Yacht Premarket Prepping and Staging Guide

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So you're ready to market your yacht. Before you show it you need to prep and stage it properly. Here are some guidelines.

• Determine the true condition of the yacht.
• Repair all deficiencies that you are aware of that you are willing to address.
• Clean the interior to be "squeaky clean".
• Eliminate all odors. An ozone machine or air ionizer works well once you have removed any odor sources.
• Eliminate any leaks that cause standing bilge water (even just a little bit).
• Clean all of the bilges.
• Clean and detail the engine compartment.
• Paint bilge areas that are stained or discolored.
• Eliminate any rust, corrosion, or stains.
• Assemble maintenance records and invoices.
• Assemble any previous survey reports that you are willing to share.
• Assemble all repair, upgrade, and maintenance invoices that you are willing to share.
• Assemble a list of vendors and contractors that you have used for service and maintenance with phone numbers and points of contact.
• Determine the transferability of your dockage slip with the pertinent information for a prospective buyer.
• Remove all owner's personal items and gear that will not convey with the sale of the vessel.
• Keep your listing broker apprised of any schedule changes that may affect availability for showings.
• Produce a written summary of the known history of the vessel and its use (cruising areas, alterations, upgrades, dates, etc.)
• Organize all of the yacht's manuals and log books for review.
• Make an inventory of all loose items that do convey with the sale including spare parts.
• Clean and wax exterior.
• Polish all metal hand rails, fittings, etc..
• Pressure wash running rigging if dirty.
• Compile a schedule of coatings used on the outside (varnish, teak oil, paints, bottom paint, running gear coatings).
• Prepare answers to anticipated questions (pricing for commonly desired upgrades, costs, parts sources, etc.)
• Make access easy: boarding, locks, hours, notifications, security gates, guard notifications etc..

• On the day of the showing:

• Ensure that the exterior is clean and dried of dew.
• Uncover cushions and tidy up decks. Try to avoid scheduling showings on rainy days.
• Coil lines and make "ship shape".
• Ensure that lines are adjusted to make boarding easy.
• Open up doors, hatches, and windows, to allow fresh air to flow in. If it is hot turn on air conditioning afterwards, if cold heat.
• Stage drapes, blinds, and lighting for best lighting appearance.
• Stow away any clutter.
• Check floors and carpets and sweep or vacuum as necessary.
• Dust as necessary.
• Flush all heads and insure that the bowls are clean. Leave the lids down.
• Ensure that windows and interior glass surfaces are clean.
• Put soothing or non distracting background music on low volume.
• Set the table.
• Place props on bunks.
• Place fresh flower arrangements in strategic suitable locations.

Craig Starns

The Right Yacht

1-813-340-0227