Are you thinking about getting a used boat? The trouble with used boats is finding one within your price range. Boat auctions offer a unique opportunity to find affordable boats, ships, marine equipment, paddle boards, jet skis, and other watercraft. Below I’ll share where to find boat auctions, bidding advice, what to expect at an event, and share my experience with the Boat auctions near me.
Map of Boat Auctions Near Me
For “Boat Auctions Near Me” or “Marine Auctions Near Me”, see locations below…
How to Find Boat Auctions Near Me
While there are many boat auctions year round across the states, many are located near large bodies of water. The venues vary from marinas to auction houses to huge lots. Spring is typically the biggest buying season, which also means more competitive bidding, so better values can be found in the off-season. Finding your local marine auctions isn’t difficult, you just need to know where to look.
Here are free resources I use to find Boat auctions near me:
Google Search and Yelp Listings
Google and Yelp are two of my favorite places to do quick research for local auctioning. I will often search for “boat auctions near me” in either medium. This will usually turn up a list of auction houses and marinas that auction boats for sale there. Alternatively, I also like to search on Google “Boat Auctions [zip code] [Date I want to go]”. Looking for auctions with a date and a zip code will turn up pop-up events that might be going on outside of an auction house or marina.
Pro Tip: One of my best secrets is using Google “Events” to find boat auctions in my area. Most boat auction hunters don’t use this website to find events. Therefore you can find events with smaller crowds and less bidding competition. On Google Events you will see standard auctions, but you will also see “pop-up” boat auctions. These are smaller venues who are running a one time auction
Try Google Events here: Boat Auctions Near Me This Week
Government Listings
Look for federal, state, and local governments’ auction information on their websites. These are typically live public auctions, all their there will be a few lots that you can bid for online. All of the watercraft will have either been seized by the government or they are surplus. Here are two great resources for finding government auctions:
- Government Seized and Surplus – Boat Auctions
- Government Sales – Go to the Boat Ships and Marine equipment section
National Liquidators
National Liquidators is one of the biggest boat and yacht auction companies in the world. They are ready to deal in every class of watercraft from jet skis to cruise ships.
Their inventory is made of consignment, repossessions, government seized vehicles, foreclosures, and brokerage boats. They have locations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Newport Beach, California, Cleveland, Ohio, and Annapolis, Maryland.
Boat Shows, Marinas, Brokers, and Meet Ups
If you are already in the boating world finding auctions is as easy as tapping into the community. Staff at marinas and folks who go to boat shows are often good resources to ask about marine auction events. Boat or Yacht brokers are also in the know on these events and in fact, could be very helpful in securing a boat through auction. They may be helping several owners who have boats being featured.
How Do Boat Auctions Near Me Work
These are either held live in person or online. Bidding online is a less exciting process and normally you submit an offer and wait to see if it is accepted, rejected, or if the owner makes a counteroffer. Here we are going to focus on love public marine and watercraft auctions.
Boat auctions are large exciting events where you can bid on various marine watercraft. Vehicles could range from paddle boards to jets skis and 10-foot Boston Whalers to 100 ft Tridents. The condition of boats will vary. Some may run, some need work and repairs, and others may have salvage titles. While a salvage title may sound like a good way to get a used boat cheap, you need to understand what you are bidding on.
Pre-Inspection Period
This leads me to the next point which is the pre-inspection period. You should never bid on a boat until you have inspected it. It is critical to look at the boat and talk to the owner or broker before you bid. Auctions will allow you to make an appointment to see the vessel or come during the pre-auction period. This is your opportunity to compare the details in the auction catalog to what you are seeing on the vessel.
How Do Boats Get to Auction
These watercraft end up at auction in various ways. Things like paddle boards are often left washed up, collected, and auctioned. Boats and ships, come in various ways such as government seizures, brokers, foreclosures, and private owners putting their watercraft on consignment.
Consigned vessels have an agreement with the auction or auctioneer to pay a percentage of the highest bid upon sale.
Auction Types
Boat auctions near me, run a few different auction types. Sometimes there are no reserve absolute, minimum bid, or reserve. No reserve is by far the most exciting of the events.
Reserve is probably the most common and it’s also very anti-climactic. No matter how bids are received, bidding enters you into a legally binding purchase agreement, where you agree to pay if you are the accepted bid.
Flow of the Event
Most auctions begin with a pre-inspection period followed by a registration period. The pre-inspection is your chance to carefully examine all the vessels you are interested in. For registration, you must register and provide proof of identity and finances. Some auction houses will have you set up an account and register online prior to a live event.
Participants will be around the vessel being auctioned. If the auction is held at a marina or shipyard, people will be outstanding on the docks. Some auctions are done in lots where parts of the vessels are on the backs of trailers.
Once the event begins, the auctioneer will state the bidding rules. Then he will announce the first watercraft with a description and set the opening price. Participants will place bids in ascending order by raising a paddle or their hand. Each bid increases the current bid price incrementally. This will continue until it is determined who is the highest bidder.
When a winner is determined, they receive ownership of the vessel. They must comply with the payment policies and terms in order to receive the title.
Chris Miller (cap) auctions off abandoned boats as people gathered on the docs at the Orange County Harbor Patrol station
Tips for Bidding on Used Boat, Ships, and Marine Equipment
Buying any type of marine watercraft at auction you should:
- Read the catalog before the auction and identify only vessels that interest you
- Go to the event, do not proxy bid or bid online
- Register early, events that have registration at the event get long lines, and you may miss bidding on your boat
- Inspect the boat thoroughly. Listen to the engine, and look for damage, leaks, rot, etc.
- Inspect the service and ownership documents, and compare all the details to the catalog listing. Look for discrepancies.
- If the owner or boat broker is there, ask a lot of questions.
- Review the auction schedule and mark the times the vessels you are interested in are on the block.
- Only bid on boats you want that are within your budget. Bid with your wallet, not with your emotions.
- Know where you are going to store the vessel before you even go to the auction
- If you win you need to sign the contract and ensure that you have the boat’s ownership history, its upkeep details, its mileage, etc.
Online Marine Auctions vs Public Marine Auctions
Online auctions offer a lot of benefits such as the convenience of bidding from home on your computer or phone. These styles of auctions have become very popular in the watercraft world. Auction places love it when we bid online, it is less overhead for them. In these scenarios, they can proxy bid for you, which also bypasses the need for you to have a dealer’s license in certain auction types. Any disadvantage of an online boat auction is similar to that of a public auction
If you are considering bidding on boats online, I can’t stress enough the importance of only dealing with reputable auctions. You need to read reviews and testimonials of the people who have both one and lost. It’s critical to read the terms and conditions of bidding and check for hidden fees for winning bidders.
Live public marine auctions are much more fun, especially a no-reserve auction. Sure they may not be close to your house if you don’t live near a body of water, but the trip is worth it. The most important benefit of a live public auction is inspecting the vessel before you bid on it. You can’t put a price on the inspection period. This is your time to actually assess the value and decide what is your max bid…or even if you still want the boat now that you have seen it.
How to Get Your Boat Sold at the Boat Auctions Near Me
Getting your Boat into an auction is often as simple as contacting an auction house or finding a boat broker. The good part about auctions is you don’t have to deal with anything. The auction markets for you, take phone calls, shows the boat, and deals with the public. They also can reach a larger market of potential buyers that you can’t which could increase access to the highest bid potential.
In order to sell a boat the title must be in your name and there can’t be a lien on it. An Auction company is going to ask for the basics like make, model, year, footage, records, and your asking price. They may also ask for photos of the vessel.
If you agree to buy these terms, the boat will get consigned to them. This means there will be an agreed-upon percentage of the final sale price that they receive.
Advantages of Buying at Boat Auctions
Boat auctions offer a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and potential boat owners. Here, we explore the advantages of purchasing through these events, focusing on their cost-effectiveness, the variety of boats available, and the chance to discover unique finds.
Cost-Effectiveness of Boat Auctions
One of the primary reasons people buy salvage boats at auctions is the significant cost savings. Auctions often feature boats that are priced much lower than their market value. This pricing is especially true for salvage boats, which can be bought at a fraction of the cost of a new or used boat in excellent condition.
For those willing to invest in repairs, these boats can be a very economical choice. The current bid at an auction often starts low, allowing bidders to potentially save a substantial amount on their purchase.
Variety of Boats Available
Boat auctions are not limited to just salvage boats; they offer a wide range of vessels. From small fishing boats to large yachts, the variety is impressive. This diversity means that whether you’re looking for a leisurely sailing boat, a speedy motorboat, or even unique vessels like catamarans or aircraft parts carriers, you’re likely to find them at a boat auction.
Additionally, auctions in different states often have a variety of boats due to the local boating culture and geography. For instance, auctions in Florida might offer a different selection than those in SC (South Carolina), reflecting the local maritime lifestyle.
Discovering Unique Finds
Another exciting aspect of boat auctions is the possibility of discovering a unique or rare find. These could be vintage boats with a rich history, custom-built vessels, or even boats with unique designs. For collectors or boating enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to bid on and own a piece of maritime history. The auction site or website will often list boats for sale ahead of the date, allowing potential buyers to check and choose which boats they might be interested in. It’s not just about the purchase; it’s about the thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovering a hidden gem.
In conclusion, boat auctions are an excellent source for anyone looking to buy a boat. They provide cost-effective options, a diverse range of boats, and the chance to find something truly unique. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the world of boating, start bidding at a boat auction could lead you to your dream boat. Remember to always check the documentation and condition of the boat, and if possible, visit the auction in person or access their online auctions for a comprehensive view of what’s on offer.
After the Auction
Completing the Purchase
After the gavel falls and you’ve won the bid at a boat auction, the process of completing the purchase begins. This is a crucial phase where several important steps need to be taken to ensure a smooth transition of ownership. Firstly, you’ll need to clear the payment as per the auction house’s terms. This often involves paying a deposit immediately after the auction and the balance within a specified timeframe.
Next, it’s essential to handle the documentation. This includes transferring the title and registration of the vessel into your name. Depending on the state, certain states require specific paperwork, so it’s important to be aware of these requirements. Additionally, if the boat is a salvage, special documentation may be needed.
Once the financial and legal aspects are sorted, you’ll receive a bill of sale, confirming your ownership. It’s advisable to check all documents thoroughly before signing. If you’re new to this, seeking advice from a legal expert can be beneficial.
Transportation and Storage Solutions
After successfully purchasing a boat at an auction, the next challenge is transporting it to your desired location and finding suitable storage. If the boat is operational and you have the necessary license and experience, you might choose to sail or drive it to its new home. However, for larger vessels or if the boat is not sea-worthy, you’ll need to arrange for transportation.
Many auction buyers opt for professional boat transport services. These companies have the expertise and equipment to safely transport boats of all sizes. They can handle everything from loading the boat onto a trailer to navigating the logistics of road transport. It’s important to contact a reputable service and ensure they have proper insurance coverage.
Finding a place to store your boat is another critical consideration. If you don’t have personal space like a large garage or waterfront property, you’ll need to look into marinas or storage facilities. These places offer different options, from dry stack storage to wet slips, depending on your boat’s size and your access requirements. Some facilities also provide additional services like maintenance and security, which can be beneficial.
In summary, after winning a boat at an auction, it’s essential to complete the purchase process with due diligence and arrange for safe transportation and storage. With proper planning and the right resources, you can ensure your new boat is well taken care of from the moment you win the bid.
Boat Auctions Near Me Conclusion
These events are a lot of fun, especially when it gets competitive. To have success you need to know how much you can afford and what kind of requirements you have for the boat such as size and where to store it. Finding marine auctions in your area isn’t hard if you know where to start to look.
A Google search will turn up most options. Getting a used boat at auction is a great way to go if you are in the market. Just make sure you inspect the heck out of it. This is what I have learned from the Boat auctions near me.