Buying a Boat Directly from the Owner

Private boat sales are common and straightforward. The process follows the same steps as a brokered transaction, but without the broker commission. Here is exactly what to expect.

1. Initial Contact

Reach out via our contact form, email, or phone. We are happy to answer questions, provide additional photos and videos, or schedule a video call to walk through the boat in real time. We encourage you to ask anything.

2. Offer & Deposit

When you are ready to move forward, you submit a written offer. Once we reach agreement on terms, a refundable deposit (typically 10%) is placed into a licensed marine escrow account. This secures the boat and takes her off the market while you arrange a survey.

3. Marine Survey

You hire a licensed marine surveyor of your choice. We will make the boat fully available for haul-out and inspection. The survey is your opportunity to have an independent professional assess every aspect of the vessel. We welcome thorough inspections.

4. Sea Trial

A sea trial is included as part of the survey process. You will experience the boat under sail and power, test all systems, and get a feel for how she handles. We will be aboard to answer questions and demonstrate systems.

5. Negotiation (if needed)

If the survey reveals items that need attention, we negotiate in good faith. We have nothing to hide and have already disclosed everything we know about the boat’s condition.

6. Closing

Once both parties are satisfied, we close through escrow. We provide all documentation, manuals, maintenance records, and a thorough multi-day handover orientation aboard the boat. We will walk you through every system, share our cruising notes, and make sure you are comfortable before we hand over the keys.

Why FSBO Works

Buying directly from the owner is not unusual in the marine world. Many experienced cruisers prefer it because they deal directly with someone who knows the boat intimately. There is no telephone game through a broker, and the savings on commission can be significant for both parties.

Questions?

If you have any concerns about the process, we are happy to discuss them. We want you to feel confident every step of the way.

How the Sale Works