Private boat deals without seller-picked “escrow”

Boat Trader and similar guides are blunt: never use seller-recommended escrow. Hull ID, trailer title, and survey matter — and so does who controls the payment site.

How this category gets scammed

Seller-recommended escrow

Marine marketplaces warn that fake escrow pitched by the other party is a top scam tell. Type URLs yourself.

Source: Boat Trader — scam avoidance guidance

What to check before you buy

How handoff usually works

Ramp or yard inspection, paperwork for hull and trailer, then release. Freight (yard to yard) should be buyer-directed.

Typical price band & fee

Rough private-party range: $5,000– $25,000. On a $12,000 example, 1.99% is $238.80 — only if the deal completes. If it doesn't, we're paid nothing.

FAQ

Do I need a marine survey?
For anything beyond a cheap jon boat, a survey is cheap insurance. Keep funds protected until survey and HIN checks clear.

Not available everywhere yet

Protected deals aren't available yet for buyers or sellers in Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona, or for equipment located in Washington and Nevada. Leave your email if you want to know when that changes — we won't promise a date.