Top Considerations Before Selling Your Used Boat in BC

Are you considering trading your vessel? Do you know its worth? You surely want the best market value for your boat. You might need to consider a few things before putting the "used boats and outboard engines for sale" sign, especially if you are selling your vessel for the first time or even if you are making the trade every couple of years.

Many aspects can become a deciding factor in determining the price of your used boat. It includes but is not limited to model, brand, age, size, build, condition, marine accessories, electronics, and engine. Therefore, having an initial idea about the market value and other factors is always helpful.

Here, we will look at the essential points that help find the value of a boat.

1. Type and Age

The crucial factor in identifying your vessel's trading price is its age and type. A larger boat with many amenities and robust engines, such as professional fishing boats for sale on Vancouver Island, can get a higher price than small motorboats.

Is it your customized aluminum boat for sale? Or is it a fibreglass vessel that you want to trade? Is it a bass boat, a bowrider, a cuddy cabin, a center console, a deck boat, a fish-and-ski boat, a pilothouse, or other types of speed boats in BC? Which brand of boat do you have; Liquid Metal, Osprey, Thunder Jet, Rogue Jet, Marlon, Crestliner, or any other? If you have a vessel from such famous manufacturers, you can have a better resale value.

Also, check the age of your vessel. Over time, the boat's value can depreciate, just like your old car or any other vehicle. A 10-15-year-old model might not get as much as a 3–4-year-old vessel, even if you find the best "fishing boat dealers near me."

2. Accessories and Electronics

A well-equipped boat with all modern facilities and gears can positively impact the buyer's mind. Electronics can be outdated quickly and might lose their value. Outdated TV or other components may only please a few customers. However, advanced technology and features like fishfinders, boat navigators, autopilot controllers, radio with AIS, radar, and more boat electronics from brands like Simrad, Lowrance, etc. can help raise the price.

3. Condition

You can consider three categories that play a vital role in determining the boat's condition.

I) Mechanical – It covers the engine's hours, hull and deck's physical condition, etc. Suppose the engine and other boat structure is in good shape. In that case, your vessel will be worth more. On the other hand, a boat with an outdated engine and a holed hull, which requires patching or repairing, can significantly reduce the price, even if you have many other attractive features on your vessel.

II) Rigging – Is your boat explicitly configured for coastal or bluewater boating, fresh or saltwater fishing, general pleasure or commercial purposes, or other boating activities in British Columbia? Did your marine technician align the rigging process with the manufacturer's recommendation? These questions will help identify the correct value to put on the tag.

III) Cosmetics – Non-essential features such as trim, canvas, gel coating, the shine of the metalwork, etc., can add somewhat value in the end.

Often saltwater boats can lose paint and get corrosion quickly compared to freshwater vessels. Hence, you need to take good care of the hull and other parts to retain the excellent value of your saltwater boats.

The state of boat props, engines, hull, and other parts is also crucial in calculating the boat's resale price. The vessel's value may vary based on the condition of these components.

A Few Tips to Get the Best Value of Your Used Boat

• Maintain your vessel with regular checks, repairs, and upgrades of the engine and other components to keep it in good condition for a longer time.
• Check the validity of your boat certificate and renew it from time to time. A certified vessel gets a better resale cost than a non-certified boat.
  
• Remember to visit the boat clearance sale in and around your area. It will help you check other vessels on sale and compare the prices, features, etc., with your boat.
  
• Search and connect with the experienced dealer in BC who can help determine the realistic value of your vessel.

Conclusion

It can be tricky to sell your current boat or buy a new or used vessel without proper guidance and professional help. Hence, marine experts recommend connecting with your nearby boat dealership in Port Alberni, Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, or any other city you live in Canada.

If you are looking for new or used boats and outboard engines for sale in BC, used boat finance, or any other marine services on Vancouver Island, feel free to contact us at Alberni Power & Marine. We are keen to talk about your passion and requirement as an angler. Let's connect today.