Used Superyachts: How to Buy Smart
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Three years ago I bought my first used superyacht in Antibes, a 38-meter Azimut Grande from 2016. The previous owner had barely used it for 200 engine hours, yet the surveyor found osmosis damage to the underwater hull worth $92,000. Hidden defects like this are not uncommon when buying used superyachts. Anyone who wants to buy a superyacht needs to know: the used market offers enormous opportunities, but also expensive traps. I'll show you what really counts when buying used superyachts.
According to the European Boating Industry (EBI), the European used market for luxury yachts over 24 meters reached a transaction volume of around $2.5 billion in 2024. Especially in the winter months from November to March, prices for used superyachts drop by an average of 12 to 18 percent compared with the summer season. These figures show: timing and detailed knowledge decide between a bargain and a bad investment.
Why Used Superyachts Are Often the Smarter Choice
New builds lose about 25 to 35 percent of their value in the first three years. A 2019 Sunseeker 86 that cost $4.6 million new was available for $3.1 million in 2023. The first owner bears the initial depreciation, and as a buyer you benefit from this depreciation of motorboats. In addition, with used superyachts many teething problems have already been fixed, the technology is run in, and there are often detailed maintenance records.
Another advantage: availability. While yards such as Ferretti or Princess currently have delivery times of 18 to 24 months, you can take over a used superyacht within 8 to 12 weeks. I completed my Azimut in 63 days, including the survey, contract negotiation and delivery to Trieste.
The Five Critical Checkpoints When Buying a Boat
Before I buy a pre-owned luxury boat, it goes through my checklist. These five areas are decisive:
Engine Hours and Maintenance History
Every operating hour above 500 hours per year points to intensive use or a charter past. I check the logbooks personally. On my Azimut it was only 187 hours in five years; the previous owner had mostly kept it in Port Vauban. Ideally, I also request the invoices for all services performed. Missing receipts are a warning sign.
Underwater Hull and Osmosis Check
A professional marine surveyor costs between $3,800 and $8,800, depending on yacht size. That investment paid off threefold for me. The surveyor discovered not only the osmosis but also cracks in the seacocks and a damaged shaft seal. I was able to push the purchase price down by $123,000. According to Marine Survey International, the osmosis rate for yachts over 10 years old is about 34 percent.
Electronics and Onboard Electrical Systems
Outdated navigation electronics can quickly cause $44,000 to $88,000 in upgrade costs. I personally check whether radar, plotter, AIS and autopilot still meet current standards. On my Azimut the 2016 Simrad systems were still fully functional, but I had a firmware update done as a precaution.
Interior Condition and Water Damage
Buying used luxury boats smartly also means looking closely. I crawl into every corner, open every floor hatch, and look for mold spots, odors and discoloration. Water damage in the teak deck or in the cabins can mean repairs of $27,500 and more. In Portorož I once viewed a Princess 72 where the teak under the owner's salon was completely soaked through. The seller had covered it up with carpet.
Berth History and Home Port
Where has the boat been berthed in recent years? Mediterranean yachts are exposed to salt water but have mostly experienced better weather. North Sea yachts are often more robustly built but can show corrosion. I prefer yachts from sheltered marinas such as Port Adriano in Mallorca or Marina di Varazze in Liguria. The berths there are protected from the wind, and the yachts are professionally looked after.
Price Negotiation and Hidden Costs
The listed price is only the beginning. I always budget an additional 8 to 15 percent for delivery, survey, legal fees, registration and initial maintenance. On my 38-meter Azimut, the following items came on top of the $2.9 million purchase price:
- Survey and technical inspection: $6,800
- Attorney for the purchase agreement: $4,200
- Delivery Antibes–Trieste: $5,000 (crew, fuel)
- Registration and change of flag: $2,300
- Initial maintenance and partial osmosis repair: $98,000
You have to plan for additional costs like these from the start. You can learn more in my article on hidden cost traps when buying a yacht.
Choosing the Right Yard and Model
Not every brand holds its value equally well. According to Boat International Media, Azimut, Sunseeker, Princess and Ferretti are among the top 5 with the lowest depreciation in the 30 to 50 meter segment. You will find a detailed comparison in my post Sunseeker vs. Azimut, where I compare the two yards head to head.
I also pay attention to the availability of spare parts. For popular models such as the Princess V78 or the Azimut 77S, parts can be delivered within 48 hours without any problem. With more exotic brands, a pump can mean a four-week wait.
Closing the Purchase and Legal Protection
I buy exclusively through specialized yacht brokers or with an attorney's guidance. The purchase agreement must contain clear provisions on warranty, condition at handover, inventory and payment terms. I recommend attorneys with admiralty law experience. My attorney in Miami, who specializes in maritime law, has already handled three of my transactions.
Payment is usually made via an escrow account. Only when the survey is complete and all agreed defects have been fixed is the money released. On my most recent purchase in 2023, we made a 10 percent down payment and paid the rest only after a successful sea trial and final inspection.
Buying a Pre-Owned Superyacht: Advice for Beginners, What You Need to Know
If you want to buy a superyacht for the first time, I recommend allowing at least three months for research and viewings. On my first purchase in 2018, I viewed seven yachts before I made a decision. Every viewing helped sharpen my eye.
Visit boat shows such as the Cannes Yachting Festival or the Monaco Yacht Show, even though they mainly present new boats. You get to know the yards, get a feel for quality and can talk directly with technicians. I was in Cannes in 2022 and made valuable contacts with Azimut service partners there.
Use online platforms such as YachtWorld, Boat24 or YachtMarket for initial research. There you can set filters by year, length, price and home port. I always look at how long a listing has been up: if a boat has been online for more than six months, there is room to negotiate.
Technical Inspection of Used Luxury Boats: Checklist
The technical inspection is the heart of every purchase decision. My surveyor works to the SAMS standard (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) and examines the following areas in detail:
Propulsion Systems
Engines, gearboxes, shafts, propellers and steering systems are checked for wear, corrosion and function. For MAN or MTU engines, compression tests, oil analysis and a cooling system check are carried out. An engine refit on a 40-meter yacht can quickly cost $275,000 per engine.
Onboard Systems
The generator, air conditioning, desalination system, hydraulics, holding tank, fresh water system and all pumps are tested. I also have the surveyor inspect the bilges: traces of oil or water accumulation are warning signs.
Safety Equipment
Life raft, fire extinguishers, life jackets, distress signals and EPIRB must have current certification. Expired certificates mean replacements costing in the four-figure range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Used Superyachts
How much discount can I expect on used superyachts?
Compared with the new price, you can save about 25 to 35 percent on yachts that are three to five years old. For yachts over 10 years old, discounts of 50 percent and more are common. The specific discount depends on condition, maintenance history, berth and the seller's urgency. On my Azimut Grande I negotiated 18 percent below the asking price because the previous owner urgently had to sell.
What should I pay special attention to in the technical inspection of used luxury boats?
Osmosis, engine hours, electronics updates and the underwater hull are the four most critical points. Have the seller show you all maintenance records from the last three years. Missing documentation is a deal-breaker. A SAMS-certified surveyor should spend at least half a day on board and deliver a written report with photos.
Are used luxury boats from charter fleets recommended?
Charter yachts are heavily used, usually 700 to 1,200 engine hours per year. The advantage: they are professionally maintained. The drawback: wear on upholstery, teak and technology is higher. I personally avoid charter yachts unless the price is at least 20 percent below comparable private yachts. Be sure to check whether the interior has already been refurbished.
How do I find reputable sellers of pre-owned luxury boats?
Work with established brokers such as Camper & Nicholsons, Fraser Yachts or Engel & Völkers Yachting. These houses vet sellers and yachts before listing. I never buy privately without a broker or attorney. In Austria, I also recommend local contacts such as the Austrian Boat Show in Tulln, where you can make connections with reputable dealers.
What additional costs will I face after the purchase?
Besides the purchase price, plan 8 to 15 percent for survey, attorney, delivery and registration. After that come annual operating costs of about 10 to 15 percent of the yacht's value: berth, insurance, crew, maintenance, fuel and winter storage. On my 38-meter yacht, annual costs are around $350,000, without charter income.
Conclusion: Buying Smart Means Inspecting Thoroughly
Used superyachts offer excellent value for money if you do your homework. Invest in a professional survey, take time for viewings and negotiate hard. My Azimut Grande was one of the best investments of my life because I planned every step carefully. If you follow these principles, you will not only save money when buying a superyacht but also enjoy your pre-owned luxury boat for years. Start your research today, visit marinas, talk to owners and get advice from experts. The perfect used superyacht is waiting for you.