Step 1: Keep it clean. Clean up the outside. Be sure to clean the boat inside and out the day of the showing.

Step 2: Empty it out. A boat looks best when it is empty. Add flowers in a nice vase and air fresheners in the heads.

Step 3: Remove all non-boating gear. Fold towels. Tidy up lockers. Clean dishes. Clean out lockers, cabinets, and storage spaces.

Step 4: Have holding tanks cleaned. Make sure the head & holding tanks are in perfect condition. Completely empty the tanks, clean the heads, etc. Hire a pro to fix the system.

Step 5: Run the engines. Be sure starting batteries are topped up and engines start easily.

Step 6: Service the engines. Hire a mechanic to service the engines. Clean engine space & bilge. Remove any trace of oil, water, and junk in the bilge. Clean machinery.

Step 7: Check the electronics. If it doesn’t work, fix it, replace it, or remove it!

Step 8: Do the bottom. Have the bottom scrubbed by a diver so the boat reaches its top speed.

Step 9: Make sure the price is right. Establish a realistic “bottom-line” price with your broker. Leave “wiggle room” to adjust the price in case the buyer requires a “boatyard credit” to close the deal.

Step 10: Pre-survey the boat. Be proactive in prepping your boat to pass the survey. Make sure all equipment and systems work. Check out your boat the day before the sea trial & survey to make sure everything is working. Free up all thru hull fittings. Do a visual hose and clamp check. Replace if necessary. Provide an updated flare kit, replace out-of-date fire extinguishers, operate all heads, lights, and the anchor windless. Have all lockers as empty as possible and the bilge clean and dry. Be sure the engines will reach full power for the sea trial.

Step 11: Be honest. Reveal problems early so the buyer knows what to expect. No surprises. Discuss past and current blister problems.

Step 12: Have a private boat show. Keep the boat clean and uncluttered. Leave the boat in “ready to go” condition.