Boatsy.co.uk & BoatsnBits – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boatsy.co.uk?
Boatsy.co.uk is a UK-based marketplace for buying and selling small boat and outboard parts, created alongside the BoatsnBits forum to give boat owners a practical place to trade parts discussed on the forum.
Together, Boatsy and BoatsnBits form a complete ecosystem:
- BoatsnBits → advice, experience, troubleshooting, and discussion
- Boatsy → buy and sell the parts needed to fix the problem
How are Boatsy and BoatsnBits connected?
BoatsnBits is the community and knowledge base, while Boatsy is the marketplace.
Typical user journey:
- A boat owner asks for advice on BoatsnBits
- Members identify a faulty or missing part
- The user finds that part on Boatsy.co.uk
- Another boater benefits by selling unused spares
This real-world connection is exactly how both platforms are designed to work.
What can I sell on Boatsy.co.uk?
You can sell most small boat and outboard-related parts, including items commonly discussed on BoatsnBits:
- Outboard engine parts
- Carburettors, coils, and ignition components
- Propellers and gearboxes
- Fuel tanks and fuel systems
- Control boxes and cables
- Electrical parts and wiring
- Engine covers and cowls
- Clamps, brackets, and fittings
If it’s something a BoatsnBits member would ask about — it belongs on Boatsy.
Why not just use eBay or Facebook Marketplace?
General marketplaces aren’t built around boating knowledge.
Boatsy benefits from the BoatsnBits community, meaning:
- Buyers already understand marine parts
- Fewer time-wasting messages
- Less explaining what the part is for
- More realistic expectations
Key advantage: You’re selling to informed boat owners, not random browsers.
Is Boatsy free to use?
Yes. Boatsy is designed for everyday boat owners, not high-volume sellers.
- List up to 10 items completely free
- No upfront costs for casual sellers
- Optional store setup for those selling more regularly
Ideal for clearing a shed, garage, or breaking an old outboard discussed on the forum.
Are there high fees or commissions?
No. Boatsy keeps fees low and predictable, unlike large platforms with escalating final value fees.
The aim is to support:
- Private sellers
- DIY boat owners
- Small marine traders
—not to maximise fees at the seller’s expense.
Is Boatsy good for selling parts from non-running outboards?
Yes — and this is a common topic on BoatsnBits.
Many forum discussions end with:
“It’s not worth fixing — break it for spares.”
Boatsy gives you a ready-made place to sell those parts, often achieving better returns than selling a complete non-runner.
Who buys parts on Boatsy?
Most buyers are also BoatsnBits readers or members, including:
- Small boat owners
- Sea anglers
- DIY repairers
- People restoring older engines
- Owners searching for discontinued parts
This overlap creates higher trust and better-quality enquiries.
Do I need to be a business seller?
No. Boatsy is built primarily for private boat owners.
You can:
- Sell a single spare part
- Clear unused gear
- Break an engine for spares
- Or run a small parts store
All without needing to be a registered business.
Is Boatsy only for the UK?
Yes. Both Boatsy and BoatsnBits are UK-focused, keeping advice, parts, postage, and regulations relevant to British boat owners.
Why were Boatsy and BoatsnBits created?
They were built to solve two linked problems:
- Boat owners needed honest, practical advice
- They also needed a proper place to buy and sell parts
Instead of relying on generic platforms, BoatsnBits provides the knowledge — and Boatsy provides the parts.
How do I get started?
- Visit BoatsnBits to ask questions, learn, and share experience
- Use Boatsy.co.uk to buy or sell the parts discussed
One community. One marketplace. Built for real boat owners
















