Yacht Brokerage Sales Rise in 2010

Yacht sales numbers improved in 2010, but fewer sales of smaller and mid-sized boats in the last part of the year resulted in only modest gains for the year overall.

29,494 boats changed hands, an 8% increase from 2009 (27,195 boats sold). Total boat sales valuation for the year increased $500 million, to $3.2 billion, a gain of 19%.

Larger yachts continued to be the strength of the yacht brokerage market in the United States as 2010 ended with mixed results, according to member brokers reporting sales in their proprietary database. December is typically the slowest month for sales for yacht brokers in the U.S., 2010 was no exception.

Unit sales of 1,597 boats sold were 18% lower than November, and 6% lower than December 2009. However, unit sales of boats over 55′ rose 5% compared to the year before.

Total yacht sales valuations were higher than a year ago in all size ranges of boats over 36′. The total valuation of all boats sold in December was $246 million, up 2% from December 2009.

Powerboat sales dropped 3% in December, to 1,233 boats. Sailboat sales were down 17%, to 364 sailboats, which continued a run of months of decreased sales compared to 2009. At the end of the summer, unit sales for powerboats and sailboats were on par, on a percentage basis, both about 14% above 2009 for the first eight months. After 12 months, however, only 5% more sailboats had been sold in 2010 than 2009.

If you’d like to help make 2011 an even better year for yacht brokers, please contact a Denison Yacht Sales Broker.
Florida: 954.763.3971
California: 310.821.5883

Source: John Burnham, Director
Dominion Marine