Yacht Sales Remain Lower as Average Sale Prices Rise

With 2,414 brokerage boats selling in September, the U.S. market was off by 7 percent compared to the same month in 2013. But according to a recent report, average selling prices held even or improved, except in the superyacht market over 80 feet.

US Monthly Brokerage Sales with 5 Year Average

The aggregate price for all boats sold in September was $221 million, down 5 percent from $232 million in September, 2013. Excluding superyacht sales, however, the aggregate price rose from $206 million in 2013 to $218 million in 2014. At the same time, the average sold price moved upwards from $81,000 to $90,000.

One of the reasons for increased average prices was that sales were higher in the pricier 46- to 55-foot and 36- to 45-foot segments. And most of the drop in sales came in the two smallest segments, under 26 feet and 26 to 35 feet, which are higher volume and lower price. But that wasn’t the whole story, as average prices increased in the small-boat segments, too.

The highest-volume size range, 26 to 35 feet, saw lower sales by 7 percent, with 962 boats sold. Sales value actually increased by 1 percent, and the average sale price was up 9 percent from $50,000 to nearly $55,000. Among boats below 26 feet, sales were down 15 percent, with 635 boats sold, but average pricing increased 5 percent to $14,000.

The strongest results were reported among boats 46 to 55 feet, with 166 boats sold, a 12-percent gain over September 2013, and a total price paid of $46 million, a 25-percent increase. The average boat of this size sold for $279,000, some 11 percent more than a year earlier. In the 36- to 45-foot range, sales increased 5 percent and the total price paid was up 9 percent, driving average prices up from $121,000 to $126,000.

By comparison, superyacht sales were lower for the month, with 5 vessels changing owners compared to 9 the year before. Total value of the boats sold in the month was notably less, at $3.9 million compared to $26.5 million in 2013.
Source: SoldBoats.com