Time to upgrade your vessel? Whether your family is growing or your nautical preferences are evolving, upgrading your boat is a great way to adapt to your changing needs. But of course, before you can begin the boat-buying process, you may want to sell your existing vessel.
Instead of taking the first offer, a little elbow grease can increase boat value and ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck.
9 Tips to Increase the Value of Your Boat
Want to boost your boat’s value before you sell it? Follow these tips:
1. Conduct Regular Maintenance
Performing regular maintenance keeps your vessel operating at its finest. If you leave your rig to the elements, it’ll quickly deteriorate and lose its value. Therefore, washing your boat to prevent rust, changing the engine oil, and inspecting the propeller should all be part of your regular maintenance routine. Additionally, look for signs of damage or deterioration and get them fixed as soon as possible.
Read Next: Boat Maintenance Tips
2. Upgrade Your Electronics
Updating your electronics is another simple way to increase boat value. If you don’t have one already, a media control center and some high-quality speakers are a great place to start. You might also consider installing onboard WiFi. Aside from entertainment, potential electronic additions include a marine GPS, fish finder, and charter plotter.
3. Invest in LED Lighting
If you don’t already have LED lighting, consider installing it before you put your boat on the market. Not only does LED lighting last longer while using less power, but it can also help keep the boat’s interior cooler.
4. Freshen Up Your Canvas
Trust us when we say that a ragged boat campus isn’t helping your boat sell. With regular wear and tear, you’ll likely need a new Bimini top every five years. And while a good cleaning might be all your bimini needs, investing in a brand-new one can help your boat sell faster – it tells buyers that your vessel is clean and well-maintained.
When purchasing a new canvas, consider aesthetics as well as functionality. Additionally, choose a color that complements your boat’s interior and exterior.
5. Refresh the Paint
Is your boat bottom overdue for a new coat of paint? Blister repair? Barnacle removal? Well, now is the time to do it. Many boat buyers want a turnkey sale, and taking the time to tidy up your boat’s bottom could be why a buyer chooses your rig over another.
Read Next: How to Paint a Boat
6. Service the Motor
Before listing your boat for sale, you want to ensure your outboard motor, sterndrive, or inboard is in tip-top shape. Giving the motor a thorough service — including changing the oil and lubricants and replacing any worn parts — is a simple way to elevate your boat’s value.
7. Install a Head on Board
Another way to increase your boat’s value is to install a head (aka marine toilet) on board. Even if you’re selling a small day cruiser, a portable, camping-style toilet can add value to your boat. And a small cuddy or even privacy curtains will do the trick. This affordable — yet relatively simple — addition could be a pivotal factor in a sale. And don’t worry about pumping – you can empty the cartridge at the port.
8. Upgrade the Interior
A welcoming interior — whether that’s an inviting cabin or simply modern cushion covers — makes a wonderful first impression on buyers. Therefore, take some time to upgrade old cushions, bedspreads, drapes, and the like. You could also upgrade the portholes or window and replace the carpet if necessary. Adding new appliances to the galley can also impress potential buyers.
9. Keep It Clean
Lastly, keeping your rig sparkly clean is non-negotiable in the world of boat selling. Additionally, keeping your boat tidy all year long can help you spot minor damages — mold, scratches, etc. — and fix them before they become larger problems. It’s far too common for boat owners to forgo routine maintenance and cleaning and then have to fix loads of issues when it comes time to sell.
10. Increase Boat Value for a Sale
All boat sellers want to get the biggest bang for their buck. Following these nine tips for increasing boat value will help you do that!
Once your rig is looking and operating at its best, check out our Ultimate Boat Seller’s Guide. It’ll walk you through the boat selling process – including working with boat dealers and brokers, deciding on an asking price, marketing your rig, and everything else you need to know. Good luck!
