You found a potential buyer for your beloved boat, but they’re on the other side of the country. Don’t let distance sink your private sale. In the past, selling a boat to a far-away buyer was risky and complicated. Now, you can easily connect with buyers nationwide to sell your boat faster.
Sure, you could wait for a local buyer, but why limit yourself? DealNow streamlines the boat-selling process by providing you with the tools you need to sell your boat quickly and securely, no matter where the buyer lives.
Before we tell you how DealNow simplifies boat selling, let’s look at the problems that usually kill long-distance sales.
Until DealNow, long-distance boat transactions were so risky, time-consuming, and awkward that most sellers avoided them. Those who went through the sales process endured the following:
Each of these friction points can kill a deal. Combined, they’ve made long-distance boat sales frustrating or impossible—until now.
We designed DealNow to solve the friction points that used to sink long-distance boat sales. Now, you can sell your boat quickly and safely, no matter where the buyer lives.
Before DealNow, boat transactions took hours or days. Remote deals took even longer. Now, with instant payments and a real-time self-serve dealflow, you can finish the deal in minutes, even when selling across time zones.
Every DealNow buyer undergoes identity verification during account creation. You know from the start that you’re dealing with a real person. Plus, our funds verification feature confirms potential buyers can pay before you invest time in the deal.
Both parties sign a legally binding bill of sale in the DealNow app. You know you’ll get paid instantly; the buyer knows they’ll get the boat. No more catch-22. You’ll receive a notification when the buyer has signed and paid for the boat.
Our secure in-app messaging keeps your contact information private and saves a record of all communications. The buyer can even arrange a local inspection through our network of certified marine surveyors based on your pre-set availability.
Instant payment enables the marine surveyor to handle the title transfer and coordinate with the shipper so you can finish the sale quickly and be on your way. An awkward, multi-party sale process becomes simple and smooth.
Just as long-distance transaction friction points worked together to kill deals, DealNow’s solutions work together to make them happen.
Here’s what DealNow looks like in action: A seller in Florida sold a $133,000 Malibu to a buyer in Utah—without ever meeting in person. The buyer had it inspected by a local surveyor, approved it via video chat, and transferred payment instantly. The surveyor coordinated with the transport company and had the boat shipped the next morning. The whole deal wrapped up in minutes, at 8:31 PM on a Sunday.
DealNow turns what used to be frustratingly complex into something you can do from your phone, anytime, anywhere.
Let’s walk through exactly how DealNow works for long-distance boat transactions.
When you find a buyer, invite them to your DealNow dealroom via a custom link. If they need convincing, remind them that DealNow facilitates:
Once the buyer is onboarded, they can:
All communication is saved in your dealroom, and all relevant documentation is accessible from your dashboard.
The buyer can choose from our network of certified marine surveyors in your area. You’ll:
Our streamlined communication features keep everyone in sync throughout the process.
If the buyer is satisfied, you’re ready to finish the deal. This is where our platform shines for long-distance sales. Complete the sale in minutes.
What used to take days or weeks now happens in minutes. You get paid instantly, and our transport partners handle the rest.
You’re not just using a payment app or a boat listing site—you’re leveraging a complete transaction platform that makes long-distance sales as seamless as local ones.
Unlike cars that can plummet in value, boats tend to depreciate slowly. Boat owners can expect their boats to lose around 10–15% in value during their first year on the water, followed by a modest 5–10% annual decline. Top brands and popular models that are well-maintained often resist depreciation better than others.
Spring and summer are the best seasons to list a boat for sale. The market heats up with the weather as potential buyers prepare for a season on the water. If you’re in Florida, California, or other sun-soaked states, you’ll find boat buyers year-round. During the winter months you may struggle to find a buyer at your desired selling price.
Protect yourself by using DealNow to verify the buyer’s identity and funds. Always meet in public places for viewings. Use DealNow’s digital bill of sale and secure system to close the deal and get your money.
After the sale, complete a release of liability form and cancel boat-specific insurance and memberships. DealNow’s platform lets you enjoy secure transactions from start to finish.
Bowriders and pontoons typically sell fastest since they appeal to a wide range of potential boat buyers and activities. Center consoles are also hot sellers in areas with protected waterways.
DealNow is the easiest way to close your own vehicle deal, anytime. It’s the safe and simple way to avoid fraud, sign documents, and instantly transact, all in one app.
