1. Is affiliated with an established brokerage firm. Reputation is key in this industry, where fly-by-night brokerage firms are a dime a dozen. Make sure broker you select is affiliated with a reputable, long-standing firm, with a history of at least 20 years in business. Bigger is definitely better – more boats a firm has listed, more potential customers will be looking at your boat. Make sure firm is licensed and insured. Ask to see their certificates before you sign on bottom line.

2. Offers free appraisals of boats. Nothing is harder for a broker than trying to sell an overpriced boat. On other hand, nothing is more frustrating for a seller than feeling like you’re not getting best value for your boat. The best boat brokers are experienced enough to provide an honest evaluation of your boat’s condition. This allows them to quickly establish a fair-market value for boat, from their own experience and current market trends, so you receive top dollar and a quicker sale.

3. Is a savvy negotiator. Experienced boat brokers know what market will stand. They know what typical margin is for offers and counteroffers. They can steer you away from frustrating interactions with buyers and sellers before they happen and they can keep small obstacles from becoming deal-breakers.

4. Uses a Central Listing Agreement. To maximize your exposure, you want a broker who has an incentive to sell your boat. A Central Listing Agreement establishes a one-on-one relationship with your broker, and outline’s broker’s commitment to advertising, promoting, and co-brokering sale of your boat.

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THE CATFISH WERE BITTING

I got my two fishing poles in water at 07:10. The Ohio was around 28 feet a little muddy and still running fast. Around 07:30 I got a good bite on a chunk of roast beef. I missed it, may have been a garr for it did not come back to bait.

My bobber went under at 07:45 and stayed under. I pulled and fished pulled back hard. I knew right then it was a nice size fish at other end. With fast and deep water fish stayed down for some time. I just kept my 10 foot rod high in air to wear him down. Got him in net O.K. and up onto barge. A nice blue cat 29 inches long and 10.7 pounds. Took two photos of us and he was a chore to hold up to camera.