Used small boat reseller

First-time boat buyers, anglers, families wanting a weekend boat and owners who want someone else to handle the sale.

The margin between what you pay for a boat and what you sell it for, or a commission or flat fee when you sell on an owner's behalf. Extras like trailers and engine checks can add to this.

• Knowing boats and engines well enough to spot problems
• Negotiating and selling
• Good photos and honest listings
• Keeping clear records

• Check who really owns a boat and whether any finance or mortgage is outstanding before buying
• As a trader selling to consumers, check your duties under consumer law, such as selling items as described and of satisfactory quality
• Check VAT status of any boat you buy, especially imported ones, and the rules for selling craft that meet recreational craft standards
• Arranging finance for buyers may need FCA authorisation, check before offering it
• Check insurance for stock, test trips and viewings, and where you can legally store boats and trailers

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many boats, trailers and outboards you buy as stock. Selling for owners on commission needs less cash tied up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £8,000, depending on how many boats you sell, the prices they achieve and whether you also sell on commission.

Check who owns a boat and whether finance is outstanding, your consumer law duties as a trader, the VAT status of boats you buy (especially imports), whether finance for buyers needs FCA authorisation, and your insurance and storage options.