FAQs Archive

Q: Can I speak to somebody for advice and valuation before I fill in a form?

Prefer to speak to someone directly? Call Steve for advice or a boat valuation on UK: (+44) 07966 205539 or Ireland: (+353) 89 2541787.

Q: Has the boat been blacked, surveyed and have an in-date Boat Safety Scheme Certificate?

With Narrowboats three of the main questions we will ask are has the boat been blacked, surveyed and have a BSS. On the inland waterways boats need to be kept to a certain standard and if a narrowboat hasn’t been blacked in a while it could mean the hull needs work. This can be costly on narrowboats and barges. A boat must also have a Boat Safety Certificate that is in date. If your boat hasn’t got one the new owner will have the expense of getting one. This will affect the price we can offer. Also if the boat has a mooring license or a continuous cruising license matters. This will affect the boats value as if someone can take on a mooring for a narrowboat it may be more attractive than having to immediately move the boat on.

Q: Do you have lots of recent pictures you can send?

We need to see as many fresh pictures of the boat as you can send. This can often give us a good idea whether we would like to make an offer. At the very least it will help us work out what we think the boat is worth.

Q: Why are you looking to sell your boat?

The team are always interested to know why you are looking to sell your boat. Whatever the reason we don’t judge and understand people’s circumstances change. The main reason we are looking out for is if the boat has had problems that need fixing. If you the owner are honest with us about any issues we can consider a deal. But if issues arise during viewing it could be a deal breaker.

Q: Does the boat come with a trailer?

If a boat is the right size to fit on a trailer it always makes it a more attractive deal if it comes with one. Boats with trailers are a good package for people to buy as it means the boat can be easily stored and moved around. When a boat doesn’t have a trailer it is another cost we have to consider against making an offer. It would also mean we would have to arrange a boat lift, trailer hire and lift off the trailer.

Q: Has the boat had any repair work?

We will need to know if the boat has had any repair work. Whether it’s treatment for osmosis on a yacht, damage repairs or a RIB being retubed it’s good to know. This could effect the boat’s value or the chances of reselling.

Q: My engine is newer than the boat, does this affect its value?

Some boat owners will have upgraded or replaced an old engine in a boat. If the boat is getting old but has a newer engine with minimal hours this could tempt us into making an offer. If when we view the boat you can demonstrate the engine running and going in/out of gear that would also help.

Q: Has the boat been out of the water and surveyed recently?

If your boat has been out of the water for a survey it is always good to know. A marine surveyor will give an honest appraisal of the boat. They will also spot any problems the boat may have which could be a deal breaker for us or if we tried to sell the boat on. We do buy bots without a survey or without having them lifted out but the price we offer may reflect this.

Q: Do we need proof of ownership?

Before we can buy your boat, we do need to see some proof of ownership. We cannot purchase a boat without evidence that you own it or have the legal authority to sell it. With inland waterway boats, this is often simpler to establish, but with coastal boats we would usually expect to see some form of supporting paperwork. We know this is not always easy, especially as some boats change hands without a complete paper trail. That is not necessarily a problem. If you can provide a written and signed statement confirming that you are the owner and are entitled to sell the boat, we can often still agree a deal.