Best Online Platforms To List Your Boat For Sale

When it comes to selling your boat, you have two main options: selling it yourself by listing it on a general or boat-specific marketplace, or selling it through a licensed yacht broker. If you're looking to sell your boat without the help of a broker, there are several online marketplaces you can use. Boat Trader, boats.com, and YachtWorld are all popular options, attracting millions of visitors each month. These sites feature thousands of boat models in popular types such as bowriders, center consoles, and ski and wakeboats. If your boat is worth less than $50,000, you might also consider listing it on Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, although these sites tend to attract more window shoppers. Classified listings in boating magazines are another option, offering less exposure but more serious buyers.

Online boating marketplaces

When it comes to selling your boat, you have two main options: selling it yourself by listing it on a general or boat-specific marketplace, or selling it through a licensed yacht broker.

Selling your boat on your own can be a good option if you want to avoid brokerage fees. However, it's important to note that you will be responsible for determining the price, showing the boat to potential buyers, handling the legal aspects of the sale, and paying for advertising. To make the process easier, consider listing your boat on an online boating marketplace, which will help you reach a wider audience of potential buyers. Here are some of the top online boating marketplaces to consider:

• Boat Trader: The largest boating marketplace in America, with millions of potential buyers. Boat Trader offers a simple process to sell your boat, including building your listing, choosing a package, and adding photos and videos. It also provides a Price Checker Tool to help you determine a fair price for your boat.
• Boats.com: Features more than 120,000 global listings, making it the biggest collection of boats online. It also offers thousands of boat reviews to attract buyers.
• YachtWorld: The largest selection of yachts in the world, with over 70,000 vessels available for co-brokerage. YachtWorld is home to the largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the marine industry.
• Boatcrazy: Offers a low one-time fee starting at $19 and no monthly fees or commissions. Your listing will be published on Boatcrazy, Facebook Marketplace, and other partner sites, reaching millions of buyers.
• Facebook Marketplace: A convenient option if you already have a Facebook account. You can list your boat for sale to buyers in your area.
• Craigslist: A free option to list your boat, but be aware that most buyers may be on Facebook.
• The Hull Truth: A boating and fishing forum that allows you to list your boat for sale. You can join the Captains Club for $30 to expose your boat to thousands of potential buyers.

In addition to online boating marketplaces, you can also consider listing your boat on general marketplaces like eBay or classified listings in boating magazines. Keep in mind that these options may attract more window shoppers, and it may be more time-consuming to find qualified and serious buyers.

Facebook Marketplace

To list your boat on Facebook Marketplace, you must first have a Facebook account. The process is straightforward: use your profile to list your vessel online, and you can specify that you want to reach buyers in your area. Facebook Marketplace is a general marketplace, so you will be listing your boat alongside other items, but it is free to use and easy to set up.

There are some downsides to using Facebook Marketplace. You may find yourself spending a lot of time dealing with window shoppers and people who are not serious buyers. It is also your responsibility to ensure your listing is correctly categorised and spelled correctly, so that potential buyers can find it.

If you are selling a more expensive boat, you may want to consider using a broker or a boat-specific marketplace, such as Boat Trader or boats.com, as well as Facebook Marketplace. These sites attract a high volume of boat shoppers and feature thousands of boat models. They also make it easy to create and update your listing. However, these sites often charge a fee to list your boat, and you will still be responsible for determining a fair price, showing your boat to interested buyers, and handling the sales process and legal aspects of the sale.

To sell your boat quickly, it is a good idea to list it in as many places as possible. This could include word-of-mouth, displaying your boat in your yard, boating/fishing forums and social media, local papers, Craigslist, eBay, and other buying/selling apps and websites.

Classified listings in boating magazines

One of the most popular boating magazines is Boat Trader, which also has a website. The magazine has a circulation of over 2 million unique visitors per month, and you can list your boat in the magazine for an upfront fee. You can also list your boat on their website in under 3 minutes, and they offer a range of packages to suit your needs and budget. Boat Trader also has a Price Checker Tool, which can help you price your boat competitively.

Another option is the magazine and website, boats.com, which has more than 120,000 global listings, the biggest collection of boats online. They also feature thousands of boat reviews to attract buyers.

If you have a yacht to sell, YachtWorld is the place to list it. With over 80,000 boats listed by nearly 3,000 international brokerages, it's the largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the marine industry.

For those with an older sailboat, Good Old Boat magazine is a good option. Focusing on 10+-year-old sailboats, the magazine is clear that it's not the place for those looking to sell powerboats.

If you have a wooden boat, you could try WoodenBoat magazine, which has a classified section.

Finally, for small boat enthusiasts, Small Boats Magazine is a good option. The magazine has a classified section, and a simple subscription model.

Craigslist and eBay

Craigslist

Craigslist is a popular online classifieds platform that allows users to post and browse a variety of items for sale, including boats. To list a boat on Craigslist, follow these steps:

• Go to the Craigslist website or app and create an account if you don't already have one.
• Find your local Craigslist site by selecting your country and region.
• Click on "Create a Post" or a similar option to start creating your listing.
• Choose the "For Sale" category and select "Boats" as the subcategory.
• Fill out the listing details, including a title, price, description, and photos of the boat. Be sure to include as much information as possible, such as the boat's make, model, year, condition, and any additional features or accessories.
• Review your listing and confirm the details.
• Submit your listing and wait for potential buyers to contact you.

EBay

EBay is another popular online marketplace that offers a wide range of items, including boats. To list a boat on eBay, follow these steps:

• Create an eBay account if you don't already have one. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, email address, and a secure password.
• Go to the eBay Motors section on the website or app, which is specifically designed for vehicles, including boats.
• Click on "Sell" or a similar option to start creating your listing.
• Fill out the listing details, including the boat's make, model, year, condition, and any additional features or accessories. Be as detailed as possible to provide potential buyers with all the information they need.
• Add clear and high-quality photos of the boat from different angles to give buyers a better idea of its condition.
• Set a price for your boat and choose whether you want to list it as an auction-style listing or a fixed-price listing.
• Confirm your listing details and submit your listing.
• Communicate with potential buyers through the eBay messaging system if they have any questions or offers.
• Once your boat is sold, arrange for payment and shipping or pickup with the buyer.

Both Craigslist and eBay offer a wide reach and the potential to connect with a large number of buyers. However, it's important to keep in mind that these platforms may also attract window shoppers or less serious buyers. Therefore, it's essential to provide detailed listings and clear photos to help serious buyers make informed decisions. Additionally, be cautious when dealing with potential buyers, and consider meeting in a public place or taking other safety precautions when showing the boat in person.

Online forums for recreational boating

Online forums can be a great way to connect with other boating enthusiasts and get advice on buying and selling boats. Here are some popular online forums dedicated to recreational boating:

Iboats Boating Forums

Iboats Boating Forums is a comprehensive forum covering a wide range of boating topics. It includes sections for general boating discussions, boat repair and maintenance, boating activities and destinations, and even a classifieds section for buying and selling boats and boat parts. The forum has active members who are always willing to help and share their experiences.

Downeast Boat Forum

The Downeast Boat Forum is a premier forum dedicated to Downeast boat enthusiasts. It covers a range of topics, including general discussions, boat projects and building, engine and mechanical discussions, electrical and electronics, and even a section for commercial fishermen. The forum also has a classifieds section where you can list your boat or boat-related items for sale.

Offshoreonly.com

Offshoreonly.com is a popular forum for offshore boating enthusiasts. It covers a wide range of topics, including general boating discussions, racing, safety, and regional boating clubs. The forum also has a dedicated marketplace section for buying and selling boating parts and accessories. It's a great place to connect with other offshore boating enthusiasts and get advice on all aspects of boating.

R/boating on Reddit

Reddit's r/boating community is the largest boat enthusiasts community on the internet, with over 100,000 members. It's a place to discuss all things boating, including buying and selling boats, boat maintenance, and general boating experiences. The community is very active, and you can find a wealth of information and advice from fellow boating enthusiasts.

Boats.com

While primarily a boat listing website, boats.com also has an extensive collection of boat reviews and articles, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to buy or sell a boat. The website attracts a high volume of boat shoppers due to its large selection of boat models and types.

These online forums can be excellent resources for recreational boaters looking to connect with other enthusiasts, get advice, and buy or sell boats and boating equipment. They offer a wealth of information and a sense of community that can enhance your boating experience.

Frequently asked questions