Yacht Sales
Fequently Asked Questions
In the interest of saving you time, please read the following series of FAQ that have been posed by many of our website visitors.
- Why have I not received a reply to my e-mail?
- Where do I find the vessels listing no.# ?
- Can you send me the vessels' latest survey?
- Can you send me additional and/or interior pictures?
- Does the vessel come with a trailer?
- Are the prices listed on your site in CDN or US funds?
- How much is that is US dollars?
- What taxes are applicable when purchasing a used vessel?
- Am I tax exempted if I live out of Province?
- Am I tax exempted if I live in the US?
- Does Thunderbird Yacht Sales take trade-ins?
- Does Thunderbird Yacht Sales transport and deliver?
- How do I know there is not a lien the vessel?
- Can I have a mechanical and/or hull survey done on the vessel before I make an offer?
- What is the difference between a licensed boat and a registered boat?
- I want to sell my boat. Why should I hire a yacht broker?
- What should I do to prepare my boat to sell?
- We've been thinking of selling our boat, but we're not certain if Fall is a good time. Should we put our boat on the market now or wait until next year?
- Who do I contact if I still have further questions?
Why have I not received a reply to my e-mail?
E-mail forms requesting full detail sheets are generally sent out within 24 hours depending on volume. If you have not received a reply within two working days, please resend your inquiry making sure to double check your e-mail address and inclusion of a listing no.#.
General e-mails containing questions on specific listings may take up to a working week to reply due to schedule conflicts between the listing broker and the support staff.
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Where do I find the vessels listing no.# ?
Listing numbers are indexed along with vessels on both the Power and Sailboat pages of our website. Vessel listing numbers may also be found on the Title Bar of their respective pages.
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Can you send me the vessels' latest survey?
Surveys can not be e-mailed or faxed to prospective purchasers because they are sole property of the Vendor.
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Can you send me additional and/or interior pictures?
All available pictures are currently on our website. If you require further pictures please contact the vessels listing office with your request. We will do our best to fulfill your request.
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Does the vessel come with a trailer?
If the vessel comes with/price includes a trailer, it will be specifically stated in the 'comments' fields on both the short and full detail sheets.
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Are the prices listed on your site in CDN or US funds?
All prices listed on our website are in Canadian funds unless otherwise stated.
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How much is that is US dollars?
To calculate the daily exchange rate use the following link: XE.com Personal Currency Assistant.
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What taxes are applicable when purchasing a used vessel?
In the majority of used vessel transactions only B.C. Provincial Sales Tax is applicable. However, there are circumstances where GST is also payable. GST is due along with B.C. Provincial Sales Tax in cases where the boat is owned by a GST registrant.
For non-residents of B.C. there are several scenarios regarding taxes payable on a used boat. Usually, non-residents are exempt from B.C. Provincial Sales Tax provided the vessel leaves B.C. GST is not applicable to residents of the U.S. However, your home state or provincial taxes may be levied when you land the boat.
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Am I tax exempted if I live out of Province?
You are exempt form paying B.C. Provincial Sales Tax provided the vessel you purchase is moved directly out of British Columbia by "common carrier" without personal use in B.C.
For full details contact the B.C. Ministry of Provincial Revenue
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Am I tax exempted if I live in the US?
You are exempt from B.C. Provincial Sales Tax provided the vessel you purchase is delivered either by common carrier e.i: "transport company" who would issue a bill of lading or by "arms length Captain" and an entry document can be provided to substantiate export and delivery to the US or US port.
For full details contact the B.C. Ministry of Provincial Revenue
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Does Thunderbird Yacht Sales take trade-ins?
The vessels we sell are privately owned. However our brokers will present all offers to vendors including those that may involve a vender taking a trade as part payment.
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Does Thunderbird Yacht Sales transport and deliver?
Normally, we do not transport and deliver. However, we can help you coordinate a move with qualified companies specializing in transport and delivery.
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How do I know there is not a lien the vessel?
Thunderbird Yacht Sales conducts a lien and title search on each vessel it sells.
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Can I have a mechanical and/or hull survey done on the vessel before I make an offer?
Offers are written subject or conditional to inspections. Surveys and mechanical inspections are conducted following an accepted offer. You have the option of renegotiating your offer if the inspections are not to your satisfaction in the event of deficiencies.
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What is the difference between a licensed boat and a registered boat?
The licensing and registration of boats are two different things.
A licensed boat carries a small vessel license (13K, 14K etc.). It is required on any boat less than 15 gross tons (volume tonnage, not displacement or weight) or any vessel under 12 meters in length with an engine greater than 9.9 hp. This includes personal water craft. You can, at your option, license any vessel with an engine less than 9.9 hp.
A registered boat carries a certificate of registry, or blue book. It is required on every commercial and pleasure craft over 15 gross tons (volume tonnage, not displacement or weight) or any vessel over 12 meters in length regardless of gross tonnage.
The requirement for the registration of all vessels over 12 meters regardless of tonnage came into effect with the revised Canada Shipping Act. If your boat is greater than 12 meters in length you may need to convert it from a licensed to registered status to be compliant with the Canada Shipping Act.
Licensing and Registration
Detailed information on licensing and registering vessels is available on the Transport Canada Web Site: www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety
or, contact a Transport Canada office for the following ports or registry:
Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Victoria
Registrar of Ships
Transport Canada
501-1230 Government St.
Victoria, B.C. V8W 1Y3
Tel: (250) 363-0297
Fax: (250) 363-0330
Prince Rupert
Registrar of Ships
Transport Canada
P.O. Box 3670
Seal Cove, Coast Guard Base, (2nd floor)
Prince Rupert, B.C. V8J 3R1
Tel: (250) 627-0340
Fax: (250) 624-9305
New Westminster
Registrar of Ships
Transport Canada
Marine Safety
620-800 Burrard St.
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2J8
Tel: (604) 666-3293
Fax: (604) 666-9133
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I want to sell my boat. Why should I hire a yacht broker?
Most buyers are not confident making a purchase with the magnitude and complexity of a boat without professional help and guidance.
For example, would you be comfortable turning over a $10,000 deposit to a stranger? Where will the private seller keep your deposit money? Will it go in his bank account? Will he spend it? Will you get your money back if problems develop with the deal or will the seller keep your deposit? On the other hand, buyers working with Thunderbird Yacht Sales know their deposit money is safeguarded. Deposit moneys are held in a trust account separate from the company's business operating funds.
Would you make a major purchase without a written and signed agreement of purchase and sale? A buyer working with Thunderbird Yacht Sales is assured that everything pertaining to the deal ( subjects, closing date, delivery, equipment included, bill of sale, transfer of the title, etc.) is in writing and legally documented.
Can you be certain the person selling the boat has title to it? Is there more than one owner? Does the seller have legal authority to sell? Are there liens or other encumbrances against the boat? Is the boat licensed or registered correctly? Are there any unpaid, outstanding taxes owing on the boat? Buyers working with Thunderbird Yacht Sales know that checks regarding liens, title to the boat, ownership, and authority to sell are done because it's written into our listing agreements and purchase/sale agreements.
Every boat sale is different. There are a host of problems that can develop, such as survey defects insignificant to the seller, but critical to the buyer. A broker is able to emotionally detach and point out defects which are truly significant and those which are maintenance oriented. Do you have the skills to troubleshoot and resolve these types of issues without losing the sale? Buyers and sellers working with Thunderbird Yacht Sales can draw on over half a century of experience to resolve obstacles, facilitate negotiations, and finalize the transaction.
And the final boat buying reality: through the process of qualifying and assessing a buyer's needs and preferences most people end up buying a boat different from what they originally thought - and the boat they buy could be yours, if you're working with Thunderbird Yacht Sales.
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What should I do to prepare my boat to sell?
Boats that are prepared for sale, and will sell in a timely manner at a good price, generally have these things in common:
- The exterior and interior are clean and free of obvious flaws.
- The hull, deck and superstructre are tight and free of leaks.
- All electronic and mechanical systems/accessories are in good operating order.
- The bilge is clean and the engine room orderly.
- The boat is ready for sea trails with tuned engines and a clean bottom.
- The boat will pass hull and mechanical surveys wit hno major issues.
- The boat is priced right.
- The vessel meets Canadian Coast Guard safety requirements.
- All documentation is on hand (license, up to date log and/or supporting invoices for maintenance and upgrades, recent survey, and manuals)
Is your boat dressed up and ready for the dance? Or is it time to send in the TLC Patrol?
Here's how to properly prepare your boat before the "For Sale" sign goes on:
- Eliminate obvious exterior flaws
First impressions count. Faded gel coat, chips, scratches, stains, cracked windows, worn varnish/paint, damaged canvas, rusted/damaged hardware, dirty fenders, worn dock lines should all be attended to.
- Eliminate obvious interior flaws
Nothing kills a showing on a boat as quickly as a blast of bad air when the cabin door opens. The usual culprits are the musty aroma from mildew, the scent of a holding tank, or the tangy aroma of something old and active beyond the fridge door. Eliminate the source of the odors - don't try and mask them with air freshener.
Clean or replace damaged, soiled carpets and upholstery. Water stains and any subsequent damage from leaks needs to be attended to. Insure the galley and head are impeccably clean.
- Remove all personal and non-essential gear
Eliminate the clutter on deck and inside. Buyers want to see storage space. They want to imagine where their belongings will be stowed. They want to visualize themselves cruising on the boat. Clean out every drawer, locker, lazzarette and take it home. Leave only what is being sold with the boat. It avoids confusion as to what is excluded form the listing.
- Engines
Only the hardiest buyers will stick around for a sea trial on a boat that won't start or doesn't run smoothly. Hire a mechanic to service the engines and check the systems - steering, shifting, trim tabs, blowers all need to work. Change the oil, filters and don't forget to check all other fluid levels. This is not a place to skimp. Make the buyer feel confident things have been looked after in these areas.
Engine rooms and compartments must be clean and orderly. Be certain the bilges are clean - spotless is better. Eliminate old wiring and secure any that's hanging loose. Check the batteries. There should be no signs of rust or fluids seeping from anything. Get rid of old cleaning supplies, jugs, boxes, and other stuff which may have accumulated cluttering up the space.
- Electronics and systems
The boat will be advertised with an inventory of electronics, systems, and extras. Make sure everything works and is on the boat. If it doesn't work, fix it, replace it, or remove it. Check all lights and change out any burned out bulbs.
Don't forget safety equipment. Make sure the boat meets Canadian Coast Guard requirements for her size. Check the dates on your flares and fire extinguishers.
- Clean bottoms
Buyers may perceive visible growth on the hull, outdrives, trim tabs, and rudders as neglect. Growth will also inhibit the boats performance on sea trials. Offers on your boat will be conditional on the buyers satisfaction with a sea trial. If the boat has growth either haul it out or hire a diver to clean the bottom.
- The price is right
Regardless of the condition of the boat, at the end of the day, it always comes down to price. If the asking price is too high it will not sell and in all likelihood may not even generate you an offer. You must be realistic about the asking price. A realistic asking price will light a fire under your broker to get the boat sold and ensure you get something close to what you want for the boat.
The final words on pricing _ don't expect to recover the full cost for new equipment or upgrades you've added to the boat. New electronics and so on will make your boat more attractive and easier to sell, but with few exceptions will not add value. As for money invested in repairs, rebuilds, refits, or maintenance - these types of expenditures keep the boat at market value and of course, easier to sell.
- Survey says
Offers on your boat will be conditional upon the buyers satisfaction with hull and mechanical surveys. It can not be stressed enough just how critical it is that you are proactive in prepping the boat to pass these inspections.
Smart owners, before putting the boat up for sale, will haul the boat, inspect the bottom, and attend to any need s. The same goes for the mechanical end of things. Have the engine and drive checked and serviced if needed.
Really smart owners will have survey and mechanical inspection reports conducted on the boat before it goes on the market. Buyers will still do their own inspections , but a seller can avoid unpleasant surprises later while laying any doubts to rest about the boats' condition during the sales process.
- Paper work
Is the boat licensed or registered in your name? You will need to produce a license, or a "blue book" in the case of a registered vessel to effect title transfer and complete the transaction when the boat is sold. When you list the boat for sale you will be asked to produce this documentation.
In situations where there is a lien or loan on the boat, advise the lender your selling. Then, provide your broker with the name of a contact at the financial institution. This will speed up the completion of a sale.
If you're kept a maintenance log leave it on the boat along with any supporting invoices for repairs, service and upgrades. Buyers also like to see operating manuals for the systems on the boat, so be sure to include what you have. And don't forget a copy of the most recent survey.
- Curb appeal
Often overlooked with boats, but as with houses, curb appeal is the all important first impression. How does the boat look as you approach it along the dock? What's the overall feeling you get as you step aboard? Is the boat moored and tied up properly? Don't leave dock lines, power cords, and other boat clutter laying on the dock to trip over.
Is the boat easy to board? Provide a step to simplify boarding if the boat has no transom door or access is otherwise difficult. Remove the dinghy if it impedes boarding ease. Keep the space around your boat clean. If it looks like you care about your boat, other will too. Eliminate any negatives and mike a strong first impression. Try looking at your boat through the eyes of a buyer.
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We've been thinking of selling our boat, but we're not certain if Fall is a good time. Should we put our boat on the market now or wait until next year?
Fall is an excellent time of year to put your boat on the market. Boaters who sold in Spring and Summer and haven't found their next boat are still shopping. Fall is usually very active and some of our brokers will sell more vessels October-November than mid summer.
A general misconception is that your boat may not bring a good price in the Fall. The reality, applicable to any time of year, relates to the price-condition ratio of the boat your selling. Boats in top shape with realistic asking prices are boats that sell regardless of the season.
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Who do I contact if I still have further questions?
If you have further questions regarding specific vessels listed on our website, please contact the listing office:
Thunderbird Yacht Sales - Sidney Sales Office
Phone: (250) 656-5832
Fax: (250) 655-1981
Thunderbird Yacht Sales - West Vancouver Sales Office
Phone: (604) 921-7457
Fax: (604) 921-7486
If you have further questions regarding purchasing a vessel from Thunderbird Yacht Sales, please contact:
sales@thunderbirdmarine.com
For website and technical Support please contact:
support@thunderbirdmarine.com
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