Boat Trader: Does It Work For Buyers And Sellers?

Boat Trader is an online marketplace for buying and selling new and used boats. It is the largest online platform for buying and selling boats in the United States, with over 15,000 boats for sale from more than 2,000 dealerships nationwide. The platform offers a wide variety of boats, from small to large, and provides competitive pricing options for both buyers and sellers. It also offers end-to-end assistance, including financing, insurance, and transport services.

Boat Trader's easy-to-use interface makes communication between sellers and buyers simple. It also has advanced search options, allowing buyers to refine their searches by specialty categories, adjustable mileage ranges, and trailer options.

The process of selling a boat on Boat Trader is straightforward. Sellers can create a listing with photos and videos, choose a package that fits their budget and needs, and start advertising to local boat buyers. The platform offers three packages: Basic, Enhanced, and Premium, with prices ranging from $69 to $229.

While Boat Trader is a popular platform for buying and selling boats, some users have shared mixed experiences. Some have successfully sold their boats through the website, while others have found it ineffective and encountered issues with scams and unwanted solicitations from third-party retailers.

Boat Trader's packages

Boat Trader offers three packages to help you sell your boat: Basic, Enhanced, and Premium. Each package includes an upfront listing fee with no hidden costs, and you keep all the cash from the sale. The Basic package offers two weeks of run-time on Boat Trader, while the Enhanced and Premium packages come with additional benefits and longer run-times. The Enhanced package also allows you to add extra photos to your listing.

The right package for you will depend on your budget and needs. If you want your boat to feature prominently in search results and on the homepage, the Premium package is the best choice. It comes with a full set of features and optional add-ons. If you think your boat will get enough attention with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions, the Basic package is a popular option. And if you've priced your boat to sell fast, the Enhanced package may be the best fit.

Regardless of the package you choose, Boat Trader's packages will help you reach the largest audience of boat buyers in the US.

Pros and cons of Boat Trader

Boat Trader is a major player in the Boat Industry Listing Service (ILS), facilitating communication between boat buyers and sellers. It offers a wide range of boats, from pontoon boats to yachts, and provides various services such as boat loans, insurance, transport, and documentation.

Pros of Boat Trader:

• Wide Reach: Boat Trader has a large user base, increasing the visibility of boat listings.
• Comprehensive Platform: It offers advanced search options, a boat price checker tool, and the latest technology and innovations, making it a comprehensive platform for boat enthusiasts.
• Ease of Use: Boat Trader provides a user-friendly interface, making it convenient for buyers and sellers to connect and communicate.
• End-to-End Assistance: It offers end-to-end assistance, including financing, insurance, and transport services.
• Secure Transactions: Boat Trader provides secure payment gateways to protect users from fraudulent activities.
• Trustworthy Sellers/Buyers: Boat Trader allows only trusted sellers and buyers to transact on their platform, ensuring the reliability of the transactions.

Cons of Boat Trader:

• Scam Activity: Users have reported receiving numerous scam inquiries, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.
• Ineffective Service: Some users have experienced poor results, with free platforms like Facebook Marketplace generating more inquiries and sales.
• Customer Service Issues: There have been complaints about the lack of refunds and a perceived lack of interest in improving the product or company reputation.
• Cost: The service can be expensive, and some users feel that the cost does not justify the results.

How to sell your boat fast

Selling a boat can be a long process, but there are some tricks to selling it quickly. Here are some tips on how to sell your boat fast:

Decide on the selling method

Firstly, you need to decide whether you will sell the boat yourself or work with a broker or dealer. If you want to sell your boat quickly and don't want to put in the time and effort, you could hire a professional boat broker or dealer, or trade it in with a dealer. However, it's important to note that brokers will take a cut of the proceeds, and you may not get the best price on a trade-in.

Prepare the boat

Make sure your boat looks and runs as well as possible. Give it a thorough clean inside and out, and fix any broken or malfunctioning equipment, especially the engine. A well-maintained boat will be more attractive to potential buyers and will help you get a better price.

Research and set the price

Do some research on the listing price of similar boats, considering make, model, size, and age. Check online, in magazines, and on boat broker websites. Remember that the boat's value will also depend on its location and the type of water it has been used in (freshwater or saltwater). Once you've done your research, decide on an asking price, keeping in mind that you may need to be flexible on the price to secure a quick sale.

Create a detailed listing

When creating your listing, be as specific as possible. Include all the vital information such as length, engine specs, location, trailer info, and condition. Be honest about any flaws or issues, and provide detailed descriptions and high-quality photos from multiple angles, both in and out of the water. A detailed and honest listing will help you build trust with potential buyers and increase your chances of a quick sale.

Advertise in multiple places

To sell your boat fast, it's important to advertise in as many places as possible. Use online marketplaces such as Boat Trader and boats.com, as well as local papers, boating magazines, and classifieds websites. Don't forget the power of social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace, and even consider placing a "For Sale" sign on your boat and parking it in a high-visibility area near a busy road or marina.

Be responsive and flexible

When potential buyers reach out, be responsive and accommodating. Prepare to show them the boat and take them for a sea trial if they're interested. Be honest and transparent throughout the process, and have all the necessary documents ready to complete the transaction quickly and smoothly.

Boat Trader's competitors

Boat Trader's main competitors include YW, BoatUS, and Boats.com. Boatzon is another competitor, which was acquired by MarineMax in 2023. Boatsforsale.com is also a competitor, offering a personalized, all-inclusive virtual platform to buy, sell, and compare boats.

Boat Trader is a private company, with its parent company being Permira Holdings Limited since December 2020. It is the largest online boating marketplace in the United States, with over 100,000 new and used boat listings. The company offers a range of services, including boat insurance, loans, transport, warranty, and documentation.

Boat Trader's platform provides advanced search options, allowing buyers to refine their searches by specialty categories, adjustable mileage ranges, and trailer options. It also offers end-to-end assistance, including financing, insurance, and transport services.

Boat Trader's history

Boat Trader is an online marketplace for buying and selling new and used boats. It is a major player in the Boat Industry Listing Service (ILS), facilitating communication between boat buyers and sellers. Boat Trader's roots can be traced back to 1986 when its predecessor, AutoTrader, was launched as a classified ad platform for cars. In 1997, the platform rebranded as Boat Trader, catering specifically to the boating industry.

Over the years, Boat Trader has become a well-known name in the boating world, offering a comprehensive inventory of boats from various brands, types, and sizes. It provides a one-stop solution for boat shopping, including classifieds, buy-and-sell services, and reviews. The platform also offers advanced search options, allowing buyers to refine their searches by specialty categories, adjustable mileage ranges, and specific trailer options.

Boat Trader's unique business model and user-friendly design have set it apart from its competitors. It provides a seamless experience for both buyers and sellers, offering access to a vast network of boat dealerships, brokers, and private sellers. The platform also assists with end-to-end services, including financing, insurance, and transport arrangements.

Today, Boat Trader handles millions of dollars in boat transactions annually and is one of the most popular boat categories on eBay and boats.com. With its innovative features and dedication to providing results, Boat Trader has revolutionized the way people search, buy, and sell boats, solidifying its position as a leader in the marine classified advertising segment.

Frequently asked questions