the question - advise on selling a boat

[jacobske]

Hi, we have a 2005 2465 and are looking to move up to most likely a 2860. Rather than take a total beating at the dealer on a trade, we want to sell. I realize this is the age old question but what are the most effective ways to do this ? We've tried the boat trader and ad route with no success for several months. How about those brokerage firms at the marinas ? How about other consignment methods ? What others ? We are located in Florida so there is lots of activity but also lots of boats on the market. Anyone have any tips ?
Thanks in Advance.

 

[rommer]

Have you even asked a dealer what they would give you? Overall boat sales are down and you may be surprised at how willing a dealer is to deal.

Have you placed an add here yet?

 

[cwms]

See what you can get on a trade in. Talk to some brokers and see what they say about the boat's value and how long they expect it to sell.

Be advised, we are in the middle of a major buyers' market, meaning there are many more boats for sale than there are buyers to buy them. Be prepared to either sit on this boat for a while trying to sell, or drop your asking price by another 10-15% or more.

 

[PJS]

Trading in a two year old 24' boat for a new 28' will probably not be pretty. You may want to consider using the dealer to broker your boat. Knowing that selling your boat will trigger your purchase may give them a little more incentive to move your boat. And they have the boat buyer traffic.

 

[snazzy]

I beleive here in Fl. you can save on sales tax on your trade as you would on a car. That may be worth a few $$ depending on how the deal is structured. If you sell your boat yourself and then purchase the other you will pay sales tax on the full purchase price.