Selling my boat, how to put off theives?
Discussion
Hello people,
I’ve listed my boat up for sale seeing as Spring is coming but as I work in the marine trade, I’m very aware of the amount of thefts that occur when a boat is in storage. If the boat is advertised, it’s inviting people over to look at it, check the house over and see if it’s easy to steal so I’d like to make it as difficult as possible!
The boat is currently in a large garage/workshop behind the house on a busy stretch of road. The drive is gated and locked and there is CCTV so it’s pretty secure. The boat also can’t get out of the garage without having to modify the trailer and fold down the console (which takes a very long time) as it’s too tall to fit under the garage door, it’s also behind a car in the garage so it’s pretty much impossible to steal. However, I’m aware that it’s not very often the boats are stolen, it’s more likely the engines and electronic equipment. We’re talking about £4,000 of electronic equipment and a £15,000 engine so a lot of money.
So, without sounding too off putting on the advert, what would you say?
I’ve so far put this on the bottom of the advert…
“Please note, the boat is stored in a secure, alarmed workshop in Hampshire behind our house, which is also monitored by CCTV. The trailer is currently disabled in the workshop and is behind several cars to prevent theft. Viewings must be arranged in advance but we can accommodate most times of the day. I’m afraid that due to the sharp increase in marine theft, photographic ID and proof of address must be provided when viewing the boat. Serious enquiries only please. Lots more photos available on request.“
But I’m not sure if it sounds a bit stern and strict! I don’t want to put people off, but I don’t want to have anything stolen! Also, am I giving too much away by talking about the security, or is it enough to put off a potential thief?
Thanks,
Dan
I’ve listed my boat up for sale seeing as Spring is coming but as I work in the marine trade, I’m very aware of the amount of thefts that occur when a boat is in storage. If the boat is advertised, it’s inviting people over to look at it, check the house over and see if it’s easy to steal so I’d like to make it as difficult as possible!
The boat is currently in a large garage/workshop behind the house on a busy stretch of road. The drive is gated and locked and there is CCTV so it’s pretty secure. The boat also can’t get out of the garage without having to modify the trailer and fold down the console (which takes a very long time) as it’s too tall to fit under the garage door, it’s also behind a car in the garage so it’s pretty much impossible to steal. However, I’m aware that it’s not very often the boats are stolen, it’s more likely the engines and electronic equipment. We’re talking about £4,000 of electronic equipment and a £15,000 engine so a lot of money.
So, without sounding too off putting on the advert, what would you say?
I’ve so far put this on the bottom of the advert…
“Please note, the boat is stored in a secure, alarmed workshop in Hampshire behind our house, which is also monitored by CCTV. The trailer is currently disabled in the workshop and is behind several cars to prevent theft. Viewings must be arranged in advance but we can accommodate most times of the day. I’m afraid that due to the sharp increase in marine theft, photographic ID and proof of address must be provided when viewing the boat. Serious enquiries only please. Lots more photos available on request.“
But I’m not sure if it sounds a bit stern and strict! I don’t want to put people off, but I don’t want to have anything stolen! Also, am I giving too much away by talking about the security, or is it enough to put off a potential thief?
Thanks,
Dan
It's not at my house and Hampshire is quite a big place. When listing the advert you have to enter a county so they would know that anyway.
EDIT: Just re-read, it does say our house actually! Sorry. It's not actually at our house so no problem if they do find out my address and come round unannounced! They won't find anything.
EDIT: Just re-read, it does say our house actually! Sorry. It's not actually at our house so no problem if they do find out my address and come round unannounced! They won't find anything.
Edited by danyeates on Tuesday 5th April 15:03
Simpo Two said:
I viewed many boats last year but never had any idea where the owners lived.
Not sure I see the problem... and you a boat broker!
Yes, well I quote for replacement electronics and engines on a weekly basis after thefts at the owners houses or unsecured yards. I don't have a problem with the boats kept in our yard at work as it's very secure and is security guarded, bit I like to keep the boat under cover rather than at work. Not sure I see the problem... and you a boat broker!
I'm worried about people coming to look at the boat, sussing out the property and coming back to steal the engine or electronics etc.
I've removed some of the wording now.
ETA
Sorry no links to ads for what ever reason.
Edited by Big Al. on Monday 16th May 16:42
Dan,
I wouldn't bother with mentioning the security stuff and appointments etc.
I think it it's a bit "offy" almost as if you can't really be bothered to show the boat to a purchaser.
Surely if someone comes and "cases" your boat the security you have will protect it.
My advice would be to stick it in the yard at work - someone will come by on a sunny saturday and snap it up. How would you advise me to sell my boat? I bet it would be "bring it here, we get loads of passing trade, price it up right and it'll go when the sun comes out, my brokerage fee is very reasonable"
Duncan
I wouldn't bother with mentioning the security stuff and appointments etc.
I think it it's a bit "offy" almost as if you can't really be bothered to show the boat to a purchaser.
Surely if someone comes and "cases" your boat the security you have will protect it.
My advice would be to stick it in the yard at work - someone will come by on a sunny saturday and snap it up. How would you advise me to sell my boat? I bet it would be "bring it here, we get loads of passing trade, price it up right and it'll go when the sun comes out, my brokerage fee is very reasonable"
Duncan
danyeates said:
You're right there Duncan. It's just I'd rather keep selling my own boat separate from my work. However, having thought about it last night, I think I may well bring it in and list it up on brokerage here as it will stand a much better chance of getting sold.
You might even earn some commission on it ;-)danyeates said:
Spoke too soon. He's asked for his deposit back after the sea trial, despite there being no problems with it at all!
So keep the deposit and go to the other full price offer! A deposit is there for a reason, he can't have it back because he's changed his mind. The deposit is the fee you earn for taking time, petrol and to stop showing potential buyers. Tell him to do one!
Annoyingly, the deal was agreed by my colleague whilst I was away on holiday. My colleague stated....
"We will put the 580 rib on hold until the sale is fully confirmed on the 16th.
I confirm that the deposit is refundable if you are unsatisfied with the boat performance when you have the test."
When I got back from holiday, I took the purchaser out on the sea trial, and he said he was happy and would contact me next week to finalise the sale. This was on Saturday. Then last night he emailed...
"Having discussed the boat with my Father, we were not totally satisfied with the overall performance of the boat against our requirements.
Please would you therefore return the deposit which was paid to prove our bonafides that we were not "time wasters" to my fathers account....."
It's the best sub 6m boat out there. I can only assume they have reconsidered and now want a larger boat.
"We will put the 580 rib on hold until the sale is fully confirmed on the 16th.
I confirm that the deposit is refundable if you are unsatisfied with the boat performance when you have the test."
When I got back from holiday, I took the purchaser out on the sea trial, and he said he was happy and would contact me next week to finalise the sale. This was on Saturday. Then last night he emailed...
"Having discussed the boat with my Father, we were not totally satisfied with the overall performance of the boat against our requirements.
Please would you therefore return the deposit which was paid to prove our bonafides that we were not "time wasters" to my fathers account....."
It's the best sub 6m boat out there. I can only assume they have reconsidered and now want a larger boat.
danyeates said:
I can only assume they have reconsidered and now want a larger boat.
I suspect so. So they were in fact 'time wasters' as they had not defined their requirements before taking the (satisfactory) sea trial.
Pity they couldn't have said 'We decided we wanted a bigger boat' rather than waffle on about overall performance yada.
Never mind, these things happen, move on.
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