In early June, we will introduce Item Specifics in the Boats categories. Using Item Specifics is free.


Why are we introducing Item Specifics to the Boat categories?

We are introducing Item Specifics to Boats in response to community requests from both sellers and buyers. Our planned introduction incorporates feedback received from both sellers and buyers. Thanks to everyone who provided input.


For sellers, Item Specifics make it easier to present a clean, well-organized description that clearly articulates important details. As an example, a seller using Item Specifics can with a few clicks of the mouse call out the make of the boat, its length, and its hull material. For buyers, the ability to search by Item Specifics makes it easier for them to find items with the particular Item Specifics they seek. As an example, a buyer using Item Specifics can choose to search for boats of a particular type (e.g., bass boat) and length.


I’m a seller, how will I know when Item Specifics are available; i.e., how can I start using them in my listings?

If you list items using the standard Sell Your Item form or Selling Manager Pro, Item Specifics will simply show up in the normal listing flow when they are available (early June). If you list your items using Turbo Lister, Seller Assistant, or Seller Assistant Pro, you will need to download an update (we will post a notice reminding you to do so once the Item Specifics are available). Finally, if you utilize a third-party listing service (e.g., CARad), please contact them to verify that they will offer the Item Specifics functionality in the Boats category.


I’m a bidder/buyer, how will I know when Item Specifics are available; i.e., how can I start using them to find what I want?

As a bidder/buyer, there is nothing that you need to do to activate Item Specifics. Once Item Specifics are available, they will simply show up in the View Item pages of individual boat listings and on the search and listings results pages within the Boats categories. On the search and listings results pages within the Boats categories you will also find a Product Finder in the left-hand column offering you the ability to refine your selection by Item Specifics such as boat length. Additionally, some Item Specifics such as model year will show up as a column by which you can sort your results. Full Item Specific details will be shown on each boat listing View Item page.


What Item Specifics are being introduced to the Boat categories?

We will introduce two different sets of Item Specifics for Boats – one set for Power and Fishing Boats and one set for Sailboats – as follows:


Power and Fishing Boats Item Specifics to be collected through the seller listing flow (with examples for illustrative purposes)


Required fields (the seller must complete these fields – using drop-downs and check-boxes for ease-of-use and speed):

1. Type; e.g., Cuddy Cabin

2. Make; e.g., Wellcraft

3. Model Year; e.g., 1996

4. Length; e.g., 21 feet

5. Hull material; e.g., Fiberglass



Optional fields (the seller would have the opportunity to complete these fields, but they can also be left blank if desired)

1. Model; e.g., Excel 21SL

2. Beam; e.g., 7 feet

3. Trailer included; e.g., Yes

4. Use; e.g., fresh water

5. Engine type; e.g., single inboard/outboard

6. Engine make; e.g., Mercury

7. Engine model; e.g., 4.3L MerCruiser

8. Fuel type; e.g., gas

9. Fuel capacity; e.g., 50 gallons

10. Hull Identification Number; e.g., XYZ 12345 B1 91



Sailboats Item Specifics to be collected through the seller listing flow (with examples for illustrative purposes)

Required fields (the seller must complete these fields – using drop-downs and check-boxes for ease-of-use and speed):

1. Type; e.g., Cruiser

2. Make; e.g., Catalina

3. Model Year; e.g., 1979

4. Length; e.g., 27 feet

5. Hull material; e.g., Fiberglass



Optional fields (the seller would have the opportunity to complete these fields, but they can also be left blank if desired)

1. Model; e.g., 27

2. Beam; e.g., 9 feet

3. Rigging; e.g., sloop

4. Keel type; e.g., fixed

5. Trailer included; e.g., No

6. Use; e.g., salt water

7. Engine type; e.g., single outboard

8. Engine make; e.g., Mercury

9. Fuel type; e.g., gas

10. Fuel capacity; e.g., 20 gallons

11. Hull Identification Number; e.g., XYZ 12345 B1 91



Why are there two sets of Item Specifics for Boats; i.e., why two lists?

The reason that we need two sets is that some of the Item Specifics are only relevant for one type of boat or the other (e.g., “Rigging” – sloop, ketch, etc. – is only relevant for sailboats). Also, even for shared Item Specifics (e.g., boat make) the actual values for the drop-down menus are quite different depending on whether the item is a powerboat/fishing boat or a sailboat. We considered a separate list for fishing boats, but given the high degree of overlap between manufactures and other Item Specifics values between fishing boats and powerboats, we decided that two lists were sufficient. Additionally, limiting it to two sets will help keep things simpler for our sellers and buyers.


Please note that these Item Specific lists and the corresponding values will change and improve with time. As we see how sellers and buyers are using Item Specifics, we will be able to introduce improvements to our initial set.


To learn more about the schedule for Item Specifics, you can go to Link


While we are no longer able to incorporate additional feedback for the initial launch of Item Specifics in the Boats categories, if you have comments or concerns please send an email to motorcycles@ebay.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.


Thanks.