Tips on preparing a boat for survey from the sellers perspective

[kmacdonald]

It's all about cosmetics. Declutter the boat and slap on some spray wax on the hull. Hang up a few air fresheners. Open all curtains and turn on all the interior lights. Take a deep breath and blow a lot of smoke.

[Hoodsail]

Have receipts organized chronologically with the most current on top. or you could organize them by systems; engine, rigging, electronics, etc...

[Bambooboat]

Many thanks to all who have pitched in with thoughts, ideas and good wishes. A good comment refers to trying to fix faults vs. allowing the new owner to own these future projects. As said, there is always a "To Do" list (especially on an older boat) and I can't possibly complete it before selling the boat. And yes, documentation, receipts and Marpol placards all on board.

[LooseGoose]

Empty the boat. Try to present it as it would transfer to a new owner. Thoroughly clean the boat including engine room and bilges. Wax and polish. Do do a bit of staging.....place mats, flowers, pillows, lights on, etc. Fix and repair what can easily be done at reasonable cost. Make 2 lists.....a maintenance record/log and a to do list.

Good luck with the sale

[S/V Illusion]

Clearly, many people think cosmetic considerations are a priority - as buyers actually that naive.

[smj]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

Clearly, many people think cosmetic considerations are a priority - as buyers actually that naive.

It’s psychological, a clean tidy boat shows caring by the owner. Both a prospective buyer and a surveyor appreciate this.

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by smj

It’s psychological, a clean tidy boat shows caring by the owner. Both a prospective buyer and a surveyor appreciate this.

Human nature notwithstanding, I think the majority of prospective purchasers look at it for what it is - a financial decision based on value to them however one defines ‘value’. Cleaning isn’t expensive. Neglect can be.
I think most people would rather buy a dirty functioning boat than a shiny piece of crap.

[smj]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

Human nature notwithstanding, I think the majority of prospective purchasers look at it for what it is - a financial decision based on value to them however one defines ‘value’. Cleaning isn’t expensive. Neglect can be.

I think most people would rather buy a dirty functioning boat than a shiny piece of crap.

From my experience of both buying and selling quite a few boats and making a living building and selling houses, there are very few people that can look past the dirt and see a diamond in the rough. However there are many that can be blinded by the cleanliness and shine and not see potential problems.

[tekdiver]

Originally Posted by SVHarmonie

Both for the surveyor and the potential buyer, the basic rule is:

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

If you are working with a good broker (there are a few...) he/she will be a big help by looking at the boat from a fresh perspective. Those things that you don't notice anymore can be a big deal.

Neat. Clean. Organized. Ready to sail.

You really don't want to give the surveyor a reason to open EVERY locker looking for issues

I can't tell you the number of boats I have seen for sale that look like some 10 year old boy's bedroom.

Looked at so many boats with deferred maintenance and wanting high end price. Most boats had no logs or any evidence of maintenance. The went down the list and eventually off my list. It holds importance to me the buyer when its in writing!

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

Clearly, many people think cosmetic considerations are a priority - as buyers actually that naive.

Yes. Spit polish is worth more than a new engine.

[MJH]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Yes. Spit polish is worth more than a new engine.

I bought the boat with the new engine.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by MJH

I bought the boat with the new engine.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

Good choice. I bet your wife wanted the other boat though.

[Nani Kai]

[QUOTE=Why? Are people too stupid to realise they shouldn't so that? I guess it's a bit like those signs they have in car mirrors in some countries.[/QUOTE]

Assume you are referring to the "don't discharge oil or trash overboard signs". USCG requires that you have these signs posted. Our boat did not have them posted when we purchased it in 2019 and it was noted on the survey. That's how I found out I needed to put them up. WM has them in a packet, stick on vinyl, easy peasy.

[makoman]

OP says the purpose of the survey is to sell the boat. I know from my experience in selling companies that a prospective buyer will discount any perceived negatives far more than the seller will.

So, for the past year, I have been getting my 34 Mainship Pilot ready for sale:https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/200...ot-34-3673457/

Fixining everything that a buyer could possibly see is "wrong" with the boat. Including new cockpit cushions, exhaust elbows, etc.

While I have no idea what price she will eventually bring, I know that, even after fix up expenses, I will be money ahead of where I'd be if I just sold her "As Is" a year ago.

[MicHughV]

...make sure it smells nice.....your boat could be perfect in all respects, with all items and paperwork in order, but if there is any kind of odor coming from the head...shower sump...bilge, engine, etc...it's game over !!