Bass Fishing Nov - Dec 2017 | Page 36

TAKEOFF BOAT RIGGING 5 BOAT-SELLING TIPS HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CHANCES AND YOUR PROFIT WHEN IT’S TIME TO PART WITH YOUR OLD RIG d reaming of a new boat? Want to upgrade from your cur- rent rig? You’re not alone. If you’re like most of us, however, you’ll first need to sell your current boat. And while that might seem simple enough, selling a bass boat in today’s market is anything but. Many boats are put up for sale every year, often flooding the market and making it tough to get a good price for used rigs. Considering these tips can help get your old boat sold quickly. 1. recognize the Challenges 34 First, the best way to reach your buyer is to understand the unique nature of the bass boat market. High-perfor- mance bass boats represent a niche market: They don’t appeal to the masses, but are still aggressively sought by a dedicated group of buyers. In addition, pro and demo rigs get turned over each sea- son, increasing the number of boats of the previous model By Joe Balog photos by d.W. Reed II year that are on the market when they go on sale. These boats are priced significantly lower than new boats, and often outfitted well. The result is a used boat market with many choices for nice- ly rigged, low-hour watercraft. The key lies in understanding your competition and separating your boat from the masses. 2. Clean and fix Start with a thorough cleaning and waxing. In some cases, it’s best to have the boat professionally detailed. Although this first step can be costly, those in the business have all the necessary tools to access every nook and cranny of your rig. Don’t forget the overlooked items when cleaning. Seats and the boat’s cover are frequently disregarded. Jack plates, shal- low-water anchors, trailer winches and jacks, trolling motor mounts; each can be made to look like new with the proper cleaning solutions, and that goes a long way in overall appeal. flWfIshIng.Com I november-deCember 2017