The best place to find a used boat is unquestionably by searching the most popular online used boat marketplaces.
Buying A Used Boat Online (Benefits)
Shopping for a used boat online has its perks. You’ll have access to a wider range of markets beyond your local area, which means more options to choose from. Plus, searching online gives you the chance to find private sellers, where you may have the opportunity to get the best possible price.
The Best Websites To Buy A Used Boat:
- Sportfishtrader: Sportfishtrader is our creation. It was created to specialize only in Fishing Boats and Sportfishing Boats to make searching more efficient for those only interested in those types of boats. Most of the boats on Sportfishtrader are listed by professional brokers, although we have started offering private sellers’ listings.
- Yacht World: Yacht World is a website that ONLY shows listings by licensed brokers, brokerages, and boat dealers. It specializes in Motor Yachts, Sail Boats, Sportfishing Boats, and Fishing Boats.
- Boat Trader: Boat Trader is owned by the same corporation that owns Yacht World and Boats.com. There you will find a lot of the same dealer and broker listings found on Yacht World, along with a massive number of private listings. Boat Trader doesn’t specialize in any particular type of boat.
- Boats.com: Boats.com is also owned by the same corporation as Yacht World and Boat Trader and is very similar to Boat Trader in that it shares broker and dealer listings from Yacht World along with a large selection of private listings
- Facebook Marketplace: Facebook marketplace is on the rise with boat dealers and especially private party sellers because they can list their boats for free. As you can imagine, searching is a bit more difficult and the possibility for scam artists is higher. That being said, you can find anything that floats or maybe even doesn’t float on Facebook Marketplace.
- Craigslist: Not much can be said about Craigslist that hasn’t already been said. Our recommendation, if you are only looking for a private seller, would be to focus your efforts on Facebook Marketplace because, at least there, people have to have a profile that can be screened for legitimacy.
- Ebay: Ebay is another great alternative because they are one of the best at protecting buyers and sellers from fraud. Auctions can be tricky, but most boats sold on eBay are done with a straight-up sale price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, searching for a used boat online provides a wealth of benefits, such as access to a wider range of markets beyond your local area and the opportunity to find private sellers.
The top online used boat marketplaces to consider include Sportfishtrader, Yacht World, Boat Trader, Boats.com, Facebook Marketplace, and Ebay.
While each platform has its pros and cons, taking the time to explore these options will increase your chances of finding the perfect used boat for your needs and budget. Remember to do your due diligence, take precautions against fraud, and happy boat hunting!
