Seven Tips for a Successful Sale of Your Used Boat

It's a lot easier to buy your boat than to sell it. I guess that's why you see far more articles and books about buying a boat than about selling one. To sell your boat takes time, money, patience, and finding the right buyer. Having to sell your boat first, before upgrading to another boat, can add pressure and be frustrating. But, if you know the seven tips below, there's a good chance your boat will sell faster than it otherwise would have.

7 Top Tips to Selling Your Used Boat:

1. Make your boat more saleable-take these six steps

Declutter your boat and let it shine. A clean boat sells.

Don't lose interest. Buyers pick up on this. Staying interested in keeping up with repairs and how the boat looks is extremely important.

Fix what's broken. Don't expect buyers to fix things. If something breaks or looks worn, either repair or replace it. This shows the potential buyer that you still care about your boat. That energy rubs off onto the buyer.

Clean the engine room. No oil, grease, or paint-chipped parts. Unfortunately, this is the biggest deal breaker. It's like walking into someplace that has mold on the walls, dirty bathrooms, and greasy carpets-a real turnoff!

Clean the bilge. Make sure it's not full of dirt, leaves, oil, etc. A smelly bilge is another turnoff, especially for women buyers.

Remove personal items. You want the buyers to imagine or envision their own stuff on the boat. Also, any personal stuff you leave on the boat could, and will, be assumed by the potential buyers to be part of the sale.

2. Determine your boat's best price

If you decide to sell your boat yourself, do your homework. Search the internet for boats similar to yours with the same features, model, and year. Look at used boat magazines. What are these boats selling for? What condition are they in? Where are they located? Are they being sold privately or through a yacht broker?

Yacht brokers can do more research through various websites and books such as ABOS™ Marine Blue Book, BUC^® Used Boat Price Guide, and PowerBoat Guide. These books give them an idea of a boat's current value. The websites they use can tell them what a particular boat sold for in the past. If, in your research, you see a comparable boat being sold via a yacht broker in your area, there's a good chance that you should be pricing your boat similarly.

Once you have an idea of how much boats like yours are selling for, you can then make a logical decision on how much to sell yours for. Don't get trapped into thinking that your boat is worth more than it really is; or, if you still owe money for your boat, that you can sell the boat for the loan balance. Timing is everything, and pricing your boat appropriately is what helps it be seen, then sold, promptly.

3. Take photographs

Boaters love looking at photographs of boats and their parts-the more, the better. Think about the types of photos you like looking at. Take a walk around your boat and take lots of photographs from different angles of the port, transom, starboard, stern, and bow. On sailboats, take photos of the companion way, mainsail, and mast. If you can get pictures of your boat from the water and/or pictures of your boat in the water away from docks, that will be even better.

Next, take inside photos. Before you do, make sure the inside of your boat is tidy and clean, and that everything you're not selling with the boat is out of the way. In other words, if you are not selling that flat screen TV in your salon, don't have it in your pictures. Take photos of the electronics, forward cabin, engine room, engines, heads, galley, salon, state rooms, v-berth, etc. You'll also need photos of the helm, fly bridge, companion, and mate helm seats. If the boat is on the hard, take photos of the propellers, rudder, and/or keel.

Take overall photos, not just close-ups. Again, look at other boats for sale and notice which of their photos you like to look at-guaranteed, your potential buyers will like them also.

4. Advertise

Where you place your ad will determine how much information goes into it. However, the more places you can place your ad, the better are your chances that it will be seen. There are several websites and forums that will let you advertise your boat for free. These include Craigslist.org, BoatBoss.com, and AdPost.com, to name a few. Other sites advertise no fee, but will actually charge you in the vicinity of $350 up front. So, make sure you read the fine print first before placing your boat ad online. Used boat magazines are still a good way to go, but don't limit yourself to just them. They are harder to update with price changes, photographs, etc.

Your ad should include a full description of your boat, the number of hours on the engine and generator, as well as dates and notes on any major rebuilds. Is your boat fresh water or raw cool? You'll want to reveal any weaknesses the boat may have, how long you've owned the boat, and, most importantly, why you're selling it. Its okay to say you're moving up to a bigger boat, stepping down to a smaller one, or retiring from boating. At the end of this chapter you will find a table with a list of specifications you should include in your ad-use this as a worksheet for writing your ad.

Wherever it is, put a "for sale" sign on your boat so others around will know you're selling.

Last, but not least, create a sales brochure for your boat and keep copies handy.

5. Time your sale

Most boats sell between March and September, with a lull in late August and early September. During April through June, people are looking, especially, for purchase by the July 4th holiday. November quiets down again. If at all possible, have your boat in its natural environment (the water) for the best show. On average, it takes a good three to six months to sell a boat. However, some boats have been known to sit for years. It depends on how well you priced your boat to sell, how clean it is, and how well it's advertised.

6. Decide whether to use a broker

If you don't have time to do the research to write and place ads, create and put up signs, take calls and make appointments, show your boat, or sell your boat, a broker is the best way to go. A broker can do all the running around for you, i.e., place the ads, qualify the buyer, show your boat, etc. A broker has access to other brokers; better websites on which to place ads than non-brokers have, such as YachtWorld.com; and the used boat books mentioned in Tip 2 above.

Most boat brokers charge a 10 percent commission, though some charge less. Most brokers truly earn their commissions.

7. be careful about upkeep and use during the selling process

Maintain your boat insurance until you close the deal.

Keep the area around the portholes clean, the batteries acid free, and no mold or mildew showing anywhere. If you're demonstrating the boat, take off the plastic. Let the potential new owners feel the wind in their faces.

Don't use your boat after you've signed a purchase and sale agreement (P&S) and/or have a deposit from the buyer.

If your boat is old and/or hasn't had been surveyed recently, contact an accredited marine surveyor and have it done. Either way, have a copy of the latest marine survey for your boat available for review by potential buyers.

Have receipts on hand for big-ticket items you've bought and repairs you've done, or the name and contact information of the service center that did your repairs, in case your potential buyer or the marine surveyor asks to see them.

As mentioned in Tip 4, here is a list that you may want to put into a table and can use as a worksheet for developing effective text for advertisements and brochures about your boat.

My Boat

Basics

·        Boat name
·        Type of boat
·        Year built/year first used
·        Current price
·        Brand/manufacturer
·        Model
·        Location used/stored
·        Hull material
·        Engine/fuel type

Additional Specifications and Information

·        Specs:

·        Builder
·        Designer
·        Dimensions
·        LOA (Length overall)
·        Beam
·        Maximum draft
·        Displacement
·        Bridge clearance
·        Engines:
·        Engine brand/manufacturer
·        Engine HP (horse power)
·        Engine model
·        Cruising speed
·        Maximum speed
·        Engine hours

·        Tanks:

·        Fresh water tanks
·        Fuel tanks
·        Water heater
·        Galley
·        Accommodations
·        Fly bridge
·        Other:

Robin G. Coles has authored a book, newspaper column and a variety of articles, newsletters, case studies, reports, and technical documents about boating and non-boating topics. To read more of Coles' articles go to: http://RGColesandCo.com

Posted By: Stowaway Marine http://stowawaymarine.net/

5 Essential Summer Fishing Tips

Summer fishing is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences that someone can have. Getting in your boat and floating away to until you can see nothing but water and blue skies is the essence of relaxation. Getting to that desired spot is all about planning and coordination, and here are 5 summer fishing tips to get you to that place.

Find the Perfect Location
Some people want to sit along the side of a nice, quiet lake as they listen to the sound of the birds and enjoy the feel of the water splashing on their feet. Others prefer to take a real trip away from it all, and set sail in their boats until they are far enough away from land to be truly and completely alone. Still, there are other ways to enjoy to art of fishing, but they all include the same important quality, a great location where you can relax and enjoy the task at hand. Finding this location can be done by searching your local area for lakes or ponds where the activity is allowed, and asking advice from fellow fishing enthusiasts about where the good spots are. Depending on your location, you may need to travel some distance to get to the perfect spot.

Know What You're Fishing For
Different types of fishing are designed to catch different types of fish. You may be going after some bottom-feeding fish, in which case you will need several sinkers in order to get your line down to the bottom where you desired fish can be found. In other cases, you may be more interested in the fish that stay closer to the surface, which would require you to have a floating lure to keep your hook from sinking too deep. There are many other forms of fishing, so knowing which one you will be doing is key to getting what you want.

Check your Marine Supplies
Once you know what sort of fishing you are planning on doing, it's important that you have all the marine supplies you need to do it with. Be sure that they equipment you bring with you is right for the types of fishing you want to do. If you are not an experienced fisher, do some research beforehand to make sure that you have everything that you are going to need. Whether using new or used boat parts and equipment, everything needs to be in tip-top shape for the sea. If you purchase used boat parts and equipment from stowaway marine, then you won’t have to worry about any issues.

Ensure the your Equipment is in Order
This means that if you are using a boat you should definitely schedule a tune up, especially if it is the first trip of the season. Have it looked at by a professional to ensure that everything is running smoothly, and that you are not going to have any trouble once you get out onto the water. Any of your other supplies should be checked be sure that it is all in working order. Once you get out there, faulty equipment should be the last thing you are thinking about.

Plan Ahead
It is important to ensure that everything is going to cooperate with your during your fishing excursion. This includes the weather, which needs to be taken into account before planning any trip. Check at least a week ahead of your planned trip to see whether the weather is going to play nice, or leave you hanging at the last minute. While it is possible to fish during poor weather, it might not make for the relaxing get away that you were planning. That is why it is important to plan ahead, and know what to expect when you get there so that you can be prepared for anything.

Published by: Stowaway Marine

Three Things To Do While You Prepare For Your Fishing Trip

Fishing is one adventure many people love to embark on for different reasons. For some people, fishing is a way of earning a living to foot the family bills, while for some others, fishing is one way of enjoying the outside sunshine while boosting the family’ protein supplies. People who have tasted fish caught by their own fishing nets and hooks will always tell you that there is no taste that can beat the taste of fish caught by your own hands. Catching fish may not be all that difficult, but before you can be able to get any fish in your fishing net, you must know the important things about fishing. No matter your reason for embarking on a fishing trip, it is always important that you take certain steps to ensure the success of your fishing trip. There are certain tips you can follow to make your next fishing trip more exciting and fun, the three most important ones are listed below.

Get an Ice Chest

One of the things you must always do while you prepare for your fishing trip is to get a suitable storage facility for the fish you will catch while on your fishing expedition. An ice chest or cooler is known to be very adequate for this purpose. The essence of this ice chest or cooler is to make sure your fish remain fresh while the fishing expedition lasts. This will preserve the taste of your fish till you need to eat them. 

Decide the Type of fish You Want to Catch

While you prepare for your fishing trip, it is always advisable that you decide which fish you want in your fishing net. This will help you learn the different fishing baits for different fish. It is a well known fact that certain types of fish do not fall for baits easily, and therefore require special baits to get them trapped by your hook or fishing net. A good example is the cat fish which is known to be easily attracted by raw chicken liver. Another good example is bream species which gets easily captured when insects like crickets are used as baits for it. Trying to catch certain fish species with baits it is not interested in will result in a futile fishing expedition. 

Check the weather

While you prepare for your fishing trip, it is always important to take the weather condition into consideration. The weather condition plays several vital roles in determining the overall success of your fishing trip. One of such roles is when it comes to fly fishing. Trying to fly fish during windy weather conditions will always result in failed fishing attempts. So it is always important to fly wish when there are less resistances from the wind. Another important role weather plays in fishing is that the weather condition affects the behavior of fish greatly. This is why fishing expeditions tend to be more successful at dawn or dusk when the waters are cool and calm. Fish prefer coming up during cool weather conditions so always plan your fishing trip with favorable weather conditions in mind.

Published by: Stowaway Marine

Purchase The Best Boat In 5 Easy Steps

So, you've decided to buy yourself a boat and you want to make sure that your purchase is nothing less than the best. Well every boat owner and prospective boat owner always wants to make the best choice while buying a boat because a boat is a large and long term investment.

We'd firstly like to congratulate you on your decision to buy yourself a boat! May you explore the waters of the planet in style and spend many a leisurely hour floating in the blue waters, under the starry skies of night and the blazing blue hues of morning light.

The decision to purchase a boat is a huge lifestyle choice; that's why every aspect counts and every detail must be taken into consideration before you go ahead with your purchase. And so we're here to assist you with a 5 step guide on purchasing the best boat so that you can make the most of your leisurely abode.

The 5 Step Guide to Purchasing the Best Boat

1. Research and Choose Your Type - Any purchase, whether major or minor, calls for a thorough research prior to purchase. Conducting a research on the different types of boats available and the various purposes each type of boat serves is important. Boats are classified as cruising boats, housing boats, fishing boats and water sporting boats. Depending on your interests, you can make a selection of your preferred boat type.

So, if you're looking forward to disconnecting from the world and enjoying a home away from home, you can opt for housing boats; however, if you wish to sail the blue waters for recreational purposes, you can choose a cruise boat.

When you choose your type, make sure to jot down your size considerations and other preferred features such as cabins, restrooms and kitchens.

2. New Or Used? - This is always the big question when it comes to buying a boat or any other personal vehicle. Both new and used boats come with a set of pros and cons. While new boats are shiny, unblemished and trouble free, they are relatively expensive and while old boats may not offer you a warranty, they certainly fit the pocket well. Therefore, every pro and con should be studied before you decide to purchase a new or an old boat to help you make the right choice.

3. Set Your Budget Constraints - Once you've conducted a fair amount of research on the different types of boats available, have selected a particular type and studied its price ranges, it's time to set your budget constraints. Ask yourself how much you'd be happy to spend and how much more you'll be willing to spend for a boat. Set a minimum and maximum limit as this will help you keep true to your budget.

4. Find Yourself A Good Dealer - You can rest assured about purchasing the best boat when you're dealing with the right people. Licensed and experienced boat dealers will stay with you throughout the buying process, ensure a certificate and warranty for your purchase and help you make the best decision.

5. Test Drive & Inspect - Do not jump into a purchase out of sheer excitement. Take your time to test drive and inspect prospective boats to check for irregularities and glitches that could render your purchase meaningless. Check the boat engine, its electrical components, steering and throttle controls, deck hardware, propellers, fuel tanks, batteries, hull condition, floors and upholstery. An experienced boat dealer can help you perform an inspection with ease.

Once you've sailed through these 5 steps and have found yourself a boat which you consider the best you could get, it's time to go ahead, sign that check and take your prized possession out for a leisurely sail on the waters. Happy Boating!

With good judgment and research there is a high possibility that you will come ashore at Stow Away Marine, where you can trust us to please your boat the way she pleases you.

Stowaway Marine- Guide for Boating Enthusiasts

Stowaway Marine- Guide for Boating Enthusiasts

The sun is on its way to rise, and the breeze is blowing gently. It’s neither too warm nor too cool. The water looks calm and clean just like a widespread sheet of glass.

Does this sound like a perfect day for you to begin your boating adventure?

A perfect day for boating can arrive anytime in the year. So, all boating enthusiasts should have their boats in the right condition to start sailing.

To keep your boat perfectly working you need to check if all your boat parts are working fine. Faulty, damaged and old boat parts should be changed regularly.

Here are a few tips that can help you if you are looking for Crawfordville boat parts or Tallahassee boat parts.

Ø  Getting Information From The Boat Operating Manual

Finding boat parts can be much easier if you are aware of your boat model and the identification number your boat part. This information is available in the boat operating manual and the documents you receive when you buy your boat.

Ø  Data Plate

The data plate of the manufacturer is positioned on the boat transom, and has a specific identification code along with the date of manufacturing of the boat. The identification number for each boat part is unique hence a different boat part may not fit your boat.

Once you have all the necessary information, you can call the manufacturer’s support team to order a new boat part. In case if the boat part is not available at the manufacturer, inquire with the boat dealer from where you had bought your boat. They usually keep a stock of boat parts for different models.  

Ø  Online Buying

If your boat model is quite old, it is possible that you may not get your boat part anywhere. In such cases visiting an online marketplace would be the best option.

Some of the online boat services provider such as Stow Away Marine Boats offer Crawfordville used boat parts and Tallahassee used boat parts, which can save you a lot of money.

If you are really passionate about boating then probably you should think of buying a new boat. Also, people who wish to involve boating as their regular activity should consider it.

People who are buying a boat for the first time must first identify why they need a boat.

There are several boats for sale in Crawfordville and Tallahassee for you to choose from.

Ø  The most common purpose of buying a boat is fishing. Bass boats are made for fishing purpose, and are powered by outboard motors.

Ø  If you need a boat for recreational purpose and overnight trips then you should go for Cruise boats or Pontoon boats. Pontoon boats are wider and can accommodate larger group of people.

Ø  If you wish to spend lavishly then you can buy a house boat and enjoy the comfort of your home while sailing.

Ø  Ski boats or Racer boats would be the best choice for speed lovers.

Once you are totally ready with replacement of boat parts or maybe brand new boats, then you are probably all set to embark upon a beautiful boating journey.

Posted by Stow Away Marine

Planning A Camping Trip? What You Need To Know To Make It A Success

Lots of people view camping as a perfect escape from the daily grind. Without proper planning and
preparation, your trip can turn into a disaster. The following advice will help you make sure your
camping adventure is enjoyable.

When you're camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. It can be hard to set up camp when
it's dark outside. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the
pitch dark. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch
it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.

Expect that camping is not typically a time you can stay clean easily. Setting the proper
regulations in advance can help to combat this. Enjoy the outdoors and get down and dirty. After
all, you can be normal at home.

Bring a survival kit on the trip and keep it on your person all the time. This kit should include
water-purifying tablets, a first-aid kit, flare gun, survival knife and waterproof matches. This
kit may keep you alive if you are lost and these items are indispensable for a survival situation.
It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.

Make sure your survival kit is available on a constant basis. Your survival kit needs to have
water-purifying tablets, a type of survival knife, a first-aid kit, a flare gun, and waterproof
matches. These are essential items for your survival if you ever get lost. Never leave the kit
behind, even for a short excursion.

As you plan your camping adventure, take children aside and go over common dangers and issues they
may encounter. Get online with them and show them what poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and other
dangers look like. This will help your kids know what to avoid when exploring.

Oranges are great for camping since they're healthy, easy to eat, and they also keep mosquitoes
away. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel
any blood-sucking bugs.

When you reach your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest, most level ground you can locate. If
you pick a spot that is rocky or has a slope to it, you will be uncomfortable when you are inside
your tent. Always lay a tarp down first to prevent water from entering or damaging the tent.

Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. This includes
knowing the area's deadly spiders, what the terrain is like, and whether flash flooding is
possible or not. All camping spots have some dangers associated with them and you want to make
sure you pick a spot that isn't too bad.

If you pet is accompanying you on your camping trip, then be sure to keep them leashed and under
control at all times. A lot of people have a fear of dogs. Take others into consideration when you
camp if you bring a dog. Also, dogs can damage your campsite or another person's campsite if
they're not watched carefully.

Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and
you've got yourself a full camper's meal. You may find yourself too tired to prepare food and
these nutritious snacks could be very satisfying. Such foods will also remain edible for quite
some time, so they will not go to waste if you don't eat them up on your trip.

Hopefully, this information has provided you with advice that will will make your camping trip
much more easy and enjoyable. Apply what you have learned here, and have the most wonderful time
enjoying your next camping adventure.
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Posted by Stowaway Marine

Want to Become a Better Fisherman? Follow These Simple Tips And Tricks

Some who decide to take on fishing as a serious sport will go all out with expensive tools such as
seminars, books and videos. Instead of going to all that trouble, why not just spend more time
fishing? The following article can help you understand some of the ins and outs of how you can
become a better fisher and make some great catches.

All the best fishing equipment and techniques are useless without patience. Fishing requires time
and dedication and there will often be occasions where you go hours or even days without a single
bite. If you allow yourself to become frustrated, you will lose out on all the relaxing benefits
of the hobby.

Most night fisherman use lighted bobbers. Bobbers that are lighted contain small bulbs that help
you see when fish bite. Once a fish takes a nibble, the bobber jumps up on the surface, letting
the fisherman know something has been hooked.

Give fly fishing a shot! There are a lot of benefits associated to fly fishing, and you need to
remember that iit s different from other types of fishing. You are going to have to change out a
lot of your fishing gear, such as your rods, lures, and even your clothing if you want to try
making the shift to fly fishing.

When you are fishing in winter, make sure to use sinkers. Sinkers will weigh down the line and
allow bait to go deeper, hitting the warm waters where fish hide during the winter. How many
sinkers are added to the line, and how big they are, varies according to how deep the water is.

Find a good place for catching fish, and then go a little upstream to cast. Your hook will drag
past the fish. A stream has a natural drift downstream, so fish will naturally be attracted by it.
For best results, use this approach when fishing in areas where fish may be lurking near an
obstruction.

Natural live bait will catch the most fish. Usually fish will eat insects which live in the area
near the water you are fishing. You'll have more success with the type of bait you already see
around the water's edge. Some expensive artificial lures are not as attractive to the fish as they
are for the fisherman.

Utilizing grubs is a great way to enable you to catch more bass. Although they are small lures,
they work quite well to catch large fish too. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught
successfully using grubs. They are most effective for use in the low coverage areas, such as
highland reservoirs.

Fishing is simple to do once you have learned and read the appropriate tips and advice. This
article has provided you with all that and more, so feel confident next time you step into your
boat and paddle out on the lake to enjoy a lazy afternoon of fishing.
----------------------------------------------------
Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy nature.  Here's a way to enhance your fishing
experience, try listening to an audiobook!  Click here for a great article on this new form of
entertainment:  http://historyaudiobookreviews.com/. Here's another great article you'll like:
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Posted by Stowawaymarine.net