Empathy my 23D is on Ebay

[cw021382]

For anyone interested in following along with the sale here is the link.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-compac-23D-Yanmar-diesel-2000-trailer-with-new-tires-/252885614026?hash=item3ae1283dca:g:WzQAAOSwtZJY-iVs&vxp=mtr

-Chris

[Bilgemaster]

That's a fine looking boat, but you would do well to tart up that auction page quite a bit. Presentation's the key. For example, the first image should be a shot of the whole boat--preferably at sail, but image number 9 might do if you cropped it a bit AND it's still decently high resolution.  Currently it seems your all-important first image is a dud...missing or pointing nowhere.  Frankly, if you can, I'd recommend a fresh shot of her at sail with a pretty girl in the cockpit or waving from the foredeck. That couldn't hurt.  You might also use the Description to talk her up a bit (the boat, not the girl). You currently have basically nothing at all there to hold the shopper's attention.  Talk about the craft's sea-kindly characteristics.  Is it specially rigged for or easy to single-hand?  Well, say so. Will it handle blue water sailing to the Bahamas? Is it a superb shallow draft lake sailor that's never seen a drop of salt water?  Is it comfy for a couple or small family to overnight in.  How does it trailer? Are there any YouTube videos of it or similar boats out there? How about reviews or other data?  Why not link to them?

In short, if you want to get your best price or even to sell her at all, then you've probably got some work to do. You'll need to grab and hold the buyer's attention.

On the other hand, if you're actually ambivalent about selling her, or let's say it's really the wife's idea, then the auction's perfect as-is. You'll likely have her for years and years (the boat, if not the wife).

[Restharrow]

Looks like a beautiful cruising boat with LOTS of nice additions.  NICE JOB
Steve
CP 25
Lake CHamplain VT and the Coast of Maine

[Bilgemaster]

Well done! That auction is MUCH more engaging now.  The fact that it didn't sell right out of the gate on the first crack shouldn't unduly concern you.  A serious buyer would want to see her first.  A smart one might want to have a survey done. After all, we're not talking about buying a pair of headphones here. As well as reposting the auction on eBay, if you have not already done so, you might now do well to start "cross-posting" similar ads on various craigslist venues, starting with maybe Lake of the Ozarks, St. Louis, Memphis and Chicago...maybe Milwaukee, Cleveland or other Great Lakes towns too.  The Sailing Texas website, despite its moniker, has free national boat listings.

It's hard to sell a sailboat, but she really is lovably adorable, your description of her now bespeaks a LOT of care and pampering, and it is just the right time of year to be selling.  My hunch is you'll now have a far easier time than most folks in finding a good new home for her.  Good luck!

[cw021382]

Quick update:  I have had several people interested in the boat since the ebay auction.  I had someone from Ca. look at her today.  He was in St. Louis for his grandsons graduation, and he made the time to see the boat.  I have 2 others looking this week.  I am going to give it a week or so before I relist on ebay.  The boat is listed in about 10 craigs list locations, and I am going to list on sailboatlistings soon if it does not sell.  Thanks for all the suggestions they are much appreciated. 

-Chris

[Tom L.]

I never had much luck trying to sell things on Craig's list especially sailboats that are worth much. Most buyers on Craig's list are looking for real cheap bargains.  But I did sell my Sun Cat almost immediately when I used sailboats by owner. It's a place most people go to look when buying a boat. Its particularly useful for sailboats because most sailors looking for a boat have a particular make and model in mind and that site narrows it down.

I also used this site and another yahoo group here in Florida that had like minded sailing experience, WCTSS.

Good luck

Tom L.

[Tom L.]

Sorry I meant E-Bay. I have had some luck on craig's list especially for myself when I used Search Tempest to find certain items.

Tom L.

[cw021382]

Thanks I will look into sailboats by owner. 

[Mas]

Thanks I will look into sailboats by owner.

Hey Chris, when we sold No Mas, (took 4 weeks) Craigs generated some interest but it was the Sailboat by Owner site hat did the trick. A great guy from up in New Hampshire drove down one day and took her back the next. It was very helpful to have a relatively recent survey i could provide so that he was comfortable not only with the boat, (he was looking for a 23) , but her condition vs price. Our 23d's are niche boats and only folks who know what they are getting will be tempted to drop that much change. As you know it is an awesome add to have the diesel but an expensive add from from the gate, which is why Hutchin's has made so few of them. So wonderful to have the cruising range (44hrs. on 11 gallons!), better balanced boat and nothing hanging off of an already crowded transom!

[Sunapee Sailing]

Back up the bus just a minute...
Sailboats by Owner?
Is that Sailboat Listings?
Or have I missed a website?
Susan

[Mas]

One and the same Susan! Not to cause any thread drift, but aside form that site, and Yacht world, there is Boats.com and Boat Trader sites. Both of them have some HC's listed.