Boy, what a difference of replies.
First, any broker has value IF they produce. If they don't produce, they have no value..... in any field. What makes them produce is if they get the boat in front of a prospect and "sell" them the boat. That's clearly a skill. And we find it both in RE and in boating (and other sales).
Unfortunately, I can say, without a doubt that "generally" brokers are not worth the powder to blow them up. When the try to represent things that they have not seen and know little about it's just not good. And a lot have no boating knowledge... and you ask them a question, they have no clue (also true with real estate).
For me, I like a broker that can give the facts correct and on time, without any BS, and knows the product. Yes, I use them, but need to know they can get the job done. Unfortunately, I have not had good luck with marine brokers. Most come out of the same mold, don't know the product and want 10% in their "escrow" account before operating the boat, which is totally ridiculous. But I have no issue paying the expenses to operate it, which is more than fair. They also expect the buyer to figure out all the goods and bads of the boat, and post specs that they will not stand behind (huge pet peeve). They guess at things and won't research or go to the boat to find out the truth, but expect the buyer to travel across the country to find out for themselves.
As a FSBO or buyer, there's a HUGE advantage when buyer and seller get together without a middle man. Sometimes it just doesn't work, but usually does, it they be truthful and try to meet the objective of making a deal.
When I sell, anyone gets to see the boat, house or plane. I will talk to them to get a feel for how ready they are to buy, but most ANYONE shopping is a serious buyer. It only take one buyer that wants it to get the job done and I'm not going to turn anyone off. It's a matter of "when" they will buy, and the person selling needs to figure that out. That's part of being a good sales person, whether FSBO or broker.
A good broker can make as much as they want, if they are up to speed on the product, know how to market, and know how to sell. I DO use brokers, but only if they can perform, and when they do, they are worth their fees.
I've been at selling and buying for a bit, but mostly houses..... well over 100 and several planes and boats. If the product is good, priced right and properly marketed, it WILL sell... period. If a buyer is interested and wants something, it's often just a matter of time. There's a few that just won't buy and a few sellers that just won't sell, so get past them and go for people that will perform.
As for boats, it's CLEARLY a buyers market, and some fairly nice boats take a year or more to sell (often with poor marketing or pricing). There are a few "hot" boats out there that sell quick, but not much in the trawlers.
