Showings and sea trials, including selling while you're abroad

Qualify buyers before viewings, keep the boat ready, and plan the sea trial. If you live abroad, a broker and clear authority handle the boat for you.

Updated 24 Oct 2026 2 min read

Key points

Ask serious buyers for proof of funds before a sea trial.
Keep fuel, charged batteries and a clean boat ready for trials.
From abroad, agree who holds keys, who attends and who signs.

Qualify the buyer

Before you open the boat to a stranger, check that they are serious: a name, a phone number, how they plan to pay, and whether they have bought a boat before. Ask for proof of funds before a sea trial. See Proof of funds and anti-money-laundering checks: what to expect. It saves you the cost of fuel and a morning.

Prepare for a viewing

Clean the boat and air it. See Cosmetic staging and detailing.
Charge the batteries and run the engine beforehand.
Have the document pack ready. See The seller's document pack: VAT, registration, CE, service history.
Be present, or have a person who knows the boat attend.
Let the buyer look. Answer questions with facts and do not oversell.

The sea trial

Agree a date, a time and who pays for fuel. See Survey and sea trial: how it works, who pays, what happens next.
Check the weather and move the date if it is unsuitable.
Have someone aboard who can handle the boat and its systems.
Expect the buyer to bring a surveyor or mechanic. See The sea trial checklist.
Keep a record of the hours before and after.

Selling while you are abroad

A key holder. A broker, a marina or a trusted person holds the keys and opens the boat.
Someone who knows the boat to show it, or a skipper hired for trials. See Hiring a skipper for training.
Remote approval. You review offers by phone or video and accept in writing.
Signing. A bill of sale can be signed in advance, or you can give a lawyer or agent a power of attorney. A notary abroad usually certifies your signature, and some countries ask for an apostille. See Checking ownership.
Money. Funds go through a neutral holder and bank transfer. See The deposit: how escrow protects you.
Papers. Scan the pack and keep the originals where the agent can reach them, or send them ahead.

Safety

Never give keys or codes to a person you have not checked. Note the viewing times and the names of visitors. If a buyer asks to pay a deposit before a viewing, or to pay by an unusual route, ask your broker. See 10 red flags in a used yacht listing.

Also useful at step 7 The brokerage marketing plan

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check your own case with a professional or ask us.