average price of a super yacht

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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How Much Does a Superyacht Cost?

21st apr 2024 by samantha wilson.

Superyachts are some of the most astounding machines on the planet. Their innovation and luxury have fascinated us for decades as we’ve watched them grow in length—and cost—by the year. Today, some of the most expensive yachts in the world can measure a staggering 590 feet and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Yet the purchase price is just the beginning, and you need to have extremely deep pockets to consider owning a superyacht. Here we take a closer look at how much it costs not just to build or buy a superyacht, but to run it, as well as the price of chartering one of these magnificent vessels. 

Superyachts are some of the most expensive luxury items on the planet and the largest ones can cost hundreds of millions of dollars. 

The Cost of Buying a Superyacht

There are 5,396 superyachts (classified as over 98 feet in length) gracing our oceans as we speak according to SuperYacht Times reporting in 2022. It’s a surprisingly small number when you consider the vast industry that supports them. Although when we look at the cost of owning a superyacht—the build or purchase price , as well as the annual ownership costs—it perhaps shouldn’t come as quite such a surprise. Superyachts are expensive! In fact, they’re one of the most expensive luxury items in the world, and some of the largest superyachts cost not just millions but hundreds of millions to build. 

The gargantuan Azzam holds the title of the world’s largest superyacht (for now), and at 590 feet long, it is huge. (See our analysis on Superyacht versus Megayacht .) The industry has estimated it cost $600 million to build, a figure that few people in the world can afford. One of those people is Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, whose 533-foot superyacht Eclipse cost an estimated $700 million to build in 2009. Jeff Bezos' recently completed the 417-foot superyacht Koru for an estimated $500 million.

While the largest superyachts hit headlines with their jaw-dropping sizes and build prices, the term “superyacht” covers a broad spectrum of sizes, from the smallest 80- to 100-foot (30-meter) yachts straight up to 230-foot yachts (70 meters) and on to those in the 330-foot (100 meter) range. According to Triton Charters, a good rough estimate for a small, custom-built superyacht is $1 million for every 3.3 feet in length. That means a custom 100-footer might cost $30 million. The formula is less likely to work for a larger superyacht, however, such as a 330-footer that could easily have a price tag of $275 million. 

When discussing prices it’s important to point out that custom and semi-custom vessels built in a production series hull) superyachts will vary in price accordingly. Many brands such as Princess Yachts or Sunseeker offer a production hull with a range of customizable options, from the layout to the finishings. The specifications chosen may increase the final price 20 percent or more. Even so, a new 130-foot semi-custom superyacht might cost in the region of $12-15 million, less than half what a fully custom yacht would cost due to being built from scratch from the very design upwards. 

Pre-owned superyachts of reasonably large size are likely to sell for prices in the $20 to $30 million range, according to a report by Insure4Boats. Older yachts on the market may fetch prices as low as $1.5 million to $2.5 million for a 15- to 20-year-old 90-foot superyacht. 

Superyachts vary hugely in size, from 100 feet to the largest at 590 feet in length. 

Cost of Owning a Superyacht

Buying a superyacht is one thing, keeping it running is quite another. Where the industry once used the figure of 10 to 12 percent of the price of the boat in running costs per year, today that figure has risen to closer to 20 percent, according to Insure4Boats. So what goes into the running of a boat and why does it cost so much?

As we’ve seen, the sale prices of used yachts vary widely, from $11 million in the 130- to 160-foot category, $24 million in the 160- to 230-foot category, and perhaps $80 million for yachts of 230 feet or more. The running and maintenance costs of any vessel always need to be taken into account when looking at luxury yachts for sale , but when we’re talking superyachts for sale, the figures rise exponentially. 

• Fuel: One of the biggest expenses is fuel, as superyachts are thirsty machines. As an example, a 230-foot yacht will use around $2,000 of fuel per hour while underway at 20 knots. A smaller yacht will use much less fuel, so a 150-foot yacht will use around 150 gallons per hour at a rough cost of around $500/hour. Assuming a figure of 500 hours of cruising time a year, that’s a total of $250,000 (excluding all the time spent at anchor with generators running). 
• Dockage: Dockage costs for the largest superyachts can be extraodinary, and at any size point they will still be one the biggest expenditures. Prices are based on the length of the yacht per night. The more sought-after and prestigious addresses will carry the largest price tags, with $4,000 per night in the high season commonplace according to the Luxury Yacht Group. Towergate Insurance estimates that docking fees for larger boats can run up to $350,000 per year. 
• Crew Salaries: Depending on the size of the superyacht, a full-time crew is usually required, and the size of that crew goes up with the yacht size, ranging from three or four members to in excess of 70 members. From the captain all the way down, the total sum of crew salaries will add up. A comparatively modest 150-foot superyacht could have an annual crew salary of $800,000 according to Luxury Yacht Group, which is around 45 percent of the total annual running costs. 
• Maintenance: The upkeep and maintenance of these behemoth yachts is constant and, according to CNN, the annual estimated maintenance costs for Azzam are around $60 million. A much smaller yacht would of course be quite a bit less, but the same yacht maintenance costs need to be factored in. Add to that surveys every few years, which can run into the hundreds of thousands. 
• Provisions: Whether the boat is being used by the owner or for charter, there will be a significant cost to provisioning, both for high-profile guests and the crew. Food, alcohol, flowers, water sports equipment, and much more will all be of the highest caliber and run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Consider that a single jet ski to run off the back of the yacht can cost between $5,000 and $20,000. 
• Insurance and administration: The insurance on a 150-foot yacht would be around $73,000 annually, according to Luxury Yacht Group, with management and administration costs on top of that. 

The annual maintenance and running costs of superyachts can run into the millions including crew salaries, fuel, and dockage fees. 

How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Superyacht

If the numbers above have got you reassessing whether superyacht ownership is right for you, then fear not. Chartering a superyacht can be a stress-free way to enjoy the luxury yachting lifestyle with more predictable prices. The cost of chartering a yacht will depend on several factors such as the size and age of the yacht, the destination, the length of the charter, and the level of provisioning required. 

Superyachts usually operate on a pricing structure that is based on the base cost of chartering the yacht including the crew, facilities, and insurance. Other expenses such as fuel costs, food and drinks, special events, and dockage, which will all vary from charter to charter, are charged in advance in what is known as an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA).

According to Northrop and Johnson, superyacht charters can cost anywhere from $150,000 per week to over $2 million per week plus expenses. The 278-foot yacht O’ptasia , for example, has charter prices starting at $868,000, while 196-foot Scott Free starts at £395,000 per week.

Buying a Superyacht

If you think purchasing a superyacht might be right for you some day, read our  Top Tips on How to Buy a Superyacht  and our article on  Superyachts 101: All Your Questions Answered . You can get started by browsing for superyachts for sale and megayachts for sale on Rightboat. 

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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Us flagged vessel, health insurance costs per crew, uniform cost per crew, training cost per crew, food cost per crew, crew turnover, hires using a professional crew agency.

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

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

SELECT SIZE ⇩

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

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

40 Foot Yacht Cost

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

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

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

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

The maintenance prices will remain lower as well.

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

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

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

For  sailboat prices specifically, check out this article .

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

Price: $895,000

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

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

Yacht Price Examples for Three Other 40-50 Foot

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

50 Foot Yacht Cost

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

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

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

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

Our Pick: Hatteras GT54 Convertible Sportfish

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

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

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

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

Yacht Price Examples for Two Other 50 Foot

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

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

60 Foot Yacht Cost

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

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

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

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

Here are some examples:

Our Pick: Hatteras M60

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

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

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

Yacht Price Examples for Two Other 60 Foot

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

70 Foot Yacht Cost

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some great options for this size:

Our Pick: Hatteras GT70 Convertible Sportfish

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

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

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

Yacht Price Examples for Two Other 70 Foot

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

100 Foot Yacht Costs (and up):

You are officially in the superyacht range.

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

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

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

Check out these great  examples of 100-foot yachts .

Our Pick: 143′ 04″ Virtus 44

This model cost around $20,189,000.

This mega yacht is anyone’s dream.

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

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

Other 100+ Feet Yachts Price Examples

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

How Much is Yacht Insurance?

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

What Other Expenses Do Yacht Owners Face?

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

How Much Does a Luxury Yacht Cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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

They might have:

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

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

What Size Boat is Considered a Yacht?

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

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

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

11 Things to Consider Before You Purchase

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

Some important questions to ask yourself before you buy are:

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

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

When Do You Need a Full-Time Crew?

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

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

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

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

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

Important Things to Consider As Well

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s How Much Yachts Cost on Average:

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

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

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

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

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

The yacht type is also broken down into two categories:

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

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

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

They are much sleeker, too.

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

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

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

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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 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 a yacht cost | ultimate breakdown guide.

 October 14, 2019

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

How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

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

Yacht Terms

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

Average Cost of Yacht

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

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

How Assets America ® Can Help

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

Apply For Financing

How much does a superyacht cost.

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

How Much Does a Megayacht Cost?

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

Video:  Million Pound Mega Yachts for Sale – Documentary 2019

Additional Costs of a Yacht

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost Breakdown

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

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

FAQs — How Much Does a Yacht Cost?

How much does a 50-foot yacht cost.

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

What is the cost to build a yacht?

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

How much does a 60-foot yacht cost?

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

How much does a 100-foot yacht cost?

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

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

Explore luxury yachts for sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

Types and Sizes of Yachts

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

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

Sailing Yacht Vs. Motor Yacht

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

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

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

Small Yachts to Superyachts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost Factors for New and Used Yachts

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

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

Age and Condition

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

Size and Style

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

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

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

Brand and Model

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

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

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

Location and Availability

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

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

Initial Purchase Price

Buying New Vs. Pre-Owned

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

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

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

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

The Buying Process

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

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

Costs to Consider

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

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

Operational and Maintenance Costs

Crew Expenses

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

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

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

Fuel and Propulsion

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

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

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

Repairs and Upkeep

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

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

Dockage and Storage

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

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

Additional Ownership Costs

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

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

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

Taxes and Registration

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

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

Depreciation

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

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

Extra Amenities and Upgrades

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

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

Real Cost of Yacht Ownership

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

Rule of Thumb for Annual Costs

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

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

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

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

Investment Considerations

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

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

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

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

Life on Board

Amenities and Comfort

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

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

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

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

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

Entertaining and Lifestyle

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price range for a small yacht?

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

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

What are typical rental costs for yachts of various sizes?

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

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

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

What is the purchasing price for a luxury yacht?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The cost of owning a superyacht in 2024

Written by Chloe - Thursday, April 06, 2023

Superyacht sales  surged  during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s no sign of this slowing down as the demand for superyachts is  set to increase  over the next 10 years.   

There are currently  15,000 yachts  worldwide that are large enough to require a professional crew. A clear insight into how much the luxury yacht industry is thriving, despite their eye-watering price.

Given the exclusivity of the superyacht market, there’s limited information available on exactly how much they cost to own. So, we’ve dug into the details for you. Here you’ll find how much it costs to buy and maintain a superyacht in 2024. 

Building a superyacht is no mean feat. Stuart Bray, Director of personal yacht brokerage firm  Bray Marine International  talked us through the build process, which is as follows:

• The exterior and interior designers are selected
• A shipyard is chosen ahead of the build
• The hull is always constructed first, followed by the fitting of the engines, running gear, water treatment, A/C, and pumps
• The superstructure is built and attached to the hull
• The interior fit-out takes place
• The exterior is painted
• Sea trails are carried out
• The yacht is handed over for warranty work

It sounds simple enough, but building a custom superyacht costs an eye-watering £1.5m per m² on average and takes up to  three to four years .

Many prospective owners choose to purchase a second-hand superyacht, which costs £20m ($24m) on average, according to Rightboat , but the cost increases dramatically if any customisation takes place.

Fitting out a new or used vessel costs around £35m, but this can vary massively depending on size.

The overall operating cost of running a superyacht is 20% or more of its original price. So, a vessel costing £1bn will set you back £200m per year after paying for fuel, dockage, crew, maintenance, insurance, etc.

Just under a decade ago, the operating cost was around 10% of a vessel’s original price, demonstrating a huge increase in running costs due to soaring inflation. 

Fuel is one of the biggest superyacht costs starting at £2,000 per hour and over £24,000 per overnight cruise. A 70-metre vessel is estimated to use around 500 litres of fuel per hour.

Annual fuel costs were estimated at around £327,000 ($400,000) back in 2012 but are now estimated to hit £419,000, representing a 25% increase overall.

Bray of  Bray Marine International  says a 60m yacht will have a 16-person crew, setting the owner back around £1.2m per year based on industry-standard pay rates. Owners of superyachts of 100m and beyond will pay significantly more to staff their vessels.

Bray also states the annual operating costs of a superyacht are as follows—12% for the first four years, 15% for the next three years, and 20% annually from then onwards. 

They must come out of the water every five years for routine maintenance such as painting, underwater work, gear checks, and antifouling. 

This equates to 10-12% of the vessel’s original price, so a superyacht that costs £1bn would require around £1m of maintenance work per year. 

Insurance costs are difficult to pinpoint as many factors determine this, such as value, cruising area and usage, but a superyacht costing £1bn could cost £8m or more to insure. 

Alison Melia, a marine insurance specialist at  Insure4Boats , says that fire, theft, loss of tender, onboard injury, and collisions are the most common claims received from yacht owners. 

Not all superyachts are created equal. While a 60m vessel is enough to impress most people, they are easily surpassed by those purchased by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

The longest superyacht on our list is a whopping 183m and comes with a price tag of £300m, just to put their sheer size and annual running costs into perspective.

Superyacht costs go far beyond the initial build or purchase price, especially when used as a base for luxury holidays or experiences such as the Cannes Film Festival.

A two-week holiday in Marbella could cost you £60,046 in dockage alone, without considering the cost of fuel or refreshments. It’s easy to see how superyacht owners can rack up almost £300,000 in dockage fees per year on average.

Building & purchase costs: https://braymarineinternational.com/

https://www.rightboat.com/blog/the-real-costs-of-owning-a-superyacht

https://www.burgessyachts.com/en/editorial/how-long-to-design-a-yacht

VAT: https://www.superyachtnews.com/owner/considering-a-superyacht-think-about-vat

Operating cost: https://www.worldwideluxuryyacht.com/blog/real-cost-to-own-a-yacht/

https://www.workonasuperyacht.co.uk/yacht-blog/2015/1/3/what-does-it-cost-to-run-a-super-yacht

https://www.superyachtcontent.com/superyacht-crew-lifestyle/yachts-and-fuel-how-much-do-they-really-consume/

http://www.denisonyachtsales.com/2012/06/the-various-costs-of-owning-a-boat-or-yacht/#sthash.SMvlyv8a.dpuf

Dockage: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/082015/can-i-afford-super-yacht.asp

Crew: https://braymarineinternational.com/

Insurance: https://www.worldwideluxuryyacht.com/blog/real-cost-to-own-a-yacht/

Maintenance: https://www.rightboat.com/blog/the-real-costs-of-owning-a-superyacht

Marinas: https://www.marineinsight.com/boating-yachting/yacht-marinas-in-the-world/

https://www.seesainttropez.com/marinas/

https://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Ranking-The-worlds-15-most-expensive-marinas/-83130?source=google

https://barcheamotore.com/quali-sono-i-porti-piu-cari-del-mediterraneo-lo-svela-unindagine/this/?lang=en#:~:text=With%20a%20berthing%20fee%20of,expensive%20marina%20in%20the%20Mediterranean .

https://www.portofinoyachtmarina.com/en/rates/

https://www.charterworld.com/news/top-10-expensive-marinas

https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/top-15-elite-superyacht-marinas-worldwide.html

Cannes Film Festival: https://www.cornucopia-events.co.uk/cannesfilmfestival/

https://www.insider.com/inside-expensive-hotel-le-majestic-cannes-film-festival-photos-2021-7

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/apr/22/secrecy-sex-and-sun-captain-reveals-life-aboard-superyachts

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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

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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 a Yacht Cost? The Average Prices and Costs of Yachts

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

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

How Much Does a Yacht Cost? The Average Price of a Yacht in the UK

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

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

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How Much is a Small Yacht?

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

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

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

How Much Does a Super Yacht Cost?

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

Yacht servicing and maintenance: the costs involved

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

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

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

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

What is the average price of a yacht?

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

What is the price of a luxury yacht?

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

How much does a yacht cost to rent?

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

Header Image Designed by Freepik https://www.freepik.com Yacht servicing and maintenance: the costs involved

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

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

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

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This New Superyacht Line Wants You to Feel Like You’re Cruising in a Sports Car

Tribale's new gran turismo vessels deliver speed, comfort, and elegance., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

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This 246-foot electric superyacht concept is designed to shine like a diamond.

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There is no shortage of automotive-inspired yachts on the market—take the Tecnomar Lamborghini 63 , the Candela C-8 Polestar , and the Brabus Shadow 900 for starters—but that hasn’t stopped Tribale Yachts from diving into vehicular designs.

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The first model, which is already under construction at Tribale’s yard in Pisa, Italy, spans 120 feet from pointed bow to sculpted stern. Penned by designer Michele Dragoni, the 120 Gran Turismo will be topped with an aluminum superstructure to ensure it is light on the water and quick to build. The vessel will also feature a raised pilothouse that provides “optimal visibility and control at high speeds,” according to Tribale.

The 120 Gran Turismo can soar across the seas like a GT, too. The yacht can be powered by twin MAN V-12 engines capable of churning out 2,000 hp or two Cat C32 engines with 1,790 kW of grunt. Every detail has been designed to enhance speed, handling, and efficiency, according to the yard.

The yacht offers way more space than the average GT, though. The sprawling interior can be outfitted with five or six generous cabins for 10 or 12 guests and three cabins for six crew. The scenic owner’s suite occupies a prime position on the main deck, while the guest cabins are spread across the lower deck and the crew quarters are positioned in the bow. Every space has been meticulously crafted with the finest materials and attention to detail, Tribale says. Other highlights include a plush sundeck and a sizable swim platform.

Tribale’s lineup currently comprises four catamaran models, three crossovers, and two explorers. Work on the flagship, Tribale 165 Explorer is due to commence later this year. The yard also has a new Essence range in the pipeline, with three models of 45, 83, and 123 feet “coming soon.”

Click here to see all the photos of the Tribale 120 Gran Turismo.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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