Photo & video guide
Great photos & videos will get you more money for your boat
When selling a boat online, presentation is everything!
While you are welcome to shoot your own photos and videos, the easiest and fastest solution is opting into the BoatList™ Media package when you submit your boat. We have professionals that come to you and shoot high quality photos and videos for the auction listing – which are yours to keep forever. Photos of boats tied to a dock or on a trailer are not accepted for BoatList.
Consider Hiring a pro
We have photographers that come to you and make it easy.
2 Hr shoot
$395
$100 each additional hour
After submitting a boat for auction you can opt into a photo / video package for only $295 that includes a 2 hour on location shoot. Each additional hour is $100.
Preparing for the Shoot
Please print this PDF and take it with you on the shoot to ensure you don’t miss anything important the first time.
- Wash and detail your boat – Clean the gutters for floor compartments and wipe out fish boxes and live wells
- Declutter your boat – Empty your console and cup holders, organize / empty storage compartments
- Stage your boat – Fill coolers with ice and some drinks (looks good in pictures, and serves as a nice refreshment during the shoot).
- Reminder – Don’t forget to take pictures of your service records, warranty documents and owner’s manuals.
Download the shot list and print it out so you can keep track of your shots while taking pictures
Example Videos
Use a smartphone to shoot these videos. Please use landscape (horizontal) orientation as you will be uploading to YouTube.
Required Videos
Start at the bow and work your way to the stern, stopping along the way to highlight major areas – seating, helm, cockpit, cabin, motors.
Shoot the gauges and motors for 3 speeds – idle, cruise and wide open.
Demo the sounder, radar, plotter, cameras, and any other major electronics the vessel has.
Recommended Videos
Use a drone, a chase boat or stand at the edge of a dock to get exterior shots of the boat. Pictures of boats tied to a dock or on a trailer are not acceptable.
Show that major accessories are oper- ational – livewells, washdowns, a gyro, a motorized coffin box lift – basically anything that turns on / off.
Start your motor (s) and show them running at idle. Trim out the motors to demo the engine trim / tilt and show the condition of each prop & skeg.
Cabin / Interiors
If there is a cabin or interior space, shoot a separate walk through video showing the layout and various spaces / cabin.
Walkthrough Portait Format
As a bonus, shoot a vertically oriented walk through video as well. A tall orientation is better suited to promote the boat on social media.
Example Photos
If you are not hiring a professional, we recommend using a smartphone. All shots should be in landscape mode (horizontal). Here is a list of types on pictures to take, along with examples for each:
- Exterior / Aerial Shots
- Front deck / compartments / wells
- Rear deck / compartments / wells
- Lights, live wells, washdown – on/ off
- Installed coolers
- Seating areas / vinyl
- Hardware shots
- Out of water hull shots
- Helm / electronics
- Motors / cowlings / props
- Console interior / Cabin
- T-top & electronics
- Bilge & valves
Exterior / Aerial Shots
Use a drone, a chase boat or stand at the edge of a dock or in shallow water to get exterior shots of the boat. Pictures of boats tied to a dock or on a trailer are not acceptable.
Front deck / storage compartments / wells
Rear deck / storage compartments / wells
Lights, live wells, washdown – on / off
Installed coolers
Seating areas / vinyl
Hardware shots
Close up hull shots
Helm / electronics
Motors / cowlings / props
Console interior / Cabin
T-top & electronics
Bilge & valves
Photo & Video Tips
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Follow The Guide
Whether you’re shooting the media yourself, or you hire a pro – please follow the guide closely. We highly recommend printing the PDF and taking with you on the shoot. -
Lighting is Key
Morning or afternoon sun is best for exterior shots, while having the sun higher in the sky is better for onboard because it minimizes harsh shadows. Overcast days are OK. Don’t shoot into the sun, rotate the boat so the sun is at your side or slightly behind you. -
Shoot All Video Horizontally
Shoot all videos for the auction listing horizontally in landscape format, as you’ll be uploading to YouTube or Vimeo. Just send your Auction Specialist the links.