Boat logo

The global authority in superyachting

  • NEWSLETTERS
  • Yachts Home
  • The Superyacht Directory
  • Yacht Reports
  • Brokerage News
  • The largest yachts in the world
  • The Register
  • Yacht Advice
  • Yacht Design
  • 12m to 24m yachts
  • Monaco Yacht Show
  • Builder Directory
  • Designer Directory
  • Interior Design Directory
  • Naval Architect Directory
  • Yachts for sale home
  • Motor yachts
  • Sailing yachts
  • Explorer yachts
  • Classic yachts
  • Sale Broker Directory
  • Charter Home
  • Yachts for Charter
  • Charter Destinations
  • Charter Broker Directory
  • Destinations Home
  • Mediterranean
  • South Pacific
  • Rest of the World
  • Boat Life Home
  • Owners' Experiences
  • Interiors Suppliers
  • Owners' Club
  • Captains' Club
  • BOAT Showcase
  • Boat Presents
  • Events Home
  • World Superyacht Awards
  • Superyacht Design Festival
  • Design and Innovation Awards
  • Young Designer of the Year Award
  • Artistry and Craft Awards
  • Explorer Yachts Summit
  • Ocean Talks
  • The Ocean Awards
  • BOAT Connect
  • Between the bays
  • Golf Invitational
  • Boat Pro Home
  • Superyacht Insight
  • Global Order Book
  • Premium Content
  • Product Features
  • Testimonials
  • Pricing Plan
  • Tenders & Equipment

Yachts for Sale

For aspiring yacht owners looking for a luxury yacht for sale, we have put together a fine selection of luxury yachts and megayachts for sale from all over the world. Search BOAT International's collection of superyachts for sale and filter by type, length, asking price or age. Narrow the results by selecting specific features, or browse by speed, designer and much more.

Explore luxury yachts for sale

Search for everything from motor yachts for sale from renowned Dutch yards including Feadship and Heesen , premium Italian names including Azimut , Sanlorenzo and Benetti , popular British builders Sunseeker and Princess , and American megayachts for sale from US yards such as Westport .

Our collection also features sailing yachts for sale from legendary names such as Royal Huisman , Perini Navi , Nautor's Swan and Jongert , as well as some of the most well-known explorer yachts for sale .

Yacht Features

Propulsion System

how much is a yacht to buy

Find anything, super fast.

  • Destinations
  • Documentaries

Superyachts For Sale

464 luxury yachts for sale from around the world

Featured Yachts

how much is a yacht to buy

Royal Denship

  • LENGTH 44.0m

how much is a yacht to buy

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

  • LENGTH 82.6m

Featured events

United Yacht Sales Logo

  • Search Used Yachts For Sale
  • Search Boats By Brand
  • Search Boats By Type
  • Search By Location
  • Search By Price
  • What's My Boat Worth?
  • Search Boats Just Listed
  • Small Yachts
  • Custom Sport Fishing Boats
  • Finance A Boat
  • Amer Yachts
  • Aquitalia Yachts
  • Cabo Yachts
  • Century Boats
  • French Yachts
  • Gulfstream Yachts
  • Hatteras Yachts
  • Shelter Island Yachts
  • Solaris Yachts
  • Sunpower Yachts
  • Sunreef Yachts
  • Vela Boatworks
  • Virtus Yachts
  • Why List With United?
  • Why Own A Boat Or Yacht?
  • Custom Website For Your Yacht
  • United Sold Boats
  • Buy A Yacht With Crypto
  • Find a Yacht Broker Near Me
  • Search For Broker By Name
  • Meet The United Support Team
  • Our History
  • Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
  • Stuart Boat Show
  • Miami Boat Show
  • Palm Beach Boat Show
  • Other Boat Shows
  • Yachting News
  • Yacht Closing Services
  • River Forest Yachting Centers

close box

Search All Yachts

photo of How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Yacht?

How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Yacht?

By Rob Bowman | Posted On Aug 09, 2021 Updated On Dec 12, 2023

If you're new to owning a boat and want to experience the luxury lifestyle, buying a yacht is the perfect way to indulge yourself while also creating unforgettable memories on the water. From anchoring at a secluded island in the Caribbean to cruising the coastline enjoying the fall colors, yacht ownership opens up limitless possibilities to explore the beauty of Mother Nature. It can also create quite the adrenaline rush if a sportfishing boat is more your style. There are many benefits to hiring a professional yacht broker when you plan on buying your first yacht including having someone on your side when evaluating the right price, for the right vessel.

So how much does it cost to buy a yacht on average? In 2021, the average selling price of a yacht is approximately $640,000, with prices ranging from $300,000 to over $15,000,000. This average selling price represents all pre-owned boats from 40-feet to 100-feet, power (not sail), and sold in the Southeastern United States, including the large Florida market. The data collected for this sales price was from the boating industry's MLS system.

This 50-foot flybridge yacht (seen below) was sold around the average selling price mentioned above and is a good example of what you can expect when spending over $500k . It features several bedrooms for overnight trips, a galley, a nice flybridge seating area, and a lot of comforts you would find at home.

50-foot flybridge yacht sold

A yacht can mean vastly different things to different people depending on their style of boating, where they live, what they plan to do on the boat, and the amount of equipment they choose. A 50-foot yacht can vary in price by several hundred thousand dollars depending on how new it is, its engines, brand, and amenities. Having a conversation about your needs and budget with a professional yacht broker can answer all of these questions and take the guesswork out of your search. 

While the average price of a yacht sold in the Southeast this year is $640,000, buyers can find yachts for less if they are willing to go a bit older and/or a bit smaller.

  • According to the list of 2021 sold boats, the average selling price for yachts between 40 and 50 feet was $329,000.
  • Yachts under 40 feet are generally called cruising boats and can still feature a lot of the same amenities found on larger vessels.
  • How much does a small yacht cost? Examples of active boats on the market right now show a sizeable difference in price depending on the length and year. For example, a 2021 40-foot Intrepid boat is listed for over $800,000 , while a 2011 Intrepid 40 is listed for under $400,000 .

(Seen below: This Cabo 40 would be considered a smaller yacht and is listed for under $375,000.)

40-foot cabo yacht for sale

The larger, newer, and more extravagant yachts can cost $5 million and higher. Forbes.com identifies a superyacht as a vessel ranging from "79 feet to more than 590 feet in length." The average selling price in 2021 for yachts over 100-feet, according to the industry MLS database, came in at just under $1 million. Of course, there were several superyachts that were between $10 million and $50 million on the list.

A prime example of a superyacht would be " ANTITHESIS ", a Horizon Yachts 136 that had an asking price of $7,990,000 at the time of sale. This superyacht featured 5 luxury staterooms, a pilothouse with full electronics suite, a jacuzzi, sauna, 2 water-makers, 2 generators, and a lot more top-end equipment. Yacht owners looking to cruise long distances or possibly turn the vessel into a yacht charter business would be interested in a boat of this stature.

( Seen below: This Horizon 136 required massive engines that gave it a range of over 1,400 nautical miles. )

horizon motor yacht

The cost of a yacht is not the only cost to consider. Purchasing your new boat is the largest upfront expense, however, there are also the costs of owning a yacht that need to be considered. This is again where hiring an experienced, professional yacht broker can really pay dividends and take a lot of the stress out of the process. Things like insurance, storage, routine maintenance, captain and crew salaries, all need to be factored in to your expectations. We dive into this a bit more in our articles Why Are Boats So Expensive? and What Should I Spend On A Yacht?

Despite the potentially high cost of yacht ownership, it is still an excellent investment in your well-being and will bring countless joyful memories. There is no other recreation in the world that brings families and friends together, while enjoying the wonders of the ocean.

( Seen below: CHIMERA is a 60-foot Hinckley sailing yacht listed for over $1 million. )

While the purchase of sailboats still account for less than 10% of all boats sold, sailing is still a popular past-time which has some very passionate enthusiasts. According to Trade Only Today , in 2019 and 2020 there were more than 1,100 sailboats sold in the United States. As you begin to figure out exactly what type of boating you want to enjoy, as well to learn the advantages and disadvantages of different boat types, you can begin to narrow down the selection process.

Below is the average cost to purchase a small yacht broken out by type :

  • Sailboats Over 40': $193,000
  • Sailing Catamarans - All Sizes: $361,000
  • Power Catamarans - All Sizes: $304,247
  • Downeast Yachts - Over 35': $532,240
  • Sport Fishing Yachts - Over 40' and in Southeast: $815,500

With so many factors to determine how much it costs to buy a yacht and maintain it, it is in the best interest of boat buyers of this magnitude to speak with a certified professional yacht broker. "Pricing a yacht in this market can be a difficult thing," said Brian T. Franc , CPYB and manager of United's Emerald Coast Division. "Pre-owned prices are definitely inflated due to lack of inventory, but there are still some great opportunities if you are fast and have someone watching the market daily on your behalf. As someone who has been in the yacht brokerage industry for almost 30 years, I can tell you that working with a professional makes a difference. We can tell almost immediately whether a boat is over-priced, what it will likely sell for, and whether or not it is the right boat for your needs.

Other Related Articles Of Interest :

  • Can I Sell My Yacht Without A Broker?
  • Why Are Sportfishing Yachts So Expensive?
  • What Is The Best Time Of Year To Sell A Boat?
  • How Much Should I Pay For A Yacht?

Interesting Boating Links

Worldwide yacht sales.

  • The Most Popular Yacht Brands
  • California Yachts
  • Yachts For Sale Portland Oregon
  • 20 Million Yacht
  • Used Boats For Sale Canada
  • Trawlers For Sale NC
  • Yachts For Sale in Massachusetts
  • Boats For Sale Stuart FL
  • Yacht Brokers Jacksonville FL
  • Sailboats For Sale in Georgia
  • Boats For Sale Cape May NJ

Luxury Boats & Yachts

  • Cabo Boats For Sale
  • Used Seakeeper For Sale
  • Ocean Boats
  • 200000 Boat
  • $300000 Boat
  • 2 Million Yacht
  • 50 Foot Yacht
  • Center Consol Boats For Sale
  • Broward Yachts
  • 2 Million Dollar Boat
  • Yacht Broker
  • 48 Ft Ocean Yacht For Sale
  • Sabre 45 Se For Sale

Popular Builders & Models

  • Small Sailboats For Sale
  • Sailboats For Sale Louisiana
  • Express Cruiser For Sale
  • Tug Boats For Sale
  • Sea Ray 450 Sundancer For Sale
  • Grand Banks For Sale
  • Sea Ray 460
  • Back Cove Boats For Sale
  • Sea Ray 400 For Sale
  • Power Yachts For Sale
  • Sea Ray 58 Sedan Bridge For Sale
  • Albemarle Boats For Sale
  • Sea Ray 410

Trending Brands & Types

  • Marquis Boats
  • Fishing Yachts
  • Cheoy Lee Yachts For Sale
  • Carver Boats For Sale
  • Egg Harbor Boats For Sale
  • Ranger Tug Boats
  • Grady White For Sale
  • Jupiter 25 Bay For Sale
  • MJM Yachts For Sale
  • Liveaboard Boats
  • Used Sea Ray Boats
  • Used Intrepid Boats For Sale
  • Beneteau Sailboats For Sale
  • Buddy Davis Boats For Sale
  • Riviera Yachts For Sale

SEND UYS A MESSAGE

Recent posts.

photo of Luxury Yachts For Luxury Buyers

Jul 15, 2024

Luxury Yachts For Luxury Buyers

photo of 2nd Quarter Report: Yacht Sales Grow 22 Percent

Jul 11, 2024

2nd Quarter Report: Yacht Sales Grow 22 Percent

photo of The Hot List - July 2024

Jul 01, 2024

The Hot List - July 2024

photo of 10 Fun Flybridge Yachts You Can't Miss

Jun 28, 2024

10 Fun Flybridge Yachts You Can't Miss

how much is a yacht to buy

How Much Does a Yacht Cost: A Comprehensive Breakdown for Buyers

Yachts embody luxury, status, and freedom, leading many to wonder about the costs associated with such an extravagant purchase.

Buying a yacht is a significant investment that involves not only the initial price but also ongoing expenses such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and crew costs.

how much is a yacht to buy

The price of a yacht varies greatly depending on factors such as size, brand, age, and features. Understanding these factors will help potential buyers make informed decisions.

Smaller yachts often start at a few hundred thousand dollars , while larger or more luxurious models may cost millions. Meanwhile, superyachts and mega yachts can carry price tags in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.

It is important to remember that additional ownership costs, like annual operating expenses , must be considered when calculating the true cost of yacht ownership.

Key Takeaways

  • Yacht costs vary greatly based on size, brand, age, and features
  • Additional expenses such as maintenance, insurance, and crew should be factored in
  • Assessing all costs involved helps gain a clearer picture of the true cost of yacht ownership

Types and Sizes of Yachts

When considering the cost of a yacht, it's important to understand the various types and sizes available in the market.

In this section, we will explore some of the main categories of yachts, including sailing yachts vs. motor yachts and the range of sizes from small to superyachts.

Sailing Yacht Vs. Motor Yacht

There are two main types of yachts: sailing yachts and motor yachts.

Sailing yachts rely on wind power and sails for propulsion, making them more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, with smaller sailboats starting around 23 feet in length. Some popular designs include sloops, cutters, and ketches.

Meanwhile, motor yachts use engines for propulsion, offering more speed, power, and maneuverability. These yachts typically range from around 30 to 100 feet, although larger motor yachts can also be classified as superyachts. Motor yachts are often equipped with a luxurious interior, offering the utmost comfort and entertainment for guests.

Small Yachts to Superyachts

Small Yachts (10,000-$100,000):

Small yachts generally range from 23 to 40 feet in length. These yachts are more affordable and easier to maintain, making them attractive to first-time buyers. They can be both sailing yachts and small motor yachts. Examples of small yachts include sportfishing boats, family cruisers, and day sailers.

Midsize Yachts ($100,000-$1,000,000):

Midsize yachts typically range from 40 to 60 feet in length. The price of a midsize yacht can vary greatly, with used models going around $200,000 while new ones can go up to a million dollars. They offer more space, better amenities, and improved performance compared to small yachts. Midsize yachts can also be classified as sailing yachts or motor yachts.

how much is a yacht to buy

Large Yachts ($1,000,000 and up):

Large yachts typically range from 60 to 100 feet in length. These luxurious vessels come with a higher price tag, often costing multiple millions of dollars. Large yachts offer plenty of space for entertaining, as well as state-of-the-art technology and amenities. They come in both sailing and motor yacht varieties.

Superyachts ($10,000,000 and up):

Superyachts are the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication, typically measuring over 100 feet in length. They feature extravagant amenities, such as helipads, swimming pools, and even movie theaters. The price of a superyacht can be astronomical, at times exceeding $10 million or more.

Cost Factors for New and Used Yachts

When determining the cost of a yacht, whether new or used, several factors come into play. These include the age and condition , size and style, brand and model, and location and availability of the yacht.

Each of these factors plays a significant role in the overall cost, so understanding them can help buyers make an informed decision.

Age and Condition

The age of a yacht naturally impacts its price. A brand-new yacht typically commands a higher price than a used one. However, the condition of a used yacht can also greatly influence its value. A well-maintained, used yacht in excellent condition may be more expensive than a newer model with issues or wear and tear.

Size and Style

The size and style of the yacht also play a crucial role in determining the cost.

Generally, larger yachts come with a higher price tag. For example, the average price of a yacht in the United States for vessels 46 to 55 feet was $467,899, while the average price for yachts in the 56 to 79 foot category was $1.18 million.

The style of the yacht, such as a sailboat, power catamaran, or luxury yacht, can have a significant effect on the price as well.

Brand and Model

The yacht's brand and model also contribute to its price. Some yacht brands are known for their luxury, craftsmanship, and performance, which can lead to a higher cost.

On the other hand, more affordable brands may offer similar amenities and functionality at a more budget-friendly price.

It's essential to research different yacht brands and models to find the one that best suits your preferences and budget.

Location and Availability

The location of the yacht, along with its availability in the market, can influence the overall cost.

In some regions, yacht prices may be higher due to factors such as demand, local taxes, or shipping costs. Additionally, if a specific model is in high demand or limited supply, its price may be elevated due to scarcity.

Initial Purchase Price

Buying New Vs. Pre-Owned

When considering the initial purchase price of a yacht, one of the first decisions a buyer faces is whether to buy a new or pre-owned yacht.

New yachts typically come with the latest technology, design, and customization options, but they also come at a higher price.

On the other hand, pre-owned yachts can be significantly more budget-friendly, but may require more maintenance and lack the latest features.

The average price of a yacht in the United States for vessels 46 to 55 feet was $467,899, while the average price for yachts in the 56 to 79-foot category was $1.18 million. These prices can vary depending on whether the yacht is new or used.

The Buying Process

The process of buying a yacht typically involves researching the market, selecting the right size and type of yacht, identifying suitable yachts, negotiating the price, and completing the purchase.

Working with a professional yacht broker can be beneficial in streamlining this process for the buyer as they can provide expert guidance in selecting the right yacht to fit the buyer's needs and budget.

Costs to Consider

In addition to the initial purchase price, there are various other costs that should be taken into account when buying a yacht. These include:

  • Insurance : Buyers should consider the cost of insuring the yacht. Insurance fees, among other factors, are influenced by the size and value of the yacht.
  • Marina fees : Docking the yacht at a marina will incur fees, which can range from a few thousand dollars for smaller yachts to tens of thousands for larger ones.
  • Maintenance : Maintenance costs can make up around 10% of the initial purchase price. For used yachts, be prepared to spend on essential repairs and upgrades as needed.
  • Fuel : The cost of fuel is influenced by the yacht's size, engine type, and cruising frequency.

Operational and Maintenance Costs

Crew Expenses

One of the significant expenses associated with owning a yacht is paying the crew salaries .

The number of crew members and their respective positions will vary depending on the size and complexity of the yacht. For example, a 180-foot superyacht may have an annual crew expense of around $1.4 million.

It is essential to account for additional crew-related costs such as insurance, training, and uniforms.

Fuel and Propulsion

Another considerable aspect of yacht ownership is fuel costs. The amount of fuel consumption will largely depend on the yacht's size, propulsion system, and usage patterns.

For instance, a larger yacht may incur around $400,000 for fuel annually.

It is also worth considering the potential expenses for any necessary upgrades or maintenance of the propulsion systems to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

Repairs and Upkeep

Maintaining the yacht's appearance and condition requires regular maintenance and repairs . These expenses can quickly add up. Annual maintenance costs for a superyacht could reach up to $1 million.

This includes expenses for cleaning, teak oils, wax, and polish to keep the yacht looking immaculate. It is often recommended to allocate around 10% of the yacht's value to cover annual maintenance costs.

Dockage and Storage

Mooring fees, marina fees, and storage are additional factors to consider when estimating the operational costs of a yacht. Dockage costs typically depend on the yacht’s size and the chosen location.

On average, a superyacht may have an annual dockage expense of around $350,000 .

Additional Ownership Costs

Yacht insurance is a significant cost that should be factored into your decision to buy a yacht. The cost of insurance can vary based on the size, type, and value of the yacht.

For example, a 180-foot superyacht may have insurance costs upwards of $240,000 per year .

Obtaining quotes from various providers is essential. Remember that rates can fluctuate based on factors such as the yacht's condition and the owner's boating experience.

Taxes and Registration

Owning a yacht also comes with local and federal taxes and registration fees. Tax rates can vary depending on the state or country where the boat is registered.

In the United States, some states have a sales tax for yacht purchase, while others have an annual personal property tax. Make sure to research the applicable taxes and registration fees in your area to include them in the overall cost of ownership.

Depreciation

Another factor to consider when purchasing a yacht is depreciation. Over time, the value of most yachts will decrease, much like automobiles.

The rate of depreciation may differ based on the yacht's make, model, and age. To account for this potential decrease in value, make sure to have a proper maintenance plan in place and be prepared for the potential resale-value drop.

Extra Amenities and Upgrades

Finally, extra amenities and upgrades can significantly impact the cost of owning a yacht. Additional features such as upgraded electronics, specialized navigation systems, enhanced entertainment systems, or custom interior finishes can add considerably to the base cost of ownership.

Also, consider ongoing costs associated with these amenities, such as maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Budgeting for these additional expenses is critical to ensure your enjoyment of the yacht without financial strain.

Real Cost of Yacht Ownership

Owning a yacht is a luxury many people dream of, but it comes with significant costs. This section will discuss the real cost of yacht ownership , looking at the rule of thumb for annual costs and investment considerations.

Rule of Thumb for Annual Costs

When estimating the cost of owning a yacht, a general rule of thumb is that annual costs will be around 10% of the initial purchase price. This includes expenses such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and crew salaries.

For example, a 180-foot superyacht could have an annual budget of $1 million for maintenance, $400,000 for fuel, $240,000 for insurance, and $1.4 million for the crew.

Another example is a 50-foot yacht , which may have ongoing costs between $35,000 and $85,000 per year.

  • Maintenance and Repairs: The cost of maintaining a yacht can range from $1,000 to over $1 million per year, depending on the size and complexity of the vessel.
  • Dockage: Yacht owners should budget around $350,000 annually for marina fees.
  • Fuel: Depending on the size and type of yacht, fuel expenses can be substantial, averaging around $400,000 per year for a large vessel.
  • Insurance: Insurance premiums for yachts can range from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $240,000 per year.
  • Crew Salaries: Crew salaries can account for the largest portion of yacht ownership costs. A large yacht may require a crew with an annual budget of $1.4 million.

Investment Considerations

When thinking of purchasing a yacht as an investment, potential owners should consider several factors.

Yachts depreciate in value over time, making them a less attractive investment compared to traditional assets such as stocks and real estate.

Additionally, the high cost of ownership may make yacht investment less viable for some individuals.

Keep in mind that while some owners charter their yachts to offset costs, this strategy may not fully cover annual expenses. Moreover, chartering exposes the yacht to additional wear and tear, which can result in higher maintenance costs.

Life on Board

Amenities and Comfort

Life on a yacht offers a unique blend of luxury and comfort. Yachts often come equipped with a variety of amenities to make living on board as enjoyable as possible.

One common feature is the cabin , which provides comfortable sleeping quarters and private spaces for relaxation. Some yacht cabins even have their own ensuite bathrooms for added convenience.

A well-designed galley is essential on a yacht, providing the space and facilities needed to prepare meals and store provisions.

Modern yacht galleys often come equipped with high-quality appliances and ample storage space to ensure a pleasant dining experience.

On larger yachts, additional amenities may include swimming pools , outdoor lounges, and spacious deck areas for sunbathing and relaxation. Some superyachts also feature helipads , allowing for easy access to transport and travel to and from the yacht.

Entertaining and Lifestyle

A yacht is not just a floating home, but also a platform for entertaining and socializing. The deck space on a yacht offers a fantastic setting for outdoor gatherings, while a well-appointed cabin cruiser can serve as an ideal venue for more intimate events.

Entertaining on a yacht often involves a range of activities, from casual get-togethers to formal dinners with friends, family, or business associates.

A key factor in this lifestyle is the yacht's finish – the quality of the materials, furnishings, and décor that contribute to an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.

With such an array of amenities and entertainment options, life on a yacht combines the best aspects of comfort, luxury, and a captivating lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price range for a small yacht?

Small yachts can cost anywhere from $100,000 to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on factors such as size, brand, age, and amenities.

On average, a new, small yacht may cost around $200,000, but prices can vary significantly based on the specific yacht .

What are typical rental costs for yachts of various sizes?

Rental costs for yachts can vary greatly depending on factors like size, type, and location.

Typically, smaller yachts can be rented for a few thousand dollars per day, while larger, luxury yachts may command tens of thousands of dollars per day.

Some yachts may also require a minimum rental period and may charge additional fees for things like fuel and crew.

What is the purchasing price for a luxury yacht?

Luxury yachts generally fall within the multi-million-dollar price range, with some costing tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars.

The exact price of a luxury yacht depends on several factors, such as the yacht's features, size, customizations, and brand.

What is the cost associated with owning a 50-foot yacht?

The cost of owning a 50-foot yacht includes the purchase price, maintenance, insurance, docking fees, and fuel costs.

While the purchase price can vary greatly, annual costs can be estimated at approximately 10% of the yacht's value, which may include maintenance, repairs, insurance, docking fees, and other related expenses.

What are the expenses involved in buying a 100-foot yacht?

In addition to the purchase price, which can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, owning a 100-foot yacht incurs several ongoing costs.

These expenses include insurance, crew salaries, maintenance, docking fees, fuel, and provisions. It is important to budget for these costs, as they can add up to a significant amount each year.

What can one expect to pay for a 70-foot yacht?

The purchase price of a 70-foot yacht can range from several million dollars to well over $10 million, depending on factors such as age, brand, and features.

In addition to the initial purchase price, there will be ongoing costs such as insurance, maintenance, crew salaries, docking fees, and fuel, which need to be considered when budgeting for yacht ownership.

how much is a yacht to buy

Related Articles

Marine Water Heaters Ultimate Guide: All You Need to Know for Efficient Heating Onboard

Marine Water Heaters Ultimate Guide: All You Need to Know for Efficient Heating Onboard

Iconic Marine Group creates-Iconic Yacht Group

Iconic Marine Group creates-Iconic Yacht Group

Is Your Boat Ready for 2024's Extreme Hurricane Season? Solidify Your Plan and Meet Insurer Expectations

Is Your Boat Ready for 2024's Extreme Hurricane Season? Solidify Your Plan and Meet Insurer Expectations

Shipping Companies: Complete List & Guide to Efficient Global Transport

Shipping Companies: Complete List & Guide to Efficient Global Transport

Marina Jacks Review: Our Experience

Marina Jacks Review: Our Experience

SNUBA Diving for Fun: A Thrilling Underwater Adventure

SNUBA Diving for Fun: A Thrilling Underwater Adventure

What Should You Do if a Fire Breaks Out in the Front of Your Boat? Essential Steps for Safety

What Should You Do if a Fire Breaks Out in the Front of Your Boat? Essential Steps for Safety

How Long Can You Finance a Boat 2024: Key Factors and Financing Options

How Long Can You Finance a Boat 2024: Key Factors and Financing Options

Yachts for sale from 45-60m

Yachts for sale from 150-200ft

Save search.

Log in or create an account to save your search.

how much is a yacht to buy

USD 59,990,000

  • Length: 60m (196.9ft)
  • 12 guests in 6 cabins
  • Built: 2009 (refitted 2017), Lurssen-Werft, Germany

how much is a yacht to buy

EUR 14,950,000† (EU VAT paid)

  • Length: 58.2m (190.9ft)
  • Built: 2005, Proteksan Turquoise, Turkey

how much is a yacht to buy

MESERRET II

EUR 9,000,000

  • Length: 57.2m (187.7ft)
  • 16 guests in 9 cabins
  • Built: 1978 (refitted 2021), Cammenga Jachtbouw, The Netherlands

how much is a yacht to buy

EUR 29,500,000

  • Length: 56.4m (185.1ft)
  • 11 guests in 5 cabins
  • Built: 2014 (refitted 2019), Alloy Yachts, New Zealand

how much is a yacht to buy

EUR 39,950,000

  • Length: 55.8m (183ft)
  • 10 guests in 5 cabins
  • Built: 2021, Codecasa, Italy

how much is a yacht to buy

USD 27,500,000†

  • Length: 55.5m (182.1ft)
  • Built: 2005 (refitted 2021), Feadship, De Vries, The Netherlands

how much is a yacht to buy

PROJECT 515

Price on application

  • Length: 54.9m (180.1ft)
  • 14 guests in 6 cabins
  • Built: 2026, Burger, United States Of America

how much is a yacht to buy

EUR 26,900,000† (EU VAT paid)

  • Length: 52.4m (171.9ft)
  • Built: 2016, Palmer Johnson, United States Of America

how much is a yacht to buy

USD 9,950,000†

  • Length: 52m (170.6ft)
  • Built: 1988, Feadship, De Vries, The Netherlands

how much is a yacht to buy

USD 26,800,000†

  • Length: 51.8m (170ft)
  • 13 guests in 7 cabins
  • Built: 2003, Feadship, Royal Van Lent, The Netherlands

You've viewed 10 of 15

how much is a yacht to buy

Price reduction on FLY BOYS

how much is a yacht to buy

HERE COMES THE SUN is for sale

how much is a yacht to buy

Monaco Grand Prix: French Riviera yacht charter

how much is a yacht to buy

CAIPIRINHA is for sale

how much is a yacht to buy

Sold: 74m NEW SECRET

how much is a yacht to buy

NO DESTINATION is for sale

how much is a yacht to buy

ENERGY is for sale. Can you feel it?

how much is a yacht to buy

Wanda Group and Burgess partnering in China to develop superyacht services

Sign up to our newsletter, stay in the loop.

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated with all things Burgess.

What would you like emails about?

  • Chartering a yacht
  • Buying or selling a yacht
  • General superyacht news

In order to understand how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy policy .

  • Mediterranean
  • French Riviera
  • Corsica & Sardinia
  • The Balearics
  • Croatia & Montenegro
  • The Bahamas
  • Caribbean - Leeward Islands
  • Caribbean - Windward Islands
  • British Virgin Islands
  • US Virgin Islands
  • New England
  • Indian Ocean
  • South East Asia
  • French Polynesia
  • The Red Sea
  • Motor yachts for charter
  • Sailing yachts for charter
  • Latest offers
  • Destinations
  • New to charter
  • Meet the Charter team
  • Superyacht videos
  • 360° yacht tours
  • Corporate & event charters
  • Inspiring charter ideas
  • Charter FAQs
  • Every day different

how much is a yacht to buy

Charter AIX

Charter in Fiji 15 August to 30 September

Offering adventurous itineraries designed for the most intrepid guests

how much is a yacht to buy

Charter ATALANTE

Available from 12 August onwards in Greece

Elegant, timeless and meticulously maintained combined with smooth sailing performance

  • Motor yachts for sale
  • Sailing yachts for sale
  • Yachts for sale over 200 feet
  • Yachts for sale from 150 to 200 feet
  • Yachts for sale under 150 feet
  • Tenders and chase boats for sale
  • Yachts under construction
  • Meet the Brokerage team
  • Berths for sale
  • Sold yachts
  • Yacht marketing
  • New Build Sales
  • Refit a yacht
  • Delivered yachts
  • Yacht designers
  • Meet the Technical Services team
  • Meet the Yacht Management team
  • Crew vacancies
  • Meet the Crew Services team
  • Procurement Services
  • Charter Management
  • Sales Management
  • Yacht Marketing
  • Meet the Insurance team
  • 360 degree yacht tours
  • Boat shows and events
  • Office vacancies
  • Talent pool
  • Office locations
  • Burgess in Asia
  • Burgess Blue Oceans
  • Strategic partners
  • Press centre
  • Company Operations
  • Crew Services
  • New Business
  • Technical Services
  • Yacht Management
  • Burgess Impact Report 2023

Filter your results

  • Yachts for charter
  • Yachts for sale
  • Articles and Guides

How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

11th jul 2023 by samantha wilson.

Rightboat logo

We hear the question, “How much does a yacht cost?” on a regular basis, and it’s a difficult one to answer. Much the same as with houses, the prices vary in a surprising way depending on size, style, age, and finish (not to mention location). We’re talking millions of dollars in price difference for yachts, as well, because there are yachts of many different sizes with all the same variations. But first, let’s tackle the more fundamental question, “What is a yacht?’

What Classifies as a Yacht?

To begin with, a yacht can be a sailing yacht or a motor-powered yacht. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “any of various recreational watercraft: such as a) a sailboat used for racing; b) a large usually motor-drive craft used for pleasure cruising.” Size is not technically part of the definition, but in modern practice, size has a whole lot to do with it.

Many in the industry classify a boat as a ‘yacht’ from 40 feet up to 70 feet, although there are others who will include vessels as short as 33 feet. Not too many years ago, yachts as small as 80 feet (24 meters) were considered superyachts, but with the proliferation of much larger yachts, 130 feet (40 meters) is a more common yardstick. Beyond that are megayachts, variously defined as beginning at 165 feet (50 meters) or 200 feet (60 meters). 

The point is, there are no hard-and-fast rules, and what may be one person’s pretty little 20-foot sailboat may be another’s luxury sailing yacht. And any shiny, private vessel 40 feet and up will be called a yacht by almost everyone.

While size is the main determining factor in labeling boats as yachts, amenities aboard also play a role. For example, yachts frequently have cabins and heads below allowing for overnight stays, as well as a galley, and plenty of deck space for leisure. 

The term ‘yacht’ has become synonymous with luxury, especially with the boom in huge superyachts across the world. But a yacht doesn’t have to be fancy. A sprightly 30-foot trawler yacht might look to some like a luxury palace, but Jeff Bezos and the guests aboard his brand new $500 million sailing yacht Koru would probably see it differently. 

Cost of Buying a Yacht

Looking for an average price across all types of yachts isn’t helpful either, with sizes of yachts varying from 30 to 300 feet. And that doesn’t take into account whether a boat is new or used.  Broadly speaking, in the United States you can often buy a small used sailing yacht for $15,000 or less, and you can expect that figure to go up to $50,000 or $100,000 for a small motor yacht. A larger motor yacht, or even a new 40-foot day boat, can easily run up to $1 million or more. Superyachts, of course, will cost multiple millions of dollars. 

Cost of Owning a Yacht

The cost of owning a yacht goes far beyond the initial purchase price, and even if you’re in the market for a small yacht, you’ll need to factor in the annual costs which include:

  • Marina fees: These will vary depending on your location and the size of the boat. Expect to pay from $5,000 for a yacht at the smallest end of the scale up to tens of thousands for larger yachts.
  • Insurance: As a general rule, you can expect to pay around 0.5 percent of the value of the boat annually. Check out our guide to boat insurance for more information. 
  • Maintenance and repairs: As a rough estimation you can expect to spend around 10 percent of the value of the boat on upkeep each year. This might be lower if it’s a new yacht.
  • Fuel: This will vary depending on how far you cruise and how large the yacht is.
  • Crew: Yachts up to 70 or 80 feet often don’t require a crew, but the larger the yacht, the more crew it will need. Crew salaries range from $3,200 per month for junior crew to $10,500 per month for captains and chief engineers. In general, a yacht of 80 to 100 feet in size will require a crew of between two and eight, while yachts between 100 to 200 feet will require between 8 and 20 crew members.
  • Depreciation: Brand new boats depreciate the most and the quickest, with most depreciating by 40 to 50 percent of their initial price over the first 8 to 10 years.

Read more about the Real Costs of Boat Ownership as well as Top Tips to Lower the Costs . 

yacht marina

Types of Yachts per Cost

When we talk about yachts and their values, we usually refer mostly to the length of the yacht as that tends to be the identifying factor, but the style, engine size, and finish also play a huge role in determining how much they cost. Here we take a look at the average price differences between new and used yachts in the United States at varying sizes. 

How much is a small yacht? (25 to 40 feet)

A small yacht around 40 feet (often referred to as a cabin cruiser) is often considered an entry-level yacht, but a big step up from much smaller day boats. These are likely to have cabins, heads, and a small galley, and most offer the chance to spend weekends onboard. Prices will vary widely depending on whether it’s a used or new boat, and depending on the model, finish, and engines. New and recent-model yachts around 38 to 40 feet may cost anywhere from $250,000 to over $1 million, while the price of older models is often substantially lower. The average price in the United States for all new and used yachts sold between 36 feet to 45 feet was $238,000 according to the Boats Group Market Index of 2022.

When we’re looking at smaller yachts around 25 to 30 feet, these are unlikely to have cabins and so are considered day cruisers. Motor cruisers between 25 and 30 feet range from $70,000 for an almost-new model to well over $100,000 for a brand new one. Of course, yachts with smaller engines and simpler layouts will have considerably lower price tags, but those with premium finish and accommodations may cost much more—for example, a new Ranger 29 (pocket trawler) starts at over $350,000. See our guide to the different types of boats for a better understanding of what is available and what might be right for you. 

How much is a medium-sized yacht? (40 to 70 feet)

Mid-sized yachts that fall within the 40- to 70-foot category vary in price from around $250,000 to well beyond $4 million, a figure that depends on the size, model, finish, engines, and extras, as well as whether it’s a brand new boat or used. According to the Boats Group Market Index of 2022, the average yacht price in the United States of vessels 46 to 55 feet was $467,899 with 2,273 boats sold, while the average price for yachts in the 56 to 79 foot category was $1.18m with 997 sold in 2022. 

Yacht prices vary a lot depending on whether the yacht is new or used. As an example, the base price for a new Viking 58 is $4.1 million, a three-year-old model can be purchased for $3.5 million for, and a 10-year-old model for $600,000. Check out our new and used luxury yachts for sale on Rightboat for more comparisons. 

woman on a yacht

How much is a sailing yacht?

Long before the combustion engine was invented, yachts (or sailboats) graced our oceans for centuries. While these days we tend to think of yachts as the luxurious motor vessels that far outnumber their sailing counterparts, sailing yachts have their own class. As we’ve seen with motor yachts, the size, age, and finish of a sailing yacht will determine the price tag, with prices ranging from $5,000 to several million dollars—and much more for superyachts. The largest sailing yacht in the world is Sailing Yacht A , which cost an estimated $600 million and measures 470 feet in overall length. 

When referring to larger sailing yachts—and by larger we are talking about 100-foot yacht prices—there is a “rule of thumb” estimate of $1 million per 3 feet in length. So a 100-foot yacht may cost in the region of $30 million. But sliding back down the length ladder, it’s possible to pick up a small, used sailing yacht for a fraction of that. A 55-foot yacht that has been sailing for a few years may sell for around $700,000, whereas a new one could easily retail for $2 million or more. An older (30 to 40 years) sailing yacht of 30 to 35 feet might cost only about $25,000 while a brand new one might cost $250,000 and more. See what you can get for your money with our sailing yachts for sale on Rightboat. 

How much is a luxury yacht or superyacht?

Superyachts are some of the most luxurious vessels on the sea, and they don’t come cheap. As mentioned, yachts above 78 feet (24 meters) are accepted by many as superyachts; when they range up over 165 or 200 feet, some in the industry refer to them as megayachts. This term is still debated in some quarters, so you may hear yachts over 300 feet referred to as superyachts too.

Superyachts require a full time crew to manage them, and this adds considerably to the overall cost of running such a large vessel. Given that, how much does a superyacht cost? The costs vary, with some estimates of up to $1 million per foot of length to build a new top-of-the-line custom superyacht. Used superyachts will cost less than a new build, and you may be able to buy a 10-year-old, 90-foot superyacht for around $2.5 million—although most owners will engage in a significant and costly refit every 10 years. Models less than five years old will be closer to the $4 million mark, while a brand new one will cost around $9 million. Check out our listings for superyachts for sale all across the world. 

luxury yachts

How much is a megayacht?

When we reach megayacht status, prices skyrocket along with the length of the vessels and the volume of the interiors. The largest megayacht in the world is currently Azzam, 590 feet long at a cost of $600 million to build. Yachts in this class are the most luxurious in the world, and feature large swimming pools, helicopter pads, huge guest and crew accommodations, beach clubs, and much more. The upkeep of vessels of this size can run to $20 million or more for the crew fees, fuel, mooring fees, insurance, food, and maintenance. If you want to set eyes on the world’s most astounding superyachts and megayachts check out our superyacht travel guide to where you might find them, or use our search to discover megayachts for sale . 

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

Linkedin

More from: Samantha Wilson

Related Articles and Guides

Thumb power boat grady white

7th Jun 2024

Best Boat Brands for Beginners: Power, Sail, Pontoon & Fish

Thumb boat inspection checklist

25th May 2024

Boat Inspection Checklist: How to Inspect a Boat Before Buying

Thumb beneteau denison

4th May 2024

Do You Need a License to Sail a Boat in the US?

Thumb man helm station of a boat

28th Nov 2023

Sea Trial: Costs, Checklist and More

  • Explore Rightboat
  • Boats for Sale
  • Boating Articles
  • Buyers Guide
  • About RightBoat
  • Sell Your Boat
  • Boat Selling Advice
  • All manufacturers
  • All categories

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

  • Set up tailored alerts
  • Personalise your experience
  • Download full specifications and broker details
  • Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

Web Analytics

Yachts For Sale

New and used boat and yacht sales with guidance every step of the way..

Our Bluewater yacht brokers have years of yachting expertise in the marine industry with in-depth knowledge of yacht sales, long standing relationships with shipyards and marinas and yacht crew alike.

Whether you want to purchase your first yacht, upgrade or sell your current vessel, our aim is to find your perfect yacht or the ideal buyer.

Bluewater’s expert brokerage services put buyers and sellers first, ensuring you are at the forefront of the fast-moving yacht sales market.

Bluewater prides itself on exceptional sales advice, market intelligence and sourcing the right yacht at the right price. No matter where you are based, you can benefit from listing or purchasing your yacht with our yacht brokers who are leading worldwide yacht sale experts in major yachting destinations such as the Caribbean, Fort Lauderdale and the Mediterranean.

We’re passionate about yachting and helping our clients by offering a full service and unrivalled support from start to finish – our commitment is defined as ‘One Company, One Complete Service’ with listings for a large selection of yacht brands such as Azimut, Benetti, Sunseeker and Princess Yachts, as well as departments dedicated to yacht charter, yacht management, yacht crew placement and crew training, to ensure we can cater for all of your yachting requirements.

Contact us today to find your dream yacht.

Luminosity Luxury Megayacht for Sale

  • €135,000,000

Aurora Luxury Superyacht for Sale

  • €130,000,000

Endless Summer Luxury Yacht for Sale

Endless Summer

  • €2,950,000

Jasmine Luna Luxury Yacht for Sale

Jasmine Luna

  • €5,500,000

Abbracci Luxury Yacht for Sale

  • €39,900,000

SEAGULL MRD Luxury Yacht for Sale

SEAGULL MRD

  • €27,900,000

HIYU Luxury Megayacht for Sale

  • GUNDERSON MARINE
  • €1,850,000

LANGKAWI LADY Luxury Yacht for Sale

LANGKAWI LADY

  • Sterling yachts
  • €3,200,000

MIT-SEA-AH Luxury Megayacht for Sale

  • €3,250,000

how much is a yacht to buy

Average Yacht Prices | 40, 50, 60, 70, 100 feet + Helpful Examples

' src=

How much do yachts cost? Let’s look at yacht prices per size.

SELECT SIZE ⇩

Note: We will look at yachts that are a few years old. Very few people buy brand-new yachts as the price comes down a lot after only a few years.

How much is a small yacht? Let’s start at 40 feet length.

40 Foot Yacht Cost

A 40-foot yacht can be found used for around $200,000 and new models can cost as much as a million dollars. There are always lots of used yachts for sale around 40 feet in length, which makes them more attractive to first-time buyers.

Technically, a yacht begins at 23 feet. However, yachts that size will more often be referred to as boats.

A 40-foot yacht is a great option for looking for relative simplicity and plenty of comfort and capability. This size is great for day trips in the Caribbean dedicated to speed boating or simple cruising.

The size remains manageable, but the vessel can be updated with extra living spaces and amenities as desired, with a more affordable price than larger options.

The maintenance prices will remain lower as well.

Make sure you are considering the age of your yacht. Even if it is on the smaller end, it will be more expensive if it is new and custom-built to your wants.

Even if you think a 40-foot yacht is the cheapest option, these small factors make for a sliding price scale.

You might find that a smaller, new, custom yacht is more expensive than an older, simpler, larger yacht. One benefit of an older yacht is that it should have the improvements and equipment that make it comfortable to operate and will not have those additional costs.

For  sailboat prices specifically, check out this article .

Our Pick: Viking 42 Convertible: Cruise and Fish (2014)

Price: $895,000

how much is a yacht to buy

  • Cushioned seats
  • Underwater lights
  • Flybridge fiberglass hard-top
  • Recent engine and service
  • Joystick control
  • Cockpit shade with poles, freezer, and step-up box
  • Custom chairs
  • Coach roof overhang to provide shade
  • home theater setup
  • Freshwater wash area
  • Cockpit freezer and drink box
  • Forward-facing viewing windows in deckhouse

Here’s a great example of a yacht with differing ages and year models. It has twin diesel engines, 600 hp each, and cruise at 35 mph (pretty fast!).

Yacht Price Examples for Three Other 40-50 Foot

  • 42-foot Grand Banks 42 Classic; trawler-cruiser style yacht; twin diesel, 350 hp each, cruising speed is 13 mph. Price: $370,000 for 2004; $124,500 for 1986; older ones for less
  • 45-foot Sea Ray 450 Sundancer or Sedan Bridge; single or twin diesel, about 1,000 hp total; cruising speed about 26 mph Price: $472,000 for 2012 twin-engine
  • 41-foot Back Cove Downeast; single diesel 715 hp; cruising speed is 26 mph Price: $619,000 for 2016

50 Foot Yacht Cost

50-foot yachts are  normally owner-operated, so you wouldn’t need to pay for a crew. Now we are around the size of 2-bedroom yachts.

They can provide more living space giving the owner flexibility for more guests and making it a more permanent residential option. With more space comes the opportunity to install more amenities as well.

The biggest difference between the 40-foot vessel and the 50-foot is the accommodations.

Expect three-cabin layouts, which give plenty of space for rest. The opportunity to create guest rooms, owners’ suite, and entertainment spaces are better with these yachts.

Our Pick: Hatteras GT54 Convertible Sportfish

how much is a yacht to buy

The price for the 2017 model of this used yacht starts at $2,249,000. 

This yacht is 53′ 10″ long and weighs 75,000 pounds! It has twin diesel engines, 1,300 hp each, cruising speed of 35 mph.

It has a 1200-gallon fuel capacity with three staterooms. It sleeps up to 6 people, so it is perfect for entertaining without being so large to the point where maintenance becomes very difficult. It is known for its great propulsion rates and is very smooth and agile.

It specializes as a fishing boat but allows plenty of room for guests. In addition to the three staterooms, it has a large salon deck, a spacious galley, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Yacht Price Examples for Two Other 50 Foot

  • 51-foot Azimut Magellano 50; express cruiser; twin diesel engines, 425 hp each, cruising speed 16 mph Price: $670,760 for 2013
  • 52-foot Carver C52 Command Bridge; twin diesel engines, 600 hp each; cruising speed 18- 26 mph Price: $1,149,000 for 2017; $1,750,00 for 2021 with bow thrusters, gyro-stabilizer

How much is a large yacht? Let’s  step up to 60 foot.

60 Foot Yacht Cost

Now we’re looking at 2-bedroom yacht prices. A yacht in this range approaches the upper end of the owner/operator criteria.

This means that owners need to decide whether they can handle this size yacht on their own or if they need to hire outside help from a crew.

If you’re thinking of buying a boat this size, the cost may not be an issue, but understand that adding crew members adds substantial extra expenses! Crew salaries start at around $3K /mth for junior members and $10K for captains and experienced crew members.

This size is great for longer travels beyond day trips and adds more and more space for extra amenities. Hosting guests becomes easier.

Here are some examples:

Our Pick: Hatteras M60

how much is a yacht to buy

The average base price for this model is around $2,995,000.

The Hatteras M60 is great for someone who wants the luxury of a larger yacht but still wants to be an owner-operator. The deck’s layout below and above is spacious, with a large salon and a full master suite. It can be customized to order with hardwood floors or specific carpeting and amenities like TVs, a bar, a full kitchen, etc. It is a motor yacht, meant for pleasure cruising.

It has twin diesel engines, 1135 hp each; cruising speed is 28 mph.

Yacht Price Examples for Two Other 60 Foot

  • 64-foot Schaefer 640; express cruiser; twin diesel engines, 625 hp each; cruising speed 25 mph Price: $1,299,000 for 2017
  • 60-foot Sunreef 62 Sailing Catamaran; twin diesel engines 110 hp each; cruising speed 10 mph Price: $990,000 for 2009

70 Foot Yacht Cost

We’re now looking at 3-bedroom yachts. Once you reach this size yacht, it is almost guaranteed you will need a crew to help operate it. A crewed yacht is very different from an owner-operated yacht.

This is just shy of the superyacht category, so if you settle on this size, know you are almost there!

As previously mentioned, as the yacht size gets larger, so do the number of factors that make the purchase more layered and complex.

When yachts reach this size, the interior layout begins to change more drastically. They often have a spacious main deck perfect for dining and entertaining guests, whereas below, the yacht would likely have four or more cabins and crew quarters.

With more rooms comes more cost and more opportunity to customize the space to make it your own.

Here are some great options for this size:

Our Pick: Hatteras GT70 Convertible Sportfish

how much is a yacht to buy

The 2017 GT70 model runs around $4,500,000, but keep in mind the extra costs of maintenance, furnishing, and a cabin crew to help it run. It’s great for a long vacation and far-away destinations.

The GT70 convertible sportfish is known for its speed and agility, and high propulsion power. It has twin diesel engines, 1900 hp each; cruising speed over 30 mph.

It is 70′ 6″ with 2,140-gallon fuel capacity. The inside is lavish, with a galley, a huge salon, and five staterooms.

Yacht Price Examples for Two Other 70 Foot

  • 75-foot Hatteras Motor Yacht; sport cruiser; twin diesel, 1800 hp each; cruising speed 28 mph. Price: $4,375,000 for 2017
  • 74-foot Ocean Alexander Motoryacht; twin diesel, 1150 hp each; cruising speed 24 mph. Price: $1,895,000 for 2011

100 Foot Yacht Costs (and up):

You are officially in the superyacht range.

These yachts come in all styles and shapes, allowing for cruising along coastlines or focusing on watercraft and speed boating.

Since this is likely the peak size boat for practical use, you can expect a lot of additional costs for hiring a crew, maintenance, docking, as well as stocking your boat full of amenities. 

You’re likely to spend the bulk of your costs furnishing this size boat as bigger yachts typically are sold without furniture. The previous owner will want to hold on to designer furniture and other expensive interior.

Check out these great  examples of 100-foot yachts .

Our Pick: 143′ 04″ Virtus 44

how much is a yacht to buy

This model cost around $20,189,000.

This mega yacht is anyone’s dream.

It is home to a fully integrated beach club with room for a pool deck, floor-to-ceiling windows in the main salon, a hot tub on the top deck, five staterooms, an 8-person crew, and room to sleep ten guests.

It has room for water toys and other gadgets, with a layout that keeps them purposefully hidden from the outside world. It has a 12-knot cruising speed and 16-knot max speed,

Other 100+ Feet Yachts Price Examples

  • 98′ 5″ AB 100 Price: $8,843,260 for 2018
  • 161′ 04″ Acico Nassima Price: $17,933,000 for 2012

How Much is Yacht Insurance?

Insurance on a yacht is around 1% of the purchase price per year. It can go higher if you have lots of expensive designer furniture. This can add up over the years. It’s often cheaper to insure a sailing yacht but the price range is still within the 0.7-1.3%.

What Other Expenses Do Yacht Owners Face?

Harbor fees is another expense for yacht owners. It’s also a yearly fee that varies but as a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay around $100 per foot per year, depending on how popular the marina is. You will also have to be on a waitlist if you want a good location.

How Much Does a Luxury Yacht Cost?

A super yacht fall under the category of “luxury yachts” or “mega-yachts”.

The world’s largest private vessel belongs to the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Azzam. It is 590 feet long and costs $600 million to build!

It is outliers like these that increase the price average for yacht owners, perhaps scaring potential owners when they start their research.

As a luxury yacht price guide, however, we need to look at averages.

Currently, the average superyacht costs $275 million. This does not even account for maintenance costs, either.

Superyachts are large and luxurious, needing a professional crew to help them run. They are designed to emphasize comfort, speed, and longer expeditions – depending on the yacht builders.

They might have:

  • swimming pools,
  • water toys,
  • diving and fishing poles,
  • fully furnished rooms,
  • helicopter landing pads,
  • and smaller support vessels

Just to name a few amenities. They are truly the epitome of the elite.

What Size Boat is Considered a Yacht?

The normal yacht length starts at around 23 feet, and can extend hundreds of feet.  If the boat meets 23 feet, it can be considered a yacht.

A boat does not need luxury features to be considered a yacht.

It can be minimal and stripped of the “extra” stuff to fall into the yacht category, so long as it meets the size and length criteria.

11 Things to Consider Before You Purchase

When making this purchase, the yacht size you buy needs to reflect what you hope to get out of the vessel.

Some important questions to ask yourself before you buy are:

  • What does your perfect day on the water look like?
  • How long will your average day on the water be?
  • Will it be more boating/watercraft focused or long cruise focused?
  • Will you use the yacht for fishing?
  • Will you be on the yacht every day of the week or just on weekends?
  • How many people do you hope to fit on the yacht?
  • Do you plan to stay on the yacht overnight?
  • Where will you dock the yacht?
  • How much boating experience do you have?
  • How fast do you want the yacht to go?
  • How important is it to have extra amenities like furnished rooms, water toys, electronics, etc.?

These questions will guide you to understand the size you really need and will be able to realistically maintain versus what your most ideal yacht would look like.

When Do You Need a Full-Time Crew?

At length over 50 or 60 feet, you may need a full-time captain or crew. 

A full-time crew person will be needed to keep all the varnished woodwork looking good and all the little things maintained.

Sometimes, you must be honest with yourself about what you want and what you actually need. Be self-aware about your abilities (or lack thereof) in taking care of a specific size yacht.

If you don’t know much about boats and navigation, you will need more help to use your vessel.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide gives you a good starting point as you begin your yacht price research process.

Important Things to Consider As Well

Although there are many factors to consider when understanding a yacht’s prices, it is an exciting purchase nonetheless and should be enjoyed as much as possible.

At the end of your research, you’ll be the owner of a beautiful yacht you can use for leisure, cruising, sports craft, fishing, or all of the above.

Although this article is a good starting point, we would also recommend getting in touch with a  yacht broker who can help you find your best fit , model, year, and the price is given your personal budget. 

They are great sources of knowledge in addition to personal research.

Make sure you are as patient as possible in this process to make sure you are covering all your bases, but most importantly, enjoy the process!

Here’s How Much Yachts Cost on Average:

Yachts start around $300,000 for smaller 40-foot models and can go as high as several hundred million dollars for superyachts.

These are the main contributing factors to the price of a yacht:

  • The size of the yacht
  • The age of the yacht
  • The brand and  type of yacht

In general, the larger the yacht is, the more important the quality of the build becomes.

Also, potential owners need to understand the cruising speed and propulsion of different yachts.

The yacht type is also broken down into two categories:

  • Mediterranean Style Open style expresses yacht with maximum space for sun, little-to-no shade on the deck.
  • Hard-top express Semi-enclosed or fully-enclosed space on deck for the operator
  • Flybridge yachts

An express yacht is often referred to interchangeably as an  express cruiser  or  sports cruiser .

It has a single deck above the hull with a living space below.

They are much sleeker, too.

A flybridge yacht is often referred to as a sedan bridge or sport bridge, and it is typically used for fishing. It has additional space above the main deck.

Since the flybridge area has more space on the second deck, the main deck is normally made up of enclosed spaces and rooms.

It can have an open-air layout but can also have a hard-top.

Click to share...

Assets America Inc

  • Deals Funded
  • Deals in Process

Testimonials

How much does a yacht cost | ultimate breakdown guide.

 October 14, 2019

Complete guide to “How much does a yacht cost?” including superyachts and megayachts. Includes the cost of owning and operating a yacht. Yachts and superyachts are symbols of success. They appeal to wealthy individuals but are also extremely useful business assets. In this article, we’ll explore how much does a yacht cost. Also, we’ll answer how much does a superyacht cost and how much does a mega yacht cost. Then we’ll identify additional yacht costs such as fees and taxes. Next, we’ll give example breakdowns of the price of yacht and the price of a superyacht. Finally, we’ll explain how Assets America ® can help fund your transaction, and then answer frequently asked questions regarding the cost of yacht. Note that we’ll devote a separate article to yacht operation and maintenance costs. This article focuses on how much does it cost to buy a yacht.

How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

To know the context for how much does a yacht cost, we define some important terms.

Yacht Terms

  • Yacht: A sailing or powered watercraft between 39 and 78 feet in length, accommodating up to 6 guests.
  • Superyacht: A luxury yacht ranging in size from 78 to 200 feet in length, accommodating 6 to 12 guests.
  • Megayacht: A luxury yacht greater than 200 feet long holding more than a dozen guests.
  • Cabin Cruiser : A luxury powered boat between 23 and 38 feet in length.
  • Day Sailing Yacht: Small yachts, often with a retractable keel, daggerboard , or centerboard and no cabin.
  • Weekender Yacht: Medium-sized yachts, typically up to 31-feet long. Usually, they have lifting keels or twin keels allowing shallow-water operation for two-to-three-day journeys. Normally, weekender yachts have a simple cabin sleeping two to four passengers along with a small galley.
  • Cruising Yacht: The most common private yacht, with good handling, onboard comfort, sufficient interior space, and capable performance. Typically, they have a teardrop-planform hull with a deep single-fin keel.
  • Luxury Sailing Yacht: Larger yachts powered by wind and engines, with many luxury features.       Typically, yacht makers construct these boats with fiberglass hulls and plenty of automation, lighting, navigation aids, hot water, and more.
  • Racing Yachts: Yachts optimized for fast sailing, with heavy and deep bulb keels, tall masts, and large sails.

Average Cost of Yacht

New yachts over 100-feet long have an average price of a yacht equal to $1 million per 3.3 feet in length. In other words, a 100-foot yacht will, on average, cost more than $30 million. Older yachts below 85 feet are less expensive. For example, an 84-foot yacht originally built in 2002 and renovated in 2015 sold for $1.45 million.

The average price of a yacht that is preowned, entry-level, and in the 30 to 35 foot range, is about $100,000.

How Assets America ® Can Help

Whether you need to borrow $20 million or $1 billion to acquire your yacht, Assets America ® can most assuredly help.  We can arrange short-term or long-term financing for the purchase or refit of yachts, superyachts and megayachts. We can provide financing much more rapidly than most typical funding sources do, and we can arrange financing even if your bank declines.  Call us today at 206-622-3000 for a confidential consultation, or simply fill out the below form and expect and prompt response!

Apply For Financing

How much does a superyacht cost.

Superyacht prices are high but variable. For example, the world’s most expensive superyacht (the History Supreme) has a price of $4.5 billion. And at only 100 feet, it is too small to qualify as a megayacht, even though it certainly has a mega-price! On the other hand, a world-famous golfer purchased a 155-foot superyacht for $20 million, a sweet deal. The average price of a superyacht is $275 million.

How Much Does a Megayacht Cost?

The most expensive megayacht, measuring in at 536 feet, cost $1.5 billion. A 1990, 344-foot megayacht can be yours for $210 million. So, the prices of megayachts can vary greatly. In other words, there is no clear answer to how much does a mega yacht cost.

Video:  Million Pound Mega Yachts for Sale – Documentary 2019

Additional Costs of a Yacht

A few states don’t have sales tax: Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon — and to some extent Alaska. If you buy a yacht in any other state, you’ll owe state sales tax. On a $1 billion yacht purchase, a state like Texas with 6.25% sales tax will collect $62.5 million. You can buy a yacht in a state without sales tax and use it in another state. However, you will eventually have to pay a use tax. Florida caps yacht sales tax at $18,000, but California has no cap.

Municipalities that charge local sales tax could add a percentage point or two to your tax bill.

Most states also assess property taxes on yachts. Marinas may assess a tax on boat slips. Some states will refund fuel taxes on yachts since they don’t use roads.

Yachts with bathroom, eating, and sleeping facilities qualify as second homes. You can deduct the interest on the yacht’s mortgage, but national tax law caps the deduction at $750,000.

A yacht purchased for business purposes is a capital asset that you can depreciate. This would apply to a charter, rental, or fishing yacht that you use to generate income. If you buy a used business yacht for $1 million or less, it might qualify as Section 179 property. If so, you can deduct the full price in the year of purchase.

There are some minor fees you may have to pay when you acquire a boat. For example, you may have to register your yacht with the International Registry, which has fees of $550 to $1,500. Also, you may pay an annual tonnage tax, a ship radio station license fee, and certificate of insurance. Other fees include those for :

  • An annual Maritime Security and Compliance fee
  • Private Yacht Limited Charter Compliance Certificate
  • Minimum Safe Manning Certificate
  • Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) Document
  • Annual Yacht Service
  • Intended Registration and Vessel Under Construction Registration

Cost Breakdown

When you want to know how much does a yacht cost, you need to know the cost factors. A yacht’s price directly ties to its construction costs, which include:

  • Design: The design requires expertise in marine and mechanical engineering. For example, the designers must undertake many stability and hydrodynamic studies. Also, the design must be esthetically pleasing.
  • Construction: It can take many months to construct a large yacht. You must factor in materials, equipment, and labor. Luxury-yacht buyers may want expensive and/or rare materials. One yacht, the infamous History Supreme, contains dinosaur fossils and meteorite stone! But less outlandish materials, such as fine woods and precious metals, still contribute to high construction costs.
  • Engine: The number and power of yacht engines can greatly impact cost. Naturally, all things being equal, a sailing yacht should cost less than a comparable motor yacht. It requires huge power to propel a large megayacht, and an elaborate engine room to operate those engines.
  • Interiors: Large yachts have many rooms, including galleys, heads, bedrooms, meeting rooms and more. In addition, electronics are important cost items.

FAQs — How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

How much does a 50-foot yacht cost.

A 50-foot yacht is a good candidate for weekend duty. A 2014 convertible sportfish costs just under $2 million. An example price of yacht (51-foot 2013 Azium Magellano 50) is $670,760. A 52-foot 2017 Carver C52 Command Bridge sells for $1,149,000.

What is the cost to build a yacht?

Mid-level yachts cost about $25 to $35 per pound to build. Higher-level-yachts have average construction costs pf $45 to $65 per pound. The top vessels built with exotic materials and hi-tech systems can cost $80/pound to build.

How much does a 60-foot yacht cost?

A 60-foot yacht is about the largest size that an owner operates. A new Hatteras M60 can easily cost around $3 million. However, you can get a 2007 60-foot Sunreef 62 for $735,000.

How much does a 100-foot yacht cost?

Superyachts in this range contain many amenities. You can buy a new 100-foot AB 100 for just over $8.8 million. But let’s face it, you can spend hundreds of millions on big yachts. Your only limits are your imagination and most importantly, of course, your wallet!

Related Articles

  • Complete Guide to Yacht Financing
  • Sale Leasebacks – Everything You Need to Know
  • Yacht Builders – Ultimate Guide (Coming Soon)
  • Yacht Interior Designers – Ultimate Guide (Coming Soon)

Recent Posts

  • Commercial Equipment Leasing – Guide + Financing from $10 Million September 26, 2020
  • Industrial Equipment Financing – Guide + Leasing from $10 Million September 18, 2020
  • Heavy Construction Equipment Financing – Leasing from $10 Million September 14, 2020
  • Opportunity Zones – Ultimate Investor’s Guide (2020) September 2, 2020
  • Aircraft Appraisal The Ultimate Guide (Cost, Companies, Advice) August 10, 2020
  • 5 Best Apartment REITs + Comprehensive Reviews (2020) August 8, 2020
  • Multifamily Investing – 50 Expert Tips, Tricks and Hacks July 28, 2020
  • How To Find Multifamily Properties – Ultimate Guide 2020 July 6, 2020
  • Multifamily Industry – 2020 Market Report (Trends, Outlook, News) June 28, 2020
  • FHA Multifamily – Step-By-Step Financing Guide June 20, 2020

Ronny was a pleasure to work with and is extremely knowledgeable. His hard work was never ending until the job was done. They handled a complex lease and guided us through entire process, including the paperwork. Not to mention a below market lease rate and more than all the features we needed in a site. We later used Assets America for a unique equipment financing deal where once again Ronny and team exceeded our expectations and our timeline. Thank you to Assets America for your highly professional service!

Great experience with Assets America. Fast turn around. Had a lender in place in 30 minutes looking to do the deal. Totally amazing. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for financing. Ronny is fantastic. Give them a call if the deal makes sense they can get it funded. Referring all our clients.

Assets America guided us every step of the way in finding and leasing our large industrial building with attached offices. They handled all of the complex lease negotiations and contractual paperwork. Ultimately, we received exactly the space we needed along with a lower than market per square foot pricing, lease length and end of term options we requested. In addition to the real estate lease, Assets America utilized their decades-long financial expertise to negotiate fantastic rates and terms on our large and very unique multimillion dollar equipment purchase/lease. We were thankful for how promptly and consistently they kept us informed and up to date on each step of our journey. They were always available to answer each and every one of our questions. Overall, they provided my team with a fantastic and highly professional service!

Assets America was responsible for arranging financing for two of my multi million dollar commercial projects. At the time of financing, it was extremely difficult to obtain bank financing for commercial real estate. Not only was Assets America successful, they were able to obtain an interest rate lower than going rates. The company is very capable, I would recommend Assets America to any company requiring commercial financing.

Assets America was incredibly helpful and professional in assisting us in purchasing our property. It was great to have such knowledgeable and super-experienced, licensed pros in our corner, pros upon which we could fully rely. They helped and successfully guided us to beat out 9 other competing offers! They were excellent at communicating with us at all times and they were extremely responsive. Having them on our team meant that we could always receive truthful, timely and accurate answers to our questions. We would most definitely utilize their services again and again for all of our real estate needs.

Assets America is a great company to work with. No hassles. Recommend them to everyone. Professional, fast response time and definitely gets the job done.

Ronny at Assets America has been invaluable to us and definitely is tops in his field. Great experience. Would refer them to all our business associates.

We were very pleased with Assets America’s expertise and prompt response to our inquiry. They were very straight forward with us and helped a great deal. We referred them to all our business associates.

I’ve worked with this company for decades. They are reputable, knowledgeable, and ethical with proven results. I highly recommend them to anyone needing commercial financing.

Ronny was incredibly adept and responsive – top-notch professional who arranged impressive term sheets.

Assets America helped us survive a very difficult time and we most definitely give them 5 stars!

Ronny was very friendly and though we were unable to make something happen at the moment he gave me some direction to go.

My business partner and I were looking to purchase a retail shopping center in southern California.  We sought out the services of Ronny, CFO of Assets America.  Ronny found us several commercial properties which met our desired needs.  We chose the property we liked best, and Ronny went to work. He negotiated very aggressively on our behalf. We came to terms with the Seller, entered into a purchase agreement and opened escrow.  Additionally, we needed 80 percent financing on our multimillion-dollar purchase.  Assets America also handled the commercial loan for us.  They were our One-Stop-Shop. They obtained fantastic, low, fixed rate insurance money for us.  So, Assets America handled both the sale and the loan for us and successfully closed our escrow within the time frame stated in the purchase agreement.  Ronny did and performed exactly as he said he would. Ronny and his company are true professionals.  In this day and age, it’s especially rare and wonderful to work with a person who actually does what he says he will do.  We recommend them to anyone needing any type of commercial real estate transaction and we further highly recommend them for any type of commercial financing.  They were diligent and forthright on both accounts and brought our deal to a successful closing.

Questionnaire

  • Search Search Please fill out this field.
  • Personal Finance

What Size Yacht Can You Afford?

how much is a yacht to buy

The word yacht often brings up an image of luxury living on a sleek boat in the sea with a crew of dozens. We don’t want to take the wind out of your sails, so to speak, but even a mountain of money won't necessarily have you swimming with the truly wealthy yacht owners. For example, Tiger Woods purchased his 155-foot superyacht, Privacy, for $20 million—and that’s cheap by swanky yacht standards.

The average annual cost of operating your floating symbol of eliteness is 10% of the purchase price.

What Size Can You Afford?

The word yacht is about as clearly defined as a financial advisor , and you’ll get wildly different answers on what size boat earns that title, depending on whom you ask.

By some definitions, you can still be a yacht owner with a 20-foot boat, and you can join a yacht club and spend your weekends exchanging sea stories with your fellow yacht owners. If you are thinking about investing in a yacht, the first question to ask yourself is how big of a boat can you afford to buy?

Key Takeaways

  • Not all yachts are supersized and prohibitively expensive, like the luxury yachts used by wealthy individually. 
  • It is possible to rent (barefoot charter) a yacht or lease one with a group of friends.
  • Just because you own or lease a yacht doesn't mean you can drive it—you need a captain's license. 
  • Other expenses accompany owning a yacht from insurance to hiring a crew or captain if you can't drive it. 

Calculations and Qualifications

It can be tough to take out a boat loan if you don't meet specific criteria. For example, unless your debt-to-income ratio is below 40%, you’re not likely to hear a resounding yes from the loan officer.

Plan to put at least 10% down on your yacht and pay somewhere around 5% APR for 10 years. That $100,000 entry-level yacht (a used one would be around 30–35 feet long) is going to incur monthly payments of nearly $1,000 after you make your $10,000 down payment.

There’s also another $1,000 to $1,500 (or more) to spend on life jackets and other necessary equipment when you purchase a yacht. Then there's the question of who drives it. 

Can You Drive a Boat?

Are you qualified to operate a larger boat? If not, you’ll have to pay for a captain’s license or hire somebody to operate it for you. In addition, yacht insurance will be north of $600, and a slip rental will set you back a couple of thousand per year.

The annual maintenance costs that amount to 10% of the yacht’s purchase price, which would be around $10,000 on a $100,000 yacht.

To know what you can spend, do the math in reverse: You need to have 55% to 60% of your income available for other needs outside of your yacht. The rest is the absolute max you can blow on your obsession.

The Cheaper Way to Go Yachting

Maybe buying a superyacht just isn’t in the cards for you, but if you don’t want a smaller recreational boat, you may want to consider a bareboat charter. It’s like a lease, and just like with a car, you won’t be the owner but you can rent the yacht for a certain period of time.

This could be very short-term—for a yachting vacation—or long-term. For higher-priced vessels, splitting the costs among multiple people could make the price more reasonable. You as the charterer are responsible for nearly all fees, including fuel, boat insurance , port fees, and everything else.

There are also shared leasing arrangements . In these situations, you pay a monthly fee to a boat club and gain the use of any vessel in the fleet. You still have to pay for fuel and some costs, but the pricing is much more reasonable than trying to purchase the yacht on your own.

Some clubs offer an initiation fee that can go well into the thousands, as well as a monthly fee of a couple of hundred dollars.

The Bottom Line

Owning a luxury yacht takes truly serious money. But for those who earn a higher-than-average income, renting or leasing a vessel, teaming up with friends, or joining a boat or yacht club can make the price comparatively reasonable.

As with any equipment-heavy hobby, the costs are often higher than you think, so you’ll want an emergency fund in place for those unexpected expenses.

Business Insider. " Tiger Woods Has Reportedly Docked His $20 Million, 155-Foot Yacht in the Hamptons — and He Apparently Plans to Stay There During the US Open ."

United Yacht. “ How Much Does It Cost to Own a Yacht? ”

National Marine Lenders Association. “ Things to Consider Before You Shop for a Boat ,” Page 2.

Intuit. “ How Much Does It Really Cost to Own a Boat? ”

Improve Sailing. “ How Much Does It Cost to Dock a Boat for a Year? ”

Progressive. “ Average Boat Insurance Cost .”

Freedom Boat Club. “ Boating Made for Everyone .”

Boatsetter. “ The 5 Secrets Boat Clubs Don’t Want You to Know About .”

how much is a yacht to buy

  • Terms of Service
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices

how much is a yacht to buy

How Much Does a Yacht Cost? The Average Prices and Costs of Yachts

The UK has a long, rich maritime history and, as such, the yachting industry thrives in this country. Sailing is a popular hobby or pastime for many people, and for others it’s very much a lifestyle.

If you’re in the latter category, you might be looking to buy your own and be contemplating the cost of a yacht. There’s a huge variety of vessels available – from motor yachts to a sporting yacht – and the sheer amount of choice and variety of yacht sizes can seem bewildering.  There are also a number of additional costs to consider, such as  yacht insurance . This is something we can help you with at Admiral Marine.

The Average Price of a Yacht in the UK

While yachts are often regarded as synonymous with luxury, in reality they come in a startling range of sizes, designs, and prices. The average cost of buying a yacht in the UK varies considerably, according to a number of factors.

Whether you’re looking to buy a used vessel or a brand-new yacht, as well as the size and type of yacht you want, will all partly determine the price you’ll pay.

The average price of a yacht in the UK

Designed by Freepik https://www.freepik.com/

How Much is a Small Yacht?

At the cheaper end of the market, you should expect to pay a minimum of £10,000 for a small sailing model which will be functional but modest, with the price rising to £50,000 or more for a new, more sophisticated, motorised yacht.

If you’re looking for something more spacious with a range of additional features, mid-range yachts in the UK are often priced between £50,000 and £500,000. These boats may come with more advanced navigation equipment, refined interiors, and extra amenities. These are more suitable for experienced sailors who are prepared to spend more on their passion.

Larger, motor-driven yachts will set you back hundreds of thousands of pounds. For example, a new 50-foot yacht costs upwards of £200,000, whereas a 70-foot yacht or 100-foot yacht will set you back anywhere from £1 million to many times that sum.

How much is a small yacht?

How Much Does a Super Yacht Cost?

In terms of top tier yachts – or “super yachts” – these can cost millions or even tens of millions of pounds and upwards. These vessels are often enormous (ranging from 120 feet to 300 feet in length). They epitomise luxury and may have multiple decks, along with swimming pools, helipads and sophisticated entertainment facilities.

How much does a super yacht cost?

Additional Costs and Maintenance

While the upfront cost of buying a yacht is substantial, there are a number of supplementary fees that apply to yacht ownership. You can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of the yacht’s initial purchase price on such annual costs. Here are a few to consider:

  • Insuring your yacht is essential and the price will vary according to its value, its size and its intended function. We can provide insurance for a variety vessels, including  sailing yacht insurance and motor boat insurance . Contact us now to receive a  bespoke quote .
  • Maintaining your yacht. Additional costs might come in the form of engine servicing or repairs.
  • Finding the right place to dock your yacht is crucial and can be expensive, particularly in popular marinas. Annual mooring fees vary considerably depending on the location and the size of the vessel.

Owning a yacht is an aspiration for many people, but it’s important to bear in mind the costs associated with buying one.

You should begin your search having already established a rough budget, the size of the vessel you’d like to purchase and what you’ll principally be using it for. Otherwise, the yacht market can seem overwhelmingly diverse, making it difficult to choose the right model for you.

What is the average price of a yacht?

What is the average price of a yacht?

The average price of a yacht in the UK is difficult to determine due to the variety on offer. A yacht can cost anywhere from around £10,000 to several million pounds before you start to get into super yacht territory. That said, a mid-sized sailboat should cost you between £50,000 and £100,000.

What is the price of a luxury yacht?

The price of a luxury yacht depends on whether you’re looking for a high-spec sailing vessel or a “super yacht”. For the former, the price will be upwards of £1 million, while the latter could exceed £100 million.

How much does a yacht cost to rent?

The cost of renting a yacht varies enormously, depending on what sort of vessel you’re looking for. A mid-sized motorboat or sailing yacht costs around £400 – £1,600 per day, while a much larger, luxury yacht could easily cost around £10,000 per day.

how much is a yacht to buy

Admiral Marine is a trading name of Admiral Marine Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 306002) for general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 02666794 at 1st Floor, One The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6DG

If you wish to register a complaint, please contact the Compliance and Training Manager on  [email protected] .  If you are unsatisfied with how your complaint has been dealt with, you may be able to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).  The FOS website is  www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

how much is a yacht to buy

+44 (0)1722 416106 | [email protected] | Blakey Road, Salisbury, SP1 2LP, United Kingdom

how much is a yacht to buy

Part of the Hayes Parsons Group

GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences. These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. We are not a comparison-tool and these offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

How Much Does a Yacht Cost To Own?

Nicole Spector

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology .

20 Years Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed by Experts

Trusted by Millions of Readers

What type of person can afford a yacht?

It’s easy to think of multi-millionaires and billionaires when pondering this question, because few things in this world symbolize wealth and luxury like a yacht, which is like the Rolex watch of the sea.

But is owning a yacht really so unattainable for the average American ? How much does it cost to own a yacht? Are yachts always unaffordable, or are there exceptions? They can be “cheap” — but maintenance and fuel cost are a fortune.

How Much Do Yachts Cost?

The price range of yachts varies wildly — from $50,000 to well into tens of millions. 

“The cost of yachts has gone up significantly over the last few years, but there is still a very wide price range depending on factors such as the size and age of the yacht you’re after, and how good a condition it is in on purchasing,” said Emily Nancolas, the founder of the sailing website Two Get Lost. “Yachts can range from around $50,000 for an older, smaller yacht of about 38 feet, all the way up to the tens of millions for super yachts .”

What Makes a Boat a Yacht?

But the answer to this question of how much a yacht costs also depends on how you define a yacht.

“If we define a yacht by the Large Yacht Code (LY2/LY3), we are talking about vessels 24 meters in length and above,” said Doug Bird, VP of sales at GetMyBoat. “At this point, older used vessels can be found for around $500,000, but most will be above $1 million and considerably higher depending on the year, make, model, size and features of the yacht you’re looking to buy. Smaller yachts in the 55- to 85-foot range will also be similar, with the lower end being around $350,000 plus.”

Location Matters

Another factor to consider when figuring the cost of a yacht is its location.

“Prices vary geographically,” said Mirela Letailleur, a yacht owner and a travel blogger with The Travel Bunny. “In Sweden you find small used yachts in a great state with prices as low as $1,000, which will never be available in the South of France or the U.S., for example.”

How Much Does a 100-Foot Yacht Cost? 

“If it’s a new yacht, it can cost over $30 million — $1 million per 3.3 feet in length,” said Letailleur. “And if you’re talking about boats this big, you need to add crew costs to the expenses.”

How Much Money Is a Luxury Yacht?

And of course, you’ve got the luxury yachts . These tend to be highly customized and may have a variety of unique — and pricey — features. They cost tens of millions of dollars.

Make your money work for you

Get the latest news on investing, money, and more with our free newsletter.

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Unsubscribe at any time.

how much is a yacht to buy

You're now subscribed to our newsletter. Check your inbox for more details.

“Some have snow rooms next to their saunas, others have helipads and helicopters and so on,” said Letailleur. “It all depends on how much the owner can afford and wants to spend on this hobby.”

Which Is the Cheapest Yacht?

“There is no cheapest model of yacht,” said Nancolas. “The cheapest way to buy a yacht is to buy small and old! Yachts lose value significantly as they age, and the smaller a yacht is, the cheaper it will tend to get. Make sure you always get a professional survey done before buying a used yacht, and expect there to be quite a few maintenance jobs that need to be done before you can hit the high.”

What Are the Hidden Costs of Owning a Yacht?

“In the first three years that we owned [our yacht] Polar Seal, we have spent at least $40,000 to equip her for cruising and ocean sailing,” said Sophie Darsy of Ryan and Sophie Sailing. “Those costs included:

  • A new cockpit enclosure to keep the cockpit dry at sea or in the rain for about $7000 
  • New sails for about $8,000 
  • A dinghy and an electric outboard for $5,000
  • A solar panel arch at the back of the boat to power our batteries for $4,000
  • A water maker to make fresh water from sea water for $2,000
  • Lithium batteries and electric parts to power our appliances and be self-sufficient energy-wise for $6,000
  • A new autopilot for $2,000
  • A life raft for $2,500
  • Lifejackets equipped with tether lines and man-overboard recovery devices for $800 each
  • A lot of safety and communications equipment such as a satellite phone, an EPIRB, a ditch bag, etc., for around $3,000
  • The list goes on!”

Nancolas added that you’ll also need to figure in the cost of fuel — especially if it’s a motor yacht. 

“Taxes you can expect to pay with a yacht purchase include sales tax, use/registration tax and personal property taxes,” Bird said. “Some states do not have a sales tax on watercraft, so you can avoid certain taxes depending on where you purchase your yacht.”

However, you can use a yacht purchase for a tax deduction. “Regarding tax breaks for U.S.-based yacht buyers, you can take a one-time expense deduction in the year of purchase equal to the purchase price of your yacht, up to a maximum deduction of $500,000 per Internal Revenue Code section 179,” Bird said.

“Insurance varies based on the age and value of your yacht, the experience you have as a skipper and the area of the world in which you are sailing,” said Darsy. “If you allow around $1,000 a year for a smaller yacht and up to $5,000-$8,000 for a boat worth around $400,000-$600,000, then you should be covered.”

Bear in mind that the pricier and more valuable the yacht, the more difficult it becomes to obtain insurance for it.

“Once you get up to a yacht’s $1,000,000 plus range in value, only a small handful of insurance companies will write the policy,” said R.J. Weiss, a Certified Financial Planner and the founder of the personal finance site The Ways to Wealth. “This can bring up complications in overall insurance planning, as one will want to ensure that their umbrella policy will sit over their yacht insurance policy to provide adequate liability coverage.”

Harbor Fees

“The cost to dock a yacht at a harbor or marina will vary depending on the size of the boat and the location of the marina,” Bird said. “On average, it will cost $50 per foot of the yacht per year to store in a wet slip at a dock in a marina, but it can cost well over $200 per foot per year in high-demand locations in California or Florida .”

If your yacht is big enough, you’ll need a crew to help sail it. Between salaries, uniforms, food and training, crewing a yacht can end up being nearly half of the yearly cost to own it.

Is It Worth Owning A Yacht?

Whether it is worth it to own a yacht really comes down to how you live your life. Can you afford a yacht? Furthermore, how much will you actually use it?

“For the average person, owning a yacht is not worth the costs and liability when the reality is no one has as much time as they’d like to be out on their boat,” Bird said. “For people looking to truly commit to the yacht life, i.e., living aboard their yacht for periods of time or even turning it into a business by chartering it when they aren’t using it for personal reasons, it can be a very worthwhile investment.”

Whether or not owning a yacht is worth it is also a question of personal values and the things in life that you just can’t put a price-tag on — like happiness .

“There’s the whole freedom that comes with sailing,” said Letailleur. “That’s worth it no matter the costs, especially if one can afford it.”

Does a Yacht Appreciate or Depreciate Over Time? 

“When it comes to older boats, it depends on condition and gear. A blue water, ocean capable yacht, which has been maintained, will appreciate , as they are getting harder to find,” said Nim and Fabiola Hirschhorn, owners of Sail LUNA and Sail.Play.Dine. “People will pay for older boats that were over-engineered, built strong and not produced to the minimum tolerance [by which] some of today’s boats are built.”

However, most yachts will depreciate over time — similar to cars, the older they are, the less they’re worth and the more maintenance they’ll need. You’d be very lucky to sell a yacht for more than you paid for it.

A yacht can cost as little as a thousand bucks, but it likely won’t be in very good, or even working, condition — and it certainly won’t be new. A more reasonable range for yachts is between $50,000 to well over a million dollars. And then of course, you’ve got the thousands extra in maintenance, upgrades, taxes, harbor fees and fuel.

If you’re interested in buying a yacht, you should do the following: 

  • Stay aboard a yacht to see how you like it
  • Determine which type of yacht meets your needs and budget
  • Work with a yacht broker or dealer who can help find the right yacht for you
  • Look up the taxes and yearly harbor fees in your area
  • Buy a yacht only after you’ve taken it out for a spin on the great open sea!

This article was updated on Sept. 12, 2022, to correct the name of The Travel Bunny blog.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy .

  • CNN Travel. 2021. "The hidden costs of owning a superyacht."
  • GetMyBoat. "GetMyBoat."
  • The Ways To Wealth. "The Ways To Wealth."

Share This Article:

Related Content

7 Ways To Start Building Wealth Like the Rich

7 Ways To Start Building Wealth Like the Rich

July 17, 2024

Grant Cardone: These Are the 3 Money Lessons You Need To Build Wealth

Grant Cardone: These Are the 3 Money Lessons You Need To Build Wealth

July 16, 2024

Check Your $2 Bills — They Could Be Worth a Ton

Check Your $2 Bills -- They Could Be Worth a Ton

See What a $100K Salary Looks Like After Taxes in Your State

See What a $100K Salary Looks Like After Taxes in Your State

8 Signs You’re on Track To Go From Middle Class to Upper Class

8 Signs You're on Track To Go From Middle Class to Upper Class

The Salary Needed To Crack the Top 5% in 9 California Cities

The Salary Needed To Crack the Top 5% in 9 California Cities

July 15, 2024

5 Things the Upper Class Pays For in Cash That the Middle Class Doesn’t

5 Things the Upper Class Pays For in Cash That the Middle Class Doesn't

Why Looking Poor Is Key to Better Wealth, According to Money Pro Nischa

Why Looking Poor Is Key to Better Wealth, According to Money Pro Nischa

I’m a Financial Advisor: This Money Advice From Mark Cuban Could Help You Make Thousands

I'm a Financial Advisor: This Money Advice From Mark Cuban Could Help You Make Thousands

Here’s How Much Your Vintage 2000s Toys Might Be Worth

Here's How Much Your Vintage 2000s Toys Might Be Worth

Here’s the Salary Needed To Crack the Top 5% in 5 Texas Cities

Here's the Salary Needed To Crack the Top 5% in 5 Texas Cities

I’m a Financial Advisor: This Money Advice From Jaspreet Singh Could Help You Make Thousands

I'm a Financial Advisor: This Money Advice From Jaspreet Singh Could Help You Make Thousands

Here’s How Mark Cuban Would Get Rich if He Had To Start From Scratch

Here's How Mark Cuban Would Get Rich if He Had To Start From Scratch

Track These 5 Numbers To Build Wealth, According to Money Expert Rachel Cruze

Track These 5 Numbers To Build Wealth, According to Money Expert Rachel Cruze

July 12, 2024

5 Ways To Become a Millionaire as a Nanny

5 Ways To Become a Millionaire as a Nanny

I Grew Up Wealthy: Here Are 4 Things To Never Waste Money On

I Grew Up Wealthy: Here Are 4 Things To Never Waste Money On

  • How To Make More Money
  • How To Build Wealth
  • How To Become a Millionaire in Your 40s
  • Build Your Wealth In 10 Years
  • Grow Your Wealth When Money is Tight

how much is a yacht to buy

BEFORE YOU GO

See today's best banking offers.

how much is a yacht to buy

Sending you timely financial stories that you can bank on.

Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics.

For our full Privacy Policy, click here .

1pximage

  • Boating Safety
  • Company News

Experiences

  • Destinations
  • Boating Regulations
  • How Much Does It Cost to Buy & Own a Boat? A Comprehensive Owner’s Guide

how much is a yacht to buy

Related Posts

how much is a yacht to buy

Six Reasons to Rent Instead of Buying a Boat

how much is a yacht to buy

How to Choose the Right Boat - Getmyboat Guide

how much is a yacht to buy

Finding the Right Fishing Boat for You

Make it a Boat Day: Browse Boat Rentals

There's a whole lot more to consider than just the purchase price. Here's everything you need to know as you consider the costs of boat ownership.

Owning a boat can provide you with exciting adventures and lasting memories. If you love spending your holidays on the water fishing, cruising, or touring with your family, owning a boat should be on your bucket list. Unlike a rental boat, boat ownership allows you to enjoy a journey whenever you like, with no time limits.

Setting aside the thrill of owning a boat for a moment, can you afford one?

When buying a boat, it’s not only the sales price that counts. You must also consider the average cost of boat ownership, such as fuel, maintenance, insurance coverage, and storage. It would help if you researched all the options before diving into such an investment.

This guide will give you all the information you need to own a boat. Let’s start with some of the things to keep in mind before purchasing a boat.

Table of Contents

Purchase price vs. ongoing costs, are boats a good investment, can i afford a boat, used vs. new boat prices, different boat types & sizes, the best value boats for your money, marinas and storage, equipment & accessories, licenses and education, maintenance costs, the bottom line.

The first thing that comes to mind when considering owning a boat is, obviously, the purchase price — how much are you going to have to pay upfront to buy the boat of your dreams? By making online price comparisons and asking around, you probably already have a rough idea of how much your dream boat costs.

The purchase price of a boat depends on many factors, most significantly the size of the boat, and the type of boat — which can vary drastically depending on whether you want something for the occasional weekend family day on the water, multi-day boat trips, something suitable for large parties, a small and simple cruiser for fishing, or any number of other boat types .

If you're the social type, make sure the boats you're considering have room enough for a group.

The purchase price can also vary greatly depending on the boat's age and condition. Buying a new boat can range from $500 to $500 million though looking at used boats can offer considerable savings and might enable you to set aside more cash for the inevitable ongoing costs you'll face in the future.

And of course, these prices are highly variable depending on the specific boat features and construction, but the biggest price jumps come when comparing entirely different styles of boat. For some rough ballpark examples, a brand-new cabin-free motorized fishing boat can easily cost up to $35,000, whereas a yacht will run you closer to $250,000 for a used one to $500,000 for a brand-new one.

But, is that purchase price all you need to consider?

Unfortunately, no, it's not. Owning a boat doesn’t end with paying the purchase price . You also have to consider the ongoing expenses, which can cost even more than the initial boat price in the long term. A simple thing such as trailering a boat can add significantly to your ownership cost, depending on how often you do it.

Some additional expenses that come with owning a boat include:

  • Maintenance costs
  • Storage costs
  • Fuel expenses
  • Insurance coverage
  • Equipment and accessories
  • Taxes, title, and registration
  • Boat trailing expenses

A boat is a major life purchase, and even if you're not planning to use it for any commercial purposes, it could be considered an investment — and a significant one. But, is it a good investment?

To be frank, no, not really. Many financial experts don’t consider a boat a sound investment because of the ongoing costs of maintaining it. Also, since it is a depreciating asset , many do not view it as a wise purchase because you’ll spend more to own it in the long run. The specifics and calculus of depreciation are complex, and it's worth diving into some of the thorough reports that you can find online — you can try using a boat depreciation calculator , or studying the depreciation of specific boat types .

But wait! Owning a boat is about a lot more than just the financial side of it. If boating is your life's joy and a major part of your lifestyle, overall happiness, and how you like to spend your time, that's a very significant emotional element to weigh against the more cold and unforgiving financial numbers. And consider the other values a boat can bring to your life:

  • Personal fun: Some people can’t get enough of water adventures. You need a boat if you love being surrounded by blue skies and water. When personal enjoyment with family and friends gives you that adrenaline rush, no dollar amount can exceed such experiences.
  • Commercial value: Owning a boat can provide you with a side income. When you’re not using it for a family adventure, consider renting out your boat for an attractive cost to another family. If you take advantage of the rental feature , you can also offer water tours, fishing, or sporting activities and earn some extra money.
  • Resale value: While you will unquestionably take a big hit in depreciation to some degree, you can reduce it somewhat by taking excellent care of your boat and keeping it well maintained. And while you should never expect to be able to recoup all of what you spent on your boat purchase, your boat is still an asset with some resale value, unlike a consumable good.

It's natural to dream, but think carefully: are you really in a good financial position to turn your dream of owning a boat into reality? When you think about the purchase price of a boat and all the expenses of owning one, can you still afford it?

Of course, you need a solid budget before making this huge investment. Aside from the purchase price, list the monthly expenses for repairs, maintenance, insurance, storage, equipment, and accessories. Budget for a certain percentage, such as 20% of the value, to cover these expenses.

Also, think about the face value of your boat. More expensive boats tend to cost more on storage, maintenance, and gas than cheaper ones. If you buy a luxury boat, you’re also buying the life that comes with owning one.

To figure out whether you can afford a boat or not, you have to think about the following factors:

  • Your credit score: If you’re securing financing for a boat, you must consider your credit score to know how much you qualify for. If you have a high credit score, you’ll qualify for higher financing and pay a very low-interest rate. A score of 690 or higher will likely get you the best deal.
  • Consider your DTI: Your debt-to-income ratio will play another role in determining whether you can afford a boat. To calculate your DTI, add your monthly debt payments and divide them by your gross income. If you get anything less than 43%, you stand a good chance of being approved for a loan to buy your dream boat.
  • Your budget: How much you plan on the purchase price for a boat and the ongoing costs is important in determining if you can afford it. Don’t go above your budget just because you can afford it. Sticking to your budget will save you from the looming stress of owning a boat.

Generally, affording a boat means buying and maintaining one well without affecting your living expenses. Consider the initial purchase price, financing implications, and the expenses of keeping the boat on the water. If you find it hard to afford one after reviewing these factors, give yourself more time.

The Upfront Cost

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of buying a boat is the upfront cost. Other things, such as maintenance and fuel, tend to come later. So, what is the upfront cost of owning a boat? And why are boats so expensive?

A less expensive $150 floating boat will do for modest near-the-shore adventures. For a luxury cruise sure to turn heads, budget for thousands of dollars in upfront costs.

The upfront cost of a boat will depend on numerous factors, such as the brand, type, size, and extra features. For example, if you plan to purchase a luxury boat with all the amenities that money can buy, you’ll probably have to pay for an arm and a leg to get it.

How much does it cost to buy & own a boat?

You can control the price depending on your primary purpose of using the boat. For instance, you won’t want to spend money on all the technology and luxury amenities to enjoy a simple cruise on a holiday weekend. You can save on various accessories, such as lights and entertainment, if you only spend a short time on the water.

Some of the factors to keep in mind when deciding the upfront cost of purchasing a boat include:

  • Brand: Boats are available in different brands, affecting their prices. The cost of a small boat, 6-10 feet, can cost anywhere from $500 to $800. If you’re looking for brand-name superyachts, prepare to spend millions of dollars from the start.
  • Style: If you care much about the style of your boat, recognize that the most stylish ones will cost more. Higher-end boats will cost more than less elegant ones.
  • Size: If you want a bigger boat for your family and friends, prepare to pay more than you would for a simple one that accommodates three to five people. Any boat over 12 feet will need a bigger engine, which means a higher purchase price.

There’s a huge price difference between used and new boats. Buying a new boat can be more expensive than buying a used one of the same type. Of course, the condition of the used boat will also factor into the price difference versus a new one. A second-hand boat that has only been running for two years will be more expensive than one that has been around for more than five years.

New boats come with luxury features and the latest technologies. They are generally immaculate because they’ve not experienced any wear and tear. The engine is still at maximum working capacity, and other amenities have not been touched. All the shine, beauty, and glamor are much more expensive.

Aside from the higher price, new boats tend to depreciate faster. In the first year of using your new boat, it will depreciate at about 10% and then reduce to around 8% to 6% per year in the subsequent years.

Even though buying a used boat comes with some added risks, used boats are much less expensive than new ones. You can find a good deal on a used boat on classifieds websites like Craigslist, BoatTrader.com, and Facebook Marketplace. Frequently, you can buy a good used boat for less than 50% of the cost of a new one.

Compared to new boats, used boats depreciate at a much slower pace. A used boat has already experienced much depreciation and tends to retain its value more than a new one.

The risk of buying a second-hand boat can include higher maintenance costs. Unless it is well-maintained, you risk buying a boat with pre-existing issues, from appearance and functionality to safety. Buying a new one guarantees peace of mind that you won’t get if you opt for a used one.

Another significant factor determining how much upfront you’ll pay for a boat is its type and size. Boats come in different sizes and types; some might be wildly out of your budget range, and others quite affordable.

Typically, boats are classed by length:

  • Class A : 16 feet or under
  • Class 1: 16–26 feet
  • Class 2: 26–40 feet
  • Class 3: 40–65 feet

Many factors will determine the boat size most suited for you, including previous boating experience, storage space, activity, docking space, and budget.

Once you decide on the size, the type of boat you choose is another factor that drives the purchase price. The most common types of boats include:

  • Pontoon boats: Many owners start with a pontoon boat to enjoy water adventures. These boats are perfect for fishing or just traveling in the water. They’re not good for water sports because they are very slow. Pontoon boats cost between $10,000-$80,000.
  • Sailboats: A sailboat is another common type used for recreational activities such as cruising and racing. These boats are very economical, as you can use the sails and not fuel. You can get a quality sailboat for as low as $5,000.
  • Yachts: A yacht is usually associated with luxury and prestige. Yachts have high-end facilities and entertainment features, allowing people to live comfortably inside for lengths at a time. All this luxury does come at a price. A small-sized yacht can cost a whopping $500,000.
  • Fishing boats: Buying a fishing boat will ensure you enjoy unlimited fishing adventures. They tend to have a small seating area with an open deck space for storing caught fish. A new aluminum fishing boat can start at $25,000, while a fiberglass boat can range from $32,000-$35,000.
  • Speedboats: Speedboats, also known as motorboats, are equipped with engines. Because of its powerful engine, a speedboat tends to go very fast but consumes a lot of fuel. You can get a new speedboat for $30,000-$75,000.
  • Cabin cruisers: Cabin cruisers are also packed with all the best features money can buy. They work like mobile mini vacation homes, perfect for family adventures. A new cabin cruiser starts at about $100K and ranges to $500K.

To determine the best value for your money, return to the question, “Can you afford a boat?” Having looked at various boat prices, you can see that some boats are quite affordable, but others are expensive. But no matter how cheap or expensive a boat is, you must still consider the intended use.

How much does it cost to buy & own a boat?

For example, you can’t buy a fishing boat for racing. So, even if a fishing boat is cheaper than a speedboat, you’ll still go for the latter because it will fulfill the intended purpose. You won’t get value for your money if you’re buying a boat you won’t use.

So, the best value for your money is one that fulfills its intended purpose. For instance, it won’t matter if you pay a hefty price for a cabin cruiser or a yacht as long as you spend a wonderful vacation with your loved ones onboard. So, when choosing the right boat , consider how it will serve you before considering its monetary value.

The Ongoing Costs

Whether buying a new or a used boat, you must look beyond the upfront costs. Keeping the boat active and ensuring it serves you well come at a cost. Knowing all the expenditures of owning a boat will help you devise a better plan so that these expenses won’t catch you off guard.

So, before buying your dream boat, consider the following ongoing expenses.

Where will you keep your boat when it’s not on the water? If you plan to store it at a marina, you’ll have monthly fees for the storage. Marina costs vary, including indoor or outdoor storage, the storage period, and other services such as cleaning and security.

Storing your boat can range from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars monthly. For instance, storing your boat at a privately-owned storage facility might cost less than mooring it at a municipal or private marina. Additional fees with boat storage include utility fees, maintenance fees, car parking fees, and live aboard fees.

How much you spend on fuel will depend on a few things: your type of boat, how often you use it, and the specific type of fuel you need. A sailboat will obviously be much more economical regarding fuel, since it can run primarily on wind power. On the other hand, a speedboat will tend to have additional costs because it consumes more fuel to power the engine.

You might also spend more on boat fuel if you carry a huge load or encounter unfavorable sea conditions. And remember that fuel prices often fluctuate with the current economic situation, so plan your boating trips accordingly.

Apart from the fuel, you’ll also have to pay for other operational expenses such as oil, pumps, lights, batteries, and specialized equipment. One thing you can do to reduce fuel costs is to use a fuel consumption gauge. Also, consider buying newer model boats designed for better fuel efficiency.

To take your boat out on the water, you’ll likely equip it with different accessories. Some accessories are for your own use, while others are essential for running the boat.

The good news is that some of these accessories are one-time expenses. However, you must factor them in because they contribute significantly to overall boat costs.

Some accessories and equipment to consider for your boat include:

  • Lifejackets
  • Fishing tackle
  • Watersports equipment
  • First aid kits
  • Personal locator beacons
  • Marina radio
  • EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon)
  • Extra fishing rod holders
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Electronics
  • Visual distress signal
  • Sound-producing device
  • Boat cushions
  • Tackle storage

Of course, the accessories you need depend on the boat type, your purpose for using the boat, and how long you will spend on the water. Your needs also depend on the season, so you might only need some things at a time. Budget for the equipment as you need it, and treat your boat to an accessory upgrade occasionally.

A boat operator license and a boater’s safety education course are mandatory in many states. When boaters are educated on operating a boat and safety measures, they’ll be less likely to get into an accident on the water.

The weather conditions can change at any time, and it might be difficult to control the boat if you don't have the training you gain from taking safety courses. These courses remind boaters about safety rules, operational laws, and general boating knowledge.

Every state has specific boater education requirements that you should review. Don’t just take the course because it’s a requirement; consider the benefits. You can select online or in-person classes for free or for a small instructional fee.

After training, you’ll also need to pay title fees and registration. Your boat registration is the identification number on its bow. Getting your boat registration and title varies from state to state, so look into your state's requirements. Registration and title costs range between $20 to more than $200, depending on the vessel's type, size, and purpose.

Whether you buy a used or new boat, you have to maintain it well to keep it in good condition and retain its resale value. Boat maintenance includes cleaning, waxing, engine tune-ups, and painting. You might also have to deal with repairs, such as electrical and plumbing issues.

Yearly boat maintenance can cost about 5% to 10% of the boat's total value. The cost might be less or more depending on factors such as frequency of use, boat age, and weather conditions. You can also handle some maintenance issues yourself to save money.

Remember that a new boat will cost less to repair than a used one. However, as the boat ages, it will depreciate and require more maintenance. Also, if you use your boat in freshwater, you’ll save more on maintenance and cleaning than if you use it in salt water.

You need to insure your boat against unexpected occurrences, such as an accident or damage. The right coverage will give you peace of mind whenever you are out on the water or have your boat in a storage facility.

The costs of insuring your boat also depend on several factors, such as the type, size, and frequency of use. Other factors influencing the cost include add-ons such as towing, salvage, docking, and storm coverage.

Boat insurance coverage varies from state to state and with the insurance company you choose to work with. Conduct extensive research and read reviews before choosing an insurer for your boat. Once you identify one, let them give you a quote so that you can estimate your annual premiums and if they fit into your budget.

So, What's the Total Cost?

Buying a boat will be expensive or cheap, depending on what you want and how prepared you are. It’s important to research the purchase of various boat types and the ongoing costs before you make the bold step.

You might pay twice the actual boat price if you calculate annual fuel costs, maintenance, storage, repair, accessories, and more. For example, if you bought a yacht for $250,000, the ongoing costs might add up to $500,000 annually.

Remember, this figure includes one-time costs such as registration, training, and equipment. The amount might not be the same for subsequent years since you won’t have to register your boat again or take certain educational courses.

The total investment also depends on your lifestyle. Apart from mandatory costs, other expenses accompany spending time on the water. These include food, drinks and ice, a tour guide, and other things to make your boat adventure enjoyable. Consider all the factors of owning a boat and fit them to your situation, then calculate your total cost.

Given the fun and memories that owning a boat brings to the family, buying a boat can be a good ‘ROE’ - Return on Emotions. However, if you don’t prepare for all the expenses of owning a boat, you might not enjoy it in the long run. You must research and understand all the costs and aspects of a boating lifestyle.

Remember, you’re not just buying a boat; you're buying the luxury of owning one. You can only enjoy your boat when you’re not stressing about the finances of owning it.

Boat Buying FAQs

How do I determine the cost of a boat?

Boat prices vary by brand, size, and type. You also look beyond the purchase price for ongoing maintenance, fuel, storage, and insurance costs.

Why do boats consume so much fuel?

Boats run on water instead of land, consuming more fuel than cars. Many forces drag it behind, such as wind resistance, waves, and aerodynamics, which contribute to more fuel consumption.

How long does a new boat last?

A new boat can last between 5-50 years. Factors affecting a boat’s lifespan include material (wood, aluminum, or fiberglass), frequency of use, and maintenance.

What is the most expensive type of boat?

A yacht and a cabin cruiser are the most expensive boats, ranging from $500,000 to millions.

Browse Trip Categories

  • About Getmyboat
  • Media Inquiries
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Member Interface Agreement
  • How It Works
  • Mobile Apps
  • Boat Rentals
  • Jet Ski Rental
  • Fishing Charters
  • Houseboat Rental
  • Pontoon Rental
  • Yacht Rental
  • Sailboat Rental
  • Bachelorette Party Boat Rental
  • Party Boat Rentals
  • Experiences Guide

Popular Destinations

  • Lake Travis
  • Lake Lanier
  • Newport Beach
  • Lake Norman

24/7 live support

Real reviews from happy Getmyboaters.

App Store

how much is a yacht to buy

Know These Boat Buying Tips Before Making An Expensive Mistake

I 'm going through the process of moving to a state with one of the highest per-capita boating populations in the country as well as thousands of miles of coastline along the great lakes and abundant amounts of smaller lakes that are fabulous for boating as well. Simply put, in addition to getting a truck ... I'm saving up for a new boat too. Unfortunately, that's not as easy of a decision as you might think. For instance, in St Joseph, MI - where our new condo is - I can get a used pontoon boat and cruise the river and possibly the lake on a calm day but to go out and have fun fishing on Lake Michigan, I'd need a completely different type of vessel.

Fortunately, thanks to the internet, there are plenty of resources to learn about different types of boats and talk with enthusiasts and current boat owners to get their advice too. Plus, because of this open market, boats are more affordable and attainable than ever before. To ensure you get the boat of your dreams at a reasonable price, this boat-buying guide should help.

For the purposes of this guide on how to buy the right boat, we're going to specifically focus on power boats since sailboats and manually propelled watercraft such as kayaks and canoes are completely different categories with their own unique requirements.

Are You Ready To Become A Boat Owner?

 Being a boat owner is a big responsibility and that's certainly true if you live in an area where boating isn't a year-round activity. For instance, in Michigan boating is huge during the summer but that season only lasts from April to September at most and then for the rest of the year you need to take the boat out of the water and store it somewhere safe. This means even when you aren't able to enjoy your boat ... you are still paying for the privilege of boat ownership.

What Boat Owners Should Consider Before Buying A Boat

Buying a boat is a significant investment and there are several factors a prospective boat owner should consider before making a purchase. 

T ype of Boat:

There are many types of boats, including fishing boats, sailboats, speed boats, yachts, pontoon boats, cabin cruisers, etc. The choice of the perfect boat depends on what you plan to use it for. Do you want it for fishing, water sports, cruising, sailing, or long-distance traveling? Understanding your needs and desires will help you narrow down your choices.

New or Used:

Buying a new boat comes with warranties and the assurance that everything is in top shape, but it can be quite expensive. Used boats are less costly but might require more maintenance, and there's the risk of hidden problems. It's crucial to thoroughly inspect any used boat before purchase.

Size of the Boat:

The size of the boat should match its intended use and the number of people who will frequently use it. Larger boats offer more amenities and space but are harder to maneuver and maintain. Smaller boats may be easier to handle and cheaper to run and maintain.

Cost and Budget:

The initial cost of the boat is just the beginning. Consider the cost of boat insurance, mooring or other boat storage, fees, maintenance, fuel, and equipment. Remember that certain types of boats, like sailboats and yachts, can have significant operating costs.

Maintenance and Upkeep:

Boats require regular maintenance to stay in good shape. This includes engine maintenance, hull cleaning, and protection against corrosion for metal parts. If you're not willing or able to invest time and money into maintenance, a boat might not be the right choice for you.

Consider where you will store your boat when it's not in use. If you live near the water, you might moor it at a dock. If you live further inland, you'll need to consider trailer storage and potentially a vehicle capable of your size boat and towing it.

Boat insurance is essential to protect your investment. The cost of insurance will depend on the boat's value, size, type, and how you intend to use it.

Training and Licensing:

Depending on where you live, you may need a license or take a boating safety course to operate a boat. Even if it's not required, such training can be invaluable for safety on the water.

Accessories and Equipment:

Boats require safety and navigation equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers, radios, GPS, etc. Additionally there are many different boat accessories that you will want to add to your vessel both of safety and comfort. Consider these costs as well.

Resale Value:

Like cars, boats depreciate over time, but some brands and types of boats hold their value better than others. If you plan to sell your boat eventually, you might want to consider its potential resale value before buying a used boat.

By carefully considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision and find a boat that's right for you.

What Type of Boat Is Right For You?

Boats come in all shapes and sizes, different types of boats are used for different activities. Depending on what your interest are, this will vary what kind of boat you should purchase. Therefore, before you start investigating makes, models, and prices, you should know what type of boat is right for you. Here are a few of the most common types and how boats are best put to use:

  • Runabout . Considered entry-level vessels, these boats lack any cabin space, but they are fun for casual days on the water.
  • Bass . Another type for fishing, bass boats are slim, ideal for shallow freshwater regions.
  • Bowrider . Built to allow for maximum seating, these are boats for entertainment. Usually, they can pick up enough speed to pull wakeboards, but they might also have swimming platforms for stationary water fun.
  • Pontoon & TriToons.  These were once simply referred to as deck boats since they consisted of a wide open deck placed on top of two or three hollow aluminum pontoons. While mostly used on calm lakes and rivers, newer tritoon boats are designed for moderate chop and can operate safely close to shore in ocean and Great Lakes marine environments.
  • Cuddy cabins . Acceptable for fishing, water sports, yachting, and sailing, these small boats offer a little of everything.
  • Center-console . These boats are configured to help sport fishers in offshore waterways.
  • Houseboat . These boats can range widely in the amount of amenities and luxury they offer, but all provide sufficient overnight accommodations for travel or holiday living.
  • Cabin cruiser .  More compact  than houseboats and more ideal for saltwater, these boats are often used for long-term, long-distance travel.
  • Motor yacht . Large and powerful, these boats are exhilarating to ride while offering luxurious and spacious quarters. However, they also tend to be expensive.

New Or Used Boat

While presenting a brand-new boat to your man might seem more romantic, the truth is new boats aren’t great investments. Like cars, boats depreciate quickly, so paying top dollar to pull your vessel off the lot is a major waste.

Meanwhile, the used boat market is booming, and you can find like-new vessels in a variety of locations. Because modern boats are made from materials like fiberglass and aluminum, most used boats you buy will last just as long as a new one would — provided you maintains it properly. Plus, if you style your purchase with a good wash and a big bow, your man will hardly be able to tell the difference between used and new.

Is Boat Ownership The Right Option For Your Lifestyle?

Making the decision to purchase a boat can significantly impact one's lifestyle and should therefore be carefully considered. Initially, you need to determine your core motivation for owning a boat. This includes thinking about the activities you enjoys - are you an avid fisherman, do you love water sports, or envision leisurely days cruising on the water? The type of boating activities you are passionate about will determine the kind of boat that should be considered.

Next, you should assess whether boat size and your lifestyle realistically. A boat requires time - time to enjoy it and time for upkeep. Does your current schedule allow for regular outings to justify the cost of a boat? Do you have the time and the willingness to deal with the maintenance that comes with boat ownership, or does your budget allow for professional upkeep? The answers to these questions will reveal whether a boat will be a well-utilized asset or a source of stress.

Your location also plays a key role. If you live near a body of water, it's easier to justify the purchase. If you live far from water, you'll need to consider the logistics of transporting the boat and whether you're willing to travel to use it. Moreover, you must think about where the boat will be stored when not in use, whether it's mooring at a local marina or storing it at home.

Financial considerations are another crucial aspect of boat shopping. Apart from the initial purchase cost, owning a boat comes with ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, storage or docking fees, fuel, and equipment costs. You should consider whether your budget can comfortably accommodate these expenses.

Lastly, safety and training are essential. You will need to be prepared to invest in proper safety equipment and training courses to ensure the safe handling of the boat.

Boat Buying Options

Now That you are ready to buy that fabulous boat of your dreams, it is time to start shopping. Most boating communities have marinas with listings of new and used boats for sale and there will be boat brokers in those communities as well as dealers where you can browse inventory just like at a car lot - though they can also order a boat from the manufacturer as well since generally the lot sizes are small compared to your local Chevy dealer for instance. Additionally, fishing and outdoor stores like Bass Pro Shops will also have smaller boats, specially those designed for bass fishing for example.

Those are all great resources if you are trying to familiarize yourself with the market and get a better understanding for what type of boat is right for you. 

However, if you are willing to spend less and devote more time to finding the perfect craft, the web offers dozens of listing sites for you to peruse. Here are a few worthwhile places to start:

  • EBay . The long-lived auction site is actually one of the best resources for boat buyers. The eBay boats section is filled with vessels of all types, ages, and prices, so you can find one that suits your needs.
  • Boat websites . Boats.com, YachtWorld, Boat Trader, and other boat enthusiast websites boast listings. Plus, because they are boat-specific, these sites make it easier to customize your search with length, model and your exact interests, such as motor boats, used fishing boats, pontoon boats etc.
  • Craigslist . Though you should always be wary of expensive items for sale on Craigslist, you might be able to find a deal on a used boat in your area through this site.

Understanding The Boat Buying Process

Buying a boat and buying a car have similarities, but there are also significant differences due to the nature of the vehicles and how they're used.

Just like with cars, when purchasing a boat you start by researching what type of vehicle you need based on your intended use and budget. If you're looking at new boats, you'll probably visit boat dealerships, similar to car dealerships. If you're interested in used boats, you might look at listings from private sellers, online marketplaces, or used boat dealers, similar to used car buying.

Here's where the processes start to diverge:

Testing : sea trial - Test drives are common for both cars and boats. However, for boats, these are often called sea trials (though that term is mostly used for larger boats), and they are more involved because a boat operates in a more complex environment - the water. Sea trials allow the buyer to see how the boat handles in different conditions and to ensure the boat's systems are working properly.

Inspection : Just as with used cars, it's crucial to get a used boat inspected before purchase. However, boat inspections are often more complex and are done by a marine surveyor. They will check the boat's structure, systems, and equipment for any damage or issues that could become costly repairs in the future. They will also inspect any safety and navigation requirements such as ensuring that lights are operating as expected.

Financing and Insurance : Boat loans and insurance policies can be different from car loans and insurance. They may have different terms, requirements, and rates, largely due to the fact that boating carries different risks and maintenance requirements compared to driving.

Registration and Titling : Similar to a car, a boat needs to be registered, and proof of ownership needs to be established, which varies by state and country. But unlike cars, boats may also need to be documented with the federal government, particularly if they are larger vessels or if they will be used for certain purposes, like commercial fishing.

Maintenance and Storage : While cars require maintenance and a place to park, boat maintenance can be more complex and costly. In addition, unless the owner lives on the waterfront, boats often need to be transported to the water and then stored when not in use, which can involve significant costs and logistics.

In conclusion, while there are similarities in the buying process of a car and a boat, the complexities of owning and operating a boat introduce additional steps and considerations that a potential buyer pre owned boat should be prepared for.

Inspection Tips

Because boats are big and expensive, sellers stand to gain much by leaving out information or exaggerating certain benefits. While you are shopping online, you should be wary of red flags that might mean the boat is wrong for you. For example, you should consult manufacturers’ images of makes and models while viewing boat listings to discern whether used boats are missing any important features. You should also compare highlights between boat listings to identify boats that offer less than average. Finally, you should survey a dealer’s other offerings, if they have any, to determine if the boat dealer itself is respectable.

When you have narrowed your options down to a few, you should try to see the boats in person. This might require visiting a new boat lot or a boat show and walking around new models, or you might be able to schedule a visit with the purchasable vessel. In either case, you should run through an  inspection checklist  to ensure you are getting what you need from the actual boat itself — and to certain your man won’t receive an inferior gift.

So, Is Boat Ownership Right For You Or Are Other Options Better?

Boat ownership is not the only way to enjoy time on the water, and there are several alternatives that can offer the benefits of boating without the responsibilities and expenses of ownership.

One option is joining a boat club, such as  Freedom Boat Club . These clubs operate much like a gym membership - members pay monthly or annual fees for access to a fleet of boats. This means you can enjoy a day on the water whenever you like without worrying about maintenance, storage, or insurance. The club takes care of all that. Plus, many boat clubs offer a range of boat types, so you can choose the particular boat that that suits your activity for the day, be it fishing, water sports, or cruising.

Yacht club memberships are another option. These clubs often provide access to a selection of boats, and they also offer a social component, hosting races, regattas, and social events for members. Yacht clubs can offer a sense of community among fellow boaters, and some even offer reciprocal privileges with other yacht clubs around the world.

Boat rentals are another viable choice for those who only plan on boating occasionally. With this option, you can rent different types of boats by the hour or day from a marina or boat rental agency. It's a good way to experience boating without the long-term commitment, and you can try out different types of boats to see which you prefer.

Lastly, having a friend or making a new friend who owns a boat is another option. You could offer to share some of the expenses or help with maintenance in exchange for time on the boat. This can be a win-win situation, giving you access to a boat and helping the owner with costs and upkeep their own boat.

Each of these options has its own advantages and potential downsides, and the right choice depends on the person's budget, how often they plan to boat, and their willingness to deal with the responsibilities of boat ownership . By considering all these alternatives, anyone looking to spend time boating can find an option that suits their lifestyle and budget.

Are you looking to buy a boat this summer? Here's what you need to know.

  • Share full article

Advertisement

How to Charter a Boat

If you want to sail off into the sunset, at least temporarily, you need to understand how to get aboard first.

An illustration of the bow of a boat with three women with flowing hair and cocktails looking over a man playing a guitar and then off in the water, four other vacationers are sunbathing on inner tubes.

By Lauren Sloss

This time of year, it’s an inevitable thought: Life would be that much better out on the water. Specifically, on a boat.

Even if you have neither a boat nor boating experience, it’s never been easier to make your nautical dreams come true — whether you want a day trip on your local lake or a fully staffed multiday voyage in a far-flung locale. Here are the initial questions that will help you plan an adventure on the water.

Whom are you traveling with?

Thinking about the size and dynamic of your group is an important first step, even if you are simply going on a day trip. Will children be on board? How old? What about elderly parents?

Dan Lockyer, the chief commercial officer of Dream Yacht Worldwide , strongly encourages travelers to determine group size — and, ideally, get people committed — before booking.

“The location that you want to go to, the time of year that you want to go, the type of boat that you want will entirely depend on the makeup of the group that you’re sailing with,” Mr. Lockyer said.

Do you want to captain, or do you want a captain?

Different charter companies specialize in certain locations, types of boats, itineraries and services. Some companies offer the opportunity for a “bareboat” charter, in which you rent the boat and take on the navigation and provisioning yourself, while others exclusively offer fully staffed options, including a captain and a cook.

If you want to captain the boat yourself, almost all outfits require some kind of proof of sailing or boating experience, often in line with local regulations.

Edward King, 45, an executive at a streaming company based in San Francisco, is experienced in sailing the city’s waterways. But on vacation, he said he would prefer to let a captain and crew take the lead.

Mr. King said he appreciates a captain who is familiar with both the local waters — “they’ll know how to avoid sailing into a certain sandbar,” he said, — as well as the local attractions.

In contrast, Matt Blake, 38, a software engineer based in Oakland, Calif., was eager to grow his sailing experience during a recent trip to La Paz, Mexico, with his fiancée. He hired a captain but made clear that the captain was there to help and teach.

Where do you want to go?

“Do you want something that’s more culturally oriented? Nature oriented? An adventure trip?” asked Mary Curry, the voyage product director of Adventure Life , which offers small group tours and private trips on land and on water around the world.

That answer can determine your destination. Popular cruising grounds include the Caribbean, Croatia, Alaska and French Polynesia, but the sky — or the sea — is really the limit. For help narrowing your focus, travel advisers often have relationships with charter companies or outfits around the world, and sailing publications offer recommendations.

Kyla Malkani, who has had experience with charters working as a destination wedding planner, recommends consulting the concierge of waterfront hotels, particularly for short-term or day rentals.

“A lot of times they will have either their own fleet or they will have some sort of connection at a dock,” said Ms. Malkani, 37, who is based in Washington, D.C., and is currently working as a content creator and freelance event planner.

What kind of boat?

Where you want to travel and for how long will likely determine the kinds of boats that are available to you. Crucial at this point, too, is an understanding of the boat’s layout and amenities.

“You definitely want to choose the right kind of boat,” said Ms. Malkani. “If you want more adventure, a sailboat is nice. If you’re looking for a luxury party environment, a yacht is best. And if you’re looking for something smooth, for older people or with kids, a catamaran is great.”

David Barclay is a luxury travel adviser who has also chartered boats for his own vacations.

“You want to match what the travelers want to what the boat offers,” he said.

Perhaps a group of friends might not mind a catamaran with functional but not luxurious marine bathrooms, but a multigenerational group might prefer more high-touch amenities.

When should I book?

Often, charter trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that require a great deal of advanced planning.

“You may have a specific place you want to go, or a specific time of year you want to travel,” said Mr. Barclay. “And some places just aren’t good at certain times of year.”

Naturally, you don’t want to be at sea in the Caribbean during hurricane season, or in the Mediterranean during winter storms. But you also might want to avoid peak cruising seasons, too.

The first three weeks of August are quite popular, said Mr. Lockyer. “If you have some flexibility and can travel in early July, you’ll get the same sort of great weather, a greater selection of boats and the anchorages won’t be as crowded.”

How much does it cost?

Charter costs are incredibly variable, dependent on all of the factors coming into play: your boat type and size, your destination, your group size, the amount of crew you’d like and the amenities on board. That said, costs could range anywhere from $2,000 for a day on a sailboat to hundreds of thousands of dollars for a multiday mega-yacht charter. Have a budget in mind when beginning your research process.

What if I didn’t plan far in advance?

While advanced planning is encouraged, and often necessary for bigger boat trips, it’s possible to book a boat last-minute.

Boatsetter , an Airbnb-like platform for boats, is a good resource for last-minute bookings, especially for day trips, and even has an Instant Book option for down-to-the-wire bookings.

“If it’s for a special event, or around major holidays, you may want to book a month or two in advance. But for general bookings, you can find options within a week or two,” said Kim Koditek, Boatsetter’s head of brand strategy and communications, of the company’s overnight offerings, which appear on their platform under the luxury yacht charters category .

Ms. Malkani has used Boatsetter for some of her charters, most of which have been booked with a specific goal in mind.

“I’m a sunset chaser,” she said. “My husband and I just really love being on the water, and we always try to squeeze in some sort of boat day activity when we’re traveling.”

For more travel advice, visit our collection of Travel 101 tips and hacks.

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

 Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

 Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .

Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .

IMAGES

  1. How much does a yacht cost? Pricing guide & popular yachts

    how much is a yacht to buy

  2. How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Yacht?

    how much is a yacht to buy

  3. How much does a yacht cost? Pricing guide & popular yachts

    how much is a yacht to buy

  4. How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

    how much is a yacht to buy

  5. How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

    how much is a yacht to buy

  6. How much does a yacht cost? Pricing guide & popular yachts

    how much is a yacht to buy

VIDEO

  1. Sell the yacht buy the loft #luxury #nyc

  2. Why Do Everglades Boats Cost So Much Revealing the Secrets Behind the Price Tag

  3. Performance Yacht Sales boat Finance Broker, Kimberly Madigan

  4. Boat Building Engine Bays E 47

  5. Would you buy 1/2 of this Yacht?😳 ⬆️watch Full Tour⬆️ #yacht

  6. Can We Really Afford a Sailing Yacht?!

COMMENTS

  1. Yachts for Sale

    Explore the largest online selection of luxury yachts for sale, featuring only the highest quality superyachts from the world's leading brokers.

  2. Luxury Yachts For Sale

    Superyachts For Sale. 464 luxury yachts for sale from around the world Browse Yachts

  3. Buy a Yacht

    Click here to learn more about how to buy a yacht. yachting news. superyacht events. 01 May 2024. The Carroll Brothers Sell M/Y LONG AWEIGHTED. 14 March 2024. ALL INN HAS SOLD. events. 30 October - 3 November. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024. 10th-15th September.

  4. How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Yacht?

    Sailboats Over 40': $193,000. Sailing Catamarans - All Sizes: $361,000. Power Catamarans - All Sizes: $304,247. Downeast Yachts - Over 35': $532,240. Sport Fishing Yachts - Over 40' and in Southeast: $815,500. With so many factors to determine how much it costs to buy a yacht and maintain it, it is in the best interest of boat buyers of this ...

  5. Yachts for Sale: Luxury Superyachts, Buy a Yacht

    FORCE BLUE. EUR 24,800,000 (EU VAT paid) Length: 70.6m (231.4ft) 12 guests in 6 cabins. Built: 2002 (refitted 2022), Royal Denship, Denmark. You've viewed 10 of 65. Load more. All particulars are believed correct but cannot be guaranteed. * Price converted into the selected currency for comparison purposes based on current exchange rate.

  6. Selection of Yachts For Sale

    01 May 2024. 14 March 2024. 23-26 June. 25th - 28th April. With a selection of superyachts for sale worldwide and access to many more yachts for sale privately listed, view the leading yacht brokerage's sales fleet.

  7. Mega Yacht for sale

    Mega Yacht pricing. Mega Yacht listed for sale on YachtWorld offers a diverse price range, from $80,069 on the relatively moderate end to a stunning $105,634,993 for the most advanced boats available. It is advisable to bear in mind the expenditure involved in ownership while contemplating your budget and the listed price of a yacht being ...

  8. How Much Does a Yacht Cost: A Comprehensive Breakdown for Buyers

    Yacht insurance is a significant cost that should be factored into your decision to buy a yacht. The cost of insurance can vary based on the size, type, and value of the yacht. For example, a 180-foot superyacht may have insurance costs upwards of $240,000 per year. Obtaining quotes from various providers is essential.

  9. Yachts for sale from 150ft to 200ft

    Home Buy a yacht Yachts for sale Yachts for sale from 45-60m. Yachts for sale from 45-60m. Yachts for sale from 150-200ft. Yacht name. Yacht type. Price. to. Build year. to. Shipyard name.

  10. How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

    According to the Boats Group Market Index of 2022, the average yacht price in the United States of vessels 46 to 55 feet was $467,899 with 2,273 boats sold, while the average price for yachts in the 56 to 79 foot category was $1.18m with 997 sold in 2022. Yacht prices vary a lot depending on whether the yacht is new or used.

  11. Luxury super yachts for sale

    Sale & purchase of motor & sailing yachts, superyachts & mega yachts from 20m to 100m. Sale & purchase of motor & sailing yachts, superyachts & mega yachts from 20m to 100m. ... Buy your yacht through Bluewater and we will offer you guidance and expertise every step of the way.

  12. Average Yacht Prices: 18 Helpful Examples (Size 40'-130')

    A 40-foot yacht can be found used for around $200,000 and new models can cost as much as a million dollars. There are always lots of used yachts for sale around 40 feet in length, which makes them more attractive to first-time buyers. Technically, a yacht begins at 23 feet. However, yachts that size will more often be referred to as boats.

  13. Catamaran boats for sale

    Catamaran boats for sale on YachtWorld are listed for a variety of prices from $40,000 on the relatively more affordable end, with costs up to $22,933,050 for the most extravagant model yachts.

  14. How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

    New yachts over 100-feet long have an average price of a yacht equal to $1 million per 3.3 feet in length. In other words, a 100-foot yacht will, on average, cost more than $30 million. Older yachts below 85 feet are less expensive. For example, an 84-foot yacht originally built in 2002 and renovated in 2015 sold for $1.45 million.

  15. Small & Mini Yachts for Sale

    This is why some people love the style and draft of Cutwater Boats or Ranger tugs over a much larger vessel. Video New Launch! A New Horizon FD75 With a Unique Open Bridge on YouTube. How Much is a Small Yacht to Buy? Since a smaller yacht can encompass yachts from 35 feet - 79 feet, there can be quite a range in the price of this yacht type.

  16. Affordable Yachts: Best Boats For Your Budget

    The all-new 2022 Sundancer 370 OB is a crossover bowrider boat that feels like a much larger yacht while still maneuverable and easy to handle with serviceable outboard engines, ... if you do chose to buy a boat from an auction, read more about boat buying and selling tips in auctions to improve your chances of making your buying trip a success.

  17. Buy a Yacht

    Depending on the age, length and condition of your mega yacht, entry-level mega yacht prices could be around $2 million, with prices way over and above $100 million. At this size, you'll need to also consider the maintenance costs of your yacht, which is usually around 10-20% of the purchase price of the yacht annually to go towards ...

  18. How Much Does a Yacht Cost? What Can You Afford?

    Plan to put at least 10% down on your yacht and pay somewhere around 5% APR for 10 years. That $100,000 entry-level yacht (a used one would be around 30-35 feet long) is going to incur monthly ...

  19. How Much Does A Yacht Cost

    The average price of a yacht in the UK is difficult to determine due to the variety on offer. A yacht can cost anywhere from around £10,000 to several million pounds before you start to get into super yacht territory. That said, a mid-sized sailboat should cost you between £50,000 and £100,000.

  20. New Yachts for Sale

    Find the latest new yachts for sale on the market 2018 2019 2020 with Fraser Yachts, the world leader in new yacht sales. ... Buy a yacht. Yachts for sale; New to the market; Featured Yachts; Recent sales; Berths for sale; Buying guide; Why choose us? Contact a Yacht Broker; Featured yachts; AWATEA 45M; New to the Market; CYGNUS 20.37M; Sell ...

  21. How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

    Often times small yachts are referred to as "day boats" or "weekenders" and typically have a starting cost of anywhere from $500,000 to $2,500,000. These boats boast a simple design, highlight open layouts, can have 1-2 staterooms, and are ideal for short trips, inshore fishing, or day cruises. Here are a few remarkable small yachts for ...

  22. How Much Does a Yacht Cost To Own?

    A yacht can cost as little as a thousand bucks, but it likely won't be in very good, or even working, condition — and it certainly won't be new. A more reasonable range for yachts is between $50,000 to well over a million dollars. And then of course, you've got the thousands extra in maintenance, upgrades, taxes, harbor fees and fuel.

  23. Ultimate Boat Ownership Guide: The True Cost to Buy & Own a Boat

    Frequently, you can buy a good used boat for less than 50% of the cost of a new one. Compared to new boats, used boats depreciate at a much slower pace. A used boat has already experienced much depreciation and tends to retain its value more than a new one. The risk of buying a second-hand boat can include higher maintenance costs.

  24. Know These Boat Buying Tips Before Making An Expensive Mistake

    Consider the cost of boat insurance, mooring or other boat storage, fees, maintenance, fuel, and equipment. Remember that certain types of boats, like sailboats and yachts, can have significant ...

  25. How to Charter a Boat

    travel 101. How to Charter a Boat. If you want to sail off into the sunset, at least temporarily, you need to understand how to get aboard first.