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Canada's Marine Auction

Boat-Bids is driven by a mission to revolutionize the boat buying and selling experience, making auctions more accessible to all consumers looking for used boats for sale.

Offering users a wide selection of used boats for sale by owners, brokers and dealers. Boat Bids allows users to create a free listing for any boats for sale in Ontario and Canada wide without any seller fees.

Finding a dream boat is often a personal and meaningful experience and Boat Bids is dedicated to facilitating this journey for individuals by creating an inclusive and engaging platform for boating enthusiasts.

 

Auctions launch everyday and run for 7 days

Sellers are only responsible for creating a FREE listing and collect their full sale amount!

 

We have created some incredible partnerships to help you along your buying journey. Here are a few of them:

 

  • LETS SHOW THE GOOD, THE BAD and THE UGLY…through our large network of reputable Marine Surveyors Canada wide. We encourage that each boat being listed have a survey PRIOR to going live to auction. If you have a recent current survey, please attach a PDF copy to your listing. We also encourage sellers to not be shy with the condition of their boats. Please show buyers all of the “less than perfect” aspects of your boat. Anything that you might want to see when buying a boat to be fully informed. This will avoid surprises and unpleasant discussions when you finally meet to complete the sale

 

  • SHOW ME THE MONEY! Boat Bids has partnered up with PowerSports Link Financing in order to provide buyers a quick solution to any financing hurdles you may encounter while searching for your dream boat. PowerSports Link offers financing for all your power sports needs and are pleased to work with your throughout your buying journey.

 

  • DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOCK OR DOOR! Our top tier marine carriers will get your boat into your driveway or marina slip whether it's in the same city or across the country. Oh and let's not forget about your incredible member rates!

 

  • TURN UP THE MUSIC… Sirius XM Radio is excited to provide buyers an exclusive offer to make the most of your boating experience. Have more than one boat or a car? Get the same experience in all your toys even if it wasn’t one of ours!

 

  • ENJOY THE WATER WORRY FREE! C-Tow has you covered. Think of it as roadside assistance on the water! Become a member for as little as $149.99+HST per year! Click the C-Tow link on the home page to learn more about the memberships and services available.

 

GET STARTED TODAY AND SEE WHAT YOUR BOAT IS WORTH...IT MIGHT BE MORE THAN YOU THINK

 

Bids and offers are binding, so only bid or send an offer if you fully intend to purchase the boat and you have performed the due diligence!

 

 

SELLING A BOAT

*ARE YOU TRADING IN YOUR AUCTIONED BOAT TOWARDS A NEW ONE FROM A DEALER OR BROKER? WHEN YOU HAVE A BUYER... YOU CAN COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION THROUGH THE DEALER OR BROKER. THE BUYER CAN PURCHASE IT DIRECTLY FROM THEM FOR THE WINNING BID AND YOU CAN STILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR TAX SAVINGS!*

 

#1 CREATE AN ACCOUNT

  • ALL ACCOUNTS REQUIRE A VALID CREDIT CARD (IN ORDER TO BID) IN YOUR NAME. ALL INFORMATION IS SECURELY STORED AND IS USED UPON A SUCCESSFUL SALE TO CREATE A SALES DOCUMENT FOR BOTH PARTIES.

#2 CREATE YOUR FREE LISTING

  • BE AS DETAILED AS POSSIBLE WITH DISCLOSING THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. THIS WILL ENSURE THE BIDDERS HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY INFORMATION TO CONFIDENTLY BID AND BRING YOU THE HIGHEST SALE PRICE.

**YOU MUST BE THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE BOAT IN ORDER TO CREATE A LISTING**

#3 UPLOAD PHOTOS

  • BE DETAILED IN THE PHOTOS. INCLUDED NUMEROUS EXTERIOR PHOTOS FROM ALL ANGLES, INTERIOR PHOTOS. ENGINE ROOM ETC.
  • INCLUDED DETAILED PHOTOS OF ANY DAMAGES.
  • LISTINGS WITH MORE PHOTOS TEND TO BRING HIGHER SALE PRICES!
  • REFER TO OUR PHOTO GUIDE FOR TIPS

#4 UPLOAD A YOUTUBE VIDEO

  • BE CREATIVE. UPLOAD VIDEOS AS A WALKTHROUGH OF THE BOAT. VIDEOS OF THE BOAT UNDERWAY AND ITS INSTRUMENTATION ALSO GIVE THE BIDDERS A MORE IN-DEPTH LOOK INTO YOUR BOAT!

(Note: Videos will need to be uploaded to youtube and the url used to link the video to your listing)

#5 UPLOAD ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

  • INCLUDE RECENT SURVEYS, MECHANICAL INSPECTIONS, SERVICE HISTORY etc.

#6 CHOOSE YOUR RESERVE PRICE or SELL WITH NO RESERVE (Leave Blank)

  • BE REALISTIC WHEN CHOOSING A RESERVE PRICE. THIS SHOULD BE THE BARE MINIMUM YOU ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT FOR YOUR BOAT. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE FINAL BID GREATLY EXCEEDS YOUR RESERVE PRICE. BEING GREEDY WILL OFTEN RESULT IN NOT ACHIEVING A SALE. AUCTIONS INVOKE AN EMOTIONAL BUYING EXPERIENCE. WE WILL START BIDDING AT A PERCENTAGE OF YOUR RESERVE PRICE. IF THE RESERVE IS NOT MET…YOU SIMPLY TRY AGAIN UNTIL THE RIGHT BUYER COMES ALONG.
  • ALTERNATIVELY YOU MAY CHOOSE TO SELL WITH NO RESERVE. DECIDING TO LIST WITH NO RESERVE TYPICALLY GENERATES MUCH MORE INTEREST AND EXCITEMENT AMONGST BUYERS, GIVEN THAT THE HIGHEST BIDDER WINS THE AUCTION…HIGHER RISK COULD LEAD TO A HIGHER REWARD
  • BY CREATING A LISTING YOU ARE ENTERING A LEGAL BINDING SALE BETWEEN YOURSELF AND THE BUYER, WHETHER YOU CREATE A RESERVE PRICE THAT MUST BE MET OR CHOSE TO SELL WITH NO RESERVE.

 

NEW LISTINGS GO LIVE EVERYDAY AT 8PM EST AND RUN FOR A FULL WEEK!

IF YOU CREATE A LISTING PAST 8PM EST, IT WILL GO LIVE THE FOLLOWING DAY

 

#7 PARTICIPATE IN THE AUCTION

  • RESPONDING TO COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS, PROVIDING ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, VIDEOS OR DOCUMENTATION IS CRUCIAL TO A SUCCESSFUL AUCTION. GOOD SELLER PARTICIPATION WILL RESULT TO ADDITIONAL INTEREST, MORE BIDS AND A HIGHER FINAL SALE PRICE
  • INTERESTED BIDDERS MAY CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY VIA EMAIL USING THE “CONTACT SELLER” FEATURE, ALLOWING THEM TO ASK ADDITIONAL PRIVATE QUESTIONS
  • ENJOY THE FINAL MINUTES OF YOUR AUCTION! MANY OF OUR AUCTIONS END WITH THRILLING BIDDING WARS, SO BUCKLE UP!

#8 AUCTION END

  • ONCE YOUR AUCTION ENDS, YOU’LL BE GIVEN THE BUYER’S CONTACT INFORMATION AND VICE VERSA IN ORDER TO FINALIZE THE DETAILS AND LOGISTICS OF THE TRANSACTION. THIS INFORMATION WILL BE LOCATED IN “MY ACCOUNT” UNDER “DOCUMENTS”
  • IF YOUR AUCTION HAD A RESERVE AND IT WAS NOT MET, WE WILL REACH OUT TO YOU AND THE HIGHEST BIDDER TO SEE IF WE CAN HELP NEGOTIATE A DEAL.
  • YOU MAY ALSO AUTOMATICALLY CHOSE TO RELIST YOUR BOAT UP TO 10 TIMES. THIS OPTION IS LOCATED ON THE LISTING FORM

 

All auctions have a reserve price unless the auction is labeled no reserve

 

To keep it fair...bids placed within the final minute of the auction will reset the time remaining back to 2 minutes – giving others the opportunity to bid.

 

BUYING A BOAT

Have you found a boat you are interested in? Here are some steps to help you bid with confidence and potentially win it!

1. Create an Account

To participate in an auction, place bids or contact the seller you must first create an account with your information, contact number and a VALID credit card in your name. Winning bidders are responsible for a 4% buyer’s fee on top of the winning bid amount payable to Boat Bids Inc via credit card.

2. Do your Homework

With the world going digital, larger online transactions are becoming more and more common. At the end of day it is your responsibility to do your due diligence before bidding. Here are some things you may want to consider.

  • Look through every photo and document included with the listing. Sellers are encouraged to include a recent survey with their listing for you to look through. Pay close attention to any damages and sellers provided information.
  • Look through the “Question” history for any important information between the seller and other users. If you don’t see what you are looking for, don’t be afraid to participate in the chat.
  • If you require any financing, work with your financial institution to secure financing for this specific boat during the auction process. This way you could potentially have a pre approval before the auction is finished.
  • Inquire regarding transportation costs to your location prior to placing a bid. Our transportation partners will provide a pre-purchase quote. Make sure you mention Boat Bids for your exclusive pricing.

3. Place a Bid

Let's get to the exciting part!

  • Remember that bids are binding! Only bid if you are intending to fully complete the purchase of the boat and have done your research. You might end up being the top bidder and buyer fees will not be refunded. If you successfully win the auction, your card will be charged for your buyer fee and you will be responsible to pay the seller directly for the boat.
  • Take advantage of “Proxy Bidding”. Enter your highest price you are willing to bid on a boat and our software will incrementally increase your bid by the minimum amount when you are outbid by another user.
  • In order to make the buying process fair for all parties, any bid placed within the last minute of the auction will extend the auction timer and reset to 2 full minutes. This provides all bidders an opportunity to bid and not accidentally run out of time.

4. Winning the Auction

In order to successfully buy a boat on Boat-Bids you must be the top bidder. We run two types of auctions. Auctions with a reserve price will require the top bidder to either need to meet or exceed the sellers top secret reserve price. Auctions without a reserve price will be won by the highest bidder at the time the auction closes, whatever the bid amount is. Once the auction closes we will provide buyers and sellers with each others information. Boat Bids will generate a document with the buyer & seller information, boat details and amount to be paid to the seller. This information can be found under “My Account” under the “Documents” tab. At that point, it is between the buyer and the seller to complete a bill of sale, payment and transportation arrangements. Buyers are to provide sellers full payment within 7 days of the auction end date.

 

Finishing up the Sale

When a boat is successfully sold on Boat Bids, the buyer and seller are connected in order to complete the sale between one another. Remember that Boat Bids is a meeting place for boat enthusiasts looking to buy or sell a boat. The transaction remains in your hands. We’ve put together some recommendations to help guide you through the rest of the sale!

Buyers are expected to pay for the boat in-full within 7 days of the auction finish unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties

1. Connect

  • Reach out to the other party to introduce yourself as soon as the auction ends, and remember to stay polite and positive to ensure the process goes smoothly.
  • Connect with the buyer or seller and introduce yourself. Establish a method of communication that works for both parties in order to complete the sale. Ask any questions you may have.
  • We suggest to confirm both identities and the seller confirms rightful ownership of the boat being sold. This can be done with a copy of the registration in their name.

2. Payment & Documentation

  • Discuss wether there is any outstanding liens on the boat. If so, discuss how and when it will be paid off. Sellers are encouraged to pay off any outstanding liens as soon as possible and provide proof from the lender that it has been paid off. If the seller does not have sufficient funds to pay off the lien directly, the buyer may be able to pay the outstanding amount owed directly to the lender and then pay the remainder of the purchase price to the seller.
  • A bill of sale should be drafted that includes Year/Make/Model/HIN of the boat being sold, the purchase price, and the terms of the transaction. You may want to specify any additional items included in the sale, such as a trailer or any accessories. The bill of sale should be signed and dated by both buyer and seller. You may choose to use the document generated by Boat Bids to find the user input information. We always recommend to verify personal information and boat information to ensure it matches physical copies. You can also check with your provincial office for Bill of Sale templates and requirements
  • We recommend wire transfers, bank drafts or other forms of certified funds for payment. Connect with each other to discuss any preferred forms of payment and a timeline that will work for both parties.
  • Arrange for the boat to be transported and complete the sale. Check out our Marine Transportation Partners in the “Transportation” tab at the top of the page to get competitive pricing quotes. The boat and registration should only be released once the seller has the full payment in hand.