HOW MUCH DOES A YACHT COST?
The yachts we admire in marinas around the world are undeniably impressive and often inspire dreams of luxury. But how much does a yacht actually cost? Is purchasing your own yacht always the best option, or can chartering be a more suitable alternative? In this article, we take a closer look at the true cost of yacht ownership.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE COST OF A YACHT?
Like cars or real estate, the price of a yacht depends primarily on the model you choose. As a result, there is no simple answer to the question: How much does a yacht cost? Prices vary considerably depending on whether you are looking for a sailing yacht, a motor yacht, or a superyacht.
As luxury ship, yachts can command extremely high prices. A 100-metre superyacht, for example, may cost more than €250 million. Fortunately, to people who dream this type of boats, we can also find yachts for €400,000.
In many cases, early issues have already been addressed since the yacht’s launch, offering buyers a more mature ship. Entry level pre-owned yachts generally start between €400,000 and €600,000.
The final price depends largely on factors such as the yacht’s size, the personalization model, the year of yacht to a second-hand yacht.
Above all, you should not base your calculations solely on the purchase price when determining how much a yacht costs. Yacht ownership involves a number of additional delivery fee that must be taken into account when assessing the overall cost. Maintenance costs, for example, represent a significant ongoing expense.
What fees are added AS A YACHT OWNER?
VAT
The amount of VAT payable depends on the country in which the transaction takes place. In some cases, VAT can represent up to 25% of the yacht’s purchase price.
Maintenance Fee of the Yacht
Yachts require regular maintenance to preserve both their performance and their appearance. Mechanical systems must be serviced routinely, and maintenance costs generally increase with the size of the ship. While expenses vary depending on numerous factors, it is careful to count a budget approximatively 10% of the sale price every year.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel is another major operating expense. The larger and heavier the yacht, and the more powerful its engines, the higher its fuel consumption will be. A yacht measuring around 70 meters in length can consume approximately 500 liters of fuel per hour while cruising, representing an annual fuel budget of roughly €350,000 to €450,000.
Crew Costs
Operating a yacht requires a qualified crew to ensure safe navigation, guest comfort, and routine maintenance. Naturally, crew size depends on the size of the yacht. Large superyachts may require between 40 and 60 crew members. The captain is typically the highest-paid crew member. For smaller yachts, annual salaries generally range between €50,000 and €60,000. On larger yachts, compensation may be three to four times higher due to the increased responsibilities involved.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What should you remember when considering the cost of yacht ownership? First, there is no single answer. The overall cost depends on numerous factors, including the size, type, age, and intended use of the yacht. Second, the purchase price represents only part of the investment. Maintenance, fuel, crew, insurance, and other operating expenses must all be taken into account. You have to add around 25% VAT and 10% for the shipping cost, which can give us the following calculation:
- Purchase price: €7 million
- VAT: up to €1.75 million
- Annual operating costs: approximately €700,000
NEW OR PRE-OWNED: HOW DOES A YACHT’S AGE AFFECT ITS PRICE?
At CSO Yachts, you will find a wide selection of luxury yachts available for purchase. Browsing available listings is often the best way to gain an initial understanding of market prices and determine what type of yacht fits your budget. In addition to new yachts, the pre-owned market offers excellent opportunities for buyers looking to maximize value while fulfilling their dream of yacht ownership.
WHY CHOOSE A PRE-OWNED YACHT?
Many yacht owners sell their vessels after three or four years. Some wish to upgrade to a larger yacht, others seek a more customized ship, while many are simply eager to move on to a newer model!
What happens to their ships? They make the happiness of those who want to buy a cheaper yacht, taking advantage of a second-hand sale. Some models can be found starting from 500,000 euros. Here are a few price ideas:
- Small pre-owned yachts: up to €500,000
- Yachts from 25 meters: around €800,000
- Yachts of 40 meters and above: from €1 million
If you are considering purchasing a pre-owned yacht and do not have extensive technical expertise, seeking professional advice before finalizing the purchase is strongly recommended. The various components of a yacht have different life expectancies depending on their age and usage history. If major refit work becomes necessary shortly after purchase, the associated costs can quickly outweigh the savings achieved by buying second-hand. The specialists at CSO Yachts are available to assist you.
CHARTERING A YACHT
Many yachts enjoy a second life as charter ship. The demand for luxury yacht charters particularly superyachts continues to grow worldwide. As a general indication, chartering a luxury yacht for one week may cost approximately €200,000.
Once again, working with experienced professionals is the best way to ensure a successful experience. A tailor-made charter allows you to enjoy a fully personalized holiday designed around your preferences and expectations. The CSO Yachts team is at your disposal to answer any questions you may have and help you find the ideal yacht.
