Over the past few years, I've seen the used yacht market grow from a "cold business" to an increasingly vibrant, buy-and-sell, and highly transparent sector. According to The Business Research Company market report, the global yacht industry is growing steadily, from $9.06 billion in 2024 to $9.48 billion in 2025, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. Especially in the context of environmental awareness and rising demand for immediate purchases, reasonably priced, modernly equipped and well-maintained used yachts have become a key focus for buyers.
However, the hot market does not mean that "everyone can sell at a high price". In fact, I have repeatedly seen two extremes in the actual transaction:
Some owners spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to upgrade their interiors, only to be sold off by buyers at a depressed price;
There are boat owners who have spent almost nothing, yet sell for a higher price than the market.
Why is there such a big difference?
The key is whether you know which inputs really work, which messages impress buyers, and which platforms and strategies best increase bargaining power.
This article, based on my experience of selling a Sessa 42 Flybridge yacht last month (selling for 15% above average market price and closing in just 3 weeks), combined with my years of experience in yacht trading, provides you with a methodology that is actually actionable and proven to work.
I Sold My Used Yacht for 15% Above Market Price
1. Background to My Yacht Purchase
In 2018, I purchased an Italian Sessa 42 Flybridge. this 11.7-meter mid-sized flybridge yacht has three decks, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, open galley, and is equipped with twin VOLVO IPS 400HP engines.
I used it for almost 7 years and only sailed about 290 hours. I decided to list it for sale this year as I am planning to upgrade and replace the boat. It has been berthed at Shenzhen Marina and has been maintained extremely meticulously, with yearly shore decontamination, equipment maintenance, and complete voyage inspection records.
2. Problems at the Beginning of the Sale
Initially, I was in charge of 2 major yacht sales projects and could not spare the time, so like most sellers I simply took a few photos and sent them to a familiar broker. The market valuation given by the other party was generally around 2.4 million dollars, and the buyer's feedback centered on two points:
The photos lacked attractiveness and could not reflect the advantages of the boat.
I didn't see the maintenance records, so I didn't dare to make an offer.
I realized that this is not a problem with the market, but a problem with my own Listing. In order not to let my years of hard work go to waste, after careful consideration, I decided to utilize my years of experience as a yacht broker to personally intervene in the sale of yachts, and sell the boat with the mindset of "selling a house".
3. What Value-Added Strategies Did I Adopt?
4. Final Results
Market Estimate: $333,400
Actual Sold Price: $384,018 (+15%)
Time from listing to sale: 3 weeks
The buyer came to see the boat for the first time and said, "You've loved and cared for this boat, I can tell."
This fully illustrates that the increase in the selling price of used yachts is no accident, but the inevitable result of the attention to detail and communication.
To Enhance the Second-Hand Yacht Selling Price of the 8 Operational Strategies
As a professional yacht broker engaged in the sale of yachts for more than ten years, I cooperated with the well-known platform [YachtTrading] in 2024 and released three high-quality vessels, all of which were traded within 45 days of going online.
One of them, a Princess 50 yacht, was featured in the May 2024 issue of Yachting Magazine as an excellent example of "efficient presentation + fast closing".
Based on these experiences and my observations of the market, I think I am qualified to share with you ways to increase the selling price of your used yacht. The following 8 points are my summarized tips to increase your selling price:
1. Complete Maintenance Records
Includes: maintenance records, marina payment records, landing cleaning records, boat inspection slips, repair invoices
Why is this important? It builds trust and lets the buyer know that you are not just a "refurbished boat" found on the internet.
Any buyer will pay more for a "documented" boat. By organizing this, you are actually building a chain of trust between you and the seller.
2. Professional Cleaning and Upholstery Polishing
Thorough cleaning and minor upgrades to the upholstery are much more efficient than blind renovations, and can dramatically improve the first look and living experience.
Must-do items: deck cleaning, metal parts sanding, interior deodorizing, cold air cleaning, wood floor waxing
You can choose to hire a professional company or do it yourself, but if you're going to do it, make sure it's done thoroughly!
3. Upgrade Key Equipment
By the way, I don't recommend a full boat color change, flooring or replacing imported furniture, these items depreciate very easily but require you to invest around $417,4-$11,130 dollars.
4. High-Quality Pictures and Video Presentations
Vivid visual materials bring higher inquiry rate, especially dynamic video and aerial photography, which can make buyers "feel like they are there".
It is recommended that you choose 8:00 am or 6:00 pm to shoot the yacht, when the natural light is the best, and it is recommended to use a wide-angle lens when shooting the interior;
If conditions allow, you can also find a professional photographer, a time can be done for less than ＄418. This price point also provides a drone to shoot the whole picture.
5. Tips for Setting Up the Interior of the Boat
Put two aromatherapy bags and brand new towels in the sleeping cabin
Put a bottle of wine + two highball glasses in the living room
Flybridge area with cushions, umbrellas and Bluetooth stereo playing soft music.
Let the buyers see the "look of life", not an empty steel shell.
6. Multi-Platform Synchronized Release, Accurate Reach Buyers
7. Choose an Experienced Yacht Broker
Professional brokers can help you locate buyers and negotiate prices while securing the transaction. Here are three selection criteria you can refer to:
Does it hold SAMS/NAMS certification?
Do you provide transaction reports + feedback records?
Are they involved in yacht shows all year round?
A good yacht broker can sell your boat for more than 10% more.
8. Grasp the Market Window of Time to Sell Your Boat
Generally speaking, March-June is the active period of the yacht market in spring, avoiding traditional holidays and policy-sensitive periods, which is favorable for you to sell your boat quickly and at a high price.
Also pay attention to macro factors (such as fuel tax, import policy adjustment) will also affect the selling price.
The Market Has Verified the Above Strategy
It wasn't luck that I was able to sell the Sessa 42 for 15% above market price, but rather I was able to capitalize on a clear market turning point.
According to The Business Research Company's Global Yacht Market Report 2025, while overall yacht transactions are down 9.1% year-over-year, the average selling price of used yachts has risen 4.2% to $211,500. And, mid-sized yachts in the 36-45 foot range performed particularly well, with the average selling price up a whopping 8.76% year-over-year. My 42-foot Sessa, stepped right into the bonus band of this price range.
What's more, the report also shows that in 2024, the average days on market for a used yacht will be 165 days, nearly 80 days faster than a new boat. This means that buyers are more likely to place orders for existing boats that are well appointed, well presented and can be delivered quickly, rather than new yachts that are more expensive and have longer waiting times.
The report also noted that "despite continued economic pressures, used yachts with clear records, modern configurations and visually appealing features continue to be a top choice for buyers."
Summary
I have always believed that used yachts are not just transportation, they are assets. Selling for a high price is never a fluke, but the result of building trust, polishing details, and executing a strategy.
The more you treat it as an asset, the more it can realize for you.
If you are planning to sell your yacht, or have any operational problems, welcome to leave a message at the following , we can discuss the experience together.
By Emery (Yacht Deal Advisor / Yachting Magazine Guest Contributor)
SAMS Certified Inspector No.: AMS #2458
Selected as one of the "Top 10 Experts in Asia's Yachting Industry", winner of the "Yacht Broker Outstanding Service Award", etc.
Last updated: August 2025
Suitable for: Owners, prospective sellers, yacht brokers who want to increase the selling price of their used yachts.
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