How Much Does a Mega Yacht Cost?

Like a luxurious floating palace, a mega yacht epitomizes the luxury sailing experience. The price of a mega yacht depends on many factors including age, size, brand, capacity, range and speed. This guide takes you to explore relevant information about mega yacht prices and gives advice on buying and chartering mega yachts.

The price range of mega yachts

The average price of a mega yacht ranges between $50 million and $200 million, with prices varying dramatically depending on a number of factors. For example, the 2022 Azimut S10 mega yacht sells for $5.9 million and the 2024 Naval Yachts LXT165 sells for $22.6 million. According to the study, a 100-metre mega yacht with a speed of 25 knots and a crew of 50 would cost around US$275 million.

Factors affecting the price of a mega yacht

The price of a mega yacht is affected by a number of factors that you need to be aware of before buying a mega yacht. Some of the main factors that affect the price of a mega yacht are as follows:

Mega yacht materials

The common materials used for mega yachts are steel, fiberglass and aluminum. Fiberglass is a lightweight and strong material that is very durable. Steel is very strong and can withstand large loads, making it suitable for building mega yachts, and it is more durable than fiberglass, maintaining the appearance and resultant integrity of the mega yacht even when navigating in rough sea and water conditions. Some mega yachts use aluminum components, and the rate material has a smooth, glossy appearance that enhances the look and strength of the yacht.

Design and Manufacture

The design cost of an average yacht ranges from about $3,000 to $30,000, which is no more than 20 per cent of the overall manufacturing cost, which explains the higher design and manufacturing costs of mega yachts. A fully customized yacht requires more time and manpower for design and manufacture, and complex engineering and mechanical systems such as propulsion, stability, electronics, structural stiffness and hydrodynamics can also contribute to the higher price of a mega yacht.

Marina fees

Marina fees for mega yachts vary depending on the size and location of the yacht. Some high-quality marinas charge dockage fees of $6 to $8 per foot per night during peak season. Marina fees even go up during prime time’s such as New Year's and major events, and the bottom line is that these fees also add to the cost of the mega yacht.

Insurance

Mega yachts are very expensive because of their large size, which also leads to high insurance costs. The cost of insurance for mega yachts varies from country to country, region to region and insurance company to insurance company. If you are planning to buy insurance for your mega yacht, it is advisable to compare several insurance companies and then choose the best insurance for your personal situation.

Maintenance and operating costs

The annual maintenance and operating costs of a mega yacht are about 10-20 per cent of the initial purchase price. For example, a $200 million mega yacht will cost about $40 million per year to maintain and operate. Diesel fuel is one of the most significant expenses for a mega yacht, and a 150-foot yacht travelling at 12 knots sailing speed with 150 gallons of fuel per hour will cost approximately $500.

Crew Costs

A 150-foot mega yacht typically requires a crew of eight, with crew salary exceeding $650,000 per year, including payroll taxes, uniforms, food, health insurance and holiday travel.

Depreciation

A yacht depreciates at a rate of 5-10 per cent per year, depending on the brand, age, condition and market demand. Depreciation rates vary for different sizes of yachts, ranging from 9-19 per cent for mega yachts or superyachts, up to 21-33 per cent in the first three years and around 45 per cent after seven years.

Should you buy or charter a mega yacht?

Is it better to buy or charter a mega yacht? From an economic point of view and flexibility of use, chartering a mega yacht is more advantageous. Chartering a mega yacht has a lower upfront cost and does not require you to take on a huge financial strain at once. At the same time, you can charter different types of mega yachts to suit different needs and meet your diverse experiences.