Every listing on Only Boats now gets a quality score. The better the score, the higher you’ll appear in our search results, and the more serious buyers you’ll attract.

This isn’t about ticking boxes for the sake of it. It’s about showing buyers what they need to see so they can act with confidence. Here’s how to lift your score and make your listings work harder for you.

Three Easy Ways to Boost Your Score

These are the three key areas we measure. Focus on getting them right, and your listings will perform better on Only Boats.

Include High-Quality Photos

Good photos make a boat look appealing and build trust. Boat buyers are visual, and the more angles, details, and honest shots you include, the more likely they are to stop, click, and enquire. Listings with strong photography consistently outperform those with limited or poor images.

Best Practices

  • Upload at least 20 photos per listing. This helps tell the full story of the vehicle. Capture every angle: front, rear, both sides, and close-ups of the badges, interior, dash, and boot.
  • Use clear, uncluttered photos. Shoot in good lighting, docked in a clean, neutral setting, and avoid distractions in the background so that the boat is the focus.
  • Highlight the features that matter. If your vehicle has a sunroof, reverse camera, infotainment system, or upgraded furniture, show them clearly. These small touches can be big selling points to the right buyer.
  • Be transparent about imperfections. Got a scratch or wear on the boat? Show it. Buyers value honesty and are more likely to follow through when they feel they’re seeing the full picture.
  • Choose photos that stand out. Use a bold detail, such as a colourful item in the berth, to catch the eye and increase your listing’s visibility in search results. This will grab buyers' attention while they're browsing.

Create a Detailed Description

A strong description does more than list specs, it helps the buyer imagine owning the boat. The better the detail, the more useful the listing becomes. Descriptions that are clear, informative, and aligned to the vehicle type tend to rank higher and convert more views into leads.

Best Practices

  • Aim for at least 500 words. More detail means a more useful listing. Cover the basics like make, model, year, and condition, but also go deeper. What makes this boat special? Why might a buyer choose it over others?
  • Match your tone to the type of vehicle. If it’s a family boat, focus on comfort, space, and practicality. If it’s a yacht, highlight performance and style. Think about what buyers care about most for that vehicle type and speak their language.
  • Support your photos with real detail. If the images show unique features, mention them in the description. Reinforce what buyers can see with useful context.
  • Make it human. A bit of lifestyle context or light humour can make your listing stand out. Help the buyer imagine owning the boat, not just inspecting it.

Always Include a Price

When buyers are browsing, they expect to see a price. If it’s not there, they’re more likely to scroll past than reach out. Including a clear, upfront price signals that you’re a serious seller and helps your listing rank higher on site, attracting more serious buyers in turn.

Best Practices

  • Always include the price upfront. Even if you’re open to negotiation, buyers want a starting point. A clear number shows you’re serious and ready to talk.
  • Avoid “POA” or similar phrases. These act as a barrier between the buyer and the vehicle. Without a price, buyers are more likely to move on to a listing that gives them the full picture.