Which yacht model should I buy? How do I buy a secondhand yacht? What is an affordable yacht?

These may be questions you’re pondering across your search for a secondhand yacht. There are many logistics to consider in your process, and it’s hard to know where to start. However, we’re here to help. Keep reading to see what you should be looking for when it comes to used yacht purchases.

Where to buy secondhand yachts

The first place to look for used yachts is a yacht broker. Brokerages will be able to offer guidance, expertise, and oversight across your process.

What is a yacht broker? Your broker is an intermediary, working with you directly to help you buy or charter a yacht. They have exclusive industry knowledge and can set you up to achieve all of the logistical elements needed across a yacht sale.

You can view most listings online. The internet is a great place to start in your yacht research process; you’ll have the opportunity to browse scores of vessels at a fast pace. You’ll get an idea of what you do and don’t want.

Other ways to purchase: directly from the owner, through online marketplaces, at boat shows, and at auctions.

The secondhand yacht buying process

The process for buying a used yacht follows a fairly standard sequence, though it varies slightly by country and vessel size.

1. Define your requirements. Decide on size, layout, cruising range, and intended use (day sailing, coastal cruising, ocean passages, chartering) before you start viewing boats.
2. Search and shortlist. Work with your broker or manually build a shortlist, then request full specifications, survey history, and maintenance records for each candidate.
3. Viewing. Arrange in-person viewings or video walkthroughs. Pay attention to the engine room, bilges, rigging, and any signs of water ingress or corrosion. We recommend doing this in person, because there are aspects of a vessel you can’t fully evaluate virtually.
4. Make an offer. Offers are typically made subject to survey and sea trial. Once the offer is accepted, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit.
5. Survey and sea trial. A qualified marine surveyor inspects the hull, machinery, electrics, and safety equipment, while a sea trial confirms the boat performs as expected under way. This is required and also incredibly important.
6. Sort out VAT status. Does your vessel need to be registered for the flag country’s VAT? Or is it already registered? Read more about VAT here.
7. Finalise contracts and registration. This includes the bill of sale, title transfer, deletion/registration with the relevant flag state, and confirmation the vessel is free of liens or debts.
8. Insurance and handover. Insurance must be arranged before the yacht can be legally used, and handover typically includes a full briefing on systems, equipment, and documentation.

Secondhand yacht price

Used yacht prices are shaped by a few factors:

• Age and depreciation. Yachts typically lose the most value in the first five to ten years, after which depreciation slows, particularly for well-maintained boats from respected builders.
• Length and displacement. Price generally scales with length. However, displacement, build quality, and equipment level matter just as much as LOA (length overall).
• Builder and model reputation. Established yards with strong resale reputations (Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, Oyster, and others) tend to hold value better than lesser-known builders.
• Condition and refit history. A yacht with a documented refit (new rigging, engine overhaul, updated electronics) can command a premium over a tired example of the same model and year.
• Location. Prices vary by region.
• Running costs to factor in. Beyond the purchase price, budget for berthing or mooring fees, insurance, VAT status (particularly relevant in the EU and UK), survey costs, and an ongoing maintenance reserve comprise a large portion of your vessel’s value.

Because of these factors, yacht prices can vary significantly. Some used yachts are €50,000, and others are €300,000+.

What secondhand yacht model should I buy?

The right model depends on how you intend to use the yacht. The context, timing, and purpose of your sailing usually correlates with features unique to certain yacht models. For instance:

• Coastal day sailing or weekending: Smaller, easily handled models such as the Beneteau Oceanis, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, Bavaria Cruiser, and Dufour range offer manageable systems and strong resale demand.
• Long-distance or bluewater cruising: Look at yachts built for offshore passages, such as Moody and Westerly, which are known for robust, seakindly hulls and a long track record of ocean-going use.
• Performance-oriented sailing: Dehler and Grand Soleil are well regarded for owners who want sportier handling without sacrificing build quality, making them strong choices for more experienced sailors.
• Motor cruising and coastal exploration: Sealine offers well-built secondhand motor cruisers, while Karnic is a good option for day boats and more compact, sporty motorboats.
• Flexibility: Popular production models with high build numbers, such as Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, and Dufour, tend to have wider parts availability.
• Catamarans for stability and space: If interior volume and stable motion at anchor matter most, Nautitech, Knysna, and Atlantic catamarans are strong performers on the secondhand market.
• Classic cruisers: Gib Sea models offer solid options for buyers seeking a more affordable entry point into coastal or bluewater sailing.

Whatever the category, prioritise models with a strong service history and active owner communities or forums. These make sourcing parts, troubleshooting, and finding qualified technicians far easier down the line.

Considerations

Before finalising a purchase, work through this checklist:

• INDEPENDENT SURVEY: Never skip a professional marine survey, even on a yacht that looks immaculate. Hidden issues in the hull, keel, rigging, or engine can be extremely costly to fix.
• TITLE/LIEN CHECK: Confirm the seller has clear title and that there are no outstanding loans, liens, or unpaid taxes attached to the vessel.
• VAT AND TAX STATUS: Confirm the yacht’s VAT-paid status is documented, as this affects both legality of use and resale value.
• FLAG STATE AND REGISTRATION: Understand what’s required to register or re-register the yacht under your intended flag, and any implications for insurance or crewing. Ensure your crew has the appropriate certifications as well.
• MAINTENANCE RECORDS: Ask for engine hours, service logs, and any refit invoices.
• EQUIPMENT AND INVENTORY: Clarify exactly what’s included in the sale (tender, outboard, electronics, sails, safety gear) versus what the seller intends to remove.
• INSURANCE: Some insurers require an in-date survey and may impose conditions based on the yacht’s age, cruising area, or intended use.
• ONGOING COSTS: Factor in berthing, haul-out and antifouling, insurance, and a maintenance reserve when budgeting, not just the purchase price.
• SEA TRIAL CONDITIONS: Try to arrange the sea trial in a reasonable range of conditions (not just flat calm) to get a real sense of how the yacht handles.

Want to purchase a used yacht but unsure where to begin? Start by checking out our extensive catalogue and drop us a message to get your questions answered. There’s never any pressure in emailing us; we’re here to be a guiding force, no matter where you are in the yacht research and sales process.

Happy sailing!