Best way to sell a boat?

Leland Pate · 06-19-2005, 04:35 PM

Looks like I got accepted to AFOSI tech services. I'll be going to 6 months of school then off to a new assignment. After looking real hard at our current status, the wife and I have decided to let go of the boat. Doing this will eliminate some serious logistical hassles associated with moving across country (or potentially overseas).

I've put the sucker on eBay, the local paper and even parked it on the base Lemon Lot, but I don't expect much interest. It is Montana after all.

The wife leaves for Manteca, CA in August to finish her degree while I go to DC for 6 months of school. Do you guys think the boat would sell better or worse in California? There is probably a way I could tow it to her parents place and put it up for sale there. And, if by some crazy stroke of luck, I actually get the assignment I want (Travis AFB) I could then probably keep the boat. Assuming I can find a place affordable in the area to live.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

bell · bell's Garage

some boat resellers will take the boat on consignment, usually for a pre-established peroid and a percentage of the sale.
got any lakes up there in montana? the bottom line comes down to how bad you want to sell it.....at the right price anything will sell.
good luck le

Eagle Keeper · Eagle Keeper's Garage

What are the details on the boat?

makaio · 06-19-2005, 05:30 PM

I think you have a way better chance of selling the boat here in California. All kinds of recreational lakes near Manteca and Travis AFB. Plus it's boating season, get that sucker down here now, if you want to sell it.

And what's the make & specs?

Leland Pate · 06-19-2005, 05:58 PM

I am looking into pulling it down to the PRC.
Here is the eBay ad:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4557497661&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

www.boattraderonline.com

Vonzipper · 06-19-2005, 06:28 PM

Bring it on down, boats all over the place here, manteca is very close to the Delta, I don't think you'll have a problem

Leland Pate · 06-19-2005, 06:44 PM

That was a good tip on the boat trader site. I've done a couple searches and didn't come up with that for some reason.

By looking at comparable boats, it would seem I'm selling the boat on the cheap.

I got the boat at a hell of a deal and am not trying to make money. This is good as I hope that helps it sell.

Leland Pate · 06-19-2005, 07:33 PM

Here's a pic of my second baby:
I'd like to get another boat; perhaps one more dedicated to fishing.
It's pretty sad I bought this sleek fast boat and 9 times out of ten, I'm trolling along casting Rapala's.

pwd72s · 06-20-2005, 10:12 AM

Lee, the guys are right...that boat would generate a lot of interest in the Travis AFB area. Do you have any connections there? When my daughter lived there, she belonged to a "yacht club"...the membership was mostly Travis based.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Leland Pate
That was a good tip on the boat trader site. I've done a couple searches and didn't come up with that for some reason.

By looking at comparable boats, it would seem I'm selling the boat on the cheap.

I got the boat at a hell of a deal and am not trying to make money. This is good as I hope that helps it sell.

Mine's not as pretty - or as fast - but does pretty well on the fishing end...

Jamie79SC · 06-20-2005, 12:35 PM

I'll second the Boat Trader suggestion. I bought my last boat there.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

nor cal is a great place to sell a boat, as mentioned above. its like do it now though. people w/ tax money they have been saving for a boat. its the best time here to sell boats and motorcycles.

or get the insurance paid up and sink it.

FastDave · 06-24-2005, 10:05 AM

I checked out www.traderonline.com and clicked "boat trader". I entered your info and found two similar boats for $25K. It looks like you're $10K away from that with two days left to sell. I suggest transporting the boat to a lake front community in an area where jobs are abundant since the law of supply and demand always dictates the price.
But then, who knows, you might get your reserve on eBay???

Leland Pate · 06-24-2005, 02:45 PM

Thanks for the help, Dave.
We'll see if I can at least come close to the reserve. I even lowered it a bit. Only time will tell.
I too think I'm asking less than other comparable boats.

pwd72s · 06-24-2005, 06:57 PM

Lee, I just clicked on the ebay auction. Hmmm, maybe try again, but with different pics, and copy written by Jack Olsen? I mean, let's wow 'em with a "Kalifornia Klassiks" type ad! A goth tattooed chick in a thong bikini! How much can a model cost?

You're a creative sort...maybe have some fun with this one?

Leland Pate · 06-24-2005, 09:54 PM

I know what you mean, Paul. I placed the eBay ad while I was in Canada. Those are old pictures taken w/ my old Sony Mavica. =Crappy.

I did it on the fly and did not spend too much time on the ad itself. I guess I am just hoping the boat sells itself.

Perhaps I'll have my people send an offer to Jack's people.