Best way to sell a boat?

[CYCLONE 2]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this question. I've got my boat listed for sale here mainly because it's a Checkmate. I've also listed it in Craigslist. Someone from Craigslist emailed me and said I'd have much better luck selling at boatsfsbo.com. I thought before I do that maybe someone here has some advice or history with that website. Any wisdom would be appreciated.....thanks.

 

[SCT]

If boatsfbo.com is free, it couldn't hurt. I have never heard of that site but I see they have a couple dozen ads for Checkmates listed.

Also, try boattrader.com and other boating websites (screamandfly.com, seroiusoffshore, offshoreonly, boatfreaks.org, endlessboating.com, etc). The more exposure the better. I still think CL is the best because you are advertising to local people that might stop by, take a look and buy on a whim or a serious buyer from outside the area that is looking for a specific CM.

By the way, what is up with advertisers on CL not answering emails or phone calls about their OWN boat ads? How can you sell a boat if you don't return any calls/emails???? I've called on two boats, left messages......and no return calls! I have cash in hand for the right boat but I'll be h$ll if I'm going to beg someone to take my money..... rant over.

Good luck-

 

[DropTop5.0]

I didn't get your message. Heck, I'll even deliver.

 

[RNGRDVE]

"Best way to sell a boat? "

Don't turn some one down just because they're from out of state. It sounds as if bhillard175 is ready to come to you with cash in hand but for whatever reason you declined to sell to him.
That's only his side of the story and maybe there's more to it. If I were selling I wouldn't turn down cash from anybody.

 

[CYCLONE 2]

If boatsfbo.com is free, it couldn't hurt. I have never heard of that site but I see they have a couple dozen ads for Checkmates listed.

Also, try boattrader.com and other boating websites (screamandfly.com, seroiusoffshore, offshoreonly, boatfreaks.org, endlessboating.com, etc). The more exposure the better. I still think CL is the best because you are advertising to local people that might stop by, take a look and buy on a whim or a serious buyer from outside the area that is looking for a specific CM.

By the way, what is up with advertisers on CL not answering emails or phone calls about their OWN boat ads? How can you sell a boat if you don't return any calls/emails???? I've called on two boats, left messages......and no return calls! I have cash in hand for the right boat but I'll be h$ll if I'm going to beg someone to take my money..... rant over.

Good luck-

I can't speak for some of your "no return calls" but I have a friend that uses CL and he warned me about many people that might try to scam you. So for that reason I'm a little apprehensive about who's responding. Last night I got a responce from a guy about my boat. He left his phone number and I called him. He probably was legit but he was a pretty good distance away from me. I told him I'd rather deal with someone that was more in my area. I'm thinking even trying to sell a boat to someone close is a bit of a pain. Trying to find a mutual day and time to get together to see the boat, then getting to a lake for a test run. Then I've heard stories about money orders that the bank will cash for you only to be contacted days later by that bank saying the money order was no good and they want their money back! I believe I've had one scam already. Person wanted to know if my boat had a trailer. I responded back to them and asked where they were located so I could show them the boat. I never heard back from them.

 

[wtpanther]

Last night I got a responce from a guy about my boat. He left his phone number and I called him. He probably was legit but he was a pretty good distance away from me. I told him I'd rather deal with someone that was more in my area.

Sir, that man last night was my father. Im sure somebody on this forum can assure you that I am legit. I bought my enticer from DropTop5.0 in Virginia.

 

[RNGRDVE]

If they're traveling from out of state then tell them when and where you're available to show the boat. A person who's interested will make their schedule match yours. I'd only accept cash or Money Order from the Post Office.

 

[CYCLONE 2]

Sir, that man last night was my father. Im sure somebody on this forum can assure you that I am legit. I bought my enticer from DropTop5.0 in Virginia.

What is your fathers name and where is he from? If it were me trying to buy a boat, I doubt I'd travel that far to buy a boat that's 34 years old. If it were close to me I would go take a look at it and go from there. My boat is very nice considering the age but he doesn't really know that. That's a long way to go to find out something doesn't meet your expectations. Another thing I've found in buying used stuff over the years is everyones idea of "excellent condition" is all over the map! Many times I've driven 50-100 miles to see an "excellent condition" motorcycle and in no way was it that nice IMHO. I guess if an Enchanter with a 200 Merc in real nice condition is something you always wanted and couldn't find, then maybe the trip would be worth it to ya.

 

[DropTop5.0]

I drove eight hours or my first Check and four for the second. Call me weird for traveling for a good boat.

 

[john lamon]

I drove 16 hours one way for mine, as long as it's in North America and the right boat I'd drive anywhere for it.

 

[nathan]

If you have post resent and good pictures of the boat and a good description then let them travel. if they are paying cash why turn down cash? if you believe in your boat don't worry about their travel. if they don't like it when they get there its just par for the course. I sold one of my boats out of state without ever meeting the buyer as he sent the money and a shipper. I did send him over 100 pictures.

 

[wtpanther]

What is your fathers name and where is he from? If it were me trying to buy a boat, I doubt I'd travel that far to buy a boat that's 34 years old. If it were close to me I would go take a look at it and go from there. My boat is very nice considering the age but he doesn't really know that. That's a long way to go to find out something doesn't meet your expectations. Another thing I've found in buying used stuff over the years is everyones idea of "excellent condition" is all over the map! Many times I've driven 50-100 miles to see an "excellent condition" motorcycle and in no way was it that nice IMHO. I guess if an Enchanter with a 200 Merc in real nice condition is something you always wanted and couldn't find, then maybe the trip would be worth it to ya.

Tony from the Philadelphia area. Like I said, I drove to VA for my boat. To some people, it is worth the trip when all your finding locally are pieces of junk.

Like Nathan mentioned, is your ad honest and pictures up to date? From what we can see, that boat is near if not in pristine condition. So yes, it is worth the drive.

 

[CYCLONE 2]

Tony from the Philadelphia area. Like I said, I drove to VA for my boat. To some people, it is worth the trip when all your finding locally are pieces of junk.

Like Nathan mentioned, is your ad honest and pictures up to date? From what we can see, that boat is near if not in pristine condition. So yes, it is worth the drive.

Yeh, that's the guy. The boat is near pristine condition. The pics in my CL add and the add on this board are about 2 years old. I've owned this boat since 1982. Up to 6 years ago it was always garage kept with cover on it. The last 6 years it's been stored outside with the cover on and all the years I stored it in an underground facility in the winter time at a constant 60 degrees. Storing it outside has left the finish of the deck only near prestine. It used to be flawless. I have a bunch of pics of the boat I could send Tony. I don't have any current pics but I could take some new pics and send them to him. I've always been proud of this boat and still get compliments when I arrive at the lake. I'll have to give him a call again to see if he's still interested and go from there. I work 10 hour days and have an hour drive to and from work so finding an opportunity to show and sell this boat is limited, which is one reason I wanted to keep the transaction as simple as possible.