FAQ

How do I bid?

We always encourage potential bidders/buyers to view the vessel personally or have their agent inspect it for you prior to placing a Bid. BE SURE to also take into consideration ADDITIONAL COSTS to you, such as buyers fees, loading, transportation, etc.

To get the necessary papers (BOAT YARD INFORMATION & RELEASE FORM for VIEWING), go directly to our websites: www.certifiedsales.com or yachtsalvage.com, click on LISTINGS, scroll to the item you are interested in, then click on VIEWING INSTRUCTIONS.

After it’s been determined you would like to proceed:

1) Print out Bid Forms (3 pages)
2) Read and complete each page of the Bid Forms
3) A ‘good faith deposit’ is required:

  • $100 for bids under $10,000
  • $1,000 for bids $10,000 to $100,000
  • $10,000 for bids over $100,000

4) Email or Fax the Bid Forms to the Listing Broker at:

RI Office: Sales@certifiedsales.com or Fax: 401-737-0200
MA Office: Brian@certifiedsales.com or Fax: 508-473-2021
SC Office: Jpalmer@certifiedsales.com or Fax: 888-887-7160

For questions regarding how to determine a Bid amount, please contact the Listing Broker.

Once the Listing Broker begins the auction, he will contact each registered bidder to advise them of the current high bid. At that time, the bidder has the option to raise their bid higher or drop out of the auction. This process will continue until there is one high bidder left. The duration of the auction can range from 1-3 days.

After the highest bidder is informed that they won the auction, payment is required within 24 hours by Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check. When we receive the payment, a Bill of Sale will be sent to winning bidder to be signed and returned to us.

The proper ownership documents will be processed and mailed after we have been informed that the vessel has been picked up or arrangements have been made to store the vessel at the facility longer

What is salvage?

Insurance Salvage or Private Salvage Boats, are vessels that suffered DAMAGE, such as a collision, sinking, fire, etc.

Salvage Boats offer anyone handy, a fantastic opportunity to purchase a boat for significantly less than retail value. Many buyers re-sell the boats after repair; others keep the boats for their personal use.

It’s important to note that buying salvage is a good idea if you plan to do, at least, some of the work yourself, and you are ready to get your hands dirty!

All Salvage items are sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS

We offer absolutely no warrantee on any function of the boat. While there is a risk in buying salvage, surveyors and repairers can offer valuable opinions. But don’t be afraid – this could be your opportunity to own the boat you’ve always dreamed about, for less than you ever expected!

Please also note, that it is often difficult (but not impossible) to secure financing for a salvage vessel.

What kinds of units are listed?

All of the items on this site are selling under what we would consider “unusual circumstances”, such as repossession, insurance payoff, damage, or simply that the owner has a strong desire to sell the unit quickly.

These circumstances can mean fantastic opportunities for the buyer, and allow the seller access to a different crowd.

Quick definitions?
  • Insurance Salvage: Damaged units, sold by an insurance company, attempting to recoup some of their loss.
  • Repo: Repossessed vessels; financial institution attempting to recoup some of their loss.
  • Two-unit-Owner: A private seller, who has purchased a new unit, and is selling his/her old one.
  • Estate Sale: Owner has passed away and family needs to liquidate the vessel.
  • Distress Sale: Can mean a variety of things: ex: “my wife said, “it’s me or the unit”, can’t make the payments…regardless, it means that the owner must sell.
  • Useable-Repairable: Privately-owned unit that could really use some repair but can be used as-is. A good alternative to Insurance Salvage, if the buyer needs financing, or isn’t comfortable with a salvage project.
  • Needs TLC (Tender Loving Care): Unit is primarily in fair condition but needs someone to care for it. Many of the units on this site are suffering from neglect and lack of use. These units just need some ‘elbow grease’.
  • Donation: A boat owner donates their unit to a non-profit organization that specializes in boats. The donor then receives a tax credit upon sale of the boat.
Does Certified Sales provide financing?

No, we do not provide financing. However, we can direct you to a lender who will assist you. Occasionally, the seller is willing to provide financing for the boat. If that applies, we will inform you.

Does Certified Sales take trade-ins?

Nope. However, we are more than happy to help you sell your boat!
“Big or Small, we sell them all!”

Surveying?

Certified Sales, the provider of this website, is an affiliate member of both SAMS and NAMS, two national associations of Marine Surveyors.

Both organizations can provide extensive information regarding the importance of a survey, its uses in the unit-buying and selling process and the names of local surveyors across the country.

Donation?

Certified Sales is the designated Broker for several Charities. Once a boat is donated CSI markets and sells the boat for the Charity. The Gross Sale price (less expenses) are then remitted to the Charity.