How to buy a used yacht and avoid unpleasant surprises?

The global crisis, the war in Ukraine, the foggy future - all this has a significant impact on the state of the maritime industry and yacht prices. Despite all the challenges, the yacht market continues to develop, albeit at a significantly slower rate.

Unfortunately, the prices for new sailing and motor yachts do not want to slow down. This is becoming the main reason why yachtsmen are increasingly turning their attention to the secondary yacht market. Despite all the risks associated with buying used boats, the probability of finding a reliable yacht is higher today than ever before.

How has the used yacht market changed in recent years?

Since COVID, the used yacht market has gone through a phase of rapid growth, followed almost immediately by a “course correction” phase. Demand for both new and used yachts has skyrocketed. This has been driven by people’s need to be free from COVID restrictions and to be able to travel safely around the world. This “sold out” has led to a rapid reduction in available yachts and an increase in prices.

However, the situation in 2025 is completely different: clients have become more selective, cautious and far-sighted. On the one hand, this is good, because a person who has decided that he wants to buy a yacht is ultimately more likely to buy it, albeit after a long search. On the other hand, the number of these same buyers has fallen due to the same crisis.

Continuing with the topic of positive changes: yachtsmen have become more aware of the costs of maintaining and operating yachts. Today, fewer and fewer people buy a boat, so to speak, “without looking”. More attentive and, in a good sense, picky yachtsmen force sellers and yacht owners to take more seriously what they sell.

The quality of the boats available varies greatly, but that's the main thing about the used boat market. Sometimes you can find real treasures at a relatively affordable price.

Three Tips for Buying a Used Yacht

To simplify the problem of choice, we will give some simple advice regarding the purchase of a used yacht.

Trust a professional.

If this is your first experience of buying a used yacht, then contact a yacht dealer or broker. An experienced senior yachtsman is a valuable ally who will help you avoid literally costly mistakes, familiarize you with the rules of choosing a yacht, conduct a technical assessment and help you conclude a profitable purchase and sale agreement.

Looking for the perfect yacht? We can help you find a new or used model that suits your needs. Find out more at the link! 🚤👇

Make your choice

First of all, you need to make a list of your needs and expectations from the boat. You should decide on the dimensions of the future boat, the type of hull, the presence or absence of sails... All this depends on how exactly you plan to use the yacht, what style of travel you prefer, etc.

To get a better idea of what kind of yacht you want and how best to set your expectations and avoid disappointment, we recommend reading our related article:

Budget for buying a used yacht and its features

A realistic budget is the key to making your purchase not only useful but also enjoyable. It is important to consider not only the cost of purchasing the yacht itself, but also the cost of maintenance, mooring, and insurance. In addition, a yacht, especially a used one, will require additional investment in maintenance and upgrading.

An equally interesting and complex topic is the maintenance of a yacht after purchase. To learn more about how to form your yacht budget, we recommend that you read the material at the link below:

What is important when choosing a used boat?

The price of a yacht is only part of what you should pay attention to when choosing a used boat. It is also important to know the history of the boat. The seller's words about the reliability of the boat should be supported by the maintenance logs of the yacht and its components. 

Before purchasing, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the yacht for any defects, including structural and technical ones. Such an inspection is best carried out by a certified marine surveyor, who can be hired for an additional fee. During the inspection, the maintenance logs will also be examined, their “transparency” and compliance with reality. 

The Main Stages of Buying a Used Yacht

The first and most important step is to specifically define the client's needs and desires. After that, all that remains is to find, inspect, and buy a boat. On paper, it looks simple, but in life there are many nuances that are important to remember.

If you are looking for a boat yourself, pay attention to trusted sites and forums. When "that very" yacht is found, it is necessary to conduct a thorough technical inspection, request sea trials.

A purchase and sale agreement is a separate, extensive topic. It is recommended that you draft such an agreement with the support of an experienced lawyer who deals with maritime law and property law. This will protect you from unwanted incidents related to the legal side of the issue, and also ensure that the entire purchase process will comply with current legislation.

What unpleasant surprises can await?

In most cases, unforeseen problems with used yachts are due to mechanical faults or structural defects that were not identified prior to purchase. Therefore, the pre-purchase inspection should be taken very seriously. 

However, there are also incidents that do not depend on the inspector's visual acuity. Some structural problems may be hidden in the depths of the hull, where not a single, even the most vigilant and picky buyer, will be able to look. Such problems are inherent in new boats, but this does not make them any less unpleasant. In any case, to exclude the main layer of problems with used boats, a thorough inspection is necessary.

Motor Yachts vs Sailing Yachts: What's the Difference in Secondary Market?

As practice shows, the secondary market of motor yachts is more dynamic and changeable. It attracts a very wide audience due to the ease of management and maintenance of motor yachts. Motor yachts are often bought for short walks and trips along the coast and for fishing. This segment of the marine industry is extremely sensitive to technological solutions, and therefore the prices of motor yachts are inconsistent.

Sailboats, on the other hand, attract a more niche clientele. It is a more stable and sustainable market, which is also more demanding of the yachtsman. Second-hand prices also have a stronger correlation between resale value and ongoing maintenance than motor yachts. 

Instead of a conclusion

Buying a used or new yacht is not only a story about the actual purchase, but also about a conscious approach. This is an important decision that requires careful analysis, patience and a reasonable approach to finances. The main thing is not to rush, weigh the pros and cons, and also enlist the support of professionals. Then buying a yacht will become not only a profitable investment, but also a source of many unforgettable impressions.

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20.02.2025