How to increase the value of your boat before putting it onto the market

The most important thing is that a clean and tidy boat will always earns a higher selling price. You will have to invest some time and elbow grease but it will increase the value of your boat.

To make the fiberglass shine have it buffed with rubbing compound and polished with wax, on small boats, you can do this yourself using an automotive buffing wheel. Make sure your varnish is in good condition or give it one coat, if the teak is gray, bleach it or oil it, too. Clean the bilge to make sure there are no smells to make the boat seem old. And finally, scrub the entire boat and deck with mild detergent and a soft brush.

Repair any easily fixed broken equipment, get the engine steam cleaned if necessary, touch up any spots of corrosion and change the oil. Make sure the engine starts immediately by charging the batteries, these are all things buyers check to see how well the boat has been maintained.

Give the galley a good clean and if you can remove the carpet, shampoo it and let it dry in the sun. Give the head and shower a good clean and add a double dose of chemicals to the holding tank. Get the curtains and upholstery cleaned, or even replaced if they are much worn. Scrub the covers and Bimini top and clean or replace the side curtains if necessary. De-clutter anything that is non-standard, poorly installed or not for sale with the boat.

Sell the lifestyle! Put drinks glasses and plates on the table, see how they do it in the magazines - resist temptation to model yourself though! Put together a mini brochure to show buyers with photos of the boat in the water (not too many so they think the boat is older than you say), any old instruction manuals and brochures with a list of the specification and included items.

Also, you could consider obtaining a new Boat Safety Certificate, as this always helps. To sum up - clean your boat from stem to stern inside and out, and get rid of all that clutter! Do all the small repairs that you have time for, and touch up the paintwork and varnish. Increase the boat value by strategically placing trinkets that "sell the lifestyle", but don't overdo it. And most importantly, know the market value for the age, size and condition of your boat - if necessary get a valuation.