Is It Worth Buying a Used Yacht?

When buying a yacht, the question that people often face is: buying a new yacht or a used yacht? Is it worth buying a used yacht? Buying a used yacht offers significant advantages in terms of cost control and flexibility in negotiations compared to buying a new yacht. In this guide, we'll explore the advantages of buying a used yacht and provide you with answers to the question of whether a used yacht is worth buying.

Advantages of buying a used yacht

Is it worth buying a used yacht? The answer is worth it. As appealing as new yachts are in the world of yachting, used yachts have an equal amount of charm, and many people take the plunge and choose to buy a used yacht after weighing the options. Here are the advantages of buying a used yacht:

Significant cost savings

In contrast to new yachts, used yachts are generally less expensive, which means that for the same budget, you can purchase a better equipped, larger or more feature-rich yacht, allowing you to get more value for your limited budget.

Less depreciation

New yachts depreciate at a very fast rate in the first few years of purchase, whereas yacht yachts have already gone through the depreciation phase. Therefore, by purchasing a used yacht, you don't have to worry about the yacht depreciating quickly, and you are able to avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve, minimizing losses due to depreciation for you.

Lower insurance costs

Used yachts are usually cheaper to insure than new yachts. This is because insurance companies take into account the value of the yacht, the length of time it has been in use, and so on, when assessing the premium for a yacht. In the long run, lower insurance costs can save you a lot of money.

Wider choice

The used yacht market is like a vast “treasure trove” of yachts of all models, styles and configurations. Here you can find used yachts that meet a wide range of needs, styles and preferences, greatly increasing your chances of finding the yacht of your choice.

More room for negotiation

You usually have more room for negotiation when it comes to used yachts. As the price of a used yacht is affected by a variety of factors, such as the condition of the yacht, the age of the yacht, and the market demand, the seller will usually make some concessions on the price or other trading conditions in order to reach a deal.

Short waiting period

If you choose to buy a new boat, you will usually have to go through a long production cycle and delivery process, and the waiting time can be several months or even longer. The opposite is true for buying a used yacht, where you can usually quickly take ownership of the yacht once the deal is finalized and start your journey on the water immediately without having to go through a long wait.

Factors to consider when buying a used yacht

Used yachts have been tested in the real world and can be effective in avoiding problems during the break-in process. Here are some of the factors to consider when buying a used yacht:

Geographical location

The used yacht market landscape is characterized by different regions, for example, the Mediterranean has an abundance of sport yachts and luxury superyachts for cruising along stunning coastlines and enjoying a vibrant maritime lifestyle. The UK has cruisers up to 18 meters, perfect for exploring picturesque coastal destinations, while in Scandinavia there is a predominance of practical, small day yachts. Furthermore, in addition, yachts purchased within the EU on which VAT has been paid can be flexibly transferred in European waters without additional tax, and understanding these regional differences and tax policies can help to make an informed decision.

Age

Age has a significant impact on the condition, maintenance history and service life of a yacht. 3-5 year old yachts offer better value for money; 10 year old yachts have a modern design but require more maintenance; 20 year old yachts need to focus on assessing the value and cost of maintenance; and yachts older than 20 years need to be fully inspected for key components such as the engine, as well as looking at the maintenance history; a well-maintained 30 year old second-hand yacht will need to be checked out for the best value. Used yachts for 30 years may also be good value for money.

Ways and points of buying a used yacht

Most yacht transactions are conducted through brokers and dealers, who can assist with all aspects of the transaction process to ensure that it is legally compliant and can provide buyers with practical advice based on their expertise to help them find the right yacht. It is important to note that the market for used yachts is complex, and purchases are often subject to a “subject to survey” clause. A surveyor can help buyers avoid the risk of purchasing a problematic yacht, and buyers can also use online platforms to learn about the market value of popular yachts.

When buying a yacht, the maintenance history of the used yacht and related documents are very important, including proof of ownership, bill of sale, maintenance records of engines and mechanical systems, as well as marina invoices, fuel receipts, etc. These documents can help buyers assess the value of the yacht and the risk of buying it.