How Much is a Good Used Boat?

The first concern of many people who are ready to get started in the yachting life is often the price - how much is a good used boat? This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive every day on our Yachttrading platform. In fact, there is no standard answer to the question of how much a used yacht costs, but rather it is influenced by multiple factors, such as the age of the boat, its maintenance, the brand and model, as well as the habits of the previous owner.

Well-maintained and newer yachts may cost between hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars; while some older yachts in need of refurbishment may cost only a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, which is a relatively low threshold. However, it is also important to note that behind the cheapness often means that you will have to spend a considerable amount of extra money on subsequent repairs and upgrades.

Why Buy a Used Yacht?

Many first-time buyers who are dipping their toes into the yacht world look to the pre-owned market. There are three main reasons for this:

One is that the construction process of new yachts is complex and the lead time is usually long, and you may have to wait a year or two, or even longer, from the time you place an order to the time of delivery.

Secondly, buyers without actual sailing experience often find it difficult to accurately judge what configuration they really need. By purchasing a ready-made second-hand yacht, you can get your hands on one first, and you can also find out what to focus on in your future choices from practice.

Thirdly, some classic models that have been discontinued, like classic cars, have an unrepeatable collector's value and unique charm, and can even appreciate in value in the future.

Notes on Buying a Used Yacht

Used yachts are not ‘buy it and forget it’. It is important to fully assess its condition before buying.

The most important step is to do a marine inspection. Although this step is not mandatory, Yachttrading strongly recommends that buyers engage a professional surveyor. The inspection items are graded from basic to comprehensive, which can help you discover hidden problems and avoid subsequent inputs that are deep and unseen.

Some of the used yachts on the market may be more outdated in terms of style and equipment. If you have specific requirements for the interior space of the yacht, a subsequent refurbishment may be required. A full refurbishment on a medium volume yacht is usually a cycle of between 6 and 12 months, with the cost factored into the overall budget.

Looking at it another way though, even when refurbishment costs are added in, in many cases the total outlay for a used yacht is still less than the price of acquiring a brand new yacht.

Steps to Buying a Used Yacht

Before you decide to buy a used yacht, it is advisable to set a budget range and shortlist a few models of interest through Yachttrading platforms or recommendations from professional yacht brokers, prioritising those options that meet your sailing needs and usage habits.

Arrange a viewing trip to see the actual condition of the used yacht for yourself. To reduce the risk of future breakdowns, it is advisable to have a boat condition assessment carried out by a professional marine surveyor. This type of inspection, although not mandatory, can reveal many potential problems that are difficult to detect on the surface and is a crucial step in protecting your rights.

The depth of inspection for different yachts can be determined on a case-by-case basis: used yachts that have recently left the factory and are still under warranty usually require only a basic inspection, while used yachts that are older are more suited to a comprehensive and systematic technical assessment. Whichever option you choose, the cost of the inspection will be borne by the buyer, but the investment is often worthwhile.

If you are quite happy with a particular yacht, you can express your willingness to buy by submitting a formal offer and paying a percentage (usually around 10 per cent of the transaction price) as a deposit. This money will be held in escrow by the broker to ensure a fair transaction process. Making an offer early can also give you a more proactive position in negotiations.

For efficiency, you can also make separate conditional offers for two or three target yachts, locking in options on the one hand, and reducing the waste of time and effort in travelling back and forth to look at yachts on the other.

After completing the initial inspection, it is advisable to prioritise the target yachts. If the preferred price and conditions are within the expected range, you can move forward with the transaction process; if the conditions are not suitable, you can quickly move to the alternative.

When you are ready to make the final decision, you can also choose to accept the status quo deal directly, or make a purchase after the repair/adjustment conditions are offered, and of course, you can also choose to withdraw from the transaction process. And once you've decided to close, the next steps are signing the contract, transferring the title, and other related formalities.

How much is a good used boat? There is no uniform answer to this question, but with a good grasp of pricing logic, knowledge of valuation methods, and the assistance of professional service platforms, you can buy a satisfactory used yacht with a reasonable budget. If you have a specific budget or preferred brand, please feel free to consult us for a customised quote.