Motor yacht purchase decision: Pros and cons of owning a motorboat
If you've landed on this page, it's likely that the idea of owning a motorboat has been playing on your mind. As the budgetary topic may be seen as the most prominent one, there are many other issues to consider. Questions keep stirring up. So, is buying a boat ultimately a good idea?
As we recognise that this is a significant decision for any owner in-being, it is crucial to thoroughly consider all aspects of yacht ownership before plunging into such a commitment. Your local boat dealer knows very well how to address your concerns, the myriad of questions and is happy to guide you through the intricacies.
With this article we'll delve into the pros and cons of buying a boat, aiming to illuminate the grey areas and hopefully answer your questions.
The most pressing question: Can I afford to own a yacht?
At first glance, the answer to this question is pretty obvious: if you have the money needed to either pay upfront or finance the yacht then you´ve ticked a first, and admittedly the most important, box of the list. Being able to afford the purchase price of the desired boat may take care of most of the budget needed, but it is by far not the end.
Consider the annual cost of running the boat, paying for your berth and winter storage, for maintaining and constantly upgrading the yacht as well. Although it is impossible to give a clear number, as a rule of thumb, having at hand 5 to 15 per cent of the initial purchase price per year is a good start for your calculation.
This means that after around ten years, you will have paid roughly the same amount of money as the initial boat price for running your yacht and keeping up its prime condition. If you are considering buying a boat, seek help of your trusted banker, a professional yacht financing broker or your local dealer to set up a realistic budgetary plan.
Don´t give up hope if your dream yacht turns out to be out of budget. There is a very prominent saying among boaters: “go small – go now!” Sometimes, switching to a smaller-sized boat may be the solution: making some concessions in terms of boat size, engine power or luxury amenities can indeed save exactly the difference you need to make boating affordable for you.
If downsizing is not an option for you, financing your yacht via a boat loan may be the solution. Opting for long-term funding can keep down the size of the instalments and make funding your yacht dream possible.
Co-ownership is another option: be it your best boating friend or a professionally managed timeshare program. For some, the case of charter investment becomes the key to boat ownership: while the yacht is rented out, as the yacht investor, you retain a set number of weeks of proprietary use. During the years of running in charter, the yacht will pay for itself, possibly also covering its maintenance and upgrades.
Now that this most important question of boat ownership is cleared, let´s consider other issues involved.
In the centre of boat ownership: your use-case
If boating is already, or set to become, one of your favourite occupations, owning a boat yourself may be the answer to it all. Many yacht ownerships are a continuation of previous charter vacations, during which part-time skippers and vacationing boating families have discovered their love to the sea. Fostering a desire to stop renting a yacht and start owning one. Also, many boat owners are continuing a family legacy.
Despite the roots of your dream, the timeframe in which you plan to use your boat is of utmost importance:
Dayboating and weekends: You want to have short dashes out, drop anchor or set the boat adrift for a sunny, lush afternoon out. Enjoying a few hours at sea, a weekend-trip to a marina or location nearby. Maybe you seek the mobility of a trailer transportable boat as well as the simplicity of easy-to-maintain outboard engines.
Vacational cruising: As you are still part of the active workforce, you plan on spending weeklong or multi-week vacations with occasional weekends on your boat. You still may have kids living with you, thus the need for cabins, bathrooms and amenities.
Live aboard, long-haul cruising, or boat office: For whatever reason, you can spend long periods at a time aboard your vessel. You may welcome frequent guests, be it your family, friends or business contacts. You want an offshore-cruising capable yacht that offers all live-aboard qualities, features enough interior volume and maybe equipment to enhance its autonomy.
Your lifestyle (and also your location) may not allow for regular boat use. This is especially true if the boat is used only occasionally throughout the year, casting doubts on whether the high ownership costs are justified. Also, as you can see, the more time you want to spend on your yacht, the bigger its size may become.
Another perspective worth looking at your boat ownership-project is the vessel’s intended use:
Pure pleasure boats: Designed for leisure activities like day cruising and also yacht parties. These boats have a limited practical emphasis, but set a clear focus on fun, representation and socializing.
Cruisers: Mostly larger vessels with multiple cabins, built for sea voyages. Depending on size and intended use, cruisers can come in many forms and designs, but always with extensive living accommodations.
Sports boats: Built for water skiing, wakeboarding, or other water sports, these boats are often fast and nimble.
Fishing boats: Specifically designed with fishing features such as rod holders, bait wells, and large open decks.
Function and intended use define the size of the yacht. Your personal taste and the scope of onboard amenities, not least, the luxury aspects of your dream yacht, define its budget and the annual cost needed. Scaling up or down those aspects can heavily influence your project.
The pros and cons of owning a boat
Similar to any significant investment, there are numerous aspects of boat ownership that support it, and there are some downsides too. Both sides deserve careful consideration. If you judiciously balance the pros and cons against your individual needs, lifestyle, and financial capacity, you will receive a sufficient answer to make your decision.
When buying a motor yacht is a good idea
Let´s start with the sunny side of yacht ownership, because there are very good reasons why you should buy your boat at last:
Upgrade your life: yacht ownership enhances lifestyle. Owning a boat can significantly upgrade your lifestyle. You can go out at any time you wish, leisurely cruising, throwing lavish parties, or taking weekend trips to secluded islands. This is an unprecedented level of luxury, freedom, and flexibility that few other possessions can match.
Experiencing true luxury comfort aboard motor yachts. With spacious, light-suffused interiors, a number of modern amenities, precious materials and new haptics, boats deliver a top-tier experience. Their elegant living quarters, roomy salons, and flybridge decks, and onboard water toys could make the sea feel like your second home.
Social and family connections aboard yachts. A yacht can be the perfect platform for creating unforgettable memories with family, friends or business partners. The shared experiences of sailing, exploring new locations or simply enjoying each other's company in a unique setting can foster deeper connections.
Disconnect, detox and personal retreat for privacy and exclusivity. For many of us, modern life is characterized with a 24/2 availability, digital omnipresence and stressful working days. For those, the preference leans towards creating a private retreat. Disconnecting from the shore, enjoying the quietness and peace of the sea is a necessity. Others prefer exclusive vacations away from crowded tourist spots. A motor yacht can serve as your oasis, enabling perfect tranquillity on the open sea, with horizons all to yourself.
Unlimited motor yacht adventures: the perfect explorers. Owning a motor yacht means having a gateway to pure adventure. You have the liberty to explore secluded coves, visit remote islands or embark on extended cruising expeditions whenever the sea calls. Reaching your destinations needs nothing else than moving the engine lever with your fingers.
Enjoy unrestricted thrills: the speed and power of motor yachts. Who doesn´t like going fast? What´s largely completely restricted for cars nowadays is still a matter of course for motor yachts. Put the levers in the table and enjoy breathtaking acceleration, speed and power. This is great fun, enabling quick voyages and swift exploration. Plus: if your idea of boating includes covering vast distances in less time, a motorboat might be your ideal marine partner.
The simplicity in navigating motorboats. As overwhelming as yachts may appear, a power boat is often more straightforward in operations than its sailing counterpart. Thanks to a state-of-the-art propulsion and steering systems, you can skip the learning curve associated with understanding wind patterns and mastering sailing techniques.
Motorboat cruise itinerary flexibility. Apart from an easy to use, motor yachts offer the freedom and flexibility to chart your course to wherever you want. Regardless of the wind. This means you have greater control over your itinerary and can easily adjust your plans based on changing desires or weather conditions.
A luxury yacht may indeed turn into a profit. Buying a boat can be a good investment. When you're not using your motor yacht, it doesn't have to sit idle. Many owners rent away their boats, transforming their luxury assets into income-generating ones when professionally managed. This is a proven way to offset some or all of the costs associated with boat ownership. However, this comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities, including increased wear and tear on the boat, managing operations, or dealing with a charter company.
No-go yacht ownership: When buying a boat might be a bad idea
The numerous benefits of boat ownership are undisputed. But let´s be honest: there are also potential downsides to be aware of! Sure, we´ve already established that you should be aware and capable of financing both the significant initial investment, the annual costs, docking fees and alike, here are a few more reasons why owning a boat might not be the best choice for everyone:
If you're looking to make a profitable investment. Let´s be frank here: While there is still the potential to generate income throughout ownership with chartering out your yacht when you're not using it, boats are seldom profitable. For those seeking assets that significantly appreciate over time, buying a motor yacht might not be the right choice. Much more like cars, yachts typically depreciate. So, unless you own a rare or particularly sought-after model, you can expect your yacht to devalue over time.
Your time constraints are much more severe. As much as you may appreciate the idea of spending more time with your family, friends or affiliates, often reality bites. A motor yacht requires a considerable amount of time and attention, from regular maintenance to navigation planning. If you are already stretched thin with responsibilities, adding a boat into the mix might be much more stressful than it's worth. A boat is more like a dog: a new family member demanding a lot of time. However, employing a professional boat captain, skipper or crew can solve that problem.
You hate surprises? Well, then a boat may not be the best gift for you. Those unprepared for the predictable unpredictability of a marine craft might find yacht ownership daunting. Even with meticulous maintenance, unforeseen mechanical issues can emerge in motorboats out of nothing. As in any vehicle, this potentially leads to repair costs – which unlike cars could be excessive. Also, your boat is out in the open nature. You are at the mercy of good weather and seastate: as mighty and powerful a motor yacht can be, sometimes the best you can do is to stay safe in a snug harbour.
Buying a boat a good investment for your lifestyle
Having to make a judgement if your idea is a good one, cannot be made purely black and white. For most boat owners, when looking at it purely unemotional, the yacht is practically a cost-only factor. Nevertheless, not all investments are about financial gain at all.
If you view 'investment' in terms of lifestyle, experience and personal enjoyment, the answer might be different. A motor yacht can surely provide a wealth of experiences that other acquisitions can't match. These could range from the simple joy of cruising at high speeds on a sunny day to the opportunity to explore secluded beaches, have ocean-side family reunions or even take sabbatical journeys.
Your boat will bring together the family, your friends or even business partners, serving as a perfect platform to enhance the quality time, a joyful vacation or weekend getaway. How do you price these? Right: those are invaluable.
Is buying a used boat a clever alternative?
You´ve already guessed it: there´s also no clear 'yea' or 'nay'. Opting for a used boat can notably reduce your initial investment and alleviate the impact of depreciation, as your boat already has aged. Also, a well-maintained pre-owned vessel can offer the same benefits and luxuries as a brand-new one but at a markedly reduced price.
Yet, with a new motor yacht, you get the latest design and technology not to mention the allure of being the first to navigate it through the waters. Also, a used boat often comes with expired warranties both from the manufacturer as well as from the various products installed aboard. There is typically no selling dealership, legally bound to assist in the first years of ownership, but private sellers who have no legal obligations or liability whatsoever.
In the table below, we provide a detailed comparison of the pros and cons associated with buying a new boat versus a used one:
Category | New boat | Used boat |
|---|---|---|
Price | High initial cost | Lower initial cost |
Depreciation | Rapid depreciation in the first few years | Slower depreciation as major depreciation has already occurred |
Condition | Pristine and untouched, no history of wear or damage | Condition depends on previous usage and maintenance, potential for hidden damage or issues |
Technology | Latest technology and design, potential for customisation | Likely older technology and design |
Warranty | New manufacturer warranty | May have remaining transferable warranty, or none at all |
Insurance | Typically higher due to greater value | Usually lower, reflecting the lower market value |
Delivery Time | Might need to wait for build and delivery | Immediate availability as it's already built |
To be honest, for many future boat owners, buying a used boat is often just a first step into boat ownership. It´s a good way to test if boating is an occupation for you: handling of the yacht, spending time aboard, coping with living on the seas, the marina life, and also having your family ignited for your passion. Typically, testing boat ownership and boating lifestyle for two or three seasons, finding out what type of skipper and seafaring family you are, is best done with a decent used boat.
If this new marine lifestyle is accepted by all parties involved and the boat has really become the focal point of your leisure time, opting for your real dream yacht and stepping up a notch from used-boat ownership to acquiring your individual precious boat is the logical step. Your local boat dealer, if informed about your long-term plans, can be the one constant guiding you through both ownerships, being a trusted partner and valuable source of knowledge on your side.
Should you buy a yacht? The bottom line
As we've traversed through the sea of considerations, it's evident that the pros and cons of buying a motorboat are a kaleidoscope of a multitude of shimmering perspectives. There are many parts of a big puzzle. But it is indeed one you can solve: ultimately, your decision rests on your lifestyle, financial preparedness, and your vision of life on the water.
Beyond the allure of luxury and adventure, yacht ownership may bring substantial mental health benefits such as stress alleviation, enhanced relaxation, and an unparalleled sense of freedom. Remember, your nearest local dealer is an excellent source of counsel and further deliberation on whether boat ownership is the right wave for you to ride.