If you’ve got a real emotional investment in the boat, and don’t need to get every possible dollar for it, you can be more selective about a prospective owner’s intentions and capabilities. It’s like putting your child up for adoption.
I own several small boats that I built and like and haven’t used much recently. If and when they leave me, they’ll go to someone worthy.
My last wooden sailing boat i sold to a gentleman who appreciated her & looked after her, in turn he sold her to a guy who owns a large marina, I am told she looks great!
On the other hand our subsequent yacht an Anderson 22 (Grp)... I did a massive refit to sort her out & when we outgrew her after 7 years I sold her to a fellow club member.
Nice bloke but he has trashed her with terminal neglect over the last ten years. The worst thing is she was immaculate & her mooring is 50 yards away from our current boat. So every time we leave the mooring i have to see her covered in bird crap & green grime. I have to look the other way.