Boats For Sale by Owner, Dealer or Broker

Sometimes a direct purchase from an owner without going through a dealer will get you the best price. The broker or boat dealer will need to make a commission from his sale. That commission is usually 5% to 10% of the purchase price but can vary. The commission although paid by the seller is often passed along to the buyer in the selling price.

Sometimes brokers will effectually lower a seller's price below market. I have seen brokers lower a sellers price simply by not actively selling the boat while continuing to charge monthly storage fees. After a year or so of storage fees, the asking price drops to a marketable range and the boat sells quickly. Brokers know what a boat will sell for and can assist the seller in reaching that price. I have found this especially true with older models that need some repairs.

Most boat brokers are honest and reliable individuals and are not out to get you. If repairs are necessary the broker will often discuss these repairs with the seller. This will often result in the seller agreeing to make needed repairs. Brokers are out to sell boats, that’s their job. Getting the highest price for a boat is often secondary to selling it.

Brokers sometimes are associated with boat mechanics or boat fiberglass specialist. When repairs are needed is often useful to have the broker estimate these repairs. If his boat yard will be doing the repairs he is less likely to under estimate them. So if the seller is faced with a significant repair bill from the broker that he selected, how can he proceed other than to adjust his price reflecting needed repairs.

Brokers are also professionals who provide a valuable service. They often pilot the boat, commission the boat, launch the boat or haul the boat, and assist in the survey of the boat. 

When bargaining down a price they are an important go between. This often allows deals to go through that could otherwise fall apart because of personality differences and disagreements between buyers and sellers..

Boats sold directly by owners do not always go smoothly since the owner does not always know his responsibilities in the sale. This may be the only boat that he has ever sold and he may be trying to cut his cost where ever he can, feeling that he has already put too much money into the boat.