Is it common to engage a broker to sell current boat before using them to buy another?

Mark Smith

Mark Smith

New Member
Jul 21, 2018
17
Columbus, Mississippi
Boat Info
2001 SR 260 Sundancer
Engines
260 MerCruiser with 2018 new Bravo III. Counter rotating props
We purchased a 2001 freshwater only 260 Sundancer and spent a great deal of time on updating it before we realized that we need a bigger boat but cannot justify buying another one until we can sell the 260. Any feedback would be appreciated!
 
I would definitely do it serially. That gives you a chance the evaluate the broker and potentially fire them before looking for the replacement boat. If you hire a buyer's broker, it somewhat constrains you from contacting seller's brokers directly.

That said, there is a school of thought that says you should have a buyer's broker to help find your next boat, under the assertion that they are looking out for your best interests.

What I found was that going directly to the seller's broker, worked just fine for me.
 
It would depend on what you are looking for. On boats under a certain amount, I doubt it would be financially feasible for a broker to represent a buyer.
 
Thanks Bob and Golfman. Golfman, We have about 47k in the 260 including a nice trailer and looking to spend somewhere in the $100k-$150k area on the new one. I am curious, if it is even lower priced boat, is the broker not on a % commission anyway so it is a sliding scale?
 
Commission is on a percentage basis, but honestly, try selling the 260 yourself. I've yet to use a broker to sell...6 boats now! Boat Trader, eBay, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are all avenues to list.

The largest one I've sold was my 33', just north of $80,000. That's more money you can spend on the next boat. If you can swing it, buy your next boat before you sell. A lot of boats sold this year...not sure how many good boats are left and you run the risk of being boatless for a while as you find the right boat.
 
Personal choice. I have had success with not using a buyer broker, actually prefer not to.

In the past the challenge were finding boats that are on the market, that's not as big of a challenge with the internet. You can find boats.

In fact I have seen situations where a less than reputable broker filtered the results they brought back to the buyer based on whether they could negotiate part of the fee from the selling broker.

I am not buying anything without a survey - not relying on a broker for advice about a boat.

On the selling side, I think a broker brings a lot of value. Fielding calls from prospective buyers, answering questions, and showing the boat. I think using a broker on the selling side works for me and I receive value.
 
If I were you, I would sell your boat yourself... I have always done that. Boats are selling very quickly now, and you should have no trouble selling your boat. At the same time, start looking online for your next boat, and take your time. If you see a boat owned by a dealer, like Marine Max, you can see what they would give you on trade. There are some tax advantages on trading in a boat over selling then buying... You don't need a broker, all you need is a friend who knows boats...
 
I am selling Carpe Diem on my own, But will use my broker to help find and negotiate the replacement mostly because I hate the idea of a broker making 10 percent by double ending a boat and practicing the amoral dual representation game. There is no way anyone will convince me that a broker can work on the behalf of both parties equally. Selling the 44 through word of mouth thanks to CSR!
Carpe Diem
 
I used a local broker to sell our 44DB a couple months ago. I have never used a buyer's broker. My experience has been that when the seller's broker knew he would get 100% of the commission, he worked harder to get the deal done. Currently purchasing one from a private seller and while I can appreciate the work the broker handles, there is a considerable savings.....

Bennett
 
When I bought my 400DB, it was being sold at another division of Skipper Buds. I used my local salesman (whom I have a good relationship with) as an buyers intermediary with the sellers salesman. It worked great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,112
Messages
1,426,279
Members
61,025
Latest member
jralcorn
Back
Top