How To Sell Your Fishing Boat - A Step-By-Step Guide

Selling a fishing boat can seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and platform, the task can be streamlined and result in a tidy profit. Whether you're upgrading or just no longer need your fishing boat, it's important to advertise and market effectively. We will guide you through the process, advising you on how to show off your fishing boat's features, and how to use Boat Peak to your best advantage.

1. Preparation

To maximise your profit and success, there are several prerequisites:

• Cleaning: A thoroughly cleaned fishing boat makes all the difference. At a minimum, debris should be removed from the interior, the fittings and fastenings polished, and the exterior waxed if appropriate. A well-presented fishing boat together with the right photos make a huge impact.
• Inspecting: Checking your boat for any damage gives you the opportunity to conduct repairs. Repairing anything that needs repairing will make your boat more attractive to buyers and also boost any profit.
• Documentation: It's useful to get all documentation together in advance. Important documents include the Owner's Manual, previous Bills of Sale, the original invoice with proof of VAT, the Builders Certificate (optional), Registration (if applicable), Recreational Craft Directive proof (if applicable), and any maintenance related documents (e.g. invoices for repairs).

2. Set a Fair Price

Pricing your fishing boat is itself a challenging task. Setting the price too high can result in no interest, while setting it too low will eat into your profit. When deciding a price, it's best to look online at other boats with a similar age, brand and condition. It is often better to start with a higher price as Boat Peak allows you to easily reduce your asking price with only a few clicks.

3. Write Your Advert

Writing about your fishing boat is one of the most difficult parts of the process. While just listing its features is effective to a large extent, describing the impact of its features by relating them to the fishing experience can give your advert the edge. Here's an example of a good advert structure:

a. Capacity & Hull Design

Make sure to include the length of your boat, as well as any details regarding its size and capacity. Include, for example, details on how many people it can fit, e.g. 3-4 people. It's also important to describe the type of hull your boat has. Whether you have a flat-bottomed hull which is more suitable for shallower/calmer waters in lakes and rivers, or whether it has a deep V-shaped hull which is better suited for improving stability in rougher waters.

b. Fishing Features

When it comes down to it, any prospective buyer is interested in the fishing experience. It's therefore necessary to emphasise your boat's features. A few points to consider are as follows:

• Live Wells: These are essential for keeping any catches alive or maintaining bait. List how many your fishing boat has, as well as their positions. If your live wells have the ability to keep water oxygenated, mention it, as that is a strong selling point in itself.
• Rod Holders: State how many rod holders your boat has, as well as whether they are adjustable, can they be positioned for trolling and casting, etc.
• GPS / Fish Finders / Other Electronics: Things such as GPS, fish finders and other electronics have the potential to add lots of value. Potential buyers will be interested in easily finding schools of fish with the fish finder module. GPS is also a major selling point, so be sure to let people know if you have one. It's also helpful to state the make/model of the electronics so that potential buyers can look them up online before enquiring.
• Trolling Motor: State whether your fishing boat has a trolling motor. Make sure to include details of the type of motor (e.g. 12V or 24V), and also include a description of how well it handles.
• Storage Facilities: Storage compartments are also a major selling point. Buyers will be interested in hearing about the number of storage compartments, their size, whether they include tackle trays, etc.

c. Speed & Performance

Make sure to list the type of engine that your boat has, whether it's an inboard or an outboard, and also its horsepower and other stats such as fuel efficiency. If your fishing boat is very fuel efficient, make sure to mention it, as you will attract potential buyers who are conscious about operating costs.

d. Comfort

We also recommend briefly explaining what the boat is like to use, including its comfort and convenience. If your boat has any of the following features, do make sure to mention them - padded seating, adjustable seating, sunshades, good stability, lighting, cup holders, deck space, temperature control, heaters, etc.

4. Use Boat Peak To Advertise Your Fishing Boat

Boat Peak is a free to use website which lets you advertise your fishing boat for as long as necessary. To advertise your fishing boat, make sure to follow the below steps. If you have trouble with the process, please contact us.

Step 1 - Make a Free Account

Create a free account here:

Step 2 - Create a Free Advert

Once you've followed the instructions and activated your account, make sure to log in. You can then create a new advert by pressing the "New Advert" button. Alternatively you can click here.

Create a Free Advert

Choose the type of advert from the drop down. If you want to sell a fishing boat, select "Fishing Boats":

a. Fill in the Basic Information

Fill in the following basic information. This is used to help users search general information and contact you:

b. Fill in the Description

Fill in the description. To make your advert more attractive, you can use colours, bold text, underlined text, different font sizes, and more:

c. Upload Images

Upload your best images. The top image will be used as the main image which is displayed on the home page.

Step 3 - Publish Your Free Advert

Finally, return to the UCP, select the "Publish" action and press "Submit". Your advert will then go to "Pending Approval" status.

Please allow up to 24 hours for approval. After approval, your advert will appear on the home page.