Unlocking Craigslist Boat Deals: A Guide To Buying

Craigslist is a great platform to buy and sell boats. To open a Craigslist boat for sale, you will need to create an account on the website, prepare the boat for sale by cleaning and inspecting it, and gather all the necessary documentation. You will also need to create an effective advertisement with detailed descriptions and high-quality pictures of the boat. Once you have all the information and visuals ready, you can head to the posting page and fill out the online form. It is important to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with potential buyers to avoid scams and ensure a successful transaction.

Preparing to sell

Before you list your boat on Craigslist, there are a few things you should do to prepare. Firstly, create an account on Craigslist by entering your email and confirming the account via a link sent to your inbox.

Next, you'll want to get your boat in top condition. Do a thorough cleaning, inspecting for any damage, and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. You'll also want to gather the following:

• Inspection records from licensed inspectors and mechanics
• A competitive price for your boat, using a boat value calculator or by checking the prices of similar models on sites like Boat Trader, boats.com, iBoats.com, or Facebook Marketplace

When setting a price, be aware of the price point or range you should be aiming for. Don't overcharge, and be prepared to negotiate. You can also advertise that your boat has recently been serviced by a mechanic.

It's also a good idea to prepare a package for potential buyers that includes:

• Service maintenance records
• Safety inspections performed by a licensed person
• Any certificates that apply in your state (e.g. safety, environmental)
• Title deed and bill of sale
• Proof that the boat is mechanically sound, such as a mechanic's report

Crafting an effective advertisement

Know Your Boat's Value and Details

Before writing your ad, it's important to do some market research to identify your boat's resale value. Websites like NADA Guides and HINDecoder offer value calculators to help you determine a fair and competitive price. Check similar models on Boat Trader, boats.com, iBoats.com, and Facebook Marketplace for reference. Additionally, gather all the necessary details about your boat, including inspection records, maintenance history, and any recent repairs. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive overview of your boat to potential buyers.

Write Clear and Concise Copy

When writing the description of your boat, be clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid industry jargon or technical terms that potential buyers may not be familiar with. Include all the essential details, such as make/manufacturer, location, LOA, model name, age, condition, and propulsion types. Be honest and transparent about any flaws or cosmetic damage. A detailed and accurate description builds trust with potential buyers and increases your chances of making a sale.

Use Engaging and Authentic Language

Create a connection with potential buyers by using engaging and authentic language in your ad. Avoid overly salesy or generic language. Instead, be creative and include relevant keywords that buyers may search for. For example, if you're selling a sailboat, highlight its amenities and recreational features. Showcase what makes your boat unique and why someone would want to buy it. Always proofread your ad to avoid typos and grammatical errors, as these can be off-putting to potential buyers.

Include High-Quality Visuals

Visual content is crucial to enhancing your ad. Include multiple high-quality pictures of your boat from different angles, showcasing its present condition and highlighting its strong points. If possible, include videos of you using the boat's amenities or showcasing its features in action. Visual content helps potential buyers make a more confident decision and shows your transparency as a seller.

Provide Contact Information

Make it easy for interested buyers to reach you by providing your contact information. At a minimum, include your email address in the ad. If you prefer not to post your personal phone number, you can share it via email once you've agreed on a price with a potential buyer. Alternatively, consider using a Google Voice number to maintain your privacy while still providing a phone contact option.

Emphasize Extra Features and Benefits

In addition to the boat itself, highlight any extra features or benefits that come with it. For example, if your boat has a trailer, be sure to mention it. Emphasize that the boat has been well-maintained and include any recent service or maintenance records. You can also attach a "For Sale" tag to the boat in the pictures to emphasize its availability.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting an effective advertisement for your boat on Craigslist, increasing your chances of attracting potential buyers and making a successful sale.

Taking and selecting photos

Before you take photos of your boat, make sure to give it a thorough cleaning, and inspect for any damage. You should also perform any necessary repairs and maintenance. If there is clutter on the boat, clear each area as you take photos. You want to present a clean, spacious boat in your photos.

When taking photos, use a camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens. This will allow you to capture more of each "room" in the photo and make the boat look more spacious. Pick a sunny day for the photos, as the natural light will make the boat look better. Take lots of photos—50 or more—from different angles, and include close-ups of all electronics. Make sure the photos are sharp and in focus, and that there is no "stuff" in them that shouldn't be. For example, remove any power cords, books, glasses, etc., that may be in the shot.

You can also include videos of you using the boat's amenities and recreational features. If it's a fishing boat, showcase its fish box, rod holders, and washdowns. The key is to be transparent and show the boat in its present, actual condition.

Once you have your photos, edit and select the best ones. Delete any blurry or bad photos, and crop or add arrows/circles to the good ones to highlight certain features. Give the photos clear names that describe what is in the image.

Structuring the advertisement

When structuring your advertisement, there are several key elements to include to make it captivating and concise. Firstly, a compelling title is essential. Include key features such as the make, model, year, and length of the boat. If there are any unique selling points, such as recent upgrades or low engine hours, be sure to mention them in the title to spark interest. For example, a catchy title could be "2021 XYZ Speedboat: Upgraded Engine, Low Hours".

In the body of your advertisement, provide a detailed and engaging description that tells the story of your boat. Begin with an enticing introduction that highlights its overall appeal, design, and construction. Describe any notable features that make it stand out, such as its size, weight, engine type, and horsepower. Mention any additional equipment included in the sale, such as fishing gear or safety equipment. Be transparent about any known issues or imperfections, as honesty builds trust with potential buyers.

Visual content is also crucial. Include high-quality photos from various angles to showcase the boat's exterior, interior, and key features. Consider adding videos of the boat in action, such as cruising on the water, to give potential buyers a better sense of its performance.

When writing your advertisement, use short paragraphs and sentences, even when providing a detailed history of the boat. Keep the text easy to read and understand while conveying all the important information. Use specific words to describe the boat's features and express your eagerness to sell.

Finally, include a "For Sale" tag in your advertisement, and mention that the boat has been well-maintained. Share your contact information, such as an email address or phone number, to make it easy for potential buyers to reach out to you.

Providing contact information

However, it is recommended that you at least provide an email so that potential buyers can reach you. You can then share your phone number via email once you have agreed on a price and are ready to arrange a meeting and a viewing of the boat. This way, you avoid constant phone calls and lowball offers but still provide a way for serious buyers to contact you.

Another option is to use a Google Voice number instead of your personal phone number. This way, you can include a phone number in your listing without worrying about your personal phone being bombarded with calls at all hours.

It is important to be responsive and available to potential buyers. This will help keep negotiations open and increase your chances of closing a deal.

Frequently asked questions