They say the two best days of a boat owner’s life are the day they buy the boat, and the day they sell it. Whether they were intimately connected with the sea, living on their boat as their dream home, or used it to take friends on short excursions out on the local lake, there’s a definite bond between owner and their boat.
There’s no doubt about it, though, boats are expensive, and a labor of love. The worst of it is when an owner has to part with their boat for reasons beyond their control.
Sure, boats are expensive to own. Some people let the boat go firs if their finances go on the rocks. A boat owner can play captain at sea, on the lake, or on the river normally. Though, it’s honestly up to mother nature, who is always in charge. Through natural disasters, accidents, and calamities she can toss, slam down, and destroy, maim, and rip a once perfectly sea worthy vessel.
Many boat owners are sad to see that happen to their beloved friend. Though, most are aware of the prowess of mother nature and accept their boat’s fate. That’s where something called the boat wrecker comes into play. What are boat wreckers?
What Are Boat Wreckers?
Boat wreckers take care of boats that no longer operate, are too old to refurbish, or just in disrepair. The wrecker may, in turn, sell the whole boat off for parts to the highest bidder in an auction, or sell the individual parts.
Finding The Right Boat Wreckers
If it is time to send the old boat to boat heaven, then contact a few boat wreckers. The main reason is to find out if they accept the type of boat that you have to sell. Do they take run abouts, sailboats, wooden boats, steel boats, fiberglass, or fishing boats?
They may also take on construction and commercial fishing or boating equipment, such as fishing equipment, cranes, and winches. Even personal water craft are up for sale at wrecker services.
The size of the boat will also impact whether the wrecker is interested or can accommodate your hauling needs. Whether you have a small boat or a huge yacht, check in with different boat wreckers to find out if they will be able to handle your beloved boat. It also depends on what you need to sell. Some will refer you to another wrecker service for sail boats or outboard motors. Though, most will handle everything because it poses a potential profit. They generally have the connections to sell off almost anything.
Be Kind To The Earth
While it might seem easier to just send the boat to the landfill, it’s not really the most economical way to go. And, let’s face it, it’s not kind to the earth either. Instead, getting in touch with a wrecker service means you can sell the old boat or parts.
Meanwhile, once you have gotten in touch with a wrecker service, you have an in for buying parts in the future. You can save some money on working parts and make money on your old boat.
Going to boat wreckers for parts is a great way to get a good deal on parts while reducing waste. What are boat wreckers? Prime examples of how recycling can pay off. Look at the track record of how many boats a wrecker service has recycled to find out if they are worth your time.
Find out what services they offer. In addition to accepting your boat, will they come and pick up your old boat for you? Or, will you have to tow it one last time yourself? Will the wrecker service charge you a lot of money to pick up the boat, or will they offer the service free of charge? Just keep in mind, even if they offer pickup service free of charge, the service is built into the sales value of your boat.
Location, Location, Location
How far is the wrecker from your location? Do you really want to drive 200 miles to Biloxi, or would you rather just drive down to your local marina? See what waterways the wrecker is accessible by, for the purpose of convenience as well.
Boat Removal
Many wreckers are fine with coming to get the boat but may have rules regarding charging based on the operation of the boat. For instance, if the motor still works, and it can still be towed, then hauling may be low cost or. In other cases, a wrecker might charge for hauling by the foot.
Boat Parts And Accessories
Many boat owners have pieces other than the boat that they wish to part with, beyond the boat. Maybe they just bought a second boat and purchased a new trailer for hauling either boat. They can sell the old boat trailer to the boat wrecker. What are boat wreckers? Well, they are able to take everything from the boat to boat trailers and motors off your hands for you.
Hauling boat parts is another great way that the wrecker is of service to boat owners. Beyond having trailers or old motors, others are stuck with old abandoned boat parts on their land. They need someone to come haul away junk boats and parts that are either from damaged and/or abandoned boats.
Used Parts
Most wreckers are in the business of selling boat parts, motors, trailers, and old boats. It’s a great way to make contacts for the future, when you may need another trailer, motor, or other parts.
When you are selling off an old boat, it’s a great time to find out what the wrecker can supply you with for the future. If you are interested in turning around to buy another boat, you may find it with the wrecker.
Look for accessories and parts as well. They may have drives, seats, in board and out board motors, props, wiring, ladders, hatches, water ski accessories, windshields, interior panels, and trailers. Some companies will take anything that’s related to the water.
Check for cranes, winches, crew boats, and any of the type of construction equipment, if it’s what you need. Also find out if the wrecker is the dealer, or if they are simply acting more as a listing service, where individual sellers and brokers jump into the mix.
Sailboats
Sailing is a sport all its own. If you are looking to get some new sails, check with a boat wrecker who accepts sailboats first.
Rebuilt Parts
Even if there are no signs of the used parts that you need at the moment, a boat wrecking service has other advantages. Because they know how to dismantle boats and parts, guess what? They also have a knack for rebuilding parts.
Wrecker Reputation
It all depends on what you need the wrecker to do, what their reputation is. If you need them to haul off a boat and pay you for it, then you need to know that they are good at paying up money and hauling off boats. They also have to have some integrity too.
For instance, if you are entrusting them with your old boat, then they should not damage it on the way to the boat yard, and reduce the payout. They should be above board in their dealings with you and honor the amount they said they would pay.
Check in with your marina and other boat owners before deciding where you are going to sell your boat or buy parts. For the purposes of buying a boat, trailers, water skis, sailboat sails, and anything else, you might need to get in touch with wrecker services that are farther away.
Specialized Parts
Some wreckers may sell off most of the parts to companies that refurbish parts, or to mechanics. Others will have a selection of specialized parts, such as all Chrysler parts or just motors.
Start by looking for what you want to sell or buy. Then go with the salvage company that specializes in what you want. If you need rebuilt outboard motors, go with the specialist, or the local wrecker whose work and judgment you trust. They may just be able to come up with parts for you, even if they are not going to build it for you.
See how far out the company you are going with serves. Some have customers only in the immediate area, while others serve the international, national, or local community.
Take the tack of finding the best quality equipment for every budget, when looking for a wrecking service or salvage yard. Take a look at online reputation, ask at your marina, and measure how long the company’s been in business too.
There may be opportunities to sell your boat on consignment. That’s a great option in case you are looking for more help selling your boat, and want to fetch a particular price. Keep in mind if the wrecker service has the same used item in stock, they will charge less for it than your piece sells for on consignment.
Difficulty Finding Equipment?
If you are having trouble finding what you would like from one wrecker online, call them directly. They usually have an idea of where to find what it is you want, even if it turns out it’s not in stock.
If you are looking to buy jet skis or parts for personal water craft, you might look for them with a salvage yard as well. Even fishing gear might find its way to the local salvage yard or wrecker.
Whether you are looking to buy used or rebuilt parts for anything related to boats or water craft or selling off boats, boat wreckers can help. Start with the local boat wreckers to find out if they will buy your old boat.
You might find your next boat or accessories with the same wrecker service. Even if they do not have what you are looking for, see if your neighbors, the marina association know of another place to buy and sell what you are looking to purchase or slough off. Instead of dumping old parts in a landfill, make money by sending your old boat to the wrecker to save the earth while making some money.
It might take some time to find the right place to buy and sell, but it will be worth it. The landfill will cost money, but the wrecker will make you money. That’s the big difference, and it will make having to let go of your old boat less painful.