You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it was when my daughter stepped into her teenage years. The yacht I kept immaculate suddenly felt heavy, not in weight, but in what it cost: hours I could never give back. So I chose her over teak and canvas, her becoming over my pride. Boats wait. Seas wait. But a daughter’s youth passes once. I let the yacht go, not out of loss, but out of love.

And when that moment comes for you, whether driven by family or simply the whisper of change, don’t step into it unprepared. Before you sell your yacht, have it properly appraised. Know its true value so you can negotiate with confidence. Address the findings now, before a buyer’s survey uncovers them later. A thoughtful appraisal not only helps your yacht sell faster, but it also protects the years of care you’ve invested and ensures you pass with pride.

I’ll share a recent example. I sold my boat for $80,000 at a time when nothing on the market was even close to that price range. BucValuPro, the subscription tool that brokers and surveyors use for general pricing, suggested that she should have sold for much less. And she wasn’t perfect - there was some soft decking on the starboard side of the mast, and the chainplates needed inspection. Still, the boat moved over 500% faster (2 weeks) than the average listing, and for 40% more in price ($80,000) than any other recently sold comparable comps, not bad.

I’ve included a sample Selling Brief PDF, the same presentation I created for the sale. It was thorough, detailed, and professionally presented, highlighting the vessel’s strengths while addressing potential concerns upfront. I drew on 25 years of entrepreneurial experience in advertising and on Wall Street, where I learned that clear presentation and building trust can create extraordinary value. The same principles apply here. Buyers felt confident, and confidence sells , and it’s exactly the advantage I aim to give my clients when it’s their time to sell.