Neutral third-party handling
HarbourClose records the deposit as the neutral transaction coordinator rather than leaving either side to control it alone.
How it works
A clearer way to complete a private boat sale.
From the first details to delivery, HarbourClose keeps the buyers, sellers, vessel information, purchase agreement, conditions, deadlines, payments, and completed sale documents together in one guided file.
HarbourClose charges for the service selected, not a percentage of the boat's sale price.
Five steps from the first details to delivery
The buyer and seller work from the same organized transaction record while private information stays restricted to the people who need it. HarbourClose coordinates the file as a neutral third party, so both sides can see what is agreed, what is pending, who is responsible, and what happens next.
- 1
Already agreed—or ready to make an offer
Choose how to begin
Either the buyer or seller can start. Begin with terms you have already agreed, or create an opening offer for the other side to review, accept, or counter. Choose the HarbourClose product, decide who pays the service fee (or split it), accept the Terms of Service, and invite the buyer or seller and any co-owners by email or text.
A seller can prepare the vessel information before inviting a buyer. Every transaction file is private and available only to the invited participants and authorized HarbourClose staff.
- 2
Each side confirms their part
Bring the people, boat, and terms into one file
Each person enters their own details from a phone or computer. Together, the buyer and seller confirm the owners, vessel, price, included property, important dates, proposed deposit arrangement, and any conditions that apply. Each person sees the shared transaction information and the tasks appropriate to their role.
The HIN is format-checked as it is entered. Government ID and other private uploads stay restricted; the other side sees only the confirmation status the transaction requires.
- 3
Offers, counters, and clear acceptance
Reach and record the agreement
If the deal was already agreed, both sides review and confirm the same terms. If the file began with an offer, the other side can accept it or make a counteroffer. HarbourClose keeps the proposal history, changes, and final accepted terms connected to the transaction file before the agreement is prepared for signing.
HarbourClose organizes and records the process as a neutral transaction coordinator. The buyer and seller remain in control of the price, conditions, dates, and every other deal term.
- 4
Neutral coordination when it matters
Sign the purchase agreement and complete the conditions
HarbourClose prepares the documents included in the selected service from the confirmed information, and the required buyers and sellers review and sign by secure eSignature. Guided Process and Boat Sale with a Coordinator files can also track conditions, deadlines, survey or sea-trial decisions, lien work, responsibilities, and the agreed deposit arrangement.
The buyer and seller can choose no deposit, payment directly to the seller, or — for an eligible file — the HarbourClose Client Deposit Account. HarbourClose acts as the neutral third party, records the deposit separately from its service fees, and follows the signed agreement and accepted written instructions for release.
- 5
A clean finish, on the record
Complete the boat sale and delivery
The file brings together the payment summary (also called a closing statement), bill of sale, payment records, signed documents, search results, and final confirmations. The Vessel Delivery Guide walks the buyer and seller through keys, manuals, service records, safety gear, electronics, included equipment, and the other items changing hands.
Each buyer and seller can download the completed documents and records available to their role, while the transaction history remains organized in the HarbourClose file.
HarbourClose Client Deposit Account
A neutral place for the deposit.
For eligible Guided Process and Boat Sale with a Coordinator files, the buyer's deposit can be held in the HarbourClose Client Deposit Account instead of being paid directly to the seller.
Explore the Guided Process →Separate from service fees
The deposit is recorded separately from HarbourClose fees and from ordinary buyer-to-seller payment records.
Visible status
The transaction file shows when the deposit has been received and the status relevant to both sides.
Release follows the agreement
HarbourClose follows the signed agreement and accepted written instructions when the deposit is released or returned.
The buyer and seller may also choose no deposit or a deposit paid directly to the seller. A direct-to-seller deposit remains outside HarbourClose's control.
Built for buyers and sellers
Buyers want confidence before committing money. Sellers want a serious buyer and a clean delivery. HarbourClose gives each side the information and next actions they need, without mixing up who is responsible for what.
For buyers
Know what you are agreeing to before money moves.
See the boat details, price, included property, documents, and the status included with the selected service instead of piecing the deal together from messages.
- Confirm the vessel and deal facts with the seller
- When included, follow conditions such as survey, sea trial, financing, and insurance
- Keep signed documents and the completed sale record in one secure file
For sellers
Turn an interested buyer into an organized boat sale.
Start the file yourself, collect the information each owner must provide, and give the buyer clear next steps without becoming the transaction coordinator.
- Invite buyers and co-owners into the same structured process
- Confirm terms and changes through recorded actions, not scattered texts
- Finish with a documented payment and delivery trail
An informal sale compared with a HarbourClose file
Informal sales can leave important details spread across messages and attachments. A HarbourClose file gives both sides one organized place to work from.
| Item | Handshake deal | With HarbourClose |
|---|---|---|
| Terms and changes | Terms discussed informally, with changes difficult to trace | Offers, counters, accepted terms, and important changes recorded in one file |
| Documents | Blank templates completed by hand, or no consistent documents at all | Applicable documents prepared from the information the buyer and seller confirmed |
| Identity and privacy | Sensitive details can be copied or forwarded with the conversation | Private, invite-only access with identity images and restricted documents kept from the other side |
| Responsibilities | Each person works out what to do next and when | Clear next actions, deadlines, and service-specific status for each side |
| Deposit | Often paid directly to the seller without a neutral record of its status | Eligible files can use the HarbourClose Client Deposit Account, with receipt and release activity recorded |
| Completed records | Documents, receipts, and confirmations saved in different places | Applicable signed documents and completed sale records organized in the file |
Advertise the boat anywhere. Complete the sale here.
Review the service price and any selected options before payment. Keep the shared transaction details and applicable completed records together in one HarbourClose file.
Questions first? Read the FAQ or contact us.
