How to sell a boat

With over 25,000 active online buyers visiting Aquavista boat sales every month - we know a thing or two about selling boats.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide – it’s your clear, friendly roadmap to selling your boat effectively here in the UK.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

✅ Exactly how to sell your boat step-by-step
✅ Checklist of everything you need for a sale
✅ Top tips on boosting your asking price

Get in touch with the friendly Aquavista brokerage team for a free, no-obligation valuation.

Investing a little time and effort upfront isn't just about making things look pretty; it's about helping buyers feel confident. 

Those small, easy-to-fix bits and pieces can actually make potential buyers worry about bigger, hidden problems. 

Sorting these out early reduces those worries and can lead to smoother negotiations down the line, especially after a survey.

Here’s how to get your boat looking its best:

Thorough cleaning 

Let's go beyond a quick rinse here. Aim for a really thorough clean, inside and out. 

• Get that hull polished so it gleams, scrub the decks (those non-slip areas too), and make all the stainless steel sparkle. 
• Clean the windows and portlights until they're streak-free. 
• Inside, give the galley, heads, and all the cabins a deep clean. 
• Wash or clean all the cushions and curtains. 
• Don't forget those often-missed spots like the engine area and bilges – a clean engine room is a great sign of good maintenance. 

If you're short on time, a professional boat cleaning service could be a great help.

Hide or Remove Your Personal Belongings 

This is a big one. 

Pack away all your personal bits and pieces – everything that isn't staying with the boat. 

This includes clothes, toiletries, tools, and decorations. 

A decluttered boat feels much more spacious and helps buyers picture themselves enjoying the space. 

Make sure fridges and lockers are empty too.

Fix and Maintain 

Let's get those little jobs sorted. 

Make sure all the important gear is working perfectly – check the lights, pumps, engines, sails (if you have them), and safety kit. 

• Replace any rusty screws or missing bits. 
• Catch up on any routine maintenance, like checking engine oil and coolant, filters, and belts. 
• Think about the condition of anodes and antifouling. 

While buyers usually arrange a survey, some sellers choose to get one done beforehand to get ahead of any potential issues.

Welcome Aboard (Staging) 

Make your boat feel warm and inviting. 

• Have the cabins tidy and the berths neatly made. 
• Good airflow is key to keeping the boat smelling fresh and avoiding any damp smells. 
• Simple things like comfy cushions can make a big difference in how appealing the boat feels.

Ultimately, you want your boat to look, feel, and even smell like it's been truly cared for – that makes all the difference.

Ready to get your boat looking its absolute best for sale? Use this simple checklist to help you make that fantastic first impression.

Ready to get your boat looking its absolute best for sale? Use this simple checklist to help you make that fantastic first impression.

Outside

• [ ] Give the hull a sparkling clean and polish
• [ ] Scrub the decks until they're lovely and clean (don't forget those non-slip bits)
• [ ] Clean windows and portlights for a clear view (no streaks)
• [ ] Polish all the stainless steel until it gleams
• [ ] Check anodes – replace if they need a refresh
• [ ] Give the antifouling a quick look
• [ ] Check lines and fenders (decide if they're staying or going)
• [ ] Clean and check covers

Inside

• [ ] EVERYTHING personal is packed away
• [ ] Deep clean the galley (cooker, fridge, and all the cupboards)
• [ ] Give the heads a thorough clean
• [ ] Upholstery and curtains cleaned or aired
• [ ] Carpets or flooring cleaned
• [ ] Bilges cleaned and dried (a sign of good care)
• [ ] Say goodbye to any mildew or bad smells
• [ ] Tidy up all lockers and storage spaces

Mechanical & Systems

• [ ] Quick check of the engine (oil, coolant levels okay?)
• [ ] Test all the lights – navigation and inside
• [ ] Check and charge batteries
• [ ] Test bilge pumps and water systems
• [ ] Check expiry dates on safety gear (if it's staying)
• [ ] Sort out little cosmetic bits (like small chips or scratches)
• [ ] Replace any missing or rusty screws/fittings

Staging

• [ ] Cabins are tidy and looking lovely
• [ ] Berths are neatly made
• [ ] Fresh air circulating, smelling great!

Setting the asking price for your boat is one of those really important steps – and we know it can feel a bit tricky. 

It's totally understandable to feel a strong connection to your boat, which can sometimes make it easy to price it a little higher than the market might expect. 

Being realistic here is key to a smooth sale.

Loads of things can affect what a boat is worth in today's market:

• Type and Size: Different types and sizes of boats, like narrowboats, cruisers, or yachts, appeal to a range of buyers.
• Age and Boat Manufacturer: The reputation of the builder and the age of the boat play a big part.
• Condition: How well has the boat been looked after? Does anything need fixing?
• Maintenance Folder: Having records of servicing and upgrades adds real confidence (and value!).
• Location: The boat's location can sometimes make a difference for viewings and desirability. Remove, not true 
• Time of Year: While keen buyers look all year round, sometimes things can be a little busier during certain seasons. Remove, the right time to sell is when you want to sell, the brokers job is to maximise the price. 

An overpriced boat often ends up sitting on the market for ages, which can cost you more in the long run with ongoing marina fees, insurance, and upkeep.

This is exactly where getting a little professional help truly shines! 

Get in touch with the friendly Aquavista brokerage team for a free, no-obligation valuation. They'll give you an expert assessment based on everything about your boat and what the market is doing right now.

Once your boat is looking her absolute best and you've set a price you're happy with, it's time for the exciting part – letting all those potential buyers know she's available! 

While a simple notice at your local marina or a chat with fellow boaters can get some local interest, to really find the perfect buyer quickly, you'll want to reach a wider audience.

Putting your boat online is usually the best way to connect with lots of keen buyers. 

Aquavista is a perfect place to do this. Our boat sales attract around 25,000 active buyers online every month.

We’re also the home of the UK’s largest collection of marinas, which means we can get your boat seen in-person by hundreds of boating enthusiasts. 

Top Tips: how to create an advert that shines 

Think of your online advert as your boat's shop window – it's got to grab attention.

Our boat brokers can help you with every step of this. but if you’re keen to go it alone, here are some tips on making the best online advert.

Show her off with great photos 

Take lots of clear, bright, high-quality photos from different angles, inside and out. 

A sunny day is ideal; sometimes early morning or late afternoon light looks extra lovely ('golden hour'). 

Make sure the boat is sparkling clean and tidy for every shot. 

Most websites prefer landscape photos as they fit nicely without being cropped.

Bring her to life with video 

More and more buyers love to see a walk-through video. 

It gives them a much better sense of the space, how she flows, and her overall condition than just photos can. 

You can often create a good video with just your smartphone.

Tell her story in the description 

Write a detailed, inviting, and, most importantly, honest description. 

List all the important details: make, model, year, size, engine info (make, hours, service history), the layout, main equipment, and her current condition. 

Be clear about what equipment comes with the boat and what doesn't. 

Aim for a good amount of detail (over 300 words is a good target!), highlighting any recent improvements or how well she's been maintained. 

And definitely give it a good proofread for any typos!

Use the Right Words 

For maximum exposure on social media or Google Search, try and include common phrases that buyers might type into a search bar, like "narrowboat for sale UK" or her specific make and model name.

Other Ways to Spread the Word 

Don't forget some classic methods too. 

Pop a clear 'For Sale' sign on the boat if she's in a spot where people walk by.

Marina noticeboards are great, and chatting with folks at local boat clubs or in online boating groups can also reach potential buyers. 

Having all your boat's documents organised and easy to find is truly vital when you're selling boats here in the UK. 

Good paperwork shows everyone you have the right to sell, confirms she meets the necessary rules, shares her story, and really helps buyers feel confident about buying her. 

If documents are missing or incomplete, it can cause delays or even stop a sale. 

Here's a look at the key documents you'll want to have ready in the UK:

Proof of Ownership <h3>

This confirms you legally own the boat and have the right to sell. 

The most important document here is the Bill of Sale from when you bought the boat. 

It's the legal paper that transfers ownership. 

The Bill of Sale itself needs to clearly describe the boat, state the sale date and price, and include your and the buyer's full details. It needs to be signed. 

If your boat is registered on Part 1 of the UK Ship Register, you'll need to use a specific official form from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for the transfer. 

Other documents like the original Builder's Certificate (from when the boat was new) or Registration Documents (like Part 1 or the simpler Part 3 Small Ships Register) also support proof of ownership. 

(Although Part 3 isn't legal proof of title itself, just nationality).part 3 is only supporting evidence of VAT paid status 

VAT Evidence 

For boats staying in the UK, proving that VAT (Value Added Tax) has been paid is very important. 

This usually happened when the boat was first sold new in the UK or EU. I would remove this. It is a minefield and far form nuanced that a 1 sentence summary 

The best proof is typically the original VAT invoice from the first sale showing the tax. 

If VAT can't be proven, the buyer could become responsible for paying it, which significantly impacts the boat's value. 

Brokers are experts in checking VAT status, and it should be clearly mentioned in your boat's advert.

Compliance Documentation (RCD / UKCA)

Boats sold in the UK or EU since June 1998 need to meet certain safety standards (called RCD or, for the UK now, RCR), usually shown by a CE or UKCA mark on the boat's plate.

You'll also have a Declaration of Conformity from the builder and details in the Owner's Manual. 

This paperwork shows the boat meets these important safety rules. 

Selling a boat that isn't compliant in these areas isn't allowed. Brokers will help verify this compliance.

Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Certificate <H3>

If your boat is used on most UK inland waterways (like those managed by the Canal & River Trust, the Environment agency, Norfolk Broads Authority  and some others), you must have a valid BSS certificate. For all boats that were bought as a ‘ sailaway’ and for all others that are more than 4 years old.  

This confirms she meets essential safety standards for inland cruising and is typically valid for four years. This is not to be confused with the Declaration of Conformity. The BSS certificate is separate and does not remove the need for the correct Declaration of Conformity.

Buyers planning to use the boat on these waterways will expect this to be current.

Insurance Documents 

The buyer will need to arrange their own insurance from the moment they buy the boat. 

Providing details of your current Insurance Policy can be helpful for their reference. 

Just remember to cancel your policy once the sale is completed.

Maintenance Records 

Keeping a folder with invoices for servicing (especially the engine), repairs, antifouling, and any new equipment or work you've had done is a great idea. 

These Maintenance Records show how well the boat has been looked after and help the buyer understand her history.

Manuals 

Handing over the original Manuals for the boat itself, plus all the main equipment onboard like the engine, electronics, heating, cooker, and other systems, is helpful for the new owner.

Checklist: Essential Paperwork for Selling Your Boat <h3>

Use this list to help you gather your boat's important documents:

Ownership

• [ ] Your Bill of Sale (from when you purchased the boat)
• [ ] Previous Bills of Sale (to show her history, if you have them)
• [ ] Builder's Certificate (if available)
• [ ] Registration Document (Part 1 or Part 3 SSR, if she's registered)

Tax Status:

• [ ] Original VAT Invoice (or other proof that VAT was paid)

Safety & Standards:

• [ ] RCD / UKCA Declaration of Conformity or details from the Manual
• [ ] Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Certificate (current, if needed for where you cruise)

History & Condition:

• [ ] Maintenance Records / Service Invoices / Records of major work
• [ ] Current Insurance Policy details (for the buyer to see)
• [ ] Manuals (for the boat and all key equipment)

For the Sale Itself:

• [ ] A draft Bill of Sale (ready to fill in the buyer's details - remember the official MCA form for Part 1 registered boats)
• [ ] A clear list (Inventory) of what is included and not included in the sale

Once your boat is looking great and is advertised for sale, the next part is all about connecting with people who are interested. 

This means handling enquiries, showing your boat to potential buyers, receiving offers, and navigating those key stages like the survey and any sea trial. 

This phase requires good communication, staying organised, and sometimes, a little patience. 

Just a reminder, if you choose Aquavista, we handle all these steps for you, saving you the hassle.

Talking with Interested Buyers 

Aim to respond promptly and helpfully when someone gets in touch. 

Be ready to answer their questions honestly and provide any extra details they might ask for.

Welcoming Viewers 

You'll need to arrange suitable times for people to come and see your boat. 

If you're selling privately, this is all down to you. 

Make sure the boat is clean, tidy, and easy for them to look around before each visit. 

It's usually a good idea to stay with potential buyers while they view the boat.

Be prepared that not every viewing will lead to an offer – it's common in private sales to meet people who are just enjoying looking at boats. 

If you use a broker, they handle all the viewing arrangements and can often help filter out less serious enquiries, saving you time.

Receiving Offers and Negotiating 

When someone is keen, they will make an offer to buy your boat. 

If you're working with a broker, they are required to pass on every offer to you. 

It’s wise to be ready for some negotiation on the price. 

Thinking about the lowest price you would accept beforehand can be really helpful. 

Brokers can step in here as a go-between, handling the negotiation process calmly and professionally, which can be particularly helpful if discussions become a bit tricky.

Making it Official: The Sale Agreement and Deposit 

Once you and a buyer agree on a price, it's important to put it in writing with a Sale and Purchase Agreement. 

This contract is legally binding and sets out the agreed price, how payments will be made, everything that's included with the boat (your inventory list), and any conditions of the sale. 

When the agreement is signed, the buyer usually pays a deposit, typically 10% of the price, to secure the boat. 

Brokers hold this deposit safely in a special account, which protects the funds for both parties. 

If you're selling privately, make sure your written agreement is very clear about how the deposit is held and when it would be returned (for example, if the survey uncovers big, unexpected issues).

The Survey Stage 

A pre-purchase survey is not mandatory but is something that the buyer can elect to do, as due diligence, as a part of the purchasing process. All costs for this due diligent are at the buyers expense. This incluses the lift, surveyor, boat travel costs (fuel), skipper etc.   

The surveyor, chosen and paid for by the buyer, will thoroughly check the boat for any defects or potential problems. 

The survey report belongs to the buyer, and they don't have to share it directly with you, but the findings are usually discussed when negotiating after the survey. A broker can usually get a copy of the survey as privileged information between the buyer and them. The broker can extract some information, relating to any notices of defects,  and share that with you.  

If the survey reveals significant issues that weren't known before, the buyer has options: they could decide not to buy (and get their deposit back, depending on the contract), ask to lower the price to cover repairs, or ask you to fix the issues before completing the sale. 

This is a common point for negotiation, and having an experienced broker to help manage these discussions can be incredibly valuable.

Once all the agreed conditions (like the survey) have been successfully met and any resulting discussions are complete, it's time for the final exciting steps to complete the sale and officially transfer ownership. 

Receiving the Final Payment 

The buyer will now pay the remaining balance of the price you agreed on. 

If you're using a broker, this payment is usually will be  made safely into their client account. 

The broker will only release the money to you (minus their agreed commission and any costs) once they are certain the funds have fully cleared and all the final paperwork is in order. 

Another advantage to using a broker is that we can ensure that neither the buyer or the seller are in procession of the boat and the money at the same time. 

If you're selling privately, it's really important to make sure you have received and confirmed that the full funds have safely cleared into your account before you hand over the boat and the documents. 

Using traceable methods like bank transfers is a good idea here.

Officially Transferring Ownership 

The legal transfer of ownership happens officially when you and the buyer both sign and date the Bill of Sale. 

Just double-check all the details on it are correct. 

If your boat is registered on Part 1, you'll need to use the official MCA Bill of Sale form for this. 

Signing this document properly ensures the ownership is legally transferred.

This must be a wet signature, digital signatures and stamps are not valid. 

Handing Over Documents and Keys 

Once the final payment is confirmed as cleared and the Bill of Sale is signed, you'll need to give the new owner all the original documents we talked about earlier. 

This includes the chain of Bills of Sale, VAT proof, compliance papers (RCD/UKCA, BSS if needed), registration documents, maintenance records, and all the equipment manuals.

 The keys to the boat are also handed over at this point.

Updating Registrations 

The new owner is responsible for updating the boat's registration details with the relevant authority (like the UK Ship Register). They'll need the completed Bill of Sale to do this. 

As the seller, it's also a good idea to let the registry know that you are no longer the owner of the boat; there might be a specific form or process for closing the registration in your name.

Tidying Up Loose Ends 

It's essential that you contact your insurance company straight away after the sale is completed to cancel your policy for the boat. 

You'll also need to inform your marina or mooring provider that the boat has been sold and formally end your mooring agreement according to its terms.

Passing Her On 

Arrange a time to physically hand the boat over to her new owner. 

It's a lovely gesture, and usually very much appreciated, if you can spend a little time with them to share any specific tips you have about operating the boat, mention any little quirks she might have, or pass on any useful knowledge you've gained. 

Handing over manuals and any spare parts you've kept is also a thoughtful touch.

These final administrative and financial steps are key to a clean handover and a legally sound transfer for everyone involved. 

Using secure payment methods and making sure all the paperwork is correctly finished and passed over helps protect both the buyer and you from any future issues. 

And just like that, your boat is ready to start her next chapter and create great memories with her new owner, just like she did with you.

It's normal to have questions when you're getting ready to sell your boat. Here are answers to some things boat sellers often ask us:

What happens if the buyer's survey finds problems?

It's common for surveys to find things that need attention, even on boats that have been well looked after. 

When the buyer gets their survey report back, they usually have a few options based on your Sale and Purchase Agreement:

• They could decide not to buy: If the problems are significant or they simply feel unsure based on what the survey found, they can decide to withdraw from the purchase. In this case, their deposit should be returned in full, as long as it's in line with your contract terms.
• They might renegotiate: They might use the survey findings to discuss the price again, asking for a reduction to help cover the cost of the repairs that are needed.
• They could ask you to do the repairs: The buyer might request that you, as the seller, fix the issues the surveyor found before the sale is completed. 

Any change to the terms of the sale, including final price or asking for things to be put right are also subject to the seller's agreement. You do not have to accept a lower offer or put things right etc. this isn't something that can be imposed on you but it could lead to the sale collapsing. 

Should I include extras like life jackets or electronics in the sale?

This is completely up for discussion, and whatever you agree on should be written down clearly in a detailed list called an Inventory.

• Safety Equipment: Items like life jackets and fire extinguishers have expiry dates and need to meet certain safety rules. Buyers often prefer to buy new safety gear themselves so they know it's up-to-date and meets their specific needs. 
• Electronics: Things like GPS, chartplotters, and VHF radios are often included with the boat. Make sure they are working properly and provide any manuals you have for them. Their value tends to decrease over time, so they might not add a huge amount to the overall price unless they are very new or top-of-the-range. Remove or heavily reword Last bullet point. This is only applicable to hand held electronics. Integrated electronics, luke chart plotters,  are always included in the sale. 

What are the typical costs of selling a boat privately?

The main financial benefit of selling privately is that you avoid paying a broker's commission, which is usually a percentage of the sale price (around 6-10% plus VAT). minimum fees apply 

However, you will still have other costs when selling privately:

• Advertising Fees: Listing your boat on the main online boat marketplaces usually costs money. These fees can vary quite a bit depending on the website and the type of listing you choose.
• Legal fees- you or the buyer may want a solicitor involved to draw up a contract. We have one ready to go that is also compliant with industry standards and is specific to the sale of a vessel. 
• Preparation Costs: You'll have costs for cleaning supplies, polish, and any minor repairs you do yourself. 
• Your Time and Travel: The time you spend managing enquiries, arranging and doing viewings, and travelling to and from the boat is a significant cost.
• Optional Professional Fees: You might decide to pay for professional photos or videos, or ask a marine solicitor to look over your sales contract. Remove and separate as above 
• Sale on Berth Fee: If you sell your boat privately while she is moored in certain marinas, there might be a fee based on the sale price that you pay to the marina.

How long does it typically take to sell a boat in the UK?

The average deal normally takes three weeks from the deposit. 4 weeks if having a survey or 7 days if no survey is needed. 

This allows potential buyers to assess the boat and make their decision. 

How long it takes to find a buyer can vary depending on the time of year and the quality of the boat. 

Key factors that influence the timing include:

• Your Boat: The type, age, condition, and how popular that kind of boat is right now.
• The Price: How realistically the asking price is set compared to what similar boats are selling for in the current market.
• Market Conditions: How many buyers are actively looking, and the general economic situation.
• Time of Year: Boats often seem to sell faster in the spring and summer when more people are thinking about getting out on the water, although determined buyers look all year round.
• How Well You Advertise: How good your boat's presentation and listing are online.
• How You Sell: Using a broker with a good network and marketing plan can often lead to a quicker sale compared to selling privately.

What is the Best Time of Year to Sell a Boat?

Although sunny spring weather is traditionally a good time to sell a lot of things, there is no ‘best’ season when it comes to selling a boat.

Most buyers are influenced by factors such as their financial position or a lifestyle change such as retirement.

Do I Need to Declare All of My Boat’s Faults When Selling?

Honesty is the best policy when selling your boat. 

While it falls on the buyer to do their own investigations to ensure they’re happy with it, you still need to be transparent and accurate when asked any questions.

It’s best to make sure you don’t misrepresent the facts and prepare yourself to be asked about the boat’s service history, any upgrades installed, as well as its current condition.

Do Boats Appreciate in Value?

Like most vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, boats tend to drop in value from the moment you take ownership. 

But there’s plenty you can do to maximise your returns if you decide to sell. 

This includes giving the boat a deep clean before advertising and making sure everything is in working order - like the lights, engine, sails etc.

One of the early big decisions when it's time to sell your boat is whether you'd like to manage the whole journey yourself, or if getting help from a professional boat brokerage is the better fit. 

Both ways have their advantages, and it often comes down to what's most important for you – saving money on commission, or saving time, effort, and benefiting from expert knowledge.

Selling privately means you don't pay a commission brokerage fee, but you do take on all the tasks and responsibilities that come with a sale. 

Choosing a broker involves a fee, but they look after the complexities for you and use their resources and experience to help find the right buyer.

To help you think about which approach feels right, here’s a simple comparison:

Comparing Your Options: Selling Privately vs. Using a Broker

If you decide that using a brokerage is the right path for you, Aquavista offers some clear benefits:

• Free expert valuation: We use up-to-date market information and our extensive experience to help set the most accurate price for your boat.

• Fantastic marketing reach: We promote your boat to over 25k monthly buyers online, and across our network of 29 UK marinas. This gives you access to the thousands of boating enthusiasts who visit us regularly and are actively looking in person.

• Professional Service: Our friendly, knowledgeable team looks after all the enquiries, conducts viewings, manages negotiations, and smoothly handles surveys.

• Paperwork Peace of Mind: We carefully manage all the documents needed, ensuring everything is legally correct for a smooth transfer of ownership.

• Secure Money Handling: All the money for the sale goes through a secure client account, giving you peace of mind.

• Quicker Sale Potential: Our large network and proactive marketing efforts often mean your boat finds its new owner faster than selling privately.

• A Name You Can Trust: As an experienced and recognised marina operator, you benefit from Aquavista's reputation and our commitment to looking after our customers.

Important Note: Sale on Berth Fee 

Just so you're aware, if your boat is moored in an Aquavista marina and you choose to sell it privately (without using our brokerage service), a 'Sale on Berth' fee will apply if the sale is completed within one of our marinas. 

This fee is a percentage of the sale price and does not apply if you list and sell your boat through the Aquavista brokerage service.

Thinking About Your Next Boat Adventure?

Selling your current boat often opens the door to finding your next perfect vessel. 

If you're thinking about moving to a different boat after yours sells, Aquavista can help you there too.

We have a wide range of quality new and pre-loved boats listed for sale across our network of marinas. Whether you're looking for a narrowboat or cruiser for inland waterways or something for coastal trips, explore our listings to find what could be your next adventure on the water.