How to configure your first boat model (step by step)
Before you start: what you need
Have this ready before opening BoatConnect:
- Technical specifications (length, beam, draft, engines)
- Current base price and next season’s price
- List of optionals with prices
- 10 to 15 professional photos of the boat
- Layout or general arrangement plan
- Manufacturer contact (website, email, phone)
Configuring halfway and coming back later takes twice as long.
Step 1: Create the brand (if it is new)
Menu: Catalog → Brands → Create brand
Required:
- Name (e.g. “Sunseeker”)
- Country
Recommended:
- Commercial name
- Founded in
- Market segment (Luxury, Mid-range, Entry-level)
- Type of vessel (Yachts, Day Cruisers, Sailing boats)
Rates Season Period: define when your sales season starts and ends. The system will generate rates for each year automatically based on these dates.
Example: if your season runs from 1 September to 31 August:
- Season Start: Day 1, Month September
- Season End: Day 31, Month August
Internal notes: sales manager contact, special conditions, typical delivery times. Only your team sees this.
Step 2: Create the base model
Menu: Catalog → Models → Create model
Main Details:
- Model name* (e.g. “Oceanis 40.1”)
- Series (e.g. “Oceanis”)
- Year (2024, 2025…)
- Type (Day Cruiser, Motor Yacht, Sailing Yacht)
- Length (in metres)
Click Create.
Step 3: Complete the technical specifications
“Model Details” tab: fill in everything you can.
- Length, Beam, Draft, Displacement
- Passengers, Fuel Tank, Water Tank
- Number of Engines, Maximum/Minimum Power
- Engine Type, Engine Brand
- Status, Availability, Delivery Time
Why fill in everything? Because it appears in the proposal PDF. A PDF with empty fields looks unprofessional.
Step 4: Upload images
“Media” tab:
- Main Image: main photo of the model (at least 1920 px wide, good lighting)
- General Arrangements: layout or boat plan
- Image Gallery: 10 to 15 additional photos: exteriors from different angles, interior (saloon, cabins, bathroom) and details (helm, deck, equipment)
Format: JPG, PNG. Size: up to 5 MB per image.
Step 5: Configure equipment sections
“Model Sections” tab → Configure Sections
Default structure:
- Standard (Included): Standard Equipment
- Optional Equipment (With price): Navigation & Electronics, Safety & Protection, Interior & Cabins
You can add, remove or rename subsections to match your catalogue.
Step 6: Define the standard equipment
“Current Season Rates” tab
Base Price: the boat’s base price (e.g. €245,000).
Standard Equipment: list everything that comes as standard:
- Anchor with 50m chain
- Fenders and mooring lines
- Approved safety kit
- VHF radio with DSC
- LED navigation lights
They have no individual price because they are included in the base price.
Why list what is included? Marketing. A boat with 20 listed items looks more complete.
Step 7: Add priced optionals
Navigation & Electronics:
- 12” touchscreen GPS plotter → €3,500
- Digital depth sounder/fishfinder → €1,200
- Autopilot system → €4,800
Safety & Protection:
- Bimini top with stainless frame → €4,500
- Full boat cover → €2,200
Interior & Cabins:
- Swimming platform with ladder → €2,800
- Teak cockpit flooring → €6,500
Tip: group optionals into discounted packs. A pack is easier to sell than individual items.
Step 8: Configure next season
“Next Season Rates” tab
The system generates next season automatically with the same dates and equipment. You only enter the new base price.
Why do it now? Because manufacturers publish next season’s rates 3 to 6 months in advance.
Example:
- Current Season (2025-2026): €245,000
- Next Season (2026-2027): €257,250 (+5%)
Step 9: Add the brand’s contact details
Catalog → Brands → [Select brand] → “Contact Info” tab
- Official Website
- Email Contact
- Phone Number
- Local Distributor
- Contact Distributor
Your team can use this information when generating proposals.
Step 10: Generate a test PDF
From the model view: Export PDF button.
The system generates a PDF with the main image, technical specifications, standard equipment, priced optionals, the calculated total price and your branding.
Review the PDF:
- Empty fields? Fill them in.
- Bad photos? Replace them.
- Wrong prices? Check them.
This PDF is what you will send to clients. It must be flawless.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Leaving specs empty. Fill in everything, even if approximate.
- Low-quality photos. Ask the manufacturer for high-resolution images.
- Not organising optionals. Group them in logical categories.
- Forgetting next season. Update it in January or February, when the manufacturer publishes rates.
- Not reviewing the PDF. Always generate a test PDF before sending it.
Real time investment
- New brand: 5 to 10 minutes (first time only)
- Complete model: 20 to 25 minutes
- Additional models: 10 to 15 minutes
Total for a brand with 3 models: about one hour.
Ready?
Your first model is now configured. The next step is creating a sales opportunity and generating your first proposal for a real client.