Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find some of the questions we often get asked about our Lonely Boats® service and answers to those questions. If you have a question that hasn’t been answered on this page, please contact us to discuss.

Can I have the boat owners contact details?
We don’t share the contact details of the owners. We will pass your details over to the owner if you register your interest in the boat. It is then down to the owner to make contact.

We can offer no guarantee what order the owner will contact people in or if you will even be contacted as the boat might sell to the first person who they speak to.
Can I view the boat before I buy?
Yes, but viewings are organized directly between you and the vessel owner.

When you submit an enquiry through a boat’s listing page, there is a dedicated field to ask questions and request a viewing. We then forward your message and contact details directly to the seller so they can get in touch to arrange a time.

When planning a viewing, please bear in mind how our enquiry forwarding schedule works (see “How often do you pass enquiry details to the boat owner?”).
How can I list my boat?
To list your boat, simply complete our online submission form with your vessel’s details and clear photos, then pay the single flat listing fee. Once reviewed, our team will publish your advert to our active buyer network, with zero sales commission taken on the final sale.
How Does Lonely Boats® Work?
Lonely Boats® operates much like a silent auction platform for pre-owned and project vessels. Sellers choose between two simple fixed-fee listing tiers.

Interested buyers register their details on the listings they like, along with an optional offer amount. Every few days, we compile and forward these enquiries and offers straight to the boat owner, leaving it in their hands to contact potential buyers, arrange viewings, and finalise the sale, with zero sales commission taken on the final agreement.

For full details about the Lonely Boats® Service, please visit our About Our Service Page.
How often do you pass enquiry details to the boat owner?
We aim process and forward all buyer enquiry details to boat owners three times a week: on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.

Please keep this schedule in mind when submitting questions or requesting a viewing. If you send an enquiry outside of these times, such as over the weekend or on a Friday afternoon; it will not be sent to until Monday morning at the earliest.
Should I pay a deposit on a boat if asked to?
You can pay a deposit to secure the boat, but it is done so at your own risk.

We would advise you never pay a deposit on a boat you haven’t seen yourself in person, and have also seen proof of ownership.

You should always ask the owner to produce a Bill of Sale for the boat as well.