By-owner guide · Updated June 2026 · Educational only
Selling your boat yourself saves you the broker's commission — typically 10%, which is $5,000 on a $50,000 boat and $30,000 on a $300,000 yacht. This is the by-owner playbook: price it, photograph it, list it free, vet buyers, and close safely.
1. Price it with real data
Start from what comparable boats actually ask. Our free boat price research tool shows live by-owner low/median/high prices by make — a no-broker-markup reference for setting yours.
2. Photograph and describe it honestly
Shoot in daylight: exterior, helm, cabin, engine(s) and any wear. List year, make, length, engine hours and known issues. Honesty cuts wasted survey trips and renegotiations.
3. List it free — by owner
Post your boat free on YachtBazar: no listing fee, no broker, no commission. Sell my boat by owner →
4. Vet buyers and get paid safely
Money and title should change hands at the same moment through a channel both sides verify. See our safety guide and use the free purchase agreement and bill of sale.
5. Survey, sea trial and paperwork
A financed buyer's lender usually requires a survey. Transfer clean title (or USCG documentation) and a signed bill of sale. The full walkthrough is in our complete boat-selling guide.
Sell a specific make by owner
Sell in your state
Tools & next steps
FAQ
How much commission does a boat broker charge?
Most yacht brokers charge about 10% of the sale price. Selling by owner means you keep that money.
Where can I sell my boat by owner for free?
List free on YachtBazar — no listing fee and no commission. Buyers contact you directly.
Do I need a broker to sell a boat?
No. You can price, list, show and close the sale yourself; this guide and our free contract walk you through each step.
List your boat or slip free on YachtBazar
By-owner only. No brokers, no commissions, no listing fee.