Need to sell the boat. Advice?

[Venturabu]

It is with heavy heart that the wife and I have determined we need to sell the boat. After two years of ownership and barely 50 hours on it we can no longer justify making the payments. Several other issues are afoot but the biggest is we just do not use it and the kids, though originally hot to trot over the purchase, have cooled somewhat and are no longer into taking it out. Three weekends in a row we've suggested a daytrip and have been turned down. In the words of that annoying (IMO) commedien, that ain't gonna "git 'er done".

Anyway, what's the best way to advertise? Obviously here but where else? I know about Boat Trader and others. What about the dealer where I purchased the boat in the first place? I can think of a couple of pros but a few cons as well re: the original dealer. We've asked all our likely friends if they would like to "buy" an interest and have not been met with enthusiasm, so, that route appears to be closed to us.

While the overall condition of the boat is great, there are a few scratches that were incurred during the learning curve. Nothing major but still there anyway. Should I invest in having them worked out? Will it increase the value? I'm more into making the sale more attractive rather than getting more money out of it by fixing the scratches, though more money would be nice. ;-)

Any thoughts and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Damn... I didn't think it'd be this hard to even think about selling. I love that thing, but, I love my wife, and my sanity, more. :-(

[Jesse]

Not to give you input on sales ideas, but just to chime in and let you know that I went through the same anguish a few weeks back. I had several responses from a boat trader ad. Two of them were looking for a wakeboarding boat and one of them could not get approved for the bank loan. If the one had been approved I would have sold it.

Those couple of weeks really played heavy on my mind and I was finally convinced to keep it. At least for now anyway.

I know it is a tough decision to make.

Best wishes on your plans.

[RTS]

If the scratches are not too deep, you may be able to work them out by hand. I was quite surprised at the "dock scars" I was able to remove. They too were incurred while learning to handle the boat. A mild rubbing compound would be what you need. I used the 3M, and I'm sure you could get lots of suggestions from others here.

I would think now would be the time to sell. Plenty of summer left, people would feel they could still get some use out of it this year. Winter may be tougher, as it would take a special buyer to purchase the boat, knowing it's going to sit for a while.

Good luck to you...

[apexeon]

I think boattraderonline.com is the best commercial site for the sale of your boat. I sold two offshore fishing boats using it. (both went to Maryland??).

The dealer will want a commission for selling your boat as the sale of your boat represents a loss of a new boat sale for him. I would keep the dealer out of the picture for now. The folks on this board in your area may also be a potential market as well. Don't overlook e-bay as well. Just make sure you post lots of photos with any online site. That will reduce the number of worthless inquiries you get.

I'm sorry that you have decided to sell. It is a great looking boat.

Edited July 4, 2005 by apexeon

[Greg_S]

I would advertise it in boattrader.com, flipsell and sites like this one. I sold my 96 LX through flipsell. When selling my last 2 boats I had the boats professionally detailed and serviced prior to selling. The boats where in immaculate shape and I had the dealer name and number for the buyers to call and ask questions. I also had my cars, yard and garage in perfect condition so they could see that I take care of everything I own. It makes a difference on their perception of how you take care of your things.

Ask a fair price and don't act desperate to sell it.

Sorry you have to sell, but good luck.

Edited July 4, 2005 by Greg_S

[RTS]

I also had my cars, yard and garage in perfect condition so they could see that I take care of everything I own. It makes a difference on their perception of how you take care of your things.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good advice. It would make a difference to me if I was the one coming to look at your boat...

[wilma]

I agree with above re: perception.

I bought my boat off Boattrader.com

wilma

[jcbatt]

eBay worked well for me, but I wouldn't hesitate to talk to your dealer too. Tell him this likely won't be your last boat purchase, and that you just need to get out of it for now - he may be happy to make $1,000 in commission, and you'll still get a good price for the boat because he's got a lot of floor traffic and can generally sell it for more, plus, the transaction may be smoother (i.e. you don't have strangers coming to your house, etc). Also advertise it here, on WSR, flipsell, craigslist, etc.

[Lakenut]

Talk to your dealer and let him know that your boat is for sale. Thats how I found my boat. I called my dealer and told them what I was looking for. Here is where my story gets cool. There was a guy in the store that was needing to sell his boat to free up some $$$ to build a new home. The dealer handed the phone to him and we talked. Looked at the boat that afternoon, test drove later that week, bought it the following Monday. The dealer didn't make a dime of off the sale but were happy to help out their customer as they knew he would probably buy another boat from them in the near future.

Just my .02

[chathamsolutions]

Sorry to hear she has to go - the Bu I mean

A friend of our recently put his up for sale on Boatrader.com. He priced it $2k below what he paid for it. He had an '04 lxi with only 11 hours on it. Within 2 days he had a number of calls and people begging him to 'hold it until I get there with cash in hand.' And these people were from all over, a few from out of state. He sold it, and then was sad that he hadn't posted the full price he originally paid. He said he could have easily gotten it.

Your situation isn't far off either. A new Bu is going to cost them more than what you paid for yours. Remember that. A number of people I know have recently sold their Bu's for what they paid for them a few years ago.

- I don't know that this will be the case for you, but I hope so. What I'm trying to say is you need to do your research. Find out what your dealer is selling a brand new one for - just like yours. I'd say this in your adds.

If you've taken good care of it, 50 hours is just the right amount of hours to get the kinks worked out. Granted, you've got a few scars, but if you've taken care of the rest of the Bu that shouldn't be an issue.

A well taken care of Bu, with 50 hours should fetch top dollar. Now is a PERFECT time to be selling.

Good luck.

Edited July 4, 2005 by chathamsolutions

[Sunsetter95]

Similar story on Boattraderonline. When we went to look at our '95, He had calls while we were there from Denver asking him to hold it, they were offering $1k for the hold.

[Venturabu]

You guys are the best. Thanks for the advice. I should add this is not my last 'bu. After some financial rearranging and much like that famous charachter of Arnold's:

"I'll be back." ;-)

[Greg_S]

You guys are the best. Thanks for the advice. I should add this is not my last 'bu. After some financial rearranging and much like that famous charachter of Arnold's:

"I'll be back."  ;-)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of course you'll be back! once your in you can't get out

Maybe this is just the way to upgrade

[mschofield]

I checked out your gallery...you have a very marketable boat! Good colors, nice bimini, tandem axle trailer, it will move fast.

The Sunsetter LXI in extra demand because the new model is a bit to big to be a great ski boat

[JohnDoe]

I would just suggest having a very informative ad, not just about the boat, but about why you got it, why you're selling, maintenance history, and remaining warranty. And as ridiculous as it sounds, put a for sale sign on it and take it to the lake! You'd be surprised how much interest it will draw from people there, who wouldn't necessarily go on a boat "hunt". Call around to dealers in addition to your local one. This time of year, many are in dire need of inventory and will really pay you well and rid you of the hassle.

[jetskipro550]

I would just suggest having a very informative ad, not just about the boat, but about why you got it, why you're selling, maintenance history, and remaining warranty.  And as ridiculous as it sounds, put a for sale sign on it and take it to the lake!  You'd be surprised how much interest it will draw from people there, who wouldn't necessarily go on a boat "hunt".  Call around to dealers in addition to your local one.  This time of year, many are in dire need of inventory and will really pay you well and rid you of the hassle.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Also just try leaving it at the ramp for the day while attached to your tow vehicle or in a parking lot by a busy street. I did that for my old 4-runner and I got lots of calls. Just be sure to check with the property owner first.

[jetskipro550]

I checked out your gallery...you have a very marketable boat! Good colors, nice bimini, tandem axle trailer, it will move fast.

The Sunsetter LXI in extra demand because the new model is a bit to big to be a great ski boat

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I second that....but I may be a little biased