selling a boat
December 4th 2006 18:10
The Skipper
Selling one's boat is never easy. First you have to make up your mind to do so. It is harder than deciding on a divorce (and I have been through a few.) How do you part with the love of your life. I have to think back to the times she has given me grief. There were times when I did think what the hell am I doing with this boat? In rough weather she had no dodger and leaked a bit through deck fittings. My fault. Her rigging needed replacing and when that was done bits of wire that had not been finished off properly, would stab me in the finger. My fault. She is to small to live aboard confortably but I am 25 kilo overweight, my fault. So the faults are with me not the boat. Now I can make the decision. SELL.
Where do I sell and how do I advertise. How much do I want for her? How greedy am I? How much will she eventualy sell for? Why should I give a commision to a boat broker? What do I leave on board and what do I consider personal gear? What if she doesn't sell? Should I refurbish her or sell her as is? Not exactly the questions of life and the universe but it all must be considered.
Being a bit of a skinflint I have advertised on some free websites. I have emailed other sailing schools to see if they want her and I have placed ads on the cheapest state clasifieds. Just in case someone is in the market there and then and will take her off my hands quickly. I know I am going to have to bite the bullet and talk to a broker sooner rather than later.
What do I get from a boat broker. I get photos of my boat posted on his for sale board. I get an ad on the major boat listing site of the country. He takes clients out to the boat, rain, hail or shine and if they don't arrive for appointments he is the one stood up. He handles the negotiating, deposit, haul out and inspection as well as the survey report. He handles the balance of funds, sign over of the boat and will arrange delivery as well. for all this he takes 10% Why am I even thinking about it?
Now when my boat sells what am I going to replace her with? She is a big part of my life and when she is gone it will be like a big hole in my life. I am thinking of going to a motor boat. A "stinker". For the money I anticipate getting for my yacht I think I can buy a modest motor cruiser that has more room on board and has better facilities and I should be able to live aboard in a modicum of comfort. It will be hard to leave my sailng boat but I will still have the advantage of sailing delivery vessels and racing on other people's yachts. A small diesel engine will be the power plant and that should be cheap enough to run.
Phew! Decisons, decisions, decisions.
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