Boatshed.com adds new build boats to its site

Online yacht broker Boatshed.com has added a ‘new build’ boats platform to its site, enabling its audience to view and purchase the latest designs from small and medium-sized manufacturers.

The Boatshed.com platform manages every process of selling a boat, and South Africa is one of the company’s first franchises to test out the new system, listing Admiral 40, Hopyacht 30 and Invicta Power 30 catamarans, plus Atomic 22 open/sports fishers, alongside used boats.

The move, the company says, supports boat builders who are looking to reach buyers outside the traditional methods of dealership networks and boat shows, giving customers an even wider portfolio to choose from.

In ‘meet the builder’ videos,  boat builders discuss their passion, enthusiasm and experience, and information covering lifestyle and use, unique features, design and build, and prices and processes.

South African franchisee, Bruce Stirk, was keen to list new boats after being approached by manufacturers to provide them with a viewing platform for their latest designs.

“Nine local boat builders now have a virtual dealership, giving them access to a worldwide market, and having shared their videos, additional photos and details, they’re ready to deliver to wherever there’s demand. We’re also in talks with 16 more boat yards,” says Stirk.

“This is a win-win scenario for everyone,” says Boatshed.com founder, Neil Chapman. “Boat builders can reach a global audience, our franchisees can recruit new boat manufacturers, share their listings, introduce clients to boats they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to view and tap into new commission streams, and customers have more choice and are not restricted by their location.

 “We’re confident the new boat build platform will bring more traffic and buyers to the site and open up greater opportunities for the listing and sale of used boats as more new builds are ordered or considered. As well as giving the Boatshed group and individual businesses a considerable commercial opportunity, we’re helping to kick-start sales for smaller manufacturers, who are the backbone of our boat industry.”