When you hear pricing comparisons with national marketplaces, it’s easy to assume buyers are spread evenly across the country. But the actual sales behavior painted by industry data tells a different story — and one that supports why regional marketplaces like WalkTheDock make strong sense for many sellers.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s 2024 Statistical Abstract, almost 860,000 pre-owned boats were sold in the U.S. last year — and those transactions account for over three-quarters of all boat sales in the country.
Because so many used boats trade hands each year, the majority of these buyers are located relatively close to the seller. While exact “distance traded” data isn’t published in a single public source, multiple industry reports and dealer surveys suggest that most used buyers are regionally focused — often purchasing within a 100–200 mile radius of where the boat is kept, because:
Buyers want to inspect the boat in person before closing
Sea trials and surveys are easier nearby
Transport costs and logistics are minimized
Weather/seasonal conditions vary regionally
In other words, the value of national exposure often outweighs the practical reach of serious buyers for most used boats.
Platforms like BoatTrader and Boats.com consolidate listings nationally, which can increase page views. But higher views don’t necessarily translate into qualified local buyer interest:
National search traffic may be casual or “just browsing”
Buyers still need to travel to inspect or survey the boat
Many buyers narrow their search to regional listings first
WalkTheDock embraces this reality by focusing on regional discovery, helping sellers connect with buyers who are actually in the area and ready to act.
BoatTrader and Boats.com use short listing windows (2–12 weeks) and tiered photo limits to drive “traffic volume.” WalkTheDock’s pricing assumes the real selling cycle — especially for used boats — is longer and more relationship-driven. With flexible 90-day, 6-month, and annual plans, sellers aren’t forced to relist every few weeks hoping a local buyer happens to click.
A large majority of boat sales are used transactions, and most of that activity is regional in nature — driven by local inspection, sea trial, and logistic considerations.
So while “national exposure” sounds appealing, it doesn’t always match how used boats actually sell. For many sellers, targeted regional visibility and longer-term presence are far more effective strategies — and that’s exactly what WalkTheDock’s pricing and platform are designed to deliver.
