Selling your boat: prepare a clear listing and a sound sale

1. Gather the facts before setting a price

Collect the exact model, year, dimensions, engines, documented hours, equipment and service history. Distinguish the boat's year from the age of engines or electronics. Mark unknown information as unknown, rather than presenting an estimate as a fact.

Prepare a public version without sensitive personal data, and a detailed file for an identified buyer. Identity documents, bank details and private numbers do not belong in listing photos. Keep originals for the checks required during the sale.

2. Set a price you can explain

Look at several comparable listings, their versions, equipment and locations. Adjust for required work and tax status, not just age. The highest asking price is not proof of market value.

Set your asking price and identify matters that may justify discussion after a survey. Maintenance spending is not necessarily recovered euro for euro. A recent quotation or invoice is more informative than an unprovable promise that no expenditure will be needed.

3. Show the boat in recent photos

Photograph both sides, cockpit, helm, interiors, engines and important equipment. Clean and tidy without editing out defects. A close-up of a documented repair can prevent misunderstandings at a viewing.

Use your own photos or images you have permission to use. A manufacturer's illustration does not prove your boat's condition: clearly identify it if relevant. Check the background and remove personal documents or information before taking photos.

• A clear main view showing the whole boat.
• A consistent set of photos of the same boat.
• Captions explaining work, defects and items not included.

4. Write an accurate listing without excessive promises

Start with make, model and year, then describe use, accommodation and recent maintenance. List known work and excluded items separately. State price, currency, viewing locality and actual availability.

Listing on EkyNavy is free, with no EkyNavy commission on the sale. External services are not made free: surveys, any broker, handling, transport and formalities must be agreed with their providers. Publication does not certify the boat's condition.

5. Prepare conversations and viewings

Answer substantive questions and arrange access to the necessary areas. For a trial, clarify who is responsible aboard, insurance and weather conditions. Allow an independent buyer's survey; agree who pays for operations and what needs your permission.

Be wary of payments requested to release a transaction or sudden changes of beneficiary. Verify details through an already known channel. A buyer's transfer receipt does not replace your bank's confirmation that funds have arrived.

6. Formalise the sale and close the listing

Record the parties, boat identity, price, agreed conditions, inventory and handover date in writing. Keep evidence of information and defects disclosed. Warranties and formalities depend on the country and whether parties act privately or professionally; clarify disputed points before signing.

In France, the official portal provides sale and purchase procedures for private maritime use. For a Swiss boat or cross-border sale, contact the relevant registration and customs authorities. Once sold, update the listing status to stop enquiries about an unavailable boat.

Service Public: recreational sea-boating formalities