So, you've decided to sell your pride and joy. You've contacted your local Boatshed broker, and your listing is underway. What next?

First impressions matter — and in today’s competitive market, boats that are clean, well-presented, and de-personalised sell faster and with fewer surprises during negotiation. Based on thousands of listings and feedback from real buyers, here are the top preparation tips from Boatshed brokers around the world.

Why Presentation Matters More Than Ever

Everyone who is involved in sailing has met a fellow sailor who has travelled over land and sometimes sea to take a look at 'The most perfect boat' after spotting one or two exterior photo's on a brokers page - only to get there and found that the 'Most perfect boat' was anything but. You are lucky if this is a tale told to you, not so lucky if it's you telling the tale.


With Boatshed’s transparent listing process, your broker will capture unlimited photos and detailed video tours of the boat — everything from the bilges to the rigging, saloon to keel bolts. These images form the buyer’s first impression online, often long before a viewing is booked.
If a buyer sees dirt, clutter, or signs of neglect in a listing, they’ll scroll on. If they see a clean, honest, well-cared-for boat, they’ll book a viewing. It’s that simple.

So how should I best prepare my boat for listing ?

Use this checklist before your broker arrives:

  • Remove personal items: Clothes, toiletries, photos, tools, etc.
  • Take off anything not for sale: Kayaks, RIBs, paddleboards, outboard motors — unless explicitly included.
  • Tidy and wipe everything: Do the washing up, empty the fridge, clean the heads and galley.
  • Strip the bedding: Buyers aren’t buying your duvet — let them focus on the layout, not the linen.
  • Dry the bilges and clean the engine bay: These areas will be photographed.
  • Scrub the decks and clean all windows/hatches: A green, slimy deck is a turn-off.
  • Apply fresh antifoul (if ashore): One even coat looks far better than a scuffed, half-worn bottom.
  • Check the boat smells clean: Damp or diesel smells discourage viewings.

And when I have a viewing?


Even after listing, you’ll need to revisit the boat ahead of every scheduled viewing. Here’s what to check:

No unexpected guests or mess: We’ve seen it all — parties, sleepovers, leftover pizza. Don’t let it happen to your sale.

Reset the boat as per the photos: Tidy, clean, clear decks, dry bilges.

Ventilate the interior: Stale, stuffy cabins cost sales.

Arrive well in advance: Don't try to "beat the broker" by 10 minutes — allow time to make adjustments.

Buyers typically decide how they feel about a boat within 30 seconds of stepping aboard. Make that moment count.

Work With Your Broker

Boatshed’s unique listing process is built on transparency. The better your boat looks in photos and in person, the quicker the sale and the fewer the negotiation issues. Preparing properly isn’t just cosmetic — it’s strategic.

We have more than 70 branches worldwide, so if you haven’t yet started the listing process, we can put you in touch with your local Boatshed brokerhere