Whether you bought her brand new and are looking to upgrade, or you bought her a few years ago after she’d spent time on the water, no boat lasts forever. Your boat was a good investment for you when you first purchased it, but for whatever reason, that’s not the case now.
Can’t decide whether it’s time to let her bring joy to another boater? If any of these resonate with you, it’s time to sell your boat.
You Don’t Enjoy the Time and Effort Spent on Maintenance Anymore.
For many boat enthusiasts, taking the time to maintain the vessel is time well spent. There’s something special about the time you spend cleaning, making minor repairs, and installing new accessories. In the beginning, it’s new (even if it’s used) and fun. But as time goes on and life changes, you may find yourself dreading the tasks. When they start to feel more like a chore and less like some much needed “me” time, it may be time to sell.
There are just some boat repairs that are better left to professionals anyway. If you find yourself unable to budget the necessary care to keep your boat in good working order at all times, consider listing it for sale.
You’re Moving Away from the Water.
If life calls you away from the ocean or lake where you usually take your boat, it may not make sense to keep the boat anymore. If your new home doesn’t have enough space, you’ll have to pay for boat storage. And if you move too far to make it a day trip, it may mean that you just don’t have the time to go to the water anymore.
If you’re moving away from the beach, but will still be near a lake, your boating needs may still change. Some vessels are simply too big to maneuver on rivers and lakes.
You Don’t Remember the Last Time You Used It.
Maybe you planned on taking the boat out a few months ago, but the weather had another idea. Then, someone got sick. Then, you got called into work. And before you knew it, prime boating season passed you by. If it’s just sitting there, it might be time to consider putting it on the market for someone else to love.
You Need Cash Now.
Life happens, and your boat may be one of the easiest assets for you to liquidate. Whether it’s because you’ve had some unexpected bills crop up, a new business investment opportunity, you just want to increase your savings, or you have other goals, liquidating your boat is a good option. Listing on Boatline ensures that you can get top dollar, and sell quickly.
You’re in the Market for a Bigger and Better Boat.
You’ve had some great times with your boat, but now that you’re a more seasoned boater, you’re ready for an upgrade. If you’ve had your boat for a while, it may be missing out on some of the standard features on newer models. You may need something a little bigger for your growing family. For many, it doesn’t make sense to own two boats. That’s twice the maintenance, twice the storage, and so on. Since you can only enjoy one vessel at a time, why not sell your used boat and put the proceeds toward a different boat?
If you’re in the market for a new (or new-to-you) boat, browsing the listings at Boatline can help you get an idea of what’s out there.
It’s rare that you’ll randomly wake up one morning and decide to sell. It’s a decision that takes a lot of thought, just like the choice to buy your boat in the first place. Things like emotional attachment and promises that it will indeed be used more in the future can stop you from selling when the time is right. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of “someday.”
All too often, boat owners hang onto the dream. They may go through the motions of trying to sell, by talking with brokers or listing privately. Ultimately, they set the price too high, and end up neglecting maintenance. Months or even years later, the reality sets in that they should’ve sold the boat when they first considered it. When they finally do sell, they only end up with a fraction of the original asking price – all while they continue to pay for storage.
Check your emotions. There’s never any reason to hold onto your boat longer than you have to. Take steps to ensure the boat is clean and presentable for prospective buyers, then create a listing and sell your boat. If your gut says it’s time to let it go, then chances are, it’s time. Staying in denial will only cost you more in the long run.
