SELLING YOUR YACHT IN TODAY’S MARKET
Fast Sale Example: 37 Days on Market
THE HOLDING is a 112′ (34.14m) Sanlorenzo 2014
Sold June 5, 2025 – just 37 days after hitting the market
Sale & Article Written by Senior Sales Specialist Kevin Ralph
One of the biggest roadblocks to selling your yacht in today’s market is simple: pricing it too high. It’s a common mistake—and in a shifting market like we’re in now, it’s more critical than ever to get it right from the start.
The COVID Boom Is Over
During the 2021–2023 COVID boom, anything that floated could sell at a premium. Dealers were making deals on boats sight unseen, and manufacturers raced to increase production. But now, production is finally catching up just as demand—and pricing—is cooling off.
New Boats Are Undercutting the Market
That’s left us in a situation where late-model brokerage boats are competing with brand-new ones at discounted prices. Two years ago, there was no need to negotiate. Some boats even sold above MSRP. But today, we’re seeing price cuts of 20% or more off MSRP just to move inventory. That puts real pressure on used boat prices—especially for yachts delivered after 2020.
Smart Pricing Wins Deals
Pricing a yacht realistically gives owners a real advantage. It brings in immediate interest and results in faster deals. Take the yacht above—I sold it in 37 days. We had multiple calls right away and accepted an offer within 72 hours. I had sold the boat to the current owner in 2020, and he trusted me to price it right. In the end, we sold it for more than he paid five years ago.
It’s Not About Undercutting—It’s About Accuracy
Let’s look at the bigger picture. Since January 1, 2023, the average time on the market for comparable yachts (by size and year) is 587 days*. And most of those yachts needed at least one price cut. That tells you they were overpriced from the start.
Five Hard Truths About Selling Yachts
We believe sellers—and brokers—need to be realistic about what they’re offering. A few hard truths:
- Time is money. If your boat isn’t being used or offsetting costs through charter, you’re spending a lot to keep it docked.
- Opportunity cost. Do you have a mortgage on your yacht? Or capital tied up that could be used elsewhere?
- The first offer is usually the best. Buyers are often better informed than sellers.
- Your best shot is your first shot. New listings attract attention—stale ones raise red flags.
- No one needs a yacht. List only if you’re serious about selling.
Don’t Expect Upgrades to Add Full Value
Yachts, like jets and cars, are depreciating assets. Most owners will sell for less than they paid—especially after years of maintenance and upgrades. That $2 million refit? It might make the boat more appealing, but don’t expect it to raise the resale price by $2 million. Major upgrades rarely pay back dollar for dollar.
The Danger of Overpromising Brokers
When owners are ready to sell, they often talk to multiple brokerages. That’s smart. But it becomes a problem when brokers try to win listings by promising sky-high prices. It’s tempting to go with the one who says they can get 10–20% more—but overpriced yachts sit on the market for years, and often end up selling for less than if they’d been priced right from the start. Add in years of ownership costs, and the “high offer” wasn’t such a win after all.
Get a Straightforward Valuation
If you’d like an honest, no-nonsense opinion on what your yacht is worth today, reach out. I’m happy to give you a straight answer.
It’s Not About Undercutting—It’s About Accuracy
Let’s look at the bigger picture. Since January 1, 2023, the average time on the market for comparable yachts (by size and year) is 587 days*. And most of those yachts needed at least one price cut. That tells you they were overpriced from the start.
Kevin Ralph
+1 (954) 703-5737
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