Why Cleaning Your Boat Is a Must Before Selling It

Have you ever wondered why cleaning your boat before selling it is absolutely essential? While it may seem like a daunting task, cleaning your boat is not only necessary but also helps you get the best price for it. Here are some reasons why cleaning your boat is a must before selling it:

1. It makes your boat look good

2. It makes other people want to buy it

3. It increases its value

So, if you want to increase the chances of selling your boat then clean it – it isn’t rocket science. If you put the effort into making it shipshape then you can ask top dollar. Essentially, cleaning your boat will make the difference in whether you make, or break a deal.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can get away with a quick spruce-up before putting your boat on the market. It’s going to take a lot more than that to ensure a sale.

As a general guideline:

• Focus on both the inside and outside – clean, buff, wax, oil, polish, scrub, varnish

• Repair any items that are broken, damaged or faulty

• Wash all canvas, fabrics, upholstery, carpets or anything that may carry an odd smell.

Eliminate all odours – this is of vital importance. An odd or funny smell can linger and essentially can make a buyer walk away. How often have you jumped into a car or walked into a room with a pungent smell of smoke, or food, or worse?

It can be extremely off-putting and also makes you just want to leave. So try to avoid a similar scenario on your boat. When a prospective buyer comes on board they should not be welcomed by a stench but rather by a pleasant scent.

If there is a smell then try to find out where or what the source is. Here are some tips to eradicate the residual smell.

• Clean and clear out the holding tank

• Flush heads several times with fresh water

• Lift hatches and clean the seal

• Make sure the bilge is clean

• Clear out waterways and drains

• Flush out the shower sump

• Spray air freshener to remove unpleasant odours

• Clean out the fridge/freezer

• Air out the boat – remove mold and mildew

In a nutshell, the importance of such a seemingly simple and obvious task such as cleaning is often overlooked. Cleaning should be an absolute priority before any viewing. It sends a clear message of the overall health of your boat and is an effective selling point. First impressions count more than you know!