Boat buying requires a lot of patience, research and can be very frustrating. So before you start, let us help you consider a few important factors.
Nautifi has compiled a list of the most popular online boating classifieds:
PROS: YW is an exclusive listing service for yacht brokers and dealers worldwide, similar to MLS for realtors. YW specializes in luxury yachts and sailboats, making it the ideal destination for buyers seeking high-end vessels. The platform features listings worldwide, with detailed descriptions, photos, and virtual tours to help buyers make informed decisions.
CONS: YW does not allow private sellers to list their boats so keep in mind that the prices include brokerage fees. Brokers are known for not updating a listing if there is a pending contract so as to attract backup offers, which frustrates buyer's who spend time trying to contact a broker only to find out that the boat is under contract. Visitors have also complained that their mobile app and mobile website have known issues, making it very slow and cumbersome to use.
PROS: BT is one of the leading online marketplaces that allows private sellers, brokers, and dealers to list their boats. BT has powerful search filters and detailed listings, making it easy to navigate. Whether you're in the market for a fishing boat, a pontoon, or a luxury yacht, BT offers a user-friendly platform tailored to the needs of boating enthusiasts. Its extensive database and intuitive interface make it a top contender in the world of online boat classifieds.
CONS: The only way to contact a private seller is through their internal email service and buyers have expressed concerns that sometimes sellers do not respond in a timely manner or don't respond at all. The site is filled with popup ads and a large number of advertisements that crowd the pages.
PROS: Similar to YW and BT, Boats.com has an extensive database of nearly 200,000 boat listings. They also offer boat reviews, blogs, research data, legal boat documents, and unique services such as boat insurance, financing, transportation, and much more. It's a great one-stop-shop for all of your boat buying needs.
CONS: The listing details are not as organized which requires a lot of scrolling. The biggest complaints from sellers who paid for a listing was poor customer service. And, according to online reviews, sellers also complained that their paid listings didn't show up in searches, while others said that their listings only attracted scammers.
PROS: The website's user-friendly interface allows users to easily browse listings and filter search results based on detailed criteria. Transparency in pricing is another hallmark of the site. Sellers are required to provide clear and upfront pricing for their listings, eliminating the need for haggling or negotiation. Additionally, BC offers tools and resources to help buyers research market values and compare prices, ensuring that they receive a fair deal. BC prioritizes trust and security, providing a safe and secure environment for buyers and sellers to conduct transactions. And according to online reviews, one of the most appealing aspects of BoatCrazy.com is their customer service.
CONS: Some buyers complained that are outdated listings which are no longer for sale and should have been removed from the site, while others stated a lack of response from sellers. BC's database of 15,000 boat listings is far less than their competitors which can range from 75,000 to 200,000 listings.
PROS: Their site has an easy and clean interface with proprietary tools to identify the right type of boat for potential buyers. Listings include private sellers, brokers and dealers. BFS's team consists of boating enthusiasts and industry experts who claim they have the most intuitive boat sale website.
CONS: BFS's listings seem to have a limited number of boat listings as compared to other sites such as YW and BT. Sellers complained that their listings did not attract any or very few potential buyers, and the fee to list a boat was too high.
PROS: Each listing is accompanied by detailed descriptions and high-quality photos, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. From the boat's specifications and features to its condition and history, you'll find everything laid out clearly and transparently. They also offer many resources available to visitors, such as boating documents and guides on various boating industry topics.
CONS: The number of listings on MB's site is limited and the site is filled with an overwhelming number of advertisements that crowd the pages.
PROS: This site uses the latest MLS technology to provide the most accurate listings in the yachting industry. The site is well designed and easy to use and each listing includes large high-res photos.
CONS: Yachtr only allows brokers to list their boats. This is not necessarily a negative, but their database has the smallest selection of boats out of all the sites that we have reviewed.
PROS: Facebook Marketplace emerges as a surprising contender in the realm of online boat classifieds. Leveraging the power of social networking, it provides a platform for individuals to buy and sell boats within their local communities. While the selection may not be as extensive as dedicated boat marketplaces, the convenience of browsing listings from your Facebook account and engaging with sellers directly adds a unique touch to the buying experience. Plus, the ability to see mutual connections with sellers can instill a sense of trust and familiarity. FBMP also allows users to rate sellers.
CONS: Many online reviews of FBMP have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the sellers and the products that they are advertising. If possible, Facetime the seller next to their boat that is for sale. As with any FSBO, proceed with caution.
PROS: Craigslist is a veteran in the online classifieds world, offering a wide array of boat listings from both private sellers and dealers. Its simple interface and extensive reach make it a go-to platform for many buyers and sellers. However, the sheer volume of listings can make it challenging to find exactly what you're looking for. Navigating through numerous listings might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but with patience, hidden gems can be unearthed.
CONS: Just like Facebook Marketplace, many online reviews of Craigslist have expressed concerns about the many scams being advertised. If possible, Facetime the seller next to their boat that is for sale. As with any FSBO, proceed with caution.
PROS: eBay Motors offers a diverse selection of boats alongside its vast inventory of vehicles. With its robust buyer protections and bidding system, eBay provides a secure platform for purchasing boats online. Whether you're in the market for a brand-new speedboat or a vintage sailboat, eBay's auction format allows for competitive pricing and the thrill of snagging a great deal. Just be sure to thoroughly research sellers and inspect listings before making a bid to avoid any potential pitfalls.
CONS: Many online reviews of FBMP have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the sellers and the products that they are advertising. If possible, Facetime the seller next to their boat that is for sale. As with any FSBO, proceed with caution.
Conclusion
In addition to online marketplaces, boating forums and communities are valuable resources for finding boats for sale. Websites like The Hull Truth, SailNet, and Cruisers Forum often have classifieds sections where members can list boats for sale, as well as discussions and advice on buying and selling boats.
There are also review sites such as Site Jabber and Trust Pilot that review classified sites like the ones we mentioned in this blog. Many users of these classified sites are dissastified, partly due to the challenges of communicating with the brokers/sellers. So keep this in mind when you're dealing with a broker or a private seller.
