Yacht Sales Report: September 2012 Boat Sales Fall 8%

Sales of brokerage boats in the United States declined in September as 1,962 vessels changed hands, 8% fewer than in September 2011. The drop in yacht sales was attributable to fewer sales of small boats, according to reports by YachtWorld member yacht brokerage firms in their proprietary database, SoldBoats.com.

Improved sales of larger yachts, however, raised the total value of boats sold during the month by 13% to $221 million. The aggregate sales figures represent a shift from the summer months, when small-boat brokerage sales generally were higher, compared with 2011, and large-boat sales generally were lower.

The drop in sales volume could be attributed largely to fewer sales of powerboats. Although sailboat sales were lower by 1%, with 406 boats sold, powerboat sales declined 10 percent, with 1,556 sold, down from 1,726 in September 2011.

Among all boats sold under 35′, sales were down from 1,502 boats in 2011 to 1,304, a 13% decline. The total value of sales also was down 13%, from $56 million to $49 million.

By contrast, sales were up 11% among yachts over 45′, and the total value of those transactions was up 37%, from $87 million to $119 million. The middle range of boats, 36 to 45 feet, was essentially flat in terms of boats sold (473 boats) and total value ($53 million).

Source: John Burnham // YachtWorld Editorial Director