Buying a yacht: independent advice from search to delivery.
On a purchase mandate, I represent the buyer. A search across the whole market, viewings, survey, negotiation and contracts: you decide with every card in hand.
A yacht should be chosen for how it will really be used: cruising plans, number of guests, crew, running budget. That is where I start, before looking at a single listing.
As a former captain, I read a boat differently from a brochure: condition of the machinery, maintenance history, build quality, costs to come. As a former broker, I know how a transaction works and the prices at which yachts actually sell.
I search the whole market, co-brokering with brokers worldwide, including yachts that are not publicly advertised.
What I take care of for your purchase
Defining the project
Use, size, new or pre-owned, purchase budget and annual running budget. A clear brief saves months of pointless viewings.
Search and shortlist
A short, reasoned list. For each yacht: strengths, reservations, known history and price position.
Viewings and sea trial
I arrange the viewings and come on board with you. You know what you are looking at, and what to look for.
Survey and due diligence
Choice of surveyor, analyses, checks on title, mortgages, classification and VAT status.
Negotiation and contracts
Offer, MOA, conditions, deposit in escrow, then closing and Bill of Sale. Every clause is explained to you.
Flag, VAT and commissioning
Choice of flag and ownership structure with specialist lawyers, then crew, insurance, berth and yacht management.
The steps of a purchase
Brief
Your use, your timeline, your budget. I put the project in writing.
Shortlist
I present a short list of comparable yachts, with my opinion on each.
Viewings
We visit the selected yachts. I tell you what I see, unfiltered.
Offer and MOA
I negotiate price and terms. The MOA is signed and the deposit paid into escrow.
Trial and survey
Sea trial, then haul-out survey. Depending on the report, you accept, renegotiate or walk away.
Closing
Balance paid, title transferred, yacht registered. She is yours.
Frequently asked questions about buying a yacht
How much does a yacht cost to run each year?
A common rule of thumb is around 10% of the yacht's value per year for crew, berth, insurance, maintenance and fuel. The real figure depends on size, age and cruising programme. I prepare a forecast budget before the purchase so the decision is made on the full cost.
New or pre-owned: which should I choose?
A new yacht is designed to your taste and comes with shipyard warranties, but you must accept a build time. A pre-owned yacht is available immediately and has already absorbed part of its depreciation; its maintenance history then becomes the main criterion. I compare both options against your budget and timeline.
How long does a purchase take?
Once the yacht is chosen, it generally takes a few weeks from accepted offer to closing: the time needed for the sea trial, the survey and the document checks. The search itself depends on how precise the brief is and on the state of the market.
Who pays the broker?
For a pre-owned yacht, the commission is as a rule paid by the seller and shared between the brokers. I set out the terms of my involvement in writing before we start.
Is VAT payable on a yacht?
It depends on the yacht's status, VAT paid or not, the flag, your residence and the intended use, private or commercial. This should be settled before the offer, with a specialist tax adviser where the situation calls for it.
Insights
Video advice on the subject
Contact
A yacht in sight, or just an idea?
Either way, a first conversation helps frame the project and the budget.
contact@sebastienagius.comNice · Beaulieu-sur-Mer · Monaco