The journey to buying or selling a yacht should be exciting—not stressful—and that’s where Ted Lockwood truly stands apart. With a lifetime on the water, from Great Lakes racing and offshore competitions to owning and operating bluewater cruising yachts, Ted brings deep, firsthand experience to every transaction. His background spans competitive sailing, yacht ownership, and international brokerage, giving clients practical insight, steady guidance, and confident advocacy throughout the process. Known for his calm approach, technical knowledge, and integrity, Ted ensures each step is handled smoothly and thoughtfully—so you can focus on the enjoyment of moving into your next chapter on the water.

Ted Lockwood
(231) 218-5186
About Ted Lockwood

One of the questions I'm asked most often by boat owners is, "What are buyers looking for right now?"

Interestingly, the answer has less to do with the latest electronics or the newest sails than it does with confidence. Buyers shopping for quality cruising sailboats in the 40 to 70-foot range want reassurance that they're purchasing a boat that has been thoughtfully maintained and is ready for its next adventure. They also focus on the resale value and possible "exit strategy" when they are done with their adventure.

Whether your boat is on the Great Lakes, in Annapolis, Charleston, Fort Lauderdale, Newport, Bahamas or Caribbean, today's buyers are remarkably consistent in what catches their attention—and what raises concerns.

Here are some of the questions I'm hearing most often during phone calls, showings, sea trials, and surveys.

"How old is the standing rigging?"

Standing rigging continues to be one of the first topics serious buyers discuss. Even if the rigging appears to be in excellent condition, buyers want to know its age and whether there are invoices documenting replacement or inspections. Having those records readily available gives buyers confidence and often eliminates unnecessary negotiations later. Some insurance underwriters are requiring rig inspections or new standing rigging to be able to insure a vessel.

"Tell me about the lithium battery installation."

Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular, but they also generate plenty of questions. Buyers aren't simply impressed because a boat has lithium batteries—they want to know the installation was professionally designed, properly protected, and well documented. A clean installation with wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and installation records is a real selling point. Also promoting what systems on board are run by the lithium batteries, i.e. air-conditioning refrigeration, etc. and what type of regeneration equipment is on board, solar panels, size of alternator, generator etc.

"Should I worry about osmotic blistering and Thru hulls?"

Many buyers ask about osmotic blistering and functionality of the thru hull fittings, long before they schedule a survey. In most cases, they're not expecting a perfect hull. What they're really looking for is honesty and transparency. If a previous repair was professionally completed and documented, buyers are generally far more comfortable than if they discover surprises during the survey. Having an epoxy barrier coat or a bottom that is in excellent condition limits issues during a survey. Making sure that thru hulls are functioning well and lubricatedgoes a long ways.

"How many engine hours?"

This question comes up on nearly every showing, but experienced buyers quickly move beyond the number itself. A diesel with 4,500 well-maintained hours and complete service records is often more attractive than an engine showing only 900 hours with little maintenance history. Service records, oil changes, cooling system maintenance, and regular use tell a much better story than the hour meter alone.

"Does the watermaker work?"

Watermakers, air conditioning systems, generators, refrigeration, and other cruising equipment add tremendous appeal—provided they work properly. Buyers don't expect every system to be brand new, but they do appreciate equipment that has been exercised regularly and maintained. Deferred maintenance on these systems often creates far more concern than their age.

"Is Starlink installed?"

Connectivity has become an important consideration for many cruisers. Some buyers work remotely while cruising, while others simply enjoy staying connected with family. A professionally installed Starlink system or a boat that's already configured for one can be an attractive feature,(at minimal cost) but once again, buyers appreciate installations that are neat, documented, and thoughtfully integrated. The newer model "Starlink Mini" has considerable less electrical draw(12V, 1.3A to 2.1A) then the standard Gen2 models(4.1A to 6.25A).

Perhaps the biggest surprise for many sellers is that today's buyers aren't necessarily looking for the newest boat—they're looking for the best cared-for boat. That leads to another question I hear frequently from owners preparing to sell:

"What should I do before putting my boat on the market?"

The answer is often simpler—and much less expensive—than many expect.

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is assuming they need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on major upgrades before listing. In reality, strategic preparation often delivers a much higher return on investment than expensive refits.

Professional detailing is usually one of the smartest investments. A polished hull, clean topsides, spotless engine room and bilges, and fresh interior immediately create the impression that the boat has been cared for.

High quality photography is equally important. Most buyers will first encounter your boat online, and high-quality images can dramatically increase inquiries. Bright, uncluttered photos tell a story.

Organizing maintenance records is another step that pays dividends. Service invoices, equipment manuals, survey reports, rig inspections, engine maintenance, and upgrade documentation all help buyers feel comfortable moving forward. Well-organized records shorten negotiations and often accelerate the closing process.

Addressing deferred maintenance is another high-return investment. Sticky hatches, leaking faucets, burned-out lights, loose hardware, frayed running rigging or non-functioning pumps may seem minor individually, but together they suggest that larger maintenance items may also have been overlooked. Correcting these small issues before listing can make a significant difference in buyer perception.

Finally, don't underestimate the value of removing unnecessary gear. Years of cruising often leave boats filled with spare parts, duplicate equipment, outdated electronics, and personal belongings. A clean,de-cluttered well organized boat feels larger, better maintained, and allows buyers to imagine making it their own.

In my experience, spending $2,500 to $5,000 thoughtfully on presentation and preparation often adds more value than spending $25,000 to $50,000 on upgrades that buyers may not prioritize. The goal isn't to make the boat look brand new; it's to demonstrate that it has been consistently cared for by knowledgeable owners.

Every successful sale begins with buyer confidence. When a buyer steps aboard and sees a clean vessel, organized records, documented maintenance, and systems that function as expected, the conversation shifts from searching for problems to imagining future adventures.

That's exactly where every seller wants the buyer's mind to be.

I would be more than happy to discuss your vessel and your questions when it comes to selling. I travel all over the country as well as the Caribbean, I would have no problem discussing your questions and traveling to your boat to assist you in prepping it and meeting your objectives for getting her sold.