how expensive is a superyacht

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The Real Costs of Owning a Superyacht [Complete Guide]

November 25, 2019 1:00 pm

Owning a  superyacht  is a status symbol available only to the world’s wealthiest individuals and corporations. Although there is no strict definition, the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code is applicable to “motor or sailing vessels of 24 meters in load line length and over…and which, at the time, is in commercial use for sport or pleasure and carries no cargo and no more than 12 passengers 1 .” There are currently just over 10,000 superyachts in the world with around 200-250 new builds delivered each year. The vast majority are  motor yachts , with sailing yachts counting for less than 20% of the total. The world’s largest private vessel, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s 180m (590-foot) AZZAM,  cost $600 million to build when it was delivered in 2013. Eight of the ten most expensive luxury acquisitions of all time were superyachts.

Purchase Cost

Buying a new or used superyacht will most likely cost the buyer several million dollars. Pricing varies widely based on the yacht size, age, and other factors such as builder, guest capacity, speed, range, and more. The market is worldwide and extensive. Any potential buyer would be well-advised to engage a professional, certified broker to guide them in the selection of their dream yacht and through the myriad of complications in making the purchase.

• • Financing the Purchase
• • Immediate Post Purchase Costs

Operating Costs

In years past, owners and their brokers would work on 10% of the purchase price as an estimate of annual operating costs, but the vast range of yacht size, operating location, and usage profile makes this approach less useful without giving the question more thought. Building a budget for a yacht requires consideration of the following elements:

Crew – Salary, payroll taxes, recruitment fees, uniform, health insurance, food, and travel for vacation and repatriation are all crew-related costs. A good guide for salary costs is published by Dockwalk magazine every year based on an extensive survey of the crew and placement agents. Using their most recent article as a guide, a crew of eight full-time crew on a 150-foot yacht will cost over $650,000 per year in salary alone. Get a complete crew cost breakdown.

Dockage – Unless the owner plans to spend the year at anchor, then keeping the yacht in a marina incurs a significant cost. Dockage is normally sold per foot of the yacht’s full length and per night, although contract rates for longer periods may be available. High-quality marinas in peak seasons are currently running in the $6-8 per foot per night range. Electricity, fresh water, and waste removal are all additional costs to be considered.

Fuel – The captain or engineer should be able to provide the fuel consumption per hour at any given speed, so if a yacht owner knows roughly how much he wants the boat to travel, then he can estimate the total fuel consumption and budget the fuel cost. There is also the fuel cost for generators, particularly at anchor. A typical 150-foot motor yacht cruising at 12 knots will consume in the region of 150 U.S. gallons per hour. At today’s fuel prices, that’s going to be close to $500 per hour. 500 hours per year will give us the main engine fuel budget of around $250,000. To this, we must also add the generators’ fuel consumption at anchor plus any additional cost for tenders.

Communications – Everyone onboard, crew and guests, want to remain connected to their social media, streaming services, and email. The technology available in this area moves fast and with 5G coming online, near-shore costs will likely come down. For those who want broadband speed while offshore, costs are high and depend on the upload/download speeds required. Start with an estimate of $4-5,000 per month and work from there. Additional communications costs include satellite TV subscriptions, crew cell phone costs, mail, freight, and more. Get a complete communication cost breakdown.

Maintenance, Consumables, and Other Operating Costs – Having considered crew payroll, marina costs, fuel, and internet, the budget will start to materialize. One must take all other costs into account, such as hull insurance, liability insurance, maintenance and consumables, warehousing, safety and survey costs, upkeep of the navigation outfit, computing support, car rental, and more.   

Looking for more details?

Receive the complete Cost of Yacht Ownership Guide including:

• • Offsetting Expenses With Charter
• • Superyacht Financing
• • Budget Development + More

This should not be considered a financial guide. For a more accurate estimate, contact Clive McCartney .

1 Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Section A 1.2(1) 

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Monaco Yacht Show [Save the Date]   Wednesday-Saturday | September 25-28, 2024 Join us at the Monaco Yacht Show on the quays of Monaco’s Port Hercule. The MYS is the only yacht show worldwide devoted exclusively to superyachts at least 25 meters in length. Since 1991,

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Costs of food provisions will vary dependent upon how eloborate food Preferenaces are

Location will play huge factor in food provisons and thing may have to be folws into remorte locations.

Crew is one of the largest expenses on a superyacht and critical to the owner’s enjoyment of their vessel. As the largest crew agency in the world, we know crew. Our cost calculator contains customized crew lists for yachts ranging from 80ft to 600ft with salary information based on our reference verified salary data.

Our users also have the ability to completely tailor the crew list to the specific needs, schedule and requirements of their vessel. Each yacht is unique and may have specific owner requests in addition to the yacht’s safe manning requirements.

Management of the supplemental crew costs and strategic budgeting can help avoid significant overspend on categories such as food and uniform. This tool contains default values based on our industry expertise and recommended budget for an efficiently and safely run superyacht.

To learn more about each crew position in detail, including salary ranges, please visit our yacht department directory .

Drag the sliders to modify your results. These are not linear scales and we expect most yachts to operate within the 20-80% window. Above 80% and below 20% costs increase or decrease at exaggerated levels and we only see numbers in these levels in very rare circumstances.

This sunburst diagram is interactive. You can click into each block to see the expense break down and mouse over each block for more details.

Our chart of accounts displays seven major categories, 20 sub-categories plus a further 80 detail categories for a total of 107.

Our yacht operating cost calculator is now on it’s third major revision. We start with actual yacht expense data from our yacht management accountants and then generate formulas to extrapolate out the budget for a wide range of yachts. We have been providing accounting services to large yachts for the past 18 years.

Our operating cost calculator is tuned for yachts from 80 to 600 feet. We find operating variables create the largest variances for yachts smaller than 100 feet and larger than 250 feet. We have tested the numbers the most in the range from 100 to 250 feet.

Our budget calculator factors in the fuel burn for a range of engine sizes typically seen installed on yachts by length. By dragging the green “fuel dockage” slider to the right you will increase the projected fuel burn rate and therefore the budget cost for fuel. Our default position would be for a typical displacement fuel burn. Position the slider in the 60-80% range for fuel projections for planning hulls.

Our default values produce a budget number that we believe is generous to run a yacht to a high standard. Perfect is a very expensive word to use in the yachting industry where standards are already high. Moving the crew and maintenance sliders to 80% will provide an “industry best” quality of crew and give them the maintenance budget to operate to a very high standard. If you need to go over the 80% area then you may have unusually labor intensive equipment on the yacht.

Yes, our yacht operating cost calculator can output a budget suitable for this situation. Adjust the owner use to 2 (minimum value), owner slider to 0, crew slider to 10%, Administration to 10%, Fuel and Dockage to 0, Maintenance to 10% and then Capital Repairs to 0. This will remove all of the large charges associated with owner use and vessel movement but leave the essential base maintenance and insurance in place.

Lift on and float in yacht transport is a popular way to transport yachts across large ocean passage. The yachts that this service certainly applies to are ones that may not have the motoring range or structural integrity for blue ocean cruising. The cost of transporting a yacht twice per year is put into our budget once the “Fuel Dockage” slider hits 75%. If your yacht has the range we recommend self-sufficient ocean passages whenever possible. Whilst the transport companies sell their services based upon reportedly well oiled operated schedules the reality is that your yacht may stay waiting for pickup for a week or more with no compensation due. When factoring in all secondary factors of self-sufficient passages (increased fuel, maintenance, potential storm damage, crew time off, extra delivery crew) compared with transporting your yacht (insurance, potential loading / unloading damage, loss of schedule control, no work whilst underway, crew flights, crew accommodation) we believe that there is a 100% premium associated with float in transport and a 75% premium with lift on transport compared with self-powered.

Abandoned yachts crash in value. We recommend that even if you are trying to sell your yacht that you use the yacht for a minimum of two weeks per year so that systems are tested and working every six months. There is nothing worse for a yacht than not being used. If you truly are not going to use the yacht then you should sell it immediately for the first genuine offer as every dollar you put into maintenance will not be recovered at the time of the sale.

We did not build this version with sailing yachts in mind. Early in our development of this version we decided to exclude sailing yachts as a few of the major cost drivers scale very differently for sailing yachts compared with motor yachts. For example: To calculate paint costs we reviewed the surface area of over 100 large yachts and created a formula for painted surface area to length. Sailing yachts just don’t scale in a consistent way. Similarly crew numbers don’t scale in the same manner that they do for motor yachts. If there is sufficient demand we may build a sailing selector switch into a future version of this tool.

We hate to hear when yacht owners were told by their broker to factor in 10% of the purchase price to operate the yacht. This over used saying is sadly right occasionally (particularly for newer yachts in the $20-30M range)… but just because a broken watch tells the right time twice a day you shouldn’t rely upon it to tell the time. As yachts get older their capital value decreases but their maintenance costs increase. There is no way that a fixed 10% of purchase cost rule can be true… if your broker told you this rule then you need a new yacht broker… we know some good ones. 😊

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The Staggering Cost of Owning a Superyacht

The new york times pulls together what buying and running a $300 million yacht will set you back..

Just in time for Labor Day, the New York Times published a detailed accounting of what it takes to not only buy a superyacht, but keep that superyacht filled with the kind of fine art and ridiculous toys that sets your gigantic boat apart from all the other gigantic boats also filled with fine art and ridiculous toys.

Suggested Reading

The Times breaks down all of the costs for a middle-of-the-road $300 million yacht, from locating and paying a broker ($9 million) to the little luxury add- ons. You know, $1.5 million for an onboard disco here, $2 million for a panic room there. At least $3 million for crew salaries. The costs really pile up, until that $300 million pleasure cruiser is cresting costs over $400 million. Then there’s the art, which can cost as much as the whole boat. The most expensive painting ever sold, “Salvador Mundi,” by Leonardo da Vinci, is reportedly displayed on the yacht of Mohammed bin Salman , the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.

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Of course, much of the story is centered around Russian oligarchs and the “difficult” year they’ve had at sea. From the Times :

Fewer eye-popping vessels are departing from the ports of Monaco and Portofino, and recent world events have led to a reckoning with just how many of those boats are linked to unsavory money. After the invasion of Ukraine, more than a dozen yachts owned by people with ties to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia were seized by European and U.S. authorities. Other such boats have landed in countries like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, which have a relatively cozy relationship with Russia. (None of the alleged owners replied for comment for this article.) The seized boats range in size from about 130 feet (about three New York City buses) to about 500 feet (13 buses). At the highest end, they can cost on the order of $600 million, which is what Dilbar, by some measures the world’s largest yacht, reportedly sold for. (Dilbar, which is linked to the oligarch Alisher Usmanov , was seized by Germany in April.)

But what’s really the difference between a Russian oligarch’s superyacht and and an American’s? Nothing more than which agency seizes it after an investigation. Our homegrown oligarchs buy just as ridiculously elaborate vessels in order to “...absorb the most excess capital.” Jeff Bezos, the guy who nearly dismantled a major piece of infrastructure to get his yacht from the shipbuilders, eventually makes an appearance way down in the story in a section regarding dinghies ($80,000 and up):

Some of these trailing boats are megayachts themselves, like the estimated $60 million, 246-foot “yacht support vessel” that will follow Jeffrey Bezos’s $500 million, 417-foot schooner. Toys aboard a yacht support vessel might include a McLaren car (which have sold at auction for as much as $20 million), a helicopter ($3 million) or an increasingly de rigueur personal submarine ($2.5 million to $4 million), as well as an assortment of more pedestrian-priced toys like Jet Skis, Seabobs, A.T.V.s and underwater scooters.

And a billionaire who wants to catch tuna and marlin might have a fishing boat floating behind that can cost as much as $20 million.

The Times brings it back around to Russians though, mentioning off hand how oligarch and superyacht trendsetter Roman Abramovich once lost a 371-foot yacht in a poker game . As you take a break from your labors this weekend, maybe grilling up some burgers (or hotdogs, cause inflation) imagine what the life of someone who loses a 371-foot Yacht in a poker game looks like. Someone analogous to these type of folks run your own country and its largest employers. Then, join a union .

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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!

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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!

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Billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg spend millions a year maintaining their superyachts. Here's how.

• Superyachts  are one of the most expensive assets money can buy.
• The true cost of ownership is even more, adding up to millions a year.
• Here's how much it costs to own a superyacht — and what that money is going toward.

Financial advisors are quick to warn prospective owners that a boat is nothing more than a hole in the water in which to throw money. When it comes to superyachts , you'd better have bags and bags of cash.

As one luxury agent told Business Insider at the Palm Beach International Boat Show: "Buying a boat, it's a huge purchase — and nobody needs a yacht."

A superyacht, generally over 30 meters long, is one of the most expensive assets money can buy, with the largest costing more than a lot of real estate or a private jet. Billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs each spent nine figures on their megayachts.

That doesn't include operating costs. Owners should expect to pay about 10% of a yacht's new-build price each year, experts told Business Insider. That's tens of millions of dollars annually for the most luxurious boats.

"It's a small-to-medium-sized business in its own right," said Jeffrey Beneville, a senior vice president at insurance company NFP, where he specializes in consulting clients about yachts.

Unlike many smaller boats, superyachts need staff, not just a captain. Some superyachts have space for dozens of crewmembers , including a chef, engineer, and masseuse for the guests onboard. Each gets an annual salary — the highest-ranking members earn six figures — and benefits. Eric Schmidt's yacht fits a crew of 28 for a ratio of about two crewmembers per guest.

Then there's fuel, dockage fees, routine maintenance, and insurance. The latter hinges on everything from the reputation of a yacht's shipyard to where an owner wants to take it (if a vessel is taking frequent trips to the South China Sea, for example, expect to pay a higher premium). If a superyacht has a support yacht — or a support superyacht, in Bezos ' case — expect to pay another 10% of that boat's price annually.

"The cost to maintain a yacht is so high that they just think that money's getting lit on fire," Matthew Fleissig, the CEO of wealth management firm Pathstone, told BI of his clients who choose to charter rather than own.

One of his firm's clients who does own has a 23-meter yacht valued at $5.2 million. The annual cost to staff, maintain, dock, and insure the boat is $346,297, according to documentation provided to BI. The lion's share is spent on marina fees ($95,970) and maintenance work ($88,408.) While not exactly a Sunfish, that boat is too small to count as a superyacht.

At 106 meters, the Amadea, owned by a sanctioned Russian oligarch , definitely does. The $300 million yacht, which was seized in 2022 and is docked in San Diego, cost $922,000 a month to maintain, a court filing showed: $360,000 for crew salaries, $75,000 for fuel, $144,000 for insurance, $178,000 in dry-docking fees, and $165,000 for maintenance, waste removal, food for the crew, and miscellaneous expenses.

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"And that's an inactive yacht that's in the water," NFP's Beneville said.

If it were operational and carrying guests, the costs would be about twice that, or between $20 million and $30 million a year, he added.

Of course, it makes more financial sense for the non-obsessives to charter, and many of Fleissig's clients do. And some owners choose to offer their yachts for charter — the most luxurious cost as much as $1 million a week — to offset the costs.

"If you charter the boat for 50 days a year, it's going to help a lot," Anders Kurtén, the CEO of brokerage firm Fraser Yachts, told BI.

Then again, the running costs don't matter as much at a certain point. "If you're worth $30 billion, it's nothing. And if you're worth $117 billion — and these are the guys we're talking about — they're in it as long as it's still enjoyable for them," Beneville said. "It's not a money thing."

Watch: Why South Sea pearls are so expensive

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How Much Does it (Really) Cost to Own a Yacht?

The true cost to own a yacht is an area of concern for many prospects of yacht ownership. And it should be.

Maintenance costs, exploitation costs, total cost compared to yacht charter, we detail in this article the expenses (especially the hidden ones) you have to consider before buying your first yacht !

We also provide you several solutions to lighten your investment and reduce the cost to own your yacht. 

If you are looking for the price of a yacht charter (rental), please read this article instead .

How much is a yacht?

Before diving into the expenses that comes monthly, yearly or every decades once you own a yacht, let’s answer the elephant in the room: How much is a yacht (alone) in the first place? The short answer is… it depends, of course. But in most cases, the longer the yacht, the higher is her selling price.

Generally speaking, you can expect to find yachts for sale in the following price ranges:

• Below 50ft (15m): between 500K – 2,500,000 € / USD
• Between 50-70ft (15-21m): between 2 millions and 6 millions € / USD ( See our 9 catamarans for sale under 6 millions here )
• Between 70-100ft (20-30m): between 6 millions and 20 millions € / USD
• Superyachts over 100ft (30m): minimum 10 millions € / USD

You can always find exceptions to the rule and find cheaper or more expensive yachts for sale outside of these price brackets.

A lot of factors come into the selling price of a yacht: supply and demand, brand / model reputation, age and condition of the vessel, urgency or lack of for the sale and so on.

What are the main hidden costs that come with yacht ownership?

You probably already guessed it, the cost of owning a yacht doesn’t stop at its purchase price . In some cases, the price you bought your yacht at can seem like a bargain, but it really isn’t once you start adding all the hidden costs, and many of them come yearly.

Here are the main ones you should be wary of.

Yacht exploitation and running costs : always calculate them carefully before buying your yacht

It always cost you money to exploit your yacht.

When you are chartering a yacht, a part of these operation costs is included in your APA (Advanced Provisionning Allowance) .

When you own a yacht, these costs still apply , but you will have to pay directly for them.

Among the main operation costs, the most important are usually the following:

• The fuel: its cost will depend on the type of boat, her fuel consumption, the region, and the distances traveled;
• The mooring fees which depends on the area but also on the boat size;
• The crew, if you need it. The cost will depend on the frequency and the crew’s size;
• The communication fees;
• The food and beverages supplies;
• All the expenses related to your leisure activities.

Yachts maintenance: a cost that you should definitely not overlook

Even outside of its operating period, it still costs you money to own your yacht!

Maintenance of your boat isn’t an option and must be done on an ongoing basis. The price vary depending on the type of yacht you are owning (motor, sail, etc…), the size of the vessel, but also how old she is.

The maintenance costs include :

• The regular maintenance of certain equipment, like engines, thrusters, sails, rigging, safety equipment, hull(s) (fairing)…;
• The occasional maintenance operations in case of breakdown or damage;
• The painting;
• The cleaning and the specialized maintenance products (for teak, leather, …). 

The costs of maintenance and upkeep will obviously not be the same if you do it yourself or if you call in specialists. But regardless, you should have a budget buffer dedicated to maintenance costs when you plan on buying a yacht, especially if she already had a long sailing life.

The taxes and insurance premiums of a yacht: a cost that most forget

Consider the different taxes (at the purchase and annual) and the yearly yacht insurance that you have to pay. A specialized insurance policy is generally estimated at between 0.8% and 1.2% of the boat’s purchase price per year.

Must Read : Yacht Insurance : The Definitive Owner’s Guide

Yearly harbor fees : a very important hidden cost of yacht ownership

The port and/or winterization fees are also a big part of yacht ownership costs that you should carefuly estimate.

Depending on your region, you may need to consider “dry-docking” your boat, which involves handling, transport, and storage which can be really expensive. 

If you can leave your yacht in the water all year round, you will need to go for a harbor ring concession.

Depending on the marina and its infrastructure, the region, and your boat’s size, the costs may considerably vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars a month . However, it is easy to obtain this information from marinas once you have chosen which yacht to purchase.

The depreciation’s price of a yacht

A yacht, like a car, will depreciate . It is difficult to estimate the depreciation, as it depends on economic conditions, exchange rates, price inflation when new, the type of boat, and the shipyard. 

However, it is reasonable to estimate a minimum depreciation of 10% in the first year, then 7% in the following years. From the fifth year on, the depreciation tends to slow down. On the other hand, the operating costs increase.

Summary of the main operating and maintenance costs of owning a yacht

So, to sum up, how much does it cost to own a yacht? It largely depends on your type of yacht and your location.

But in general, owning a yacht will cost you between 10-25% of its value annualy . The longer the yacht, the likelier you are to be at the end of the spectrum.

Here are the reasonable costs you could consider:

• 10% of its value annually for a 60ft (18m) / 1 million USD yacht and below (=max 100K / year)
• 20% of its value annually for a 100ft (30m) / 10 millions USD yacht and above (=min 2 millions / year)

These brackets of total costs include everything: usual yacht maintenance, upkeep and operating costs that will be distribued as follow:

• Communication
• Maintenance
• Insurance premiums
• Harbour fees
• Cost of depreciation

Are you worried? Do not. Luckily, there are numerous ways to decrease the overall cost of yacht ownership and still enjoy yachting as it should be. Read the next paragraphs to know these valuable tricks.

If you liked this article you will also like : HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CHARTER A YACHT?

How to reduce the cost of yacht ownership?

A yacht keeps on costing money even when not in use, so the best way to make it a more profitable investment is to increase its exploitation.

Renting your own yacht : a good way to reduce the costs of owning a boat

When you are not using the boat, you can earn income by renting it out. The rental price depends on the type and size of the boat, but also its location. While making money from renting is possible, don’t expect to pay back all your expenses. Nevertheless, it will help you in avoiding your yacht becoming a financial burden. 

The easiest way to do this is to hire a professional charter company to help you. If you go for a reputable and experienced company, you will benefit from their expertise and contacts. It will also save you from legal, insurance, and withdrawal issues and avoid red tape.

On the topic : Yacht to Charter : Can It Be Profitable?

Fractional yacht ownership: share the cost of owning a yacht with co-owners

Another solution to own a yacht at lower cost is fractional ownership of a boat , which means that you own a fraction of it. It can be half, a quarter, or even less. For a long time, boaters have been opting for this option of partial ownership with friends or family. These days some companies create formalized fractional ownership arrangements for more guarantees. 

For example, in partnership with the Windward Islands, SAILING RESORT proposes fractional boat ownership on the fabulous trimaran, the LEEN 72’. So you can become a co-owner of the new hybrid-powered multihull which can accommodate up to 10 passengers and 4 crew members. You will enjoy private use of the trimaran (depending on the period) from 6 to 12 weeks during the first 5 years.

This program proposes a profitable commercial operation with 24/7 premium service. It is a tailor-made solution for all those who want to feel like owners of a prestigious yacht for a few days a year while limiting their investment and responsibilities. WI manages the operation of the yacht for you out of your personal use, like the charter’s organization, maintenance, insurance, annual mooring, and all other administrative tasks.

Once you have weighed the pros and cons and have the means to finance both the purchase and the annual costs (maintenance, operation, …) of your yacht, you should go for it! Indeed, if you can evaluate the hidden costs and expenses of owning a boat, the freedom and unforgettable memories are priceless. 

Yacht Charter remains a cheaper alternative than yacht ownership in many cases

If you can’t enjoy your yacht frequently or are still unsure about whether it’s worth the cost or not to own a yacht, you might consider chartering instead. This will allow you to try out different models , from various shipyards, and see which ones you prefer.

Therefore, the cost of renting a yacht will save you from having to worry about all those hidden costs of owning one. All you have to do is pay for your charter, your cancellation insurance and set your APA during your stay. This way, you only pay money, time, and effort when you use the boat.

What is the (true) cost of chartering the yacht you've seen? 💰⛵

The advertised prices of all charter companies do not include APA, VAT & other variable costs. 

Use our calculator to get a 100% FREE estimate of the REAL total cost of your next yacht charter! ⬇

Read also : SUSTAINABLE YACHTING: HOW IS THE BOAT INDUSTRY BECOMING MORE ECO-FRIENDLY?

Frequently asked question

For a 60-foot or million-dollar yacht, the cost per year will be about 10% of its value or $100,000 per year.

You should expect to pay about 20% or more of the original price of your boat to run it annually. So, for a $10 million yacht, the cost to operate will be about $2 million per year, including fuel, insurance, dock fees, maintenance and repairs, crew, etc.

A 180-foot superyacht and/or mega yacht costs a minimum of $4.75 million per year to operate and maintain. Kitty McGowan of the US Superyacht Association estimates an annual budget of $1 million for maintenance and repairs, $350,000 for dockage, $240,000 for insurance, $400,000 for fuel, and $1.4 million for the crew. Add another 15-25% of the vessel’s value for V.A.T.

Once you have weighed the pro and cons, if you can afford the purchase and all the hidden annual expenses, have found your dreamed yacht, and have time to enjoy it, you should go for yacht ownership!

It is not the best way to make money, but you can minimize your annual expenses by renting it or opting for fractional boat ownership.

It’s hard to tell. As long as you have the money and enough time to enjoy it, it is worth owning a yacht! Everything cannot be estimated. For example, it will bring you invaluable freedom and happiness.

One of the easiest way to reduce the maintenance cost of a yacht is to fractional yacht ownership. That way, the maintenance expenses are spread among co-owners according to their shares.

It varies greatly depending on the size of the yacht. For a yacht of 60ft (18m), you will likely spend around 10% of its purchase value each year in maintenance and exploitation costs.

Luxury yachts have maintenance and operation costs that are around 10% of their value yearly. So if a yacht value is 2 millions USD, its maintenance and operations costs should be around 200K / year.

Operating a sailboat is usually 20-40% cheaper than the same size motoryacht. Motoryachts tend to be more expensive to operate than sailboats as the fuel consumption can become an important expenditure fast.

A small yacht below 50ft is usually for sale between 500K and 2,5 millions USD / €. A mid-size yacht between 50ft and 100ft is usually for sale between 2-15 millions USD / €. Above 100ft, the selling price is rarely below 10 millions USD / €.

What is a Yacht Club? Benefits & Features Explained

Buying a yacht : the frequently asked questions, you might also like.

What differentiates a yacht from a superyacht or a mega yacht?

Chartering Requirements and Regulations: A Guide for Boat Owners

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How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

There are many things to consider and first time charterers can be left confused, that's why we've created a comprehensive guide to yacht charter prices (with a checklist).

The good news: It’s easy to grasp the basics of yacht charter pricing. And with one of our experts in your corner, we can help you more accurately estimate the cost of your next once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

The cost of a yacht charter is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of yacht, the charter destination, local taxes, and the base cost. (If the yacht has a celebrity owner, well that too, can add to the cost.)

Therefore, yacht charters have a wide range of base prices. That’s why charters can cost from $10,000 per week on smaller sailing yachts and catamarans, up to $150,000+ per week on the most luxurious motor superyachts.

What else can you expect to pay? This overview – a part of our planning resource, the Charter Advice Guide – offers an in-depth look at charter yacht costs.

Yacht Charter Price Structure: “All-Inclusive” vs “Plus Expenses”

In the world of yachting, two types of crewed yacht charters are available to you – “All-Inclusive” and “Plus Expenses” charter experiences. What do these terms mean exactly? Here’s a quick look:

• All-Inclusive Yacht Charters – Some charters (mainly catamaran and monohull charters in the Virgin Islands) offer all-inclusive rates. That means rates are based on the number of guests, and they include all food and drink, water sports, and fuel costs. Dockage and taxes, though, are usually charged separately.
• Plus Expenses Charters – Rates for larger motor yachts do not include running expenses, which must be paid separately. For these luxury charters, the base price is for the yacht only. Additional expenses, i.e. food, bar, fuel, dockage, port taxes, and other expenses, are charged separately. Most frequently, the running expenses are paid by an Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, which is typically 35% of the base price; this is an amount that’s paid prior to the charter.

Our chart below offers a quick overview of what’s included in both of these types of charters.

Average Yacht Charter Cost: Base Prices

What can you expect to pay for a catamaran, a sailing vessel, or motored yacht? Here’s a quick overview of the average cost to rent a yacht (not including extra expenses) for the most common types available:

Factors that Affect Yacht Charter Prices

Since charter yachts are privately owned, prices are set by the owner. This can explain, in part, the wide range of differences in price between boats of similar lengths. Yet, several other factors can significantly impact price, including:

• The Yacht – The year the boat was built, the builder, previous owners, and the boat’s selection of water toys can also increase the cost of a yacht. Boats can also develop a reputation, i.e. the largest or most luxurious, or having a famous builder or previous owner. Reputation can also affect pricing.
• Season – Prices typically increase in the high season – i.e. high summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean – and decrease in low seasons.
• Destination – Your charter destination also plays a role in charter cost. For example, prices increase in areas without large charter fleets (i.e. the Galapagos), whereas Bahamas yacht charters,   BVI charters , or Mediterranean yacht charter are priced more competitively.

Additional Costs Considerations on Yacht Charter

In addition to the cost associated with running the yacht and provisioning, there are a number of other costs that must be considered. These are the most significant:

Advanced Provisioning Allowance

The APA on Plus Expenses charters equals roughly 35% of the yacht’s base price. This is a fee that’s collected prior to charter, and it’s similar to an expense account the captain can access during the charter. At the end of the charter, you will receive a detailed accounting of your APA account, plus any unused APA funds in cash.

In the case of overages, you may be required to replenish the APA account during the charter. This can be done with cash, although many choose to set up accounts with their charter brokers , which can be accessed if requested by the captain.

Taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Most boats – whether all-inclusive or Plus Expenses – will not include local taxes or a Value Added Tax into their charter rate. The charterer will be responsible for paying those taxes. Taxes range significantly by destination; here’s a look at some of yachting’s most popular destinations:

• The Bahamas – Tax: 4% plus 10% VAT
• BVI – Tax: between $6 and $16 per person per day, depending on the flag of the boat
• Croatia – VAT: 13%
• Florida – Tax: 6% for Broward County, 7% for Miami-Dade County
• France – VAT: 20%, however, 10% can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Greece – VAT: 12%
• Italy – VAT: 22%, however 6.6% (over 24m) and 8.8% (under 24m) can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Montenegro – NO VAT
• New England – NO TAX
• Spain – VAT: 21%
• Turkey – NO VAT

Charterers can purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance – which is similar to traveler’s insurance. This insurance can help cover costs if a charterer must cancel or shorten the charter. Charter brokers can help you weigh insurance options, and often offer several different options.

Crew Gratuity

While crew gratuity is certainly not mandatory, it is recommended, particularly if you were truly impressed with your charter experience. In general, crew gratuity is roughly 15-20% of the base charter rate, which is handed to the captain at the conclusion of your charter.

Delivery Fees

While these fees do not apply on most charters, you may be asked to pay delivery costs if you are not chartering in the yacht’s normal cruising ground. In most cases, you will only be required to cover the fuel for the trip.

Call Worldwide Boat today to learn more. Our Charter Specialists are here to assist you with every detail and explain all charter costs. Or read our Charter Advice guide for more information and tips for planning your charter vacation.

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Additional Charter Cost FAQs

What are standard private charter yacht prices?

There are a number of factors that affect charter yacht pricing. However, on average, a week-long private yacht charter costs anywhere from $10,000 on luxurious sailing yachts and catamarans, and up to $150,000 for superyachts.

What affects charter yacht prices?

There are several things that influence how much your yacht charter will cost. The type of vessel, charter destination, length of trip, base cost, time of year, and local taxes all make a difference.

How much does it cost for a crewed vessel?

Charter yacht prices do increase when hiring a crew along with the boat. At Worldwide Boat, we offer two types of crewed charter experiences: all-inclusive and plus expenses. An all-inclusive charter yacht includes accommodation for all guests, food and drink, water sport activities, and fuel costs – dockage fees and taxes are charged separately. A plus expenses experience accounts for just the yacht’s base price. Things like food, drinks, fuel, dockages, taxes, and other expenses are charged separately and are usually estimated to be about 35% of the base price.

What’s included in all-inclusive boat charters?

At Worldwide Boat, your all-inclusive charter experience includes a diligent and friendly crew, water toys, food, drinks, fuel, water and electric services, and occasionally diving experiences.

What are some additional charter boat costs to consider?

After finding a base price you’re comfortable with and evaluating your package, you’ll also want to consider delivery fees, crew gratuity, insurance fees, taxes, and Advanced Provisioning Allowance rates. If you are responsible for these fees, your crew will handle the necessary transactions on your behalf.

What does it cost to rent a 100- foot yacht charter?

This depends on what type of vessel you’re looking at and how long you’ll need it for. The average weekly cost of a 100-foot sailing yacht is between $50,000-100,000. A weekly 80-foot catamaran charter runs around $40,000-100,000, and a week-long 100-foot motor yacht rental is anywhere between $50,000-80,000.

Does the price to rent a yacht change depending on what type of boat it is?

Yes. Worldwide Boat offers sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. All of these vessels have different capabilities, but there are other factors that determine the price beyond what type of boat you choose. The year the boat was built, owner, availability of water toys, onboard amenities, and the ship’s reputation can all change how much the ship is priced at.

When is the high season for yacht charters?

The price of a yacht fluctuates depending on the season. A Mediterranean yacht charter cost rises in the summer and drops in the winter, whereas Caribbean boat charter prices are high during the winter and lower in the summer months.

How does my destination affect charter yacht cost?

The more remote an area is, the more expensive it will be to charter a yacht there. That’s because prices go up in areas that have fewer boats. If you were to travel somewhere like the Galapagos, which isn’t a typical yacht destination, you’d pay more than you would if you were traveling to the Caribbean.

How much do I tip the crew when reviewing my yacht charter expenses?

It’s not required that you tip your crew, but it is recommended and appreciated. If you had an enjoyable experience it’s considered polite to tip your crew anywhere from 15-20% at the end of your charter.

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How much does it cost to purchase a superyacht?

Superyachts are amongst one of the world’s most exclusive purchases, with the finest vessels costing hundreds of millions of dollars. A luxury yacht is the ultimate lifestyle purchase for the world’s richest, offering flexibility, exclusivity, and the freedom to discover the world's hidden gems in unparalleled luxury.

While owning a superyacht comes with a plethora of benefits, many aspects come into play when deciding to purchase one. Working with a knowledgeable yacht broker, such as the team at Yachting Partners International, can help assist you in your search, by providing expert advice and guidance throughout your entire yachting journey.

The cost of buying a superyacht can vary considerably depending on the size, yacht and amenities you wish to purchase.

In general, the smaller the yacht, the lower the price, with superyachts of 24m or more usually attracting asking prices of over €1m, going up to an average of €11.42m in the 40m-50m category, €24.15m in the 50m-70m category and an average of €81.2m for yachts of 70m+.

Purchasing a motor yacht also tends to cost more than a sailing yacht. However, this is often because many sailing yachts on the market are older; a brand-new sailing yacht will still demand a high price.

It is also important to note that semi-custom yachts are often less expensive than customised superyachts. Of course, yachts decked out with beach clubs, sports courts, spas, fitness suites, and a toy box full of the latest water toys can cost much more.

Jeff Bezos's new 412-foot vessel is estimated to cost about US$500 million to build, and Elon Musk's first luxury Model Y Tesla yacht is ready to set sail, costing around $700 million.

What are the benefits of owning a superyacht?

An indication of prestige, few things match the experience of owning a superyacht. Each year, the world's best shipyards are taking shipbuilding to new levels of luxury, implementing the best design materials, advanced technologies, world-class amenities and environment-friendly features to meet the needs of discerning yacht owners.

Almost all luxury superyachts boast elegant onboard interiors, spacious saloons, and sublime sundecks. However, the world's largest superyachts offer amenities that can often rival a luxury resort, including swimming pools, helipads, wellness centres, private cinemas, beach clubs, sports courts, dive centres and more.

There is also the unparalleled level of service that goes into the onboard experience. From onboard chefs to specialist spas, the service goes above and beyond.

Superyacht owners are also treated with privacy and freedom, allowing them to beat the crowds and explore the world's blue water havens as and when they please.

The current superyacht market

Superyacht sales have boomed throughout the pandemic. According to figures in the latest edition of Boat International's Global Order Book, more than 1,200 superyachts are scheduled to be built in 2022 – a rise of 25% from last year. Currently, the total number of sales for 2022 stands at 33, with a combined value of €418m.

According to the Superyacht Group, the number of vessels delivered has grown 50% from 2020, with more than 700 superyachts sold in 2021.

The superyacht market boom is said to be a reaction to the pandemic as UHNW individuals seek ultra-private forms of transportation and accommodation, prioritising safety and hygiene.

Another factor to consider is the simultaneous advancement of technology and the fact that people can work from anywhere in the world, be it from home or the sundeck of their yacht whilst on vacation in the Bahamas.

Are there any hidden costs to owning a superyacht?

There's a range of extra costs to consider when purchasing a superyacht. Once you agree on a deal with your yacht broker, you can expect to pay around 10% of the yacht's value in annual operational costs, including crew, deck, engineering, fuel, insurance, maintenance and harbour expenses. Approximately 45% of the yearly budget is crew related, making up a large proportion of the overall costs.

Most owners choose to instruct an experienced yacht management company, such as the team at Yachting Partners International, who manage the day-to-day operations of the yacht, including crew, finance, compliance, maintenance and refits. This provides owners with worry-free yacht ownership enabling them to spend more time doing what they love.

Should I buy or charter a superyacht?

Depending on your preferences, many will vouch for owning a superyacht over chartering one. Of course, there are plenty of perks to chartering a yacht, and it's entirely down to the individual's needs and what they're looking for. For a prearranged vacation, chartering a yacht is a breeze with far less responsibility than owning a yacht.

However, nothing can beat the spontaneity and flexibility that comes with yacht ownership. You can travel on a whim with minimal notice with a bespoke itinerary tailored to your needs. The familiarity of having your own captain and crew is another perk as they can offer customised experiences based on your preferences.

Should I buy a new build yacht?

Purchasing a new build yacht is another approach to consider. The beauty of a new build means you can customise a superyacht to your style before it's even been built, meaning you can create your dream yacht and add just about anything – from helicopter landing pads to open-air cinemas.

Many billionaires have stamped their image on their vessels. Apple founder Steve Jobs created a sleek minimalist yacht reminiscent of his brand’s iconic products, while chemicals tycoon Sir Jim Ratcliffe designed an expedition-style ship that can carry helicopters and mini-subs.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that building a superyacht from scratch will invariably be more costly than buying a ready-built yacht. According to Forbes, a custom built 100-metre superyacht costs around $275 million. Additionally, custom yachts have a far longer lead-time, taking several years to design and build.

Alternatively, another popular option is a semi-custom superyacht. This allows for the best of both worlds, offering faster lead times and reduced costs, as well as the flexibility to personalise the yacht to your exact tastes and lifestyle.

Building a custom superyacht can be a superb experience when you work alongside a reputable yacht brokerage. Highly skilled agents are able to assist with all aspects of project management, including the technical and financial performance, surveys, classification, flag and technical regulatory paperwork and the delivery of the yacht.

Browse our luxury yacht sales fleet today or contact us to find your ideal superyacht.

How Much Does a Superyacht Cost? (The Surprising Truth)

Who hasn’t dreamed of owning a superyacht? After all, these vessels are the ultimate symbols of luxury and success, often seen in the hands of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

But what exactly does a superyacht cost? In this article, we’ll uncover the surprising truth behind the prices of these magnificent vessels.

We’ll look at the cost of smaller and larger superyachts, the factors that can affect the prices, the most expensive superyacht ever built, and how to get the most for your money.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how much a superyacht costs, read on!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The cost of a superyacht can vary greatly depending on the size, amenities, and features the yacht includes.

Generally, a superyacht can cost anywhere from a few million dollars to over $100 million.

The cost of the yacht can also depend on the type of materials used and the level of customization.

For example, a superyacht with a helipad, multiple decks, and luxurious furnishings can cost significantly more than a basic superyacht.

What Is a Superyacht?

A superyacht is a luxurious, multi-story, multi-million dollar vessel, typically used for leisure and pleasure-seeking.

They are often custom-made to meet a buyer’s exact specifications, and can feature a variety of amenities, from helipads to private spas and cinemas.

They are usually powered by multiple diesel engines, and can have a top speed of over 20 knots.

Superyachts are owned by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, and are often used for luxury cruises, parties, or even business meetings.

The cost of a superyacht can vary greatly depending on its size, amenities, and other features.

Smaller superyachts can range in price from a few million dollars up to tens of millions.

Larger vessels, meanwhile, can cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The most expensive superyacht ever built, the History Supreme, sold for a staggering $4.5 billion.

Ultimately, the cost of a superyacht is determined by its buyer’s individual preferences and budget.

Smaller Superyacht Prices

When it comes to the cost of a superyacht, it is important to consider the size of the vessel.

Smaller superyachts, such as those measuring up to 50 meters, can range in price from a few million dollars to tens of millions of dollars.

These vessels are usually built with luxury in mind, featuring features like multiple decks, salons, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other amenities.

Many also come equipped with a variety of recreational features such as swimming pools, spas, and sports facilities.

Because of their smaller size, these superyachts are typically less expensive to maintain and operate than larger vessels.

They are also easier to transport and maneuver.

However, they don’t offer the same level of luxury and amenities as larger superyachts.

The cost of a smaller superyacht will also depend on its age, condition, and the features it includes.

For instance, newer models may come with more modern features and amenities, such as satellite TV and Wi-Fi, which can add to the overall cost.

Similarly, superyachts with higher-end materials, such as marble or teak, will also cost more.

In addition to the purchase price, buyers should also consider the cost of maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.

Smaller superyachts may require more frequent maintenance, as well as additional costs for fuel and staffing.

For those looking to purchase a smaller superyacht, it is important to factor in these additional costs when deciding on a budget.

Larger Superyacht Prices

When it comes to superyachts, size really does matter.

While smaller superyachts can range in price from a few million dollars up to tens of millions, larger vessels can cost hundreds of millions of dollars and even more.

In fact, the most expensive superyacht ever built, the History Supreme, sold for an astonishing $4.5 billion!

The cost of a larger superyacht is determined by the size of the vessel, the number of amenities and features it offers, and the quality of the materials used in its construction.

The more luxurious the vessel, the higher the price tag.

For example, a well-appointed, 320-foot superyacht with all the bells and whistles can easily cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

In addition to the cost of the vessel itself, there are also ongoing operational costs associated with owning a superyacht.

These can add up quickly and include fuel, maintenance, crew salaries, insurance, dockage, and more.

However, these costs can vary greatly depending on the size and type of vessel, as well as the number of amenities and features it offers.

When it comes to superyachts, the sky truly is the limit.

Whether youre looking for a smaller vessel or a multi-million dollar mega-yacht, the cost will ultimately be determined by your individual preferences and budget.

Factors That Affect Superyacht Prices

When it comes to the cost of a superyacht, there are several factors that can affect the final price.

The size of the vessel is one of the primary considerations, as larger yachts typically cost more than smaller ones.

The amenities and features of the yacht can also influence the final cost.

For instance, a yacht with extensive customizations (such as a Jacuzzi or helipad) or high-end materials (such as carbon fiber or mahogany) may cost more than a standard yacht.

Additionally, the cost of maintenance and upkeep should be taken into account, as these can quickly add up over time.

Finally, the buyer’s individual preferences and budget will play a significant role in determining the total cost of the superyacht.

The Most Expensive Superyacht Ever Built

The most expensive superyacht ever built is the History Supreme, a 100-foot-long vessel that sold for a staggering $4.5 billion.

The luxurious yacht was commissioned by Robert Kuok, a Malaysian tycoon, and it took three years to build.

The exterior of the superyacht is made from solid gold and platinum, while the interior is adorned with a wide range of luxury features, including a statue made from genuine Tyrannosaurus Rex bones.

The luxurious amenities also include a master suite with a Jacuzzi, a wine cellar, and a helipad.

The History Supreme is a truly remarkable vessel and it is the epitome of opulence and excess.

It is an excellent example of how much a superyacht can cost when a buyer has a virtually unlimited budget.

Superyacht Amenities and Features

The cost of a superyacht is determined by the size, amenities, and features the buyer chooses.

Superyachts come with a variety of amenities and features that can add to the cost, such as luxurious interiors, multiple decks, state-of-the-art technology, and more.

Luxury interiors may include marble floors, custom-made furniture, and high-end appliances.

The number of decks can range from two to seven, with each deck offering different activities and amenities.

Superyachts can also come equipped with spas, fitness centers, hot tubs, swimming pools, movie theaters, and private areas for entertaining.

State-of-the-art technology can include advanced navigation systems, satellite communications, and high-end audio and visual systems.

The features and amenities of a superyacht will add to the overall cost and can range from a few million dollars to hundreds of millions of dollars.

How to Get the Most for Your Money

If youre looking to purchase a superyacht, youll want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

While the cost of a superyacht can vary greatly, there are certain factors that can help you get the most for your money.

First and foremost, its important to consider the size of the yacht.

The larger the vessel, the more expensive it will be.

However, if youre looking for something luxurious and comfortable, then a larger yacht may be worth the investment.

Additionally, if youre looking to entertain guests, a larger yacht can provide more space for them.

Amenities and features are also an important factor when it comes to determining the cost of a superyacht.

If youre looking for something that has all the bells and whistles, then you can expect to pay more.

This includes things like a helipad, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and other luxuries.

Additionally, you may want to consider the number of crewmembers youll need.

The more crewmembers you have, the more expensive the yacht will be.

Finally, its important to consider the cost of maintenance and upkeep when determining the cost of a superyacht.

Superyachts require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, and the cost of these services can add up quickly.

If youre looking to get the most for your money, it may be best to purchase a yacht that is easy to maintain.

Ultimately, the cost of a superyacht varies greatly depending on its size, amenities, and other features.

By considering the size, amenities, and maintenance costs of a superyacht, youll be able to get the most for your money.

Final Thoughts

Whether youre looking for a smaller superyacht or something larger, understanding the various factors at play can help you get the most for your money.

From extra amenities to the latest features, luxury superyachts can provide a one-of-a-kind experience.

So if youre ready to explore the world in style, start exploring the cost of your dream superyacht today!

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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What Size Yacht Can You Afford?

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 .”

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How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Superyacht?

Posted June 27, 2022 in Charter by Janine St.Denis

Yacht charters have become popular in recent years because they offer all the same amenities of renting a gorgeous luxury villa without the crowds and impersonal vibe of cruise travel. You have ownership of the yacht for the duration of your trip, which adds a layer of freedom that appeals to adventure seekers around the world. A yacht charter is the ultimate luxury experience. 

Depending on the size, amenities, and condition of the yacht, superyachts can cost anywhere from $4,000 /week to over $2 million /week plus expenses.

In this article, we’ll detail the differences between a yacht and a superyacht and explore how much it is to go on a superyacht . 

What’s the Difference Between Yachts and Superyachts?

Yachts come in several classifications, which means you have a variety to choose from.

What Is a Yacht?

A yacht is a recreational sea vessel used for entertainment, like cruising, water sports, or fishing . At a minimum, a yacht includes sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and a bathroom. There is no set standard definition, but the term applies to a ship with amenities that can accommodate overnight use.

What Is a Superyacht?

Superyachts are the gold standard in luxury yachting. They can accommodate six passengers at a minimum, but often host more than 10 passengers and a robust crew. Many superyachts have a variety of deluxe amenities like: 

• Swimming pools
• Tennis courts
• Outdoor cinemas
• Helicopter pads 

What Is Included in the Price of a Superyacht Charter ?

Superyacht charter prices are typically quoted at weekly rates. This will account for about 60–70% of the total cost. For a superyacht, expect to pay $100,000 or more per week. 

Charter prices include: 

• Yacht rental
• All equipment and amenities 
• Crew salary
• Additional services

The more extravagant your vessel, the more you can expect to pay. 

What Is Not Included in the Price of a Yacht Charter?

Yacht charters are generally “all-inclusive,” but this doesn’t include things like tips and taxes. Here is a list of a few things that are not included when you rent a superyacht: 

• Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). APA covers provisions while onboard, including any specific requests you may have and several variable costs (including port fees, excursions, etc.). It’s a standard system managed by your captain. The crew uses this allowance to purchase products of your choosing and for taxis, communication fees, port fees, and other expenses that are difficult to budget for ahead of time.
• Taxes and VAT rates. Taxes are not included in superyacht charter prices. You will also be subject to VAT rates when chartering a yacht in Europe. 
• Crew gratuity. Your superyacht will come with an expansive and experienced crew. You’ll want to factor their gratuity into your overall costs. They’re at your service nearly 24/7, so it’s customary to leave them a tip at the end of your charter.

Yacht Charter Costs To Consider

Here are a few other factors that may influence how much your yacht charter is :

• The size of the yacht. You’ll pay a weekly rate of $100,000 or more for a superyacht charter rental. If you want something smaller, the price varies between $20,000 and $80,000. For a megayacht rental (much bigger than a superyacht), you can expect to pay upwards of a million dollars. The larger the yacht, the higher the cost.
• Seasonal influences. Depending on the destination, certain times of year are more expensive than others. For example, the Caribbean costs more during the winter, whereas in the Mediterranean, the summer months are pricier. 
• Exotic destinations. Exotic destinations cost more. The Galápagos Archipelago is a great example. Since yacht fleets are limited there, prices are higher. The Mediterranean is easier to access and thus less expensive.

Book Your Superyacht Charter with Northrop & Johnson Today

There’s nothing quite like sitting on the deck of a superyacht with a glass of bubbly and the sun and sea spray on your skin. It’s an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. 

Northrop & Johnson is committed to making your dream superyacht vacation come to life. Our staff will tailor every aspect of your trip to your specific needs and desires. You choose the destination and the menu, and we’ll handle the rest. With Northrop & Johnson, you can handpick your lifeguard, massage therapist, bartender, and more, and we’ll accommodate any cleaning or hygiene requests you may have. 

Contact Northrop & Johnson today to book your superyacht charter vacation . Our experienced team will walk you through the booking process and help you design a personalized yachting experience you’ll love. 

Looking for more than a luxurious vacation? Check out superyachts for sale and say hello to a new, adventurous life!

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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.

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.)

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. )

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?

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How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

11th jul 2023 by samantha wilson.

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 . 

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. 

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. 

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.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Superyacht refit guide: How much does a refit cost?

Repainting a hull.

Want to know exactly how much a superyacht refit costs? Daan Balk, CEO of Balk Shipyard , and Fortunato Di Marco, sales manager of Lusben , explain what goes into four of the most common refit requests and how much they will cost a superyacht owner.*

Repainting a hull

A new paint job might seem straightforward enough, but owners are often surprised by how quickly costs can escalate. “Painting is 70 per cent preparation – fairing, sanding and treating corrosion – but it’s absolutely worth doing a proper job,” Balk says. “If you take care with all that, your paint will last much longer.”

And don’t forget that before any painting can happen, “you have to take off all the hardware, stainless-steel railings, hand grips, grids and doors, and the caulking will need to be cut away and window seals removed”, Balk says. “There are some cases of ‘scratch and shoot’ but in general there’s a lot of additional work that people don’t realise – plus the cost of having the boat in a shed with heating, lighting and extractors.”

*All costs are estimates, based on a 60-metre yacht in fairly good condition. Image courtesy of Billy Black.

Installing an LED Lighting System

Swapping harsh halogen lights for warmer, more subtle LEDs is a relatively simple way to update your yacht. Costs vary hugely depending on whether you’re copying your original lighting plan and placing lights in the same position – in which case “you could do that quite easily in a couple of weeks”, Balk says – or if you’re planning on redesigning your whole system, which owners often want to do. The age of the boat has a bearing on rewiring, Di Marco notes, and costs will change depending on whether you go for simple LEDs, RGB or RGB white systems.

LEDs are a wise investment, in Balk’s opinion, because they’ll save on electric power consumption too. “Normally a light produces 80 per cent heat and only 20 per cent light, but LEDs are completely different,” he says. Unlike some projects, owners have the choice of whether to keep changes to the lighting minimal, and therefore keep the costs down, or to run with a more extensive overhaul. Either way, it’s a savvy investment.

Image courtesy of Jeff Brown.

Replacing Superyacht Furniture

Swapping out built-in, dark, carved wooden furniture for free-standing items in lighter woods is one of the most popular refit trends today. “It’s something you can do on a reasonable budget to make a magnificent difference,” Balk says. Free-standing items are also easier to replace in the future, giving you more flexibility to refresh your boat on a regular basis. “The process can be complicated by the fact that some fixed furniture is used to cover cables, piping and fan coils,” Di Marco adds.

But, “it’s something that makes people feel they get value for money,” adds Balk. “You can come on board and think, wow, this is a totally different ship!”

Image courtesy of Mark Sims.

Installing a Spa Pool

When it comes to installing a hot tub , many owners are lured by a seemingly straightforward, off-the-shelf option. But, explains Balk, if you haven’t thought about access properly, “the whole thing will be torn apart so that we can position filters and pumps in different positions. The same hot tub can cost you twice as much”.

A detailed spec is crucial when looking into installation – what regulations your yacht has to comply with is a major factor, and “the availability of power in relation to how quickly water can be heated up is key too”, Di Marco says. What deck you choose to have your spa pool on is also important. “Most people like to have it on the highest deck, in the sun, but from a naval architecture point of view that’s the most difficult point because it’s directly related to the stability of the yacht,” Balk notes. He recommends building a tub that fits in with the power and water systems you already have on board – and don’t forget, even though space is at a premium, you’ll still need to get access to maintain it.

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The most expensive travel experiences in the world

Posted: December 20, 2023 | Last updated: December 20, 2023

Most of us are trying to get the best deals on hotels, flights, and even restaurants so as not to overspend on our travel budget . But when you're wealthy, vacationing is a whole other experience. One of the perks that comes with wealth is vacationing in some of the most exclusive destinations on the planet. Indeed, having tons of money means you can escape to unusual destinations and experience out-of-this-world activities and places. But it can come at a big price.

From super yacht soirées to submersible excursions to the Titanic, these are some of the most expensive travel experiences in the world. Click on to discover them.

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The submersible expedition to the Titanic

The pictured sub belonged to OceanGate Expeditions, a private company that provides crewed submersible services for exploration, industry, and research purposes. But on June 18, 2023, one of their submersibles went missing after two hours of getting into the North Atlantic to explore the Titanic wreck—a trip that cost US$250,000 a head. Tragically, the five individuals aboard were all declared dead on June 22.

Fly around the world with Etihad in first class

Etihad’s Residence is practically an apartment in an Airbus A380. Accommodating two, you can get from New York to Abu Dhabi for US$72,000. Oh, and that's one-way fare!

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Private jet tour from Cairo to Cape Town

For US$111,000, you could embark on an exclusive journey with Captain’s Choice that explores the world’s greatest animal migration in Africa. Plus, you'll enjoy fine dining beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Rent a whole town in Colorado

When money is no object, why not rent an entire town? Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado is a former mining spot, which was once left to rot but has been restored to luxury status.

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The world's most expensive guided tour

Thanks to TCS World Travel, you can go on a 24-day tour around the world. Flying on a Boeing 757 jet, stops include Rio de Janeiro, the Galápagos Islands, and Rwanda. Couples pay US$194,000 per person.

Stay at Richard Branson's private island

Richard Branson’s renowned Necker Island offers the epitome of luxury from US$134,500 per night for up to 48 guests. You can also just book an individual room for $5,400.

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The world's most expensive train ride

At around US$4,500 per night for the Presidential Suite, India’s Maharaja’s Express is definitely on the right side of the tracks! Taking you to some of India's most emblematic sights, this train has all the amenities needed for a luxurious ride.

A seven-star hotel

Live like royalty at one of the few seven-star hotels in the world, Burj-Al-Arab in Dubai. The spacious Royal Suite is on the 25th floor and is dripping in 22-karat gold. Pure luxury.

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Sailing with the Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary 2 is the only transatlantic ocean liner in regular service between Southampton, in England, and New York City. Providing a luxurious experience, the liner also offers route options across the world for US$340,000 per person.

The secret suites at Heathrow Airport

Hidden away at Heathrow Airport, the Windsor Suites is the world’s most secretive and expensive airport lounge. Starting at US$5,055 for just three hours, elite flyers have booked out the entire lounge for 100 people for $166,000.

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The Big Seven

Big Seven is an exclusive luxury tour that takes visitors to seven unique destinations around the world, including Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Dubai, and Hong Kong. For US$71,494, travelers will enjoy luxurious accommodations, private transportation, and VIP access to popular attractions.

India's lavish royal palaces

This tour, titled the King of the Castle, takes you on a visit to the most lavish Indian palaces, including Lake, Umaid Bhawan (pictured), and Rambagh. Visitors enjoy a three-night stay at each of the palaces for US$1.67 million per person!

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Explore Antarctica

Starting with a flight from the UK to Cape Town, and then a ship to Antarctica, the expedition is supported by leading polar guides. The cost for the nine-day trip is US$71,000.

Maldives island takeover package

For US$6.8 million, guests can turn the W Maldives resort into their own private sanctuary, with exclusive use of all 78 overwater and beach suites, gourmet dining venues, and an underground nightclub. Not bad, huh?

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The Baccarat heritage trip

The legendary crystal factory of Baccarat was established in France in 1764. Today, you can find their decorations around the world, and this tour aims to show you them. For US$300,000, the 12-day tour will take you to cities of great significance in the company's history, such as New York, Paris, Istanbul, and Seoul. 

An epic wildlife safari

The Journey to Nature's Edge expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for anyone with a spare US$1.4 million. Taking place across 111 days and 12 countries, you will view some of the world’s most vulnerable species, including the Galápagos' marine iguana.

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A Michelin tour

The Michelin Star Hotel Tour is a luxury world tour that takes you to some of the best hotels in the world, including the Ritz-Carlton in London and the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. Including luxurious accommodations and world-class cuisine, the tour will cost you US$276,470.

A James Bond experience at Turks and Caicos

For US$244,000 you can holiday like a glamorous 007 agent with Como Hotels and Resorts. Arrive at Parrot Cay by private jet and super yacht, before sipping some expensive champagne on the paradise island.

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A penthouse suite made for royalty

The royal penthouse suite at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva takes up the entire top floor, making it one of the largest and most luxurious suites in Europe. For US$112,000 a night, it features a wraparound terrace with magnificent views of the Alps.

A place for A-listers

Villa North Island in Seychelles boasts former guests like George and Amal Clooney and Prince William and Kate, who were rumored to have honeymooned here.

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One of the most expensive restaurants

Located at the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza, indulge in a 20-couse dinner at one of the world’s most expensive restaurants, SubliMotion. For US$2,379, Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero will entertain you with virtual reality features, laser light shows, and edible entry tickets.

The trip of a lifetime

Organized by the DreamMaker company for up to 50 people, this trip visits 20 cities, and goes to sites such as the Angkor ruins in Cambodia. Travel is on a private plane, and the trip costs a whopping US$18 million!

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The private charter tour

The epitome of global luxury travel, this US$47,990 trip takes you to the world's most expensive and luxurious hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, all while traveling on private jets.

The Japanese bonanza

This luxurious tour takes you to some of the most beautiful locations in Japan. From Tokyo to Kyoto, you'll experience majestic Japanese mountains and the gorgeous cherry blossoms.

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An elegant overnight stay in Miami

For US$50,000 per night, guests are greeted with panoramic ocean views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows at the Faena Hotel Penthouse on Miami Beach.

Paradise in Fiji

Surrounded by rain forests and offering incredible views of the Fijian archipelago, the secluded Laucala Island Resort can be rented for US$210,000 over five nights.

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A luxurious spot in the middle of Manhattan

Decorated with custom furniture by Jacques Grange, the Grand Penthouse Suite at The Mark costs US$106,000 a night. At least you'll get a rooftop terrace that boasts incredible views of Manhattan!

Sources: (Fox Business) (Knowinsiders) (Delicious) 

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Best Fishing Spots in Washington

Table of Contents

Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

From the glacial waters of the Cascade Mountains to the sun-drenched lakes of Eastern Washington, the Evergreen State offers year-round fishing opportunities. The state’s fishing legacy made headlines in 1987, when biologists at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hauled out one of the biggest fish ever seen in Lake Washington — a massive white sturgeon weighing 670 pounds. Estimated to be up to 100 years old, this remarkable catch underscores the exceptional potential of these waters. Whether you’re after trophy-sized sturgeon, or hard-fighting bass, the best fishing lakes in Washington promise the chance to reel in your next big catch.

Best Fishing Lakes in Washington

Lake chelan.

Nestled in the heart of Washington, Lake Chelan is a 55-mile long fjord-like lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish population. Anglers flock here for the chance to catch lake trout, also known as mackinaw, which can grow to impressive sizes of 20 pounds or more. Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout also thrive here, providing year-round fishing opportunities. The best time of year to plan a fishing trip in Lake Chelan are spring and fall when the water temperatures are optimal for fish activity. Lake Chelan can reach depths of over 1,500 feet in some areas, challenging anglers to hone their deep-water fishing skills.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Lake Chelan

Moses Lake is a warm-water fishery popular among bass anglers. The lake boasts an impressive population of largemouth and smallmouth bass, with many trophy-sized fish lurking in its waters. Walleye and yellow perch are also abundant, offering diverse fishing opportunities. Spring and early summer are prime times for bass fishing, while fall can be excellent for walleye. Moses Lake’s shallow, weedy areas provide ideal habitats for fish, making it a perfect spot for both shore and boat fishing.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Moses Lake

Lake Washington

Lake Washington is just a 10-15 minute drive from Seattle, offering city dwellers a chance unique fishing experiences right at home. The lake is home to coastal cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and even salmon during certain times of the year. Spring and fall are particularly good for trout fishing, while summer months are ideal for bass. One of Lake Washington’s unique features is the opportunity to fish for sockeye salmon during their summer run. The lake’s urban setting provides a distinctive backdrop, with the Seattle skyline visible from many fishing spots.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Lake Washington

Explore fishing boat rentals around Banks Lake

Lake Roosevelt

Formed by the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, the Lake Roosevelt offers  diverse fishing opportunities. The lake is known for its excellent rainbow trout fishing, with many fish reaching 5 pounds or more. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and kokanee salmon also thrive in these waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons for most species, but Lake Roosevelt offers good fishing year-round. During the winter months, fishing here provides the chance to catch burbot, a freshwater cod-like fish often described as having a mild, sweet flavor similar to lobster or crab.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Lake Roosevelt

Whether you’re casting a line in the shadow of Mount Rainier or trolling the deep waters of Lake Chelan, fishing in Washington is an adventure not to be missed. With proper planning and respect for local regulations, anglers can enjoy these bountiful waters year-round, making the most of the state’s rich aquatic resources.

For those looking to explore these fishing hotspots, consider

fishing boat rentals in Washington to enhance your angling experience and access the best fishing spots on these lakes.

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