Category: Boat & Yacht Market

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Boat & Yacht Market

Waterfowl Hunting: Tips for Buying a Duck Boat

A well-chosen duck boat has the ability to offer a wide range of opportunities for the water fowler.

Duck Boat

But, a fully outfitted hunting boat can be a large investment, so it is critical to carefully research the available options in the market.

Critical issues to evaluate include:

  • Where you hunt
  • Hunting style
  • Amount of gear carried
  • Passengers on board
  • Traveling distance
  • Other uses for the boat

What are the different hull configurations?

V-bottom

A V-bottom boat is the most practical choice for use on large bodies of water, such as major estuaries and the Great Lakes. The majority are manufactured in fiberglass or aluminum, which makes them reliable enough for the wide-ranging hunting activities. The V-hulled boats are stable and heavy with sharp enough keels to move through the water. Also high transoms and gunwales prevent water washing over the sides.

Semi-V

A versatile option comes with the modified-V or semi-V hulled boats which is a popular model with duck hunters. This type of boat is constructed with a mild keel and pointed bow to help part waves while also have a flat bottom for using on shallow bodies of water. They are often made with the sole intention of waterfowl hunting in mind and quickly fitted with a concealing blind.

Flat-bottom

A Jon boat with flat-bottom is perfect for shallow waters and even more efficient when combined with a mud motor. Most are built with a high degree of stability with a wide and open platform that is perfect for installing a boat blind. But, the square bow can give a quite rough ride in the more difficult waters.

Outboard motors

2-stroke

A duck boat is easily combined with a 2 or 4 stroke outboard motor. 2-stroke outboards are a versatile and reliable option. They are more cost-effective, portable, and lighter compared to the 4-stroke. Plus, the 2-stroke units usually give more responsiveness and acceleration compared to the 4-strokes. But, the 4 stroke outboard is more fuel efficient and quieter than the 2-stroke motors.

4-stroke

Modern duck boats are fitted with the 4-stroke motors for the fact it isn’t necessary to mix and measure oil and gas, quieter to operate, more fuel-efficient, and overall cleaner to use. Plus, the 4-stroke outboard is more efficient at providing a higher top-end speed compared to the 2-stroke units. The 4-stroke motors do present certain issues though, including being more expensive, larger, and heavier.

Mud Motors

Mud motors come with a choice of configurations: surface-drive and long-tail. They are highly effective at riding over obstructions and the preferred choice for passing over shallow waters compared to the more traditional motors in the market. Both configurations are practical for 2-3 inches of water, but the surface drive is the most desirable option to use for soft bottom and open areas. Use the long-tail motors when likely to experience issues with stumps or similar obstacles.

Outfit with accessories

Essential accessories for the duck hunter can vary and might consist of a bow-mounted floodlights, plug-in spotlight, trolling motor, depth finder, bilge pump, gas tank, anchor, fire extinguisher, life jackets, etc.

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Boat & Yacht Market

6 Tips for Writing a Better Ad to Sell Your Boat

Preparing the boat or related accessories for sale is certain to help achieve the more desirable price tag, while also speeding up the process.

Boat Here are six tips to prepare the boat or supplies for sale:

1 – Be aware of fraud

Similar to selling anything online it is essential to be cautious of fraud and deceit. If an offer seems suspicious or too good to be true, be careful and conduct further checks to ensure you are in contact with a legitimate buyer.

2 – Boat inquiries

Aim to reply to questions related to the advertisement as soon as possible. A fast and helpful response will show you are serious about selling the boat and / or related accessories. A first impression is certain to count, so make show the ability to work on a potentially large transaction.

3 – Contact details

Make it easy for the would-be buyer to get in contact, and give a choice of contact details such as phone and email. Also, give the location of the boat so that the enquirer is able to appreciate the distance to travel before making any serious commitments to come and inspect the boat.

4 – Descriptions

Write a detailed description of the boat or accessories for sale. Make sure to highlight the most attractive features in the process of writing out the boat details on the online or print form. Use phrases like regularly serviced, excellent condition, popular model, etc. to get the attention of the would-be buyer.

Provide a full list of inventory and specifications. Compile a list of the make and model of the items that form part of the sale. Plus, give the value of the boat supplies which makes it easier to justify the asking price. Also, make sure to be truthful and correct in the process of itemizing the inventory and stating the condition of the vessel.

5 – High-quality photos

Make sure the boat or accessories are well presented and in good light before taking the photographs for the ads. Take close up pictures of the best features or items of equipment. Use an extra light for interior shots if the natural light is quite dim. Plus, make use of photo processing software to enhance the picture quality before uploading.

6 – Preparing the boat (or accessories) for sale

Before putting a boat on the market give it a careful inspection for signs of neglect and clean and tidy it. This is an essential step to take before going ahead with the sale. A complete polish of the hull and desk and inside of the boat is usually recommended. A well-kept boat is much more able to give the right impression to the potential new owner.

De-clutter the boat and remove everything from sight that can make the boat appear neglected. Dispose of garbage bags; clean the fridge/icebox, and place crockery or similar items in the appropriate lockers. Making the boat appear more spacious is certain to make it appear a better investment. Ensure everything on display is clean and in full working order. Remove any of the boat supplies that aren’t working or in low-quality condition.

Plus, similar rules apply to selling outboard motors, tender dinghies, trailers, life rafts, etc. Clean and tidy before putting up for sale.

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Boat & Yacht Market

Repossessed Boats: Seized and Confiscated Repo Boats

If hoping to purchase a Sailboat – Motor Boat – PWC in the second-hand market, the availability of seized, confiscated, or repossessed boats offers the ability to acquire high-quality vessels at incredible rates – and can come within the financial reaches of most interested parties.

Seized by a financial institution (mortgage companies or banks), the boat repossessions are objects confiscated as a result of defaulting load agreement – often after months of not making a repayment. Bank repo boats for sale come onto the market at a knock-down price to guarantee a saving in cost; these saving can be quite substantial compared to a vessel of similar age for sale on dealer’s forecourt.

On top of the boats seized by a financial institution, boat repossessions are also made available due to a government agency, such as the IRS, impounding assists due to issues relating to tax evasion or similar. Also, the these vessels can come on to the market as a result of a law-enforcement agency seizing assets due to a wide range of illegal actions, such as narcotics smuggling.

Locations of Interest

Prior to making a auction bid on a second-hand or repo boat, be certain to inspect the auction listing to determine the T&C, sales tax, vessel condition – including possible imperfections, deposit required, and where possible view the photographs in detail.

  • National Liquidators – with offices situated in Capistrano Beach, California, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Cleveland, Ohio, National Liquidators offers one of the best destinations for Boat and Yacht auctions. Auction vessels, including the Jet skis, flats boats, motor-driven yachts to mega yachts, are open to private and commercial investor’s with its actual bidding process using a sealed bid system. Call National Liquidators on 800 633-7172 for further information, including a list of auction boats available.
  • Harrison Marine – with offices situated in the Midwest, located at Harrison Township, MI, Harrison Marine offers a large range of repossessed boats for sale, often bank seized, and offering an inventory that changes almost daily. Call Harrison Marine on 586 465-3054 to locate a vessel that might well fit within your personal finances.

Inspect in person

If assistance is required, a qualified surveyor or mechanic can help to determine the overall shape and condition. In most cases, expect to some degree neglect or slight damage to these repossessed boats, such as electronics that are missing, upholstery that is worn, or a hull that is showing signs of wear.

Boat repos come on to the market with a number of the valuable items missing, such as the electronic pieces (depth sensors, VHF radios, GPS units, stereos, fish finders, etc), outboard engines, kayaks, tenders, or bimini tops or covers, as these valuable, ease-to-remove items are kept to one side at the time of repossession and sold on at a later date.

After giving a vessel some much need attention or TLC due to prior neglect or minimal scratches or nicks to the hull can often mean that a prospective new owner gets a good clean vessel, with minor wear, yet at cost that can bring a sizable saving in overall outlay.

After Buying

Once you have bought the boat, there are other factors to think about – factors that you should really think about while considering your purchase. Can you afford to put in place a marine insurance plan for the boat? Will you have somewhere to put it – either on shore, on moorings, or marine based? You will also need to make sure that the monthly payments are something that you will continue to meet; the last thing you want is for it to be repossessed – or worse, your house being repossessed!

Insurance

Also, it taking on an aged (10 to 15 years of age), salvaged, or hurricane-damaged vessel it often becomes a necessity (at the insurers request) to arrange an out-of-water survey and valuation report prior to effecting the all-risk boat insurance coverage – without such a report, cover is often limited to liability only insurance.

All in all, repossessed boats offer the potential to save thousands of dollars in the initial outlay costs if able to find a high-performance 20 to 34-ft production sail or motor-driven boat on sale with minimal usage and wear and tear.

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Boat & Yacht Market

Jet Ski for Sale: Guide to Buying A Jet Ski

Fun on a high-performance PWC can be huge. Latest models of Jet Ski for sale – either the one, two, or three-seater machines, offer a great deal of safety and performance features, a reliable and powerful engine, and a water-borne experience that is likely to be highly maneuverable.

Sea-Doo Jet Ski

Examine a Used Jetski for Sale –

Maintenance is vital to the safe and efficient running of a high-performance PWC. Unless maintained to a high standard, a Jet Ski isn’t going to operate at its full potential, with basic maintenance consisting of such basics as washing down and flushing systems after use to avoid saltwater corrosion.

  1. Scrutinize the PWC’s hull for signs of prior damage or repairs.
  2. Note the engine hours – Low hours are considered at 50 or less.
  3. Complete a compression test on the engine
  4. Inspect the propeller for noticeable signs of gouges.
  5. Are you able to turn the pump nozzle freely
  6. Ask for a test ride if a practical option
  7. Check to see if any maintenance procedures are in place.

Or for those without a mechanical background, it can be a benefit to employ the services of marine surveyor or qualified mechanic to inspect a PWC prior to purchase – this will cost extra, often in the region of $75 to $145, but that is nothing compared to the potential wasted $$$ if left driving away with high-priced lemon.

A qualified mechanic or survey will be able to inspect the personal watercraft for sale against an extensive checklist to determine its overall condition. If found to be in a neglected state, it can often be expensive to have a Jet Ski repaired to full working order, and if the repairs do cost a lot, it would have been cheaper to acquire a much newer, and less used machine.

A lot of the used PWC for sale are likely to come with a variety of negative issues of a minor or major nature – a close inspection should soon be able to detect these. Also, relating to the engine, a Jet Ski equipped with a high-performance 4-stroke engine is more reliable, requires less maintenance, and offers a fuel economy that is preferable to the 2-stroke machines.

Costs that Come with Owning a Personal Watercraft

Before acquiring one of the high-performance PWC’s, it is also worthwhile contemplating the costs that come with owning such a recreational vehicle, related necessities include –

  • Register the PWC and road trailer at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  • Fuel / Oil costs
  • Maintenance costs – mechanic, off-season winterization, tune-ups, etc
  • Dock, storage or slip fees
  • Boater Safety Course – necessary to complete in certain states
  • Insurance – a requirement on some waters
  • Safety and fun accessories – fire extinguisher, anchors, wake-boards, protective covers, wake-boards, skis, etc

Taking out a comprehensive PWC insurance plan isn’t a requirement in all states – though the rider of a Jet Ski is still liable for damage caused to a third party, person or property, if found to be a fault. Putting in place effective boat insurance is a lot more cost-effective than the resulting fees that could arise if an operator strikes a swimmer, skier, or other third-party vehicle.

PWC Water Sports

A high-performance two or three-seater PWC is required if attempting to tow a skier, tube or wake boarder at the rear. A three-seater Jet Ski offers the most space available, with first seat for the operator, second seat for the spotter, and the last seat for the skier or boarder. Also, sufficient HP, speed and torque, are all important factors to note when taking part in water sport activities.

Manufacturers of the latest model of PWC include Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, and SeaDoo. A high-performance machine costs in the region of $7,599 to $14,689, with a choice of designs (one, two or three seater), styles (sit-down or stand-up), and features (2 or 4-stroke engines.)

Brands that have ceased production of marine products, such as the high-performance PWC, include Polaris and Tigershark. Polaris Industries ceased production in Sept. 2004 and Tigershark (manufactured by Arctic Cat) ceased production in Sept. 1999. Although a branded Jet Ski for sale is no longer in production – OEM parts and accessories of the Polaris name can still be found at marine shops.

 

 

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Boat & Yacht Market

Sailing Dinghy Guide: Which Dinghy is Right for You

A dinghy is an open sailing boat or a small racing yacht and built to accept one or two passengers.

Sailing Dinghy

Dinghies are classified in accordance with its intended use and usually powered via sail – although oar and outboard motor are alternative options.

Dinghies come in a variety of classes and sizes and built with different characteristics. This can make it difficult to decide on the right sailing boat to match the specific needs and skills. Dinghies are perfect for those learning to sail and are highly responsive and designed to quickly maneuver along the preferred course.

The main dinghies are outlined below.

Skiffs

Skiffs are considered the fastest dinghy. A skiff is built with a narrow, flat hull which can accept 1-2 persons. This dinghy has a large sail area to catch the wind and is easily able to plane in most situations. Plus, it can be powered using an outboard motor or oars.

High performance dinghies

A high-performance dinghy is designed with speed and racing in mind and comes equipped with a spinnaker (asymmetric or symmetric) and trapeze. Dinghies under this type are able to plane easily, even in upwind conditions. Skiffs are usually classified as a high-performance dinghy. Other models include the 470, Fireball, 505, and Flying Dutchman.

Cruising dinghies

Cruising dinghies are more stable, slow, and perfect for family and leisure sailing. These general-purpose dinghies are built with a less rounded or chined hull that offers larger displacement and sails that are smaller compared to high-performance dinghies, so easier to handle. Sailing cruising dinghies like the Laser 16, Mirror, Enterprise and Wayfarer can offer a pleasant and exciting cruising experience. Dinghies of this type are great for learning the basics of sailing.

Catamarans

A catamaran is built with a tall mast and joined hulls and still forms part of the sailing dinghy category. Catarmans sail very fast and high performance models include the Tornado and Hobie, which are designed with an inbuilt keel in each of the hulls.

Racing dinghies

As the name implies, this type of dinghy is very fast and light and designed primarily for competing in racing events. Many are built with features needed for out and out racing like those with racks to accommodate trapezing crews. Racing dinghies can vary in relation to level of performance and some are much more effective at intense racing than others. Popular race models include the International 14 and Laser. A single-hander like the Laser is able to combine performance, portability, and simplicity to help with advancing dinghy training and racing.

Cruiser-Racer dinghies

A cruiser-racing dinghy offers the crossover performance of both cruising pleasure and high-performance action. Dinghy types in this class include the GP14 and Wayfarer — although the former is more appropriate for advantageous racing and the latter is practical for cruising.

Classic dinghies

The classic dinghies are highly versatile and great used as a tender for ship to shore or used as shore boats. These dinghies are more appreciated for their versatility and not their sailing qualities.

Sports boats

Sports boats are large versions of the racing dinghy and offer high-performance for offshore racing. The majority of these dinghies are built to accept 2-3 crew members. Plus, certain models can fall under the classification of yachts with the keels in a fixed position. A Laser SB3 is a type of dinghy included in this category.

Development classes

Development class is a type of dinghy that doesn’t follow a fixed layout or structure. Many of these dinghies are built with experimental designs that result in notable innovations. Dinghies that don’t have the conventional sail layout or hull design include the National 12, International Moth, 18ft Skiff and International 14.

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Boat & Yacht Market

Boat Auction: Legitimate Savings on Boat Auctions

Bid with complete confidence, an established boat auction site offers the potential to save on the cost of a high-quality second-hand, seized, and salvaged or repo boat for sale of all makes, classes, and ages imaginable. One of the simplest destinations to get started with boat auctions is the eBay Marketplace.

Prior to using eBay for the first time, it is necessary to complete the registration steps and open an account – this permits full access to the online boat auctions and everything else for sale.

Locate all-types of Boats, Parts, and Accessories on eBay Motors.

Using eBay Motors in 5 Simple Steps

• Go to eBay’s site – https://www.motors.ebay.com/
• Under the Categories tab, select ‘Powersports, Boats & More, and than select the class of watercraft interested in – either Sailboats, Motorboats & Powerboats, Fish Boats or Other Boats
• Its now possible to restrict to search to show more specific details, such as Type, Length, Make, and Distance. Or to get more specific, use the search bar to input a particular make or model.
• Also featured is the option to sort listing by Year, Price, Distance, and Best Match.
• If applicable, tick 3 to 5 auction listings to get the option ‘Compare’ multiple crafts in a side-by-side display.

Prior to bidding on one of the boats for auction at eBay motors, make certain that you know precisely what you will be making a bid on, note the feedback rating of the seller, and read the About Me page if completed. Reading the Buyers Checklist and Buy Safety Tips can be helpful to guarantee a safe shopping experience, while the Vehicle Purchase Protection is also worth looking at.

Purpose-built Fish Boats for Sale

High-performance, quality, and durability all relate to the fresh or salt-water fishing boats designed to fish a diversity of fishable species. Fast and loaded with equipment, most of the fish boats are built to perform a specific purpose – those set to fish the flats or other shallow bodies of water, inshore, or deep waters.

Offering a solid-performance, the aluminum or fiberglass built fish boat are designed with a variety of standard features to give a fun and enjoyable adventure. Common features consist of the livewells, custom trailers, depth sounders, trolling motors, lockable storage spaces, and more.

Offering a practical balance for fishing and water-sports, the ‘fish-n-ski’ boats are starting to become more and more popular in view of its all-round versatility, these dual-purpose vessels function as an all-in-one ski, fish, dive, and cruise boat.

Perfect for the weekender to pro-angler, the modern, ready-to-fish angling packages offer a smooth-ride and solid platform for competing in all-types of fishing activities – whether it is calm rivers, flats, inshore, or deep waters. Repo boat auctions offering a high degree of fishability are often available at knock-down prices.

Sailing Boats for Sale

Defining the class of a sailboat often comes down to the hull configuration, size, keel type, and sail number – sailboats include the single or monohull and the multi-hull, with the multi-hulled vessels, such as the trimarans and catarmans gaining in popularity.

Outfitted for a fun and successful time at sea, the sailboat is equipped with a series of sophisticated electronics to guarantee a safe cruise on an overnight sail or to circumnavigate the globe.

A sailing boat, propelled partially or entirely by wind, offers a great deal more challenges in relation to its performance and handling abilities, than the traditional motor or powerboat – and often requires to some degree, knowledge of wind patterns and currents for a safe and enjoyable voyage. Common sail boat types are the ketch, catboat, yawl, dinghy, and cutter.

Motor and Powerboats for Sale

Fast, easy-to-operate, and safe, the motorboats are designed with a particular function in mind, with those aimed at water sports, such as tubing and wakeboarding to fishing the lakes, flats, and bays to overnight excursions. Larger powerboats can accept up to 14 or more passengers with ease, such as the pontoon and desk boats.

A popular class of motorboat includes the versatile center consoles – a great choice for a variety of activities, such as general pleasure and sports fishing. A motorboat sized at 16-feet or more often comes with a built-in cabin or sleeping area. Also, the smaller sized crafts offer ease in trailing from one location to the next, and this can often save a lot on storage or mooring fees.

Configured with a high-performance engine – whether it is a stern-drive, inboard, outboard, or jet-drive – the motor-driven vessel offers breath-taking speed for a variety of activities, from general cruising, sports fishing, or water sports. A sailing boat is more relaxing, although the power crafts offer more fun, power, and performance.

Jet Skis for Sale

Personal Watercrafts (also known as Waverunners, Jet Skis and Sea-Doo’s) are jet-driven, operate in a sitting, kneeling, or standing position, and sized at 12-foot or less. Fast and maneuverable, the high-performance 1, 2 or 3-seat PWC are in effect high-speed motorcycles on the water – offering sufficient speed and acceleration to tow tubes, skiers, or wake boarders.

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Boat & Yacht Market

11 Things to Know Before Buying a PWC or Jet Ski

If you are looking to invest in a personal watercraft (or jet ski) there are a variety of points that need careful consideration, such as size and type, safety, transport, insurance, and storage.

PWC to buy tips

Below is a quick overview of what to look for when buying a PWC:

Top tips for buying a jet ski

  • Size – A jet ski is designed to accept 1-4 passengers and the sports ready machine is even able to tow a Wakeboard, skis, or inflatable tube. So, before getting to the stage of investing in a PWC, make sure to determine the right type and size of machine to match the application.
  • Safety – All modern PWC’s are fitted out with safety features to ensure the driver and passengers are kept safe at all times. A standard safety feature is a lanyard, which is needed to cut the ignition should the driver dismount.
  • Specification – A jet ski is usually classified in related to the size of the engine. Hull design, engine, and horsepower will have a significant impact on the speed. A PWC with a long, wide design is able to give a more stable ride, but this shape doesn’t give the most desired maneuverability. A sportier version is narrow and short and gives much more favorable speed and handling opportunities.

Other factors include stroke type, aspiration, and fuel consumption.

Types of Jet Ski

  • Stand-up – This style of Jet Ski is small in size and built with no seat and requires the driver to stand-up while riding it. A 1-person jet ski can be difficult to fully master and relies on a certain degree of athletic ability to maneuver. Solo stand-up Jet Skis are highly agile and used by those wishing to perform freestyle tricks. The stand-up machine is more practical for the thrill-seeker with a certain degree of experience.
  • Sport craft – A solo sport craft is again intended for the single rider and comes with a stationary steering control and seat. The sport craft is larger than the stand-up model, but able to move quite fast and corner aggressively. This is a further type of PWC that can benefit from an experienced hand to control.
  • 2-seater – A 2-seater Jet Ski has a longer hull with space for two seats, so room to accept another person. The speed and maneuverability are slightly diminished on a two-seater, but they do offer a higher degree of stability while traveling straight or making corners.
  • 3 or 4 seater – A 3 or 4 seater Jet Ski is highly versatile, comfortable, stable, and a great choice for families. Common features include an enhanced suspension, cruiser seats, and navigation systems. Even thought these PWC have the longer hull and extra seats, they can still perform quite well with a single rider on-board. Plus, a 3 or 4 seater is a practical choice for towing objects like inflatable tubes.

Additional costs and thoughts

  • Storage – Storage options need to be taken into account. A compact solo Jet Ski is the easiest to store at home (in the garage), while the 4-seater model will need a lot more space. So, if you are space limited for storage, it might be necessary to go for a model that offers ease in storing.
  • Trailer – An appropriate trailer in aluminum or similar material is required for transporting the PWC from storage to preferred body of water. Plus, the towing vehicle will need to have sufficient capacity to tow the trailer/jet ski combination on the highway.
  • Insurance – A comprehensive insurance plan for the Jet Ski is a must-have before starting out on the water. Price and cover vary significantly with the different insurance companies, so make sure to shop around.
  • Fuel – Jet skis rely on fuel and costs differ based on the efficiency and size of the actual machine.
  • Servicing and maintenance – A regular service from a skilled mechanic is certain to help keep the PWC in tip-top condition.
  • Safety equipment – Safety gear of a desirable natural includes life jackets, gloves, slip-resistant footwear, goggles, and wet suit.
  • Protective cover – PWC covers give a desired level of protection while the Jet Ski is laid up. Prolonged periods of sunlight exposure are certain to cause issues with the paintwork. Air intakes can become damaged if left exposed. Plus, a cover can protect from the elements (rain, wind, snow, etc.) if stored in an exposed area.

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Boat & Yacht Market

NADA Boats: Marine Appraisal Guide

If planning to purchase a second-hand Sailboat – Motor Cruiser – PWC it is advisable to research the market value to help in the decision-making process. That is when the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA Boats) appraisal guide comes into force.

Establish a Given Vessel

Often a subjective figure, establishing the market value of a used boat is determined by several different factors.

  • Find a similar make and model of craft in numerous print or online classified ads to get a basic understanding of the saleable price
  • Use a pricing service or marine appraisal guide to help research the value.
  • Contact a boat dealership to ask for their option
  • If high in value ($25,000+), it might be worthwhile using the services brokerage service to help in the sale
  • On aged, high valued, or vessels of a particular model, it is often a benefit to arrange for an out-of-water survey and valuation report to be carried out.

NADA is designed to evaluate prices on boats and personal watercraft (PWC) in the pre-owned market, in addition to several boat related accessories, such as the outboard motor and road trailer.

Establishing the market value of a used boat is much easier with a marine price guide with its ability to help either seller or buying in establishing a fitting sell-on price for a given object.

Even with the help of the NADA boats, it is still important to use some common sense on receiving a suggested value, and not to take that value as literal. Once the application form is complete, the price indicated relates to the average retail price. So for instance, if a 2010 Larson runabout is kept in first-class condition with minimal use, it is likely to have a market value higher than the price indicated in the guide. Guide prices are closer to the truth with boats or PWC aged at less than 5-years.

Other Factors to Note in Buying a Boat

  • Establish its prior use – crafts used in saltwater, ex-charter boats, etc – often have lower re-sale values.
  • Have a craft inspected by a qualified mechanic or surveyor to determine its overall seaworthiness.

NADA boats is a recognized name in the marine industry for appraising recreational vehicles (Power Boats – Sailboats – Personal Watercraft) and related accessories and dates back its pricing to 1980 and older. A boat guide offers a quick, effective method to determine value and decide if the time is appropriate to invest in an up-grade or to stick with an existing craft until more favorable financial conditions present themselves.

Elsewhere, use a secondary service, such as BoatHistoryReport.com, to avoid hidden problems. Get a vessels history to guard against unknown problems or potential damage; information obtained includes accident reports (fire, submerged, hurricane, salvaged, run aground, collision, etc), as well as reports on seized or recalled vessels.

Besides the invaluable tools for appraising values, NADA also offers a lot of other resources, services, and products, such as informational articles, tips and advice on matters related to the purchasing process – make it as easy as possible for the consumer.

NADA Boats – Marine Appraisal Guide Example:

NADA Guides
NADAGuides.com price report for a 2003 Trophy Boats 2352 WA – 23-ft

In Summary

NADABoats is highly reputable and well-known in the world of appraising the value of boats and equipment (aged 1980 to now) in the market. By using the prices published in this boat motor appraisal guidebook, you are able to make an informed decision on when might be the right time to up-date or stay with an existing vessel until the market conditions start to show more encouraging signs.

Visit the official site: www.nadaguides.com for more information.

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Boat & Yacht Market

Used Boats for Sale: Guide to Buying a Boat

Buying one of the used boats for sale is often a difficult prospect, so it is important to consider all other practicalities that come with owning a watercraft, such as the cost of maintenance, mooring fees, financial obligations (insurance and mortgage costs), taxes, etc.

Points to Consider

A number of questions need asking before even considering the purchase of Motor-driven Yacht – Sportsfishing Boat – Jet Ski while being certain to take all steps to guarantee that the info gathered is true and accurate.

  1. Is all equipment (outboard, road trailer, electronics, etc) included within the quoted price?
  2. Ask the reason for selling the craft.
  3. Find out the age of the craft and its equipment
  4. Has the craft been given a survey or mechanic report in the past?
  5. Ask questions relating to prior claims history, damage, and maintenance.
  6. If practical, take the boat out on a trail run.

Potential Uses of a Boat

Is salt or freshwater on the plan – are the cruising waters used coastal, inshore, or quiet lakes, what is the anticipated mooring type – either afloat or on dry-shore, and is the boat used year-round or the main seasonal months.

Be certain to book a mooring space at the earliest point possible if planning on using one of the popular slips, anchorage points, or marina berths – as these can be difficult to virtually impossible to book at short notice in some areas.

Is the planned purchase a sailboat, motor-cruiser, or high-performance PWC – either to experience the thrills of a highly maneuverable Jet Ski, fish shallow bodies of water in a wide, flat-bottomed boat, or cruise at a leisurely pace in a sailboat? Is water-sports, fishing or cruising the reason behind purchasing a watercraft. Or perhaps a combination of these activities – when fish and ski or deck boat will be more appropriate.

Who plans to step on-board the watercraft? Is there enough space to accept all those wishing to use the boat – an all-welded Jon or flat-bottomed boat is perfect for angling parties in shallow bodies of water, while a multi-functional deck boat at 32-ft plus offers a great choice for angling parties or just to entertain friends. A clear ideal on the type and class of vessel helps with determining the most desirable boat for sale.

Associated Costs of Owning

It is essential to total up all potential costs that might relate to owning a sizable watercraft. Such fees include on-going maintenance costs, mooring, dock structure or storage fees, fuel and oil, loan and mortgage costs, licenses and registration fees, and potential taxes.

Boats for Sale by Owner, Dealer or Trader

Purchasing the latest model fishing machine is likely to be a high-priced endeavor, comes in full operating order, and complete with a manufacturers warranty – although, a 2012 model often takes a sizable depreciation in value as soon as it leaves the dealers forecourt – in some cases, a 30-percent drop is noticed soon after its taken off the forecourt.

However, the experience boater is often able to appreciate the value in the pre-owned market, thou it is vital to take more care in shopping for a used PWC for sale to guarantee the best craft is obtained for the price.

Pre-purchase Inspection Reports

With pre-owned watercrafts, it is crucial to inspect it for signs of potential neglect or miss-use. What is the condition of the hull and deck – are there signs of fading, scratching or chipping – if so, the craft might not of been received the desired attention at the hands of the previous owner. If signs note noticeable damage to the outside of the vessel, than it is often a great benefit to inspect the inside, such as the electrical components and machinery.

Prior to making a promise to purchase in the second-hand market, it is advisable to obtain a full inspection report, with the report carried out by a qualified mechanic, marine surveyor, marine shop worker. Also, if possible, a test drive or on-water sea trail offer another opportunity to establish the handling and performance of the craft.

And relating to insurance – if a vessel is aged – often at 10 – 15 years – self-built, or of a particular brand – it’s often a necessity to submit a copy of the full out-of-water survey and valuation prior to effective all-risks boat insurance coverage.

Destinations for Boats for Sale

Possible destination for locating a desirable second-hand sail or motor-driven craft include the high number of boat dealerships, marinas, and boat yards, which give easy access for those living in a boating community. Alternatively, go visit a marine, yard, or accessory store to search the bulletin boards, while classified ads in local newspaper offer a further option. Online auction sites (see the high volume of boats for sale on eBay for example), repo boats and boat dealerships are also a great place to locate potential powerboats, sailboats or jet skis for sale.

If plans are in motion to search out one of the used boats for sale, it is vital not to ignore the potential on-going costs that come with boat ownership, in order to experience a long-lasting and fun time on the water.