How It Works
How Florida’s Boat Buyer Works
Start with BoatValu™, provide accurate information, complete inspection and ownership verification, and finish an approved transaction through BoatExit™. The process is designed to reduce the uncertainty and inconvenience of selling a boat privately.
Six Steps From Boat Ownership to BoatExit™
The exact details can vary depending on the boat, location, title status and lender requirements, but most qualified transactions follow this process.
Tell Us About Your Boat
Submit the boat’s year, brand, model, engine, trailer, condition, equipment, location and current photographs.
Complete BoatValu™
We review the complete boat package, estimated reconditioning needs and current consumer demand.
Discuss a Potential Purchase
If the boat fits our criteria, we may contact you to confirm details and discuss a potential transaction.
Inspect and Verify
The boat, motor, trailer, equipment, identification numbers and ownership documents are reviewed.
Finalize the Transaction
Approved purchases proceed through final paperwork, loan payoff when applicable, payment and title transfer.
Complete BoatExit™
The boat is released and pickup, delivery or transportation arrangements are finalized.
Step 1: Tell Us What You Own
The process begins with accurate information. The more complete your submission is, the easier it is for our team to understand the boat and determine whether it may fit our purchasing program.
Provide the Basic Boat Information
Include the year, manufacturer, model, length, hull identification number and current Florida location.
Describe the Motor and Trailer
Tell us the engine brand, horsepower, year, hours and operating condition. Include trailer details and any known trailer repairs that may be needed.
Be Honest About Condition
Disclosing cosmetic, mechanical or structural concerns early helps reduce delays and unexpected adjustments later.
Step 2: Complete BoatValu™
BoatValu™ helps us evaluate the boat as a complete package. A boat’s real-world value depends on more than its year and model.
Market Demand Matters
Certain boat styles, brands, engine packages and sizes may attract stronger consumer demand than others.
Condition Affects Value
Upholstery, gelcoat, flooring, electronics, engine condition, trailer condition and necessary repairs can all affect a potential purchase.
Online Asking Prices Are Not Final Sale Prices
Boats advertised online may remain unsold for long periods or eventually sell below the original asking price. BoatValu™ considers expected resale demand and reconditioning requirements.
What Happens During Inspection?
Final approval generally requires verification that the boat and documents match the information provided during BoatValu™.
How Payment and Loan Payoffs Work
Payment procedures depend on the ownership documents, loan balance, lender requirements and items included in the transaction.
Paid-Off Boats
When no loan exists, ownership documents and seller identification are reviewed before payment and transfer are completed.
Boats With Loans
The lender, payoff amount, payment instructions and lien-release requirements must be verified before closing.
Titles and Registrations
Boat, motor and trailer documents must match the items being purchased and be legally transferable.
Seller Identification
Valid identification may be required from each titled owner or authorized representative.
Final Verification
Final transaction terms are based on the verified boat package, ownership documents and agreed conditions.
Purchase Documents
Approved transactions include appropriate purchase and transfer documents for the boat, motor and trailer.
Step 6: Complete BoatExit™
BoatExit™ is the final stage of an approved transaction. It is designed to organize the paperwork, payment, transfer and release of the boat.
Final Paperwork
The required purchase, title, registration and transfer documents are completed by the appropriate owners or authorized representatives.
Payment and Lien Satisfaction
Payment is completed according to the transaction terms. When a lender is involved, the payoff must be properly coordinated.
Boat Release
After all requirements are satisfied, possession and transportation arrangements are completed.
BoatValu™ and BoatExit™ Work Together
One helps us evaluate the boat. The other helps approved sellers complete an organized transaction.
Evaluate the Boat
BoatValu™ gathers information about the boat, motor, trailer, equipment, condition, location and ownership status.
Start BoatValu™Complete the Transaction
BoatExit™ organizes final inspection, paperwork, payoff, payment, transfer and boat-release requirements for approved purchases.
Learn About BoatExit™Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about selling a boat through Florida’s Boat Buyer.
How does Florida’s Boat Buyer work?
You provide boat information through BoatValu™, discuss a potential purchase, complete inspection and ownership verification and, when approved, finish the transaction through BoatExit™.
How quickly can I sell my boat?
Timing depends on the completeness of your information, inspection availability, title status, lender payoff requirements, boat location and transportation arrangements.
Is BoatValu™ a certified appraisal?
No. BoatValu™ is a preliminary evaluation used to determine whether a boat may fit our purchasing program. It is not a certified appraisal for lending, insurance, tax, estate or legal purposes.
Is BoatValu™ a guaranteed offer?
No. Any potential purchase remains subject to accurate information, inspection, condition verification, ownership documents and final approval.
Can you buy a boat that still has a loan?
Some boats with existing loans may qualify. The lender, payoff amount, payment instructions and lien-release procedure must be verified before the transaction can be completed.
What happens if I owe more than the purchase amount?
The remaining difference generally must be paid to the lender so the loan can be satisfied and the lien released. The exact process depends on the lender.
Do I need to bring my boat to Melbourne?
Not always. Inspection and transportation arrangements depend on the boat’s size, location, condition, trailer availability and transaction details.
Will you inspect the boat before buying it?
Yes. Approved transactions generally require verification of the boat, engine, trailer, equipment, identification numbers, condition and ownership documents before final payment.
What if my boat needs repairs?
Some boats needing mechanical, cosmetic or trailer repairs may still qualify. Disclose known problems and include clear photographs during BoatValu™.
Can an estate or company sell a boat?
Yes, when the person completing the sale has proper legal authority. Estate, corporate, power-of-attorney or other supporting documents may be required.
What is BoatExit™?
BoatExit™ is the organized final process for approved purchases, including inspection, paperwork, payoff, payment, title transfer and release of the boat.
Is Florida’s Boat Buyer part of Top Notch Marine?
Florida’s Boat Buyer is powered by Top Notch Marine, an established Florida marine dealership serving boaters since 1987.
Ready to Begin the Process?
Start your BoatValu™ online or call Florida’s Boat Buyer at 321-253-4050. Accurate information and clear photographs help us evaluate your boat efficiently.