What marine buyers ask first
- Dock, yard or slip rights, and the lease behind them
- Certified technicians and how long each has stayed
- Mix of repair, maintenance, storage and new boat work
- Liability, pollution and hull coverage with claims history
- Customer deposits and work in progress at the closing date
Access to the Water Is Part of the Price
Many marine companies depend on a lease for a yard, dock or slip. Buyers ask how long that lease runs, who the landlord is and whether it passes to a new owner.
A short lease on a waterfront property can sink a deal. Marinas and yards change hands for their land and permits as much as for their earnings.
Technicians Are the Business
In a repair shop, customers follow the people who fix their boats. Buyers want to know which technicians hold manufacturer certifications and how long they have stayed. A strong second in command raises the price.
If you are the best technician, say so now. A buyer will price the risk that customers leave when you do.
Revenue Mix
Maintenance and storage bring repeat income. Big repairs and refits bring lumps. Buyers pay more for the steady part, so show how much of each year comes from customers who return.
Parts margins, warranty work and any dealer relationships deserve their own page in your sale book.
Insurance and Environmental Risk
Marine companies carry liability, hull and pollution risk. Buyers and lenders review the policies, the deductibles and the last five years of claims. They also ask about fuel, paint and waste handling.
Records that show you followed the rules calm those questions.
Seasons Show Up in the Cash
Work often peaks before winter residents arrive and before summer. A buyer will check that cash holds through the slow months. Monthly figures for three years let you show the pattern.
Deposits and Work in Progress
At closing, boats may be on stands with customer money already paid. The purchase agreement should say who finishes the work, who keeps the deposit and who answers for the warranty.
Plan for this early with your attorney. Disputes over unfinished boats are avoidable.
What Raises the Price
Long dock access, certified technicians who stay and repeat maintenance customers raise the price. A shop that lives on one big refit season lowers it. Read how Florida buyers price a business for the math.
Taxes That Follow the Sale
Parts and some services are subject to Florida sales tax. A buyer can hold back part of your price until the state confirms what you owe.
Read Florida sales tax successor liability when you sell a business. Equipment on the yard also counts for property tax, covered in Florida tangible personal property return in the year you sell.
See also business brokers in Southern Florida. For a private price range, send the form or call (305) 555-0147.