What's the best way to prepare a boat for sale? Here are a few tips.Some owners think that painting, waxing and otherwise upgrading the appearance of the boat they're trying to sell is an attempt to hide the blemishes, so they don't do it, figuring the savvy buyer will see through the grime to the jewel within. That's not so. Elbow grease, and plenty of it, is the best way to make a boat look good and that's exactly what the buyer will appreciate. Also, in the same way a used car salesmanlooks at the accelerator and brake pedals for wear, the gimlet-eyed buyer will check out flybridge ladders and companionway steps. Scuff marks, wear in the teak, or worn nonskid strips indicate heavy use. Clean,restore or replace if necessary.Your boat's canvas should be cleaned. Repair small rips and trim ragged edges. While replacing sections of canvas might not be practical, the plastic screens—which when faded, dulled or scratched will make any boat look dowdy—can be replaced relatively inexpensively. Unless you're particularly handy at working with canvas, though, I would leave that job to the pros. If you don't have to replace them, gently scrub the screens with a soft sponge soaked in a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Hose them off with freshwater. While you're at it, lubricate and free all downrigger and folding canvas frameworks. Do zippers run easily? Beeswax or silicon spray will do the trick.Some buyers will assess finish by running their hands over the stainless steel or aluminum welds on the boat's railings. If the welds are rough to the touch, a buyer may assume this is indicative of sloppy workmanship in other unseen parts of the boat. One dealer I know said his customer had pen in hand when the other hand reached over and caressed a rough weld. Then he walked. File those welds smooth, then hitthem with the emery cloth. Also keep in mind that stainless steel, even when it's old and tarnished, will polish up.Engines need attention, too. Start by cleaning them. Hose down the hardware and use a heavy-duty degreaser like Gunk. You can even repaint them with the manufacturer's trademark color. While you're at it,replace the drip rags or pans underneath.To get the cabin in shape for a potential buyer, clean it thoroughly. You don't need a fancy marine cleaner.A popular household product, like Fantastic or Murphy's soap (my favorite), should suffice. Leave an opened box of baking soda in the fridge and/or icebox—it will soak up any remaining odors. Check underfoam mattresses and cushions, too. If there's mildew, replace them. If you plan to sell the boat with pots,pans and utensils in the galley, make sure they're spotless.Tell the potential buyer about past and present repairs and potential problems. If the boat has had blistering that you've repaired or recent engine work, 'fess up (the surveyor will find out anyway). Present well-organized maintenance and receipt logs. It proves that you've been a conscientious owner.If you're serious about selling your boat, it'll happen. If you want to get the best price for it, be prepared towait a while. Most yacht brokers say the trick is to think about selling your boat before you have to. Keepthe boat as if the buyer of your dreams is going to walk down the dock tomorrow.
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