OnBoard Magazine - Issue XII - 2020 Season

levels of the builder, the better chance that a boat will hold strong valuations on the market. There are also certain boat models that are constantly in demand and are able to retain value for years after their initial purchase. We see this with models such as the Regulator 26FS, which despite being discontinued nearly a decade ago, remain in strong demand from our customers. VESSEL HISTORY The background of a vessel can have a tremendous impact on its value, especially if there has been significant damage done in the past. It is not unusual to see boats for sale that have been damaged by storms, sunk, or caught on fire. Even if restored, these problems can deter buyers, which will make it tougher to sell on the open market. Conversely, a boat with a complete record of service history will be more valuable because buyers will be confident that they are making a solid investment. Make sure to always keep track of completed service work so you can avoid potential concerns from buyers. Keeping all your documentation, receipts and a service log can really pay off in the end! OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES More is almost always better when it comes to options and accessories. When buying new boats, there are usually dozens of options available, and these can really add up when you go to sell. Some common accessories include stabilizers, sound systems, electronics packages, thrusters, and engine upgrades, but there are countless options available from different manufacturers. Obviously, some options will have a much greater impact on value than others, but even the smaller additions can make a difference. Always let your broker know about all installed upgrades and options when you decide to put your boat on the market. While these are the top five factors used to calculate values, there are plenty of other attributes to consider. The best way to find out how much your boat is worth is to contact an experienced Sales Professional who knows the market. If you are ready to sell, make sure to reach out to the Bluewater Yacht Sales team for expert advice. S omething we hear quite frequently from our customers is that they knew Bluewater was top notch before ever working with us based solely on the caliber of boat brands we sell. Let’s just say that as one of the top yacht sales and brokerage outfits in the nation—and one of the oldest—we’ve been around the block a few times and learned how to separate the best from the rest when it comes to boat manufacturers. The strategic partnerships we have built with our eight new model brands through the years are no accident. They chose us as much as we chose them. Talented people working towards the same goals often find themselves in the same room (or boatyard) a lot. While we may have seen an amazing product built to the highest standards possible by a group of passionate craftspeople, they saw a yacht sales company that works tirelessly to treat every customer like family no matter the dollar figure of the transaction, and support them long afterwards. The drive for perfection is evident throughout our sales, support and service teams. Bluewater is grateful to have some of the most experienced and praised sales professionals, assistants, technicians and tradespeople in the industry. Many of our team members count their time with Bluewater and our brands not in years, but decades. THE MANUFACTURING PLANTS AND BRANDS THAT DEFINE THE BLUEWATER EXPERIENCE KEEPING GREAT COMPANY 47 2020 SEASON