Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I post an ad on BoatSell?:

1. Make your choice of type of ad and method of payment. There are buttons provided for both 2Checkout.com and PayPal - both operate on high security servers. Once you have completed the payment process, you will be returned to a registration page.
2. Enter a UserName and Password (that you decide on yourself), and your email address.
3. Once registered, you are taken to your private listing page. This page contains an extensive input form with preset feature items, as well as areas where you can input as much descriptive information about your boat as you wish. There are also areas where you can further describe special features of your boat.
4. Be sure to have your image files ready, because the same form is where you add your images. (see below)
5. Complete the listing page form and save it.
6. Log out.

Will you bill me later ?:

1. If you have a problem with using on-line payment, then we can certainly make arrangements to post your ad on receipt of a cheque or money order. Just send us a note via the Contact form and we can set it up for you.

What if I want you to design my ad on BoatSell?:

1. Contact us using the Contact form and we will provide a Word form for you to complete and return to us by email. At the same time, you can attach any photos you wish to have included with your listing. (If you do not have digital images, you will be able to mail prints to us for scanning - there is no extra charge for this service.)

2. If you prefer to go right ahead with completing the Word form, download it here

How do I send photos of my boat?:

1. At the bottom of the listing page is a section related to images. Right at the very bottom, click "Upload" and search for your images on your local system. Select each image that you wish to use- up to 10 in total. These must be either JPG or GIF files. Please review this detailed illustrated "how-to" [Step by Step] page before proceeding with image upload.

What size images should I upload?:

We accept JPEG/JPG or GIF images up to 60 Kbytes in size.

What if my images are larger than 60 Kbytes?:

You may send such images to us by . We will optimize them and add them to your listing at no charge. Please be sure to provide a description of each image in your message and give each image a short descriptive filename (eg: "profile.jpg", "main-cabin.jpg", "cockpit.jpg" - you get the idea. You may request further information via the contact form.

Must I also send the thumbnail version?:

No. Our automated system creates a small thumbnail image from your original and displays it on your listing page. The visitor simply clicks on the thumbnail to view the larger version.

What if I only have prints?:

You may send the prints to us by mail. We will scan them (at no charge). To arrange this, simply click on Contact Us, fill in the form and tell us about the prints, and we will email instructions. We are not able to return the prints. OR, take your prints to your local photo store and have them scan to JPG.

How can  I view my ad?:

From the Boatsell home page www.boatsell.com click on Search Listings and choose a Category. You can then enter as many search parameters as you wish. If you enter no parameters, the Search Engine will show you a list of ALL listings in the chosen category.

How long does my ad stay visible?:

Until the boat sells or for a maximum of 12 months (unless renewed)! We do, however, ask that you advise us when the boat is sold. That way, you won't be continually receiving messages enquiring about the boat.

How does a potential buyer contact me about my ad?:

The email address you provide at the time of listing is coded into a form on your boat's ad page (invisible to both visitors and spam robots). The visitor completes this short form to send an enquiry directly to you. Note that the only way in which anyone can see your email address is if you elect to respond to an enquiry. BoatSell never releases your personal information.

I lost my log-in password - now what do I do?:

Go to the log-in page and click on the "Forgot my password" link. Fill in your Username and click Submit. Your password will be sent to the address that was used when the account was registered. This is the only way in which your password will be released automatically. If you forget both Username and Password, contact us and we will search our database for you.

Can I change anything in my ad after it is posted?:

Yes. The listing form is always accessible by you during the contract period, and you can make whatever changes to the details that you wish. The shortcut to your listing page is included in the original confirmation message.

Can I get assistance if I have problems setting up my listing?:

Yes. Just use the contact form and explain in as much detail as possible what problems you are experiencing. We will be in touch as soon as possible.

What is "Searoom"?:

Searoom.com is our sister site, started in 1998 and addressed to the world-wide sailing & cruising fraternity. Searoom features articles about the cruising lifestyle, boating safety and news of interest to the community. As well, the site contains extensive cruise logs of Canadian sailors engaged in major trans-ocean voyages, along with reports of major record attempts and races. Well-known broadcasters and videographers, Paul & Sheryl Shard, choose to have their primary website within Searoom.

The site receives close to 4 Million hits annually. Searoom Communications, the owner, is a web design and management company specializing in web sites related to recreational boating and boating safety. These companies are owned by 115258 Canada Inc., a partnership of Annie and Tony Cook. A detailed history of the company is located here.

Does "Searoom" also have boat ads?:

No. Searoom did provide a free classified ad service, but it was a very limited service and is now discontinued.