If you need to release funds quickly or want a straightforward, hassle-free sale, we may be able to help. At ABNB, we occasionally purchase narrowboats directly for cash, offering a faster alternative to traditional brokerage.
Sell Your Narrowboat for Cash
Need To Sell Quickly?
A Cash Sale Could Be Right for You
For many people, a cash sale is the practical option if you need a quicker, more straightforward sale. Sellers who this usually appeals to usually include:
- A change in personal circumstances
- Inheriting a boat you don’t plan to use
- Releasing money tied up in the boat
- Simply wanting a guaranteed sale
It’s important to understand that a cash offer will usually be lower than the price you might achieve through brokerage. This reflects the speed, convenience, and certainty of the transaction. There’s no waiting for the right buyer, no ongoing viewings, and no extended sales process.
While it’s not the right route for everyone, it can provide clarity and peace of mind when timing is a priority. If achieving the highest possible price is your main goal, selling through our brokerage service may be the better option. If speed and simplicity matter more, a cash sale could be the right fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to make things simple. Take a look through some of our most common questions before getting in touch with the team.
Emma’s Top Tip!
When buying or selling a boat, always use a professional broker who is a member of a recognised industry body such as ABYA or British Marine. Members follow strict codes of conduct, use legally sound Sale and Purchase Agreements, and maintain high standards through ongoing training — helping ensure a secure and well-managed transaction.
How do you value my boat?
We will need to take some basic details from you, and ideally see some recent photos. Our market price is based on condition, specification, age, recent maintenance, quality of the fit-out, and current market demand for similar vessels. We carry out comparisons with other similar boats on the market or recently sold. We will not over-inflate the market price to win your business. We believe in suggesting a realistic market price that will achieve a sale in a timely manner.
What do I need to do before you visit my boat?
Presentation is key and first impressions really do count. We recommend that you spend some time and effort in preparing your boat before we visit to take professional photos for our marketing materials. We would suggest that you remove personal effects and clutter. Thoroughly clean the interior, particularly the toilet, oven and fridge. Empty the toilet tank or cassette. Clean the exterior and ensure that the aft and forward decks are clear from clutter.
Clean soft furnishings. Ensure the mattress is clean – leave the bed made up. A hull survey is a very good selling point, along with a recent engine service and boat blacking and will increase buyer confidence. Boats that are presented well and have been well maintained, usually fetch a higher price and of course, sell quicker.
What paperwork do I need to provide?
We will need to see your proof of ownership – a clear chain of title over the years. We will need to see your Boat Safety Scheme certificate, and we will need to see any documentation you may have relating to the Recreational Craft Directive. Any maintenance records or invoices will be of interest.
We will also need to see photographic ID and a recent utility bill – this is because we are required to carry out identity checks in line with Anti-Money Laundering regulations. A small administration fee per person is charged for this process.
Do I need to insure, licence and maintain my boat while it is on brokerage?
Yes, your boat must remain fully insured and licensed for the duration of the brokerage period with ABNB. If your boat is on our sales berths at North Kilworth Marina, a trade plate may be available, which will allow you to cash in your licence – please ask us for current costs and availability. You remain responsible for the on-going maintenance of your boat. We strongly recommend regular visits to clean the boat, run the engine, and ensure appropriate winter protection where applicable.
We can recommend trusted contractors who can assist with interior and exterior cleaning, and the marina also operates an on-site workshop that can provide quotations for any maintenance or repair work required. Please note that these services are operated independently of ABNB.
Can I still use my boat whilst it is on brokerage?
If your boat is moored on our dedicated sales berths, it is not available for personal use during the brokerage period, as it must remain accessible for viewings at all times. If your boat remains on a private mooring, limited use may be possible by prior agreement, provided this does not impact marketing or viewing availability.
Following completion of a water trial and/or survey (whichever is later), the boat should not be used by the seller, in order to avoid any risk of loss or damage prior to completion. Where the seller is residing onboard, continued occupation after survey may only take place with the written consent of the purchaser – this is usually written into the Sale and Purchase Agreement as a variation.
I am moving overseas - can you still sell my boat?
Yes we can, but your boat would need to be on our dedicated sales berths, or at one of our partner marina sites. Communications can be carried out by email, and the signing of documentation can be electronic, apart from the Bill of Sale, which must be printed, signed in the presence of a witness and then posted to us.
What makes a boat sell faster?
Boats tend to sell quicker when they are realistically priced and in line with the current market conditions, and presented in a clean, well-maintained condition. Buyers often form an impression within the first few minutes of a viewing. Well documented service history, up-to-date certification and evidence of recent maintenance help to build buyer confidence.
