How brokers arrive at a value, what moves it, and what a valuation cannot tell you.
Comparison, not calculation
Valuation is evidence-led. A broker assembles the comparable set — same or adjacent builder, similar length, similar generation, similar specification — then looks at where those yachts are asking and, more importantly, where comparable yachts have actually traded. Reported transaction evidence is thinner than asking-price evidence, which is why experienced judgement still matters.
What moves value up
Recognised builder pedigree, a documented maintenance and refit record, low hours, a well-specified and current interior, a strong flag and class position, and a specification that suits how buyers in that segment actually cruise.
What moves value down
Deferred maintenance, an unusual or dated layout, an interior that needs replacing, a poor or incomplete document trail, machinery approaching major overhaul, and an unresolved VAT or registration position. Highly personal custom features are usually value-neutral at best.
Price per metre, used carefully
Price per metre is a sanity check across broadly similar yachts, not a valuation method. It ignores volume, build standard, machinery, interior condition and specification, and it breaks down completely across different builders and build standards.
Formal valuations
Where a value is needed for finance, insurance, probate, litigation or a corporate transaction, it should come from an appropriately qualified marine surveyor or valuer, in writing, with the basis of valuation stated. A broker's market opinion is a commercial view, not a formal valuation.
Questions
- Do yachts depreciate at a fixed rate?
- No. Depreciation varies widely by builder, segment, age and condition, and headline percentage rules should be treated with suspicion.
- Is an asking price a valuation?
- No. An asking price is a marketing position; a valuation is an evidenced opinion of market value.
This guide is general information about how the yacht market conventionally works. It is not legal, tax, financial or insurance advice, and it does not describe the terms of any specific yacht. Qualified advisers should be engaged on anything material, and rates, prices, availability and access are confirmed in writing before anything is committed.