Preparing Your Yacht For Sale Published in October 08, 2015 Go! If you have decided to sell your yacht, here are some tips that will help make the process that much smoother. First impressions count, remember you only have one chance to make a favourable impression. 1. Make sure everything is clean and operational Starting with the exterior wash and polish the hull, polish all stainless steel, ensure that all rust stains are gone. Remove all sporting equipment from the decks like kayaks and paddleboards, fuel cans, etc. If the dodger, Bimini, sail bag or covers are faded, worn or in tatters have them replaced. You’ll be surprised that spending a little money at this stage will reap a much better return on settlement day. Below decks my best advice is to de-clutter, get rid of everything! I mean everything! Empty all draws and cupboards, remove all books and magazines from shelves, if you have personal photos on walls remove them. Ensure there are no unpleasant odours including diesel, head or holding tank smells. The bilge is next, it needs to be clean! No oil, fuel or debris. If there water stains on any timber surfaces consider re varnishing. Do a thorough spring clean. 2. Mechanical Ensure that your engine is serviced and there are no oil leaks. Be clear about engine hours, know what they are. Look behind the electrical switchboard and make sure it’s not a bird’s nest of wiring, you’d be surprised what a few cable ties can do. If you’re unsure get a marine electrician in for a few hours to tidy it up. 3. Sails Spray your sail slides with a silicon spray, ensure that the main goes up easily and your furling headsail can be deployed and easily furled. 4. Inventory Your inventory is one very important document. Be thorough, the more details you can provide the better. Whatever you do only list things that are working, don’t put down autopilot if it’s not working. Be truthful about what works and what doesn’t as it can be embarrassing for all parties at survey and sea trial. In summary the less you have on the boat in terms of clutter the better, most buyers love to see a blank canvas when they inspect a boat. If you are thinking about selling your yacht and would like to know more about presenting her in the best possible condition, give your local YOTI office a call. – Glenn Love Glenn heads up our office in South East Queensland.