Buying a used yacht is a dream for many sailors and adventurers at heart, and I was no exception. I remember imagining myself standing at the helm of my own boat, the wind in my hair, the horizon endless in every direction. But what I didn’t imagine—what I wasn’t truly prepared for—was how long and complex the process of actually buying a used yacht would be.
Let me be honest from the start: unless you get extremely lucky, you’re not going to find your dream yacht in a week. Or even in a month. It’s just not that simple. The truth is, the process takes time. Sometimes a lot of time. But looking back, I can say with confidence—it’s time well spent.
The Search: Patience is Key
You might think you know exactly what you want. A Beneteau Oceanis 45, maybe, or a Hallberg-Rassy 42. But once you actually start looking, you’ll quickly realize that finding your ideal model in the right condition, at the right price, and in the right location is rarely immediate.
When I began my own search, I spent countless hours online. Websites like YachtWorld, Boat Trader, and local brokerage listings became part of my daily routine. I’d sit with my coffee and browse, compare specs, look at photos, read between the lines of seller descriptions. This stage alone took me over four months. And even then, I hadn’t found “the one.”
Online research isn’t just for finding listings—it’s also invaluable for understanding the market. What does a fair price look like for a particular model? What are common issues with that make or year? What equipment should already be installed? I joined forums, read reviews, and watched dozens of walk-throughs and buyer guides on YouTube. The more informed you are, the better your eventual decision will be.
You Found a Yacht. Now What?
So, say you’ve found a boat that looks promising. The photos are great, the specs check out, and it’s within your budget. Can you buy it now?
Not so fast.
The next step is absolutely essential: the inspection and survey. No matter how good the yacht looks on the internet—or how nice the owner or broker seems—you must physically see the boat. Ideally, you’ll also hire a professional marine surveyor to inspect it thoroughly.
I cannot stress this enough: skipping this step is a massive risk. A used yacht may have hidden issues like osmosis, faulty rigging, corroded through-hulls, or engine problems that can cost thousands (or tens of thousands) to fix later. A good surveyor will crawl into every locker, tap every hull section, and check everything from keel bolts to electronics.
In my case, the first yacht I thought was “the one” ended up having serious structural issues. The surveyor saved me from a disastrous purchase—and yes, it was frustrating to walk away, but also a huge relief.
Budgeting: More Than Just the Sale Price
Before I even made an offer on a boat, I had to get real about the budget. And not just the sticker price. Buying a yacht involves a long list of expenses that go far beyond the initial cost.
Here’s what I included in my own budget plan:
- Survey and inspection – Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 depending on the boat size and location.
- Transport or relocation – If the yacht isn’t near your home port, you may need to ship it or hire a delivery crew.
- Required repairs or upgrades – Even the best-maintained boat will likely need some work: new sails, electronics, bottom paint, or engine maintenance.
- Registration and legal fees – Paperwork costs vary by country and state, but they add up.
- Ongoing maintenance – Budget for marina fees, insurance, haul-outs, routine servicing, and unexpected repairs. I set aside at least 10% of the yacht’s purchase price annually for upkeep.
This part of the process is often underestimated, especially by first-time buyers. It’s easy to get carried away and fall in love with a boat that’s slightly out of budget—but yachts are not forgiving when it comes to financial shortcuts.
The Reality: It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It
Buying a used yacht isn’t a one-week task. For me, the full process—from dreaming to searching to inspecting to finally purchasing—took almost a year. I viewed seven different yachts in person, had two full surveys done, and walked away from one deal that didn’t pass muster.
And yet, I don’t regret a minute of it.
In the end, I found a solid, seaworthy boat that I love. She wasn’t exactly the model I had in mind when I started—but she was right for me. And every hour I spent researching, budgeting, and inspecting made me a more informed owner and sailor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking of buying a used yacht, give yourself grace and time. You won’t find your dream boat overnight. Do your homework, inspect carefully, plan your finances realistically, and never rush a decision. Yes, it can be frustrating. Yes, it will test your patience. But when you finally sail away on a yacht that you chose, inspected, and worked hard to acquire—it will all be worth it.
And trust me, the first time you drop anchor in a quiet bay and watch the sunset from your own deck, you’ll smile to yourself and think, “This was exactly the right journey.”
