Once you know the general value, it’s time to get your boat to the top of that range. I’ve always found it amusing that the only time everything works perfectly on my boats is when I put them up for sale. Fix that oil gauge that reads low, replace the snap on the Bimini top that has been flapping for years, and finally get around to painting the inside of that filthy locker.

Every boat dealer agrees that cosmetics are the number one selling point of any boat. The first 30 seconds when a potential buyer looks over your boat are the most critical, and a dirty or messy boat is sure to kill the sale. I know that when I see a boat that is a floating ghetto, I automatically assume that the engine maintenance has been equally shoddy, so cleanliness is extremely important.

How much work you want to do depends both on the size of your boat, the amount you’re willing to invest to get back more money, and the time you have to commit. First on your list should be to buff and wax a fiberglass hull back to its original shine.