What is the Best Site to List Your Boat for Sale? A Guide to Selling Boats Online

So you’re ready to say goodbye to your boat—whether you’re seeking to upgrade to a newer model, join a boating club, or just move on from boating altogether, you’ve decided it’s time to sell. But how should you go about selling your boat? What is the best site to list your boat for sale? Should you work with a dealership or list your boat on Facebook Marketplace or Craiglist? In this post, we break down four options for selling your boat, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.

Craigslist: The Original Site to List Your Boat for Sale

Craigslist is arguably the oldest online classified advertisement platform, founded in 1995 by Craig Newmark. Almost 30 years later, sellers and buyers continue to use the site, selling everything from furniture to toys to boats.

Craigslist Cost 

$5 to post your boat listing on Craigslist.

Craigslist Pros

• Reach a Wide Audience: Craigslist boasts a massive user base, which increases your chances of finding a buyer quickly.
• Local Targeting: Sellers can target a specific area to attract local buyers, so they can narrow in on potential leads close to home.
• No Frills Listing: List your boat with a relatively easy-to-use interface that allows for lengthy descriptions and multiple photos.

Craigslist Cons

• Limited Features: User interface is purposefully simple and can feel outdated compared to more modern platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
• Safety Concerns: Meet-ups for transactions can pose safety risks, so precautions of where, when and how to complete transactions are necessary (although services like Bridge Marina’s Sales Assist program can help ease some of those concerns).
• High Competition: With so many users and a wide array of offerings, your boat listing may get lost among numerous other ads for various products.

Facebook Marketplace: An Easy, Free Site to List Boats for Sale

Facebook Marketplace has gained significant traction over the past few years as a great source to connect local buyers and sellers. A free Facebook personal profile is all you need to get your boat listed for sale on the site.

Facebook Marketplace Cost

Free to list your boat on Facebook Marketplace in your local market.

Facebook Marketplace Pros

• Integrated Social Features: You can see potential buyers’ profiles and communicate easily through Messenger.
• Local Focus: Facebook Marketplace targets local buyers, which can lead to quicker sales.
• Free Listings: It costs nothing to list your boat (all you need is a personal Facebook profile), making it an attractive option for budget-conscious sellers.

Facebook Marketplace Cons

• Limited Market for Boats: While Facebook Marketplace may be great for sales in general, listing your boat on this more “generic” site may not attract serious buyers specifically.
• Potential for Scams: As with any online platform, sellers on Facebook Marketplace do run the risk of dealing with less-than-honest buyers (this concern can also be remedied with programs that help assist with private sales).
• Quality Control: Listings on Facebook Marketplace can vary greatly in terms of what’s being sold and the overall quality of the post, making it difficult for serious buyers to sift through and find authentic items for sale.

Online Marketplaces for Boats: Better Exposure to Potential Buyers

Sellers often choose to list their boats on sites specifically tailored for boat buyers, like BoatCrazy or BoatTrader. Each of these online marketplaces offers thousands of boats for sale to potential buyers, providing niche platforms designed for simply selling boats and trailers.

Online Boat Marketplaces Cost

BoatCrazy charges $19 for a basic boat listing; BoatTrader listing costs range between $69-$229.

Online Boat Marketplace Pros

• Reach Your Targeted Audience: These platforms cater specifically to boaters, increasing your chances of reaching interested buyers.
• Enhanced Listings: BoatCrazy allows for detailed descriptions and multiple images; advanced features like search filters are also included on their platform.
• Increased Advertising Reach: Websites like BoatCrazy and BoatTrader often invest in additional digital advertising to promote their listings, which provides even greater exposure for your boat.

Online Boat Marketplace Cons

• Listing Fees: Cost ranges from $19-$229, which can be a deterrent for some sellers.
• Increased Competition: You may find yourself competing with many similar boats on the platform, which could dilute your listing’s visibility.
• Variable Success: The effectiveness of these platforms can vary greatly based on market conditions and geographic location.

Boat Consignment: Boost Your Boat Listing with a Dealership’s Expertise

Consigning your boat with a local dealership allows you to leverage the expertise of a boat dealer and get your boat listing in front of more potential buyers. Boat dealerships can offer you an estimate of your boat’s value, help you decide an appropriate pricing strategy, and list your boat on their site, complete with professional pictures and video.

Boat Consignment Cost

Consignment fees vary by boat dealership, but typically range from 10% to 15% of the sale price.

Boat Consignment Pros

• Expertise and Support: Dealerships handle all the legwork that goes into a successful sale, including marketing, showing the boat, negotiating with buyers and completing required paperwork.
• Professional Listings: Boat dealerships can provide professional marketing support, including a sleek website and appealing photos and videos showcasing your boat, which enhance the appeal of your listing.
• Convenience: The consignment option is hassle-free for sellers, as the dealership manages the sales process from start to finish.

Boat Consignment Cons

• Cost: Commission fees can cut significantly into your profits.
• Less Control: You relinquish some control over the sale process and how your boat is marketed.

The Bottom Line – Which is the Best Site to List Boats for Sale?

Choosing the best site to list your boat for sale ultimately depends on your priorities, whether it’s maximizing exposure, minimizing fees, or leveraging professional help. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great sites to list your boat if you’re looking for the lowest cost (or a free option!) and want to cast a wide net. On the other hand, targeted online marketplaces like BoatCrazy and BoatTrader can connect you with a greater number of serious buyers quickly.

If you prefer a hands-off approach to sell your boat, consignment with a trusted dealership might be your best bet, despite the commission costs. Consider what’s most important for your sale – convenience, cost and/or time – and choose the option that aligns with your needs.

Need Help Deciding Which Site is Best to Sell Your Boat?

We’re here to help! Contact us at (973) 663-1976 or fill out this quick form. Happy selling!