Writing a good ad to sell your boat is not something to be done lightly. If you want to sell your boat quickly and professionally, follow our checklist to make sure you don't forget any important details.
1 - An explicit title
Buyers often search for their boat by make and model. It is therefore advisable to put the model of your boat directly in the title. Then add the year of construction and a qualifier to characterize it.
Example: Bénéteau First 35 1983 Return from a long trip
2 - Descriptive photos that make you dream
Limit yourself to 3 photos. The buyer needs to be able to imagine himself aboard in the blink of an eye. The first photo shows the boat as a whole. Sailing if possible. It's always better than being stuck on a pontoon between two boats with no distance between them.
The second photo will show the interior, the saloon, from a wide angle. Finally, the third photo can be a view of a very positive aspect of the boat: its new engine, the comfort of the cockpit or flybridge...
3. Short, airy, simple text
The text of the ad must be precise and concise. There's no need for literary tirades. You need to make the prospective buyer want to come and see your boat, to dream about it. So you can put the boat in context. For example, "The boat we sailed as a family, a couple and 3 children, for 5 summers". The buyer can project himself.
No need to deliver a complete equipment listing. Just specify "Full inventory on request". This will enable you to make initial contact with the potential buyer. You can then complete it with a photo file.
The text needs to be attractive, but without telling the whole story. Keep some under wraps for when the time comes to make a purchase. But never hide anything! Indeed, there's nothing worse for a buyer than to discover disappointments once the transaction has begun. They'll always be suspicious that you've hidden something else. It's often a good idea to start with: "Here's what's wrong with this boat... and now let's move on to everything that's positive on board".
You have to promote your product, but without overselling it.
Don't forget that your ad will be read on a screen, often that of a cell phone. Breaking up your text by skipping lines and using short sentences will make it easier to read.
4 - Propose a trial
Buying a boat is an important act. Taking your buyer for a test drive will be a good opportunity for an exchange that will put him or her at ease. It's a good idea to stipulate this possibility in the ad. It also shows the confidence you have in sailing your boat.
5 - Announce that maintenance invoices are available
If you have a record of your boat's maintenance, especially if it's carried out by a professional, it gives the buyer confidence and shows that you take maintenance seriously. Invoices for equipment installed on board will also be a plus. There's no need to list them in the ad; simply indicate "Maintenance invoice available".
If you have recent expertise, you can also advertise it.
6 - Advertising additional equipment
A trailer, a dinghy, its engine... are important details to include in your ad. If the equipment is recent, you can indicate the year of purchase.
7 - Translate the ad
The second-hand market is not limited to your own country. Translating your ad into another language can open the door to a wider range of potential buyers. It's a plus that shouldn't be overlooked.
8 - Set a consistent price
There's always a tendency to think that your boat is the most beautiful. Look at comparable ads to determine the price of yours. Beware of ads that remain online for a long time. It's often a sign of an out-of-date price. It's often better to sell your boat quickly and at a good price, than to keep it for a long time, incurring the costs of caretaking, maintenance and so on while you wait for a potential buyer.
Find and download the Check-List "Selling your boat: writing an ad" . A sheet to be printed in A5 format (half of A4, 148 x 210 mm) and kept on your boat. This way, you'll always be able to write your ad properly.
