Table of Contents
- General Questions
- Disclaimer – We Do Not Own These Boats
- Buying & Selling Boats
- Avoiding Scams & Fraud
- Membership & Account
- Financing & Transport
General Questions
What is Dock Deals?
Dock Deals is a curated marketplace for classic, custom, and high-quality boats. We search the market daily for rare finds, restored classics, and true deals—then share them with our community.
Most of the boats featured are not affiliated with us; we simply connect enthusiasts with the best opportunities available.
📌 Learn more about how Dock Deals works.
Where do the listings come from?
We pull listings from a variety of sources—broker websites, boating forums, private sellers, and even boats spotted in driveways. If a boat is a great deal, a true classic, or a quality restoration, we feature it.
How does it work?
Dock Deals shares listings, and you work out the deal with the seller. It's that simple.
📌 We do not own, sell, or broker any of the boats listed.
Disclaimer – We Do Not Own These Boats
Dock Deals does not own, sell, or broker any of the boats listed on this site. All listings link directly to third-party sellers.
We do not verify the accuracy of the information provided in listings and make no guarantees regarding the condition, authenticity, or legitimacy of any boat or seller.
📌 Use caution when purchasing:
- Always verify the seller’s identity.
- Inspect the boat in person before making any payment.
- Avoid transactions involving wire transfers or untraceable payments.
- For more tips, read our Scam Prevention Guide.
Dock Deals assumes no responsibility for issues arising from transactions. By using this site, you agree that Dock Deals is not liable for any disputes or losses related to third-party listings.
Buying & Selling Boats
Do you list boats?
Yes and no. Only Active Members ($96/year or $10/month) can apply to list their boat. Not all submissions are accepted—Dock Deals maintains a high standard for listings.
📌 Our Dock Deals Standard page lays out what types of boats we accept. For the listing application click here.
How much does it cost to list my boat?
There is no listing fee. Only Active Members ($96/year or $10/month) can submit a boat for review.
How quickly do boats sell?
- 40% sell within a few days.
- 40% take about two weeks.
- 15% take a month.
- 5% take longer than a month.
We re-evaluate listings after one month to ensure they remain relevant.
Can I sell a boat if I live outside of the U.S. or Canada?
Yes, but keep in mind our audience is primarily in North America.
What information do I need to provide to list my boat?
We start with the basics:
- Make, model, year, HIN
- Photos of the boat
- A brief description
If your boat is accepted, we’ll request more details to properly present it to buyers.
We can also link to an existing listing but may require you to update details for clarity.
How do I take the best pictures of my boat?
- Clean it first – Wash and dry the deck. A product like Woody’s Wax on a soft brush can enhance the shine.
- Shoot in good lighting – A sunny day with natural light works best.
- Capture all angles – Include:
- Exterior: Full profile (both sides), cockpit, deck, bow, stern, transom, bottom.
- Interior: Salon, galley, berths, heads, helm, bilge, engine room, electrical panels.
- Major mechanical equipment: Engines, generator, Seakeeper, etc.
- Covers on & off: Helps show overall condition.
Do you work with brokers or dealers?
While we do not avoid working with professionals, we currently do not have a dedicated program for them. We are exploring better ways to work with professionals while maintaining trust with our community.
How much does it cost to buy a boat?
Dock Deals does not charge buyers anything. We are a listing platform only—we do not take commissions on any sales.
Avoiding Scams & Fraud
How can I avoid scams?
🚩 Watch for these red flags:
- Photos don’t match the boat’s listed location (e.g., palm trees in a Michigan listing).
- Only one or two photos and no visible registration numbers.
- Seller is a new Facebook Marketplace account.
- Seller only provides an email (no phone number or real contact info).
- The description is copied from a boat manufacturer’s brochure.
General scam prevention tips:
- Meet in a public place and inspect the boat in person before paying.
- Verify the seller’s identity (ask for a driver’s license or ID).
- Avoid wire transfers—they are difficult to recover.
- Be skeptical of listings with poor grammar or vague details.
- Check market value—if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use trusted payment methods (PayPal, bank transfer, or cash in person).
- Look at seller reviews, how long they’ve been on Facebook, and if they have a credible profile.
📌 If you suspect a scam, report it immediately.
Membership & Account
What are the membership options?
- Free Crew Member – One extra listing per week, delivered to your inbox.
- Active Member ($96/year) – Full access to the exclusive Members' Dock listings, filtering tools, and first access on all others. Paying members also have the opportunity to apply to list your boat on Dock Deals.
📌 Join here.
How do I list a boat?
You must be an Active Member ($96/year or $10/month) to apply. Learn more about membership here.
Can I cancel my membership anytime?
Yes, you can cancel at any time through your account settings.
Do you offer refunds?
No, memberships are non-refundable due to the nature of the listings.
Can I upgrade from a monthly to a yearly membership?
Yes, you can switch to an annual plan at any time.
Financing & Transport
Do you offer financing or transport?
No, Dock Deals does not provide financing or transport services.
📌 If you provide boat financing or transport and want to be listed as a preferred provider, contact us at support@thedockdeals.com.
