I know that when you trade it in, it takes down the price that is taxed on the new one. However, I don't think you get "market value" on a trade-in since they need to make money off of it as well.

Selling a boat can be painful, you'll get a lot of nonsense calls, like would you finance, knuckleheads that want to go on joy rides, stuff like that, just like selling anything else to the general public.

Now that said, WHAT you're selling makes a huge difference. I've sold a fleet of boats, and I promise, condition is everything. Clean, polished and waxed, seats in good shape, clean bilge all amount to dollars and less time on the market.

Figure 30-40% difference between trade in and sell.

For me, as much of a pain as it is, i would sell it to the public.

WHAT you're selling is going to make the biggest difference in how fast it'll move. Some brands are high demand, some not so much. Same with the motor on the back, it's hard to give away a Evinrude, or a older Zuke.

I sold my jet scooter in two hours, not many of anything like it running around, still was surprised at the response. Make sure when you put it up for sale, you're ready to actually sell it. Paperwork is in order, all your titles and registration is correct. Batteries are charged, it's running like a top. Fix whatever needs fixing. Nobody wants to buy projects.

I was offered $27K for my boat by a dealer. I sold it on boatrader.com within 2 weeks for $42K. It was a very clean low hour boat.

It's not hard to do. You sign the titles and he gives you the money.

Right now is a good time of year to sell a boat.

.