How best to SHOW my boat for sale?

Barnacle Bill · Dec 31, 2012

If you have a wide angle lens, that is best for interior shots, but not for exterior shots. Remember that people interested in buying your boat want to get a representation of her condition. So, glossy sailing shots might give them a perspective on on what the boat looks like under sail, but not much else. Take photos so people can see the interior layout, all cabins, head, etc. The condition of the cabin sole and the overhead. Take a photo of the inboard too. The more the better. Take one of the bilge, the galley, the nav station, with the table down or up or leaves out or in, etc. Take photos of all sides of the boat either in the water or out. Take pictures of the forward deck, middeck and cockpit. Take photos of the transom, companionway, cockpit lockers, electronics, etc. People like to know how many people can sit in the cockpit. If you have equipment such as a windlass, take that too. Interested people might request specific pictures that you haven't provided. Oh, don't forget the keel, rudder and prop too. Most of all, clean up your boat, shine her up and clean and seal any exterior teak, if applicable. I cannot believe those who wish to sell their boat don't bother to clean them up. It is sooooooooo important. It makes you look like a conscientious boat owner. Good luck.

NC-C320 · Dec 31, 2012

In 2010, I sold my 2001 Catalina 22 MKII by listing it on several websites, including this one. Most websites have a limited number of photos that you can display, but to fully show the boat inside and out, and all around, you need more. I set up an account on Photobucket.com and displayed 190+ photos showing everything....probably overkill...and provided the Photobucket link in my ads on the listing sites with a few photos there also. The more you can show, the better. Important that the boat be clean. And you really want to show what is really there. If you show a really nice picture that makes the boat appear better than it is, potential buyers will be turned off when they look at the boat in person. Whether the boat is good or bad, the potential buyer will ultimately see it, so present it as it is up front. That said, some angles do illustrate the boat's beauty better than others.

Squidd · Dec 31, 2012

Large breasted women in skimpy bikinis hanging all over the boat will draw much attention to the vessel in general while at the same time distracting from areas of the boat you may not want scrutinized...

Just saying....

Kermit · Dec 31, 2012

I just looked at the album in your profile. They make me want your boat and I'm very critical of boat-for-sale pictures. Get someone to photograph your boat while you're under spinnaker for real. It's a beautiful sail. Other than that, I'd use what you have.

redhead78 · Dec 31, 2012

Does your boat have a full aft cabin? how much are u asking?/ REd

McZube · Jan 1, 2013

Large breasted women in skimpy bikinis hanging all over the boat will draw much attention to the vessel in general while at the same time distracting from areas of the boat you may not want scrutinized...

Just saying....

He did mention BEST angel...

Anyway, I think these boats look best viewed from the dock bow on. Make sure that the set of pics you take are not just closeups--take overview shots, too. I spent a lot of time on yachtworld looking at boats before buying and there were times I had to do separate research just to figure out the layout. A few sailing shots are nice but don't overdo it. Make sure you don't leave any space unphotographed. That doesn't include storage space, but make sure you cover everything below and topsides. If you're feeling really ambitious, a masthead shot will separate you from the crowd.

Mark Ferrick · Jan 2, 2013

Also make sure all the extra junk is removed before taking pictures, i.e. knapsack, jackets, trash bucket, microwave sitting on the counter? Look at the details. Also include a shot or two of the engine. Its one of the first things I look at.