market

A fair and realistic price attracts more buyers. Too high and you’ll get ignored. Too low and you’ll lose money.

How to Find the Right Asking Price:

• Search similar boats on JustWatercraft.co.uk
• Look at recent sold prices (not just asking prices)
• Factor in location, equipment, engine hours, and condition
• Consider a marine valuation surveyor for high-value boats

🧮 Example: A 2010 Beneteau Antares 8 in excellent condition may list for £45,000–£55,000, depending on spec and upgrades.

🛠 6. Fix the Little Things

Buyers are reassured when the “small stuff” is already sorted.

Common Fixes Worth Doing:

• Broken catches, torn covers, or missing cleats
• Flickering cabin lights or blown fuses
• Limescale on taps or showers
• Dirty or seized seacocks
• Outdated flares or safety gear (consider removing them if expired)

👀 Tip: A well-maintained boat suggests a careful, trustworthy seller.

💬 7. Write an Honest, Detailed Listing

Your listing is your sales pitch – so write like you’re talking to another boater. Be clear, factual, and include real benefits.

Listing Template (feel free to copy):

“2006 Sealine SC29 – 2 x Volvo D3 Diesels – Fully serviced 2023
Moored in Poole Harbour. Excellent condition inside and out.
Sleeping for 4, Webasto heating, Raymarine Axiom plotter, full cockpit cover, teak decks.
Engine hours: 615 | Last antifouled: April 2024 | New batteries: 2023
£74,950 ONO – Viewings welcome.”

📝 Keep it:

• Free of jargon
• Honest about condition
• Filled with recent upgrades and maintenance highlights

🧼 8. Prepare for Viewings

Whether the buyer is driving across town or travelling from another county, make their viewing experience positive.

Boat Viewing Preparation:

• Clean again before each visit
• Make the boat welcoming (lights on, air fresh)
• Prepare documents in a folder on board
• Know your boat’s details (engine hours, tank sizes, draft, etc.)
• Have mooring or trailer arrangements ready for handover

🚤 Tip: If the boat’s in the water, have keys ready for a short engine run or test.

📋 FREE Download: Boat Sale Preparation Checklist

For ease, download our printable Boat Sale Prep Checklist to tick off everything from cleaning to photos and paperwork:

👉 Download PDF – Boat Sale Checklist (UK)
(Free to share and print – no login required.)

📦 9. What to Include in the Sale

Be clear what’s part of the sale and what’s not. Avoid last-minute misunderstandings.

Common inclusions:

• Anchor and warp
• Fenders and lines
• Cushions and covers
• Safety gear (check expiry dates)
• Navigation gear (plotters, VHF, compasses)
• Fuel and water tanks (state how full)

💡 Be upfront if anything shown in photos (like a dinghy or life raft) isn’t included.

📢 10. List on JustWatercraft.co.uk

Now you’re ready to list. Create a free or premium listing on JustWatercraft.co.uk – the site for boats, watercraft, trailers and more.

When uploading:

• Use all available photo slots
• Include your phone / email for contact
• Be responsive to enquiries (within 24 hours ideally)

📩 Pro tip: Add a short walkaround video to help buyers see the boat in context – even a phone video does the trick.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your boat properly is the single most important step in a successful sale. It builds trust, reduces negotiation, and attracts the right kind of buyer. You don’t have to overspend or over-polish – but a clean, well-documented, and honestly described boat will always sell faster.

If you’re serious about selling, take the time to get it right the first time. Your next buyer is probably already browsing JustWatercraft.co.uk – make sure your listing stands out.

📄 Summary Checklist (Quick Look)