Frequently Asked Questions

COMMON INQUIRIES

Everything you need to know about our services, safety protocols, and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our most common inquiries regarding brokerage logistics, and general boating knowledge.

01. Brokerage

Do I need a broker to SELL my boat?

Great question—with today's technology you don’t need a broker to sell your boat. But whether or not you should use one depends on how much time, knowledge, and effort you’re willing to commit to the process.

Why People Use a Broker to Sell their Boat

A good broker handles everything: Beginning with an honest assessment of the vessel condition, using broker exclusive tools to obtain recent comparable value, marketing on multiple platforms, fielding phone calls with questions, following up on expressions of interest and navigating those "just kicking the tires," showing the boat, participating in the survey and sea trial, negotiating with buyers, completing legal paperwork, coordinating delivery details, staying on top of the timeline and dates, and closing the sale.
Wider exposure: Brokers often list your boat on multiple platforms (like YachtWorld, MLS, etc.) and have a network of buyers they can contact who might be perfect for your boat.
Market knowledge: They have experience to price your boat based on current market, trends, and condition.
Legal and financial direction: Boats over a certain size often come with financing, insurance, and tax considerations. The right broker ensures everything is done properly.
Trust factor: Buyers often trust listings from brokers more than private sellers.

Why should I use a broker when BUYING a boat?

If you have access to the internet, you certainly can spend the hours necessary to review, filter, evaluate, and eventually find the perfect boat. However, here's why working with a broker you trust is a smart move:

1. Expert Knowledge: Reputable brokers know boats. They can help you figure out what type of vessel fits your needs, budget, and experience level—and steer you away from options that won't work for how you intend to use the boat.

2. Paperwork Pros: Buying a boat involves a lot of paperwork—titles, registration, taxes, insurance, surveys, etc. A broker handles it all and ensures timelines are met and nothing gets missed.

3. Access to Listings: Brokers often have access to boats that aren’t publicly listed, or they may get first dibs on new listings. Plus, they can often network to learn the backstory on the boat—how it’s been maintained, previous owners, etc.

4. Negotiation Power: A good broker negotiates on your behalf to get the best deal and avoid pitfalls like overpriced listings, hidden issues, or scam sellers.

5. Surveys and Sea Trials: Brokers coordinate with marine surveyors and mechanics to inspect the boat properly. A good broker will participate in the inspection and help interpret survey results to guide you on what’s a red flag vs. just cosmetic. Survey and sea trial reports often result in revised contract negotiation and/or repairs. Your broker can assist with knowing when to renegotiate, ensuring reputable vendors are used for repairs, and when to walk away.

6. Time: Brokers do the legwork—searching listings, contacting brokers, preliminary screenings, scheduling viewings, contract content and negotiations, survey/sea trial arrangements. All you need to do is show up and say yes or no.

7. Seller pays Commission: In most cases, the seller pays the broker commission (which is then split between the selling and buying brokers). In most cases, you (the buyer) gets all that expertise at no cost to you.

8. Representation on NEW boats: When shopping and purchasing a new boat from a dealer or manufacturer, your broker can provide all the same services they offer to the used boat market. Make sure your interests are represented, the boat you want to buy will meet your needs, and the contract is in your best interest by having your broker make the first call and coordinate the appointments and experience.

How do brokerage fees work?

Like in real estate, brokers are paid a percentage of the selling price by the seller. The percentage is defined in the listing agreement and is divided between the selling and buying brokers who then split their percentage with their respective brokerage houses.

Is buying a boat like buying a car?

If you are in the market for a vessel larger than 30 feet, you will find buying a boat is more like buying a house. Here's how they are similar:

Boat Brokers = Real Estate Agents
Survey & Sea Trial = Home Inspection
Title Companies, searches, transfer, etc.
Contracts terms (not just price) are negotiable
Financing can take weeks

Even with a simple contract and cash (no financing) deal, we strongly recommend a survey, sea trial, and title search by professionals before closing and taking possession of your new vessel..

02. General Boating

Why should every boat have a First Mate?

"Ship happens"

The First Mate is the person who assists the captain while operating the boat. They run lines, communicate navigation information, and ensure all other passengers are behaving safely while the boat is in motion. They are a second set of eyes for the captain in inclement weather and another person on the boat who knows the rules of navigation.

The First Mate is also the person who will take over operation if the captain becomes incapacitated. ALL spouses/partners should take First Mate training. The safety of everyone on board could depend on it.

At a minimum, every first mate should know:

How to radio for help
How to use equipment to determine where you are located
Basic safety training
Basic first aid
What to do if/when the coast guard boards your vessel
How to appropriately tie lines on the boat and on the dock

Where should I keep my boat?

Before buying a boat, you need to make arrangements for where it will "live" seasonally and/or year-round.

Smaller boats can trailered to and from a boat ramp - so they can live in your home driveway or on a concrete pad behind your house/building/etc. is an option (assuming your community/HOA does not prevent storing recreational vehicles)

Larger boats require a somewhat permanent home. Whether you choose a marina or a yacht club, we recommend securing a location BEFORE determining the boat you are going to buy.

Below are the considerations when choosing your home away from home:

Slip Size

Facilities measure and require boat length be shorter than the dock to ensure traffic in and out of the harbor is safe and vessels are not accidentally hit by other boats. While most slips are assigned a LENGTH, you should also confirm the BEAM (width) the slip can accommodate. We've seen buyers scrambling for a new location after learning that their 40 ft slip could only accommodate a 14 ft beam after falling in love with and contracting for a 40 ft. boat with a 16 ft. beam.

Cost

The cost of a facility and slip will vary depending on the type of facility, body of water, and available slips in the region. When pricing a facility, you should ask about:

Initiation fees (one time)
Dues (monthly)
Minimum spending (monthly)
Current or planned Assessments (monthly)
Utilities (electric, water, wi-fi, etc.) (monthly)
Slip purchase or rental (one time or annually based on size)

Amenities - other personal preferences to consider

Public or private?
Restaurant & Bar availability and quality?
Dockhand assistance in and out of slip?
Assistance with personal belongings to and from boat?
Fuel on property or nearby?
Social Events?
Security?
Wi-Fi capabilities?
Pool?

03. Contact & Support

Still have questions?

If your specific inquiry isn't covered here, our professional maritime team is ready to assist. Use the touchpoints below to start a conversation with Jim Travarca personally.

Still have questions?

We are here to help you navigate your maritime journey. Reach out for personal guidance.