Advice with a reason behind it
An attractive asking price is only useful if it brings the right buyers. We explain our recommendations, including when a price review or a small improvement in presentation is likely to help.
Waterlife · Independent Yacht Brokers
Why Waterlife?
A named broker. A considered presentation. A clear view of what happens next.
One point of contact
You know who is looking after your boat.
Waterlife Lymington is personally led by Ian Watkins. From the first appraisal to the handover, you have a named broker who knows the boat, understands your priorities and stays involved.
A question about a viewing or an offer goes to the person handling the sale. That continuity helps keep decisions informed and the process moving.
Ian Watkins
In boat sales since the last century.
Ian Watkins has been in the boat sales and brokerage business since the last century! During his many years in the industry, he has worked with major names including Ancasta, Hunter Marine and Clipper Marine, and co-founded Why Yachting International, an innovative brokerage that challenged the conventions of how boats were marketed and sold.
His experience includes representing Beneteau, Bavaria, Hunter/Legend, Azimut, Atlantis, Parker and Elan, as well as building the Waterlodge business. This breadth of experience gives him a detailed understanding of both sailing yachts and motorboats, and of what matters to their owners and buyers.
Ian’s passion for boating and in-depth knowledge help him represent your boat effectively. He takes time to understand each boat’s individual strengths, bringing together accurate particulars, strong photography and thoughtful presentation to show it to its best advantage.
Buyers value speaking to a seasoned professional who can provide clear guidance and practical help throughout the buying process and beyond. Many of Ian’s buyers and sellers return to him when it is time for their next boat—a reflection of the relationships and trust built over years of personal service.
The Waterlife approach
Care where it counts.
Detail before the viewing
Buyers need more than a length, a year and a handful of photographs. A clear inventory, useful images and an honest account of condition help people decide whether the boat is right for them.
Local knowledge, wider visibility
Our base is Lymington and the Western Solent. Our marketing reaches beyond the local berth, combining specialist platforms with relevant social activity and buyer matching.
Communication you can use
Regular updates tell you what buyers are saying and what we recommend doing next. Even a quiet week should result in a clear view of the position.
Time spent with the buyer
A good viewing is a conversation about how the boat will work for its next owner. We take questions seriously, follow up on missing information and keep you informed about genuine interest.
A clear commercial agreement
The fee is 5% + VAT, subject to a £2,000 minimum. We agree the instruction and scope in writing, so both sides understand what is included from the outset.
Before you decide
A few useful questions.
Do you handle both sailing yachts and motor boats?
Yes. We work with owners of sailing yachts and motor boats. The first conversation establishes whether the boat, location and proposed service are a good fit.
What happens if the boat attracts little interest?
We review the evidence with you: presentation, exposure, buyer feedback and competing boats. We then recommend a specific next step, which may be better information, fresh photographs, a change in marketing or a price review.
Can you help if I am not ready to sell?
Yes. An early conversation can help you understand likely preparation, documentation and timing before deciding whether to instruct us.
How are survey findings handled?
The buyer appoints an independent surveyor. We help coordinate access and discuss any findings with the parties, keeping proposed repairs, price adjustments and other terms clear. The surveyor provides the technical assessment.
See the approach in practice
A proper introduction to the boat.
Explore Planet of Hamble’s listing to see the combination of photographs, detailed particulars, accommodation plans and a downloadable brochure.
View Planet of Hamble