How much does a yacht broker charge to sell a boat?

Most yacht brokers charge a commission of 10% on boats under $100,000 and often a sliding scale for larger vessels. This covers marketing, showings, negotiations, and transaction management. The commission is typically paid by the seller at closing.

How long does it take to sell a boat?

A properly priced and well-marketed boat in the Chesapeake Bay area typically sells within 3-6 months. Overpriced boats can sit for a year or more. Pricing correctly from the start is the most important factor in selling quickly.

Should I use a broker or sell my boat myself?

You can sell privately, but a broker provides market expertise, professional marketing, buyer screening, negotiation experience, and transaction management. For boats over $50,000, most owners find the broker's expertise pays for itself through better pricing and faster sales.

What do I need to do to prepare my boat for sale?

At minimum: clean thoroughly, address obvious maintenance issues, organize documentation, and ensure all systems work. Professional photography makes a significant difference. Your broker should advise on which improvements are worth the investment and which aren't.

Best Boating Brokerage 443-615-4413

For Boat Owners in Annapolis & Chesapeake Bay

Ready to Sell Your Boat?

Let's talk. I'll give you an honest assessment of what your boat is worth and what it'll take to sell it. No games, no inflated promises.

443-615-4413

Here's the Reality

Selling a boat isn't like selling a house. There's no MLS that every buyer checks. Boats sit on the market for months — sometimes years — if they're priced wrong or marketed poorly.

Most brokers will tell you what you want to hear to get the listing. They'll inflate the price, post a few photos, and wait. When it doesn't sell, they'll blame the market.

I don't work that way.

I'll tell you the truth about your boat's value — even if it's not what you hoped. Because an honest price and smart marketing sells boats. Wishful thinking doesn't.

What I Do For Sellers

1

Honest Market Valuation

I research comparable sales, assess your boat's condition, and give you a realistic number — not one designed to win your listing.
2

Professional Marketing

Your listing gets professional drone photography, detailed specs, and placement on YachtWorld, Boat Trader, and targeted channels. Not iPhone photos and a generic description.
3

I Handle the Showings

Tire-kickers, lowballers, dreamers — I filter them so you don't waste weekends with unqualified buyers.
4

Negotiation & Closing

Offers, surveys, sea trials, paperwork. I manage the entire transaction so you can focus on what's next.