I've bought & sold more then a few sailboats over the years & I can guarantee you that that the keys to selling a boat are this: if you want decent moeny then it must LOOK GOOD. It does not have to be in good mechanical condition or even that sea worthy (I'm sure that yours is), but if it looks like crap, expect low ball or no offers. The first importance is waxing the hull & painting the deck if they look rough. 2. All boat manufactures know this: cabins sell (or don't) sell boats. It has to look like you'd want to spend some time below, unless the boat is strictly for racing such as a Melges, etc. Get your cushions cleaned up & stitch any holes, etc. Better yet, the best money spent is in recovering them. Even if its just cheap wallmart fabric, do it. Nothing looks better then recovered cushions. It makes a tired cabin look new. You don't have to buy expensive Sunbrella etc. because you're selling it. Who cares if it starts to get foxing spots after 6 months? It won't be yours to worry about anymore. You've replaced your engine, which is a major plus. Use the electric powered motor as a major selling point: no gas to buy & no maintenance other then charging the batteries! Who could ask for more on a day sailer? Haven't seen your photos yet, but take a look at my before & after photos on my album. The proof is in the sale.
Every boat I buy I do these same things: hull waxing, sand & refinish all teak, bottom job, engine & trans. oil change, replace all thru hulls & questionable plumbing, replace batteries, replace cushion covers unless they look good (which is never - hah). A small GPS unit is a major selling point for novice navigators, & the admiral. A working stereo a big plus.
If the boat is not visibly appealing, then it just won't sell to any serious buyers, other then low ballers. Good luck & let us know how it goes.
ps. I try to never be an owner of more then 1 boat at once. Its easy to buy 2 & get over your head with maintenenace & slip fees. I always remind myself, you can only sail one at a time. Cheers.
Every boat I buy I do these same things: hull waxing, sand & refinish all teak, bottom job, engine & trans. oil change, replace all thru hulls & questionable plumbing, replace batteries, replace cushion covers unless they look good (which is never - hah). A small GPS unit is a major selling point for novice navigators, & the admiral. A working stereo a big plus.
If the boat is not visibly appealing, then it just won't sell to any serious buyers, other then low ballers. Good luck & let us know how it goes.
ps. I try to never be an owner of more then 1 boat at once. Its easy to buy 2 & get over your head with maintenenace & slip fees. I always remind myself, you can only sail one at a time. Cheers.
