
Boat brokers sell second-hand boats on behalf of boat owners, taking a commission from the sale. Commission rates are typically around 10% but can be negotiated down if you're giving the broker other business, or if you're willing to do some of the work yourself, such as taking photos and videos or doing viewings. You can also negotiate a lower commission rate by listing exclusively with a single boat broker, as this gives them more predictability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical commission rate | 10% |
| Commission rate for exclusive listing | Lower |
| Commission rate for non-exclusive listing | Higher |
| Commission rate when boat broker is in a different country | Lower |
| Commission rate when seller does viewings | Lower |
| Commission rate when seller takes photos and videos | Lower |
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What You'll Learn

Commission rates are about 10% on the sale of a boat
If you want to pay a lower commission rate, you can list exclusively with a single boat broker. This means they are more likely to close the deal and earn the commission, so they may be more willing to negotiate a lower rate. You can also negotiate a lower rate by doing some of the work yourself, such as taking photos and videos or doing viewings. If your boat broker is in a different country to your boat, you may also be able to negotiate a lower rate.
If you want to avoid paying commission altogether, you can sell your boat yourself.
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Commission rates are negotiable
If you choose to list exclusively with a single boat broker, they are more likely to charge a lower commission rate. This is because they know that their brokerage firm will eventually close the deal and earn the commission, so they may agree to negotiate a lower rate to entice you to sign an exclusive listing agreement.
You can also negotiate a lower commission rate if you are giving the broker other business, such as selling and buying a boat with them.
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Lower commission rates for exclusive listings
Boat industry commission rates are about 10% on the sale of a boat. However, there are ways to negotiate lower commission rates. One way is to list exclusively with a single boat broker. Boat brokers are more likely to charge a lower commission rate for exclusive listings because they know their brokerage firm will eventually close the deal and earn the commission. This gives the boat broker more predictability. Therefore, they may agree to negotiate a lower commission rate to entice you to sign for a 6 to 12-month exclusive listing agreement.
On the other hand, signing a non-exclusive listing means you list with multiple boat brokers. This also means that there is a good chance that another boat broker will make the sale. As a result, there is little incentive for the non-exclusive boat broker to do much work on your sale, other than listing your boat on listing websites.
You can also negotiate lower fees by doing some of the work yourself. For example, you can take photos and videos or do the viewings yourself. If your boat broker is in one country and your boat is in another, commissions are also typically lower.
Additionally, you can negotiate a lower commission rate if you are giving the broker other business, such as selling and buying a boat with them.
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Boat brokers sell secondhand boats
Boat brokers typically charge a commission rate of 10% on the sale of a boat. This fee is negotiable, and you can lower it by doing some of the work yourself, such as taking photos and videos or doing the viewings. Commissions are also lower if your boat broker is in a different country to your boat.
If you list exclusively with a single boat broker, they are more likely to charge a lower commission rate. This is because they know their brokerage firm will eventually close the deal and earn the commission, giving them more predictability.
On the other hand, signing a non-exclusive listing means you list with multiple boat brokers. This also means that there is a good chance that another boat broker will make the sale, so there is little incentive for the non-exclusive boat broker to do much work on your sale beyond listing your boat on websites.
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Commissions are lower if your boat broker is in a different country
If you choose to list exclusively with a single boat broker, they are more likely to charge a lower commission rate. This is because they know their brokerage firm will eventually close the deal and earn the commission. You can also negotiate a lower commission rate by giving the broker other business, such as selling and buying a boat with them.
Boat brokers don't own the boats they sell, they market and sell them on a commission basis for the boat owner. They typically sell second-hand boats, similar to real estate agents in the housing market.
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Frequently asked questions
Boat industry commission rates are about 10%. However, this fee is negotiable.
You can negotiate a lower commission rate by doing some of the work yourself, such as taking photos and videos or doing viewings. You can also list exclusively with a single boat broker, as they are more likely to charge a lower commission rate.
Boat brokers are similar to real estate agents in the housing market. They market and sell boats on a commission basis for the boat owner. Using a boat broker can save you time and effort in the selling process.
Yes, you can sell your boat yourself without using a boat broker. This option can be free, but it requires more time and effort on your part.


































