Choosing the right boat means weighing a variety of factors that include its overall condition, price, location, brand reputation, and other important characteristics. Sometimes an older boat can be more appealing if it's been well-maintained and possibly re-fit or re-powered. Selecting older, pre-owned yachts can often provide great value and have few issues that arise depending upon the lifespan of the vessel. While spending the money on a boat is an investment in your lifestyle and free time, it doesn't have to become a money pit. Hiring an experienced, professional yacht broker to assist you in your search can save a lot of heartache when it comes to making the right choice in what boat or yacht to buy.
The ownership lifespan of a yacht is also something to take into consideration and important to differentiate between the average lifespan of the yacht. We all know the owner that likes to buy a new boat every year, and we've definitely seen the owner that reluctantly puts their boat on the market after owning it for forty years, however the average time of ownership for a boat is between 7 and 10 years. In reality, a boat may change hands a dozen times over its lifespan. How long the boat's lifespan is depends on the materials used in construction, how its been used over the years, whether its been used primarily in freshwater or saltwater, if it's been properly maintained, and much more. When buying a boat, how do you determine its lifespan?
Here Is The Average Lifespan Of Several Types Of Yachts:
- Fiberglass-built Yachts (ie. Some Sportfish & Motor Yachts): 40 to 60 years and up
- Wood + Epoxy built Yachts: 25 to 40 years and up
- Aluminum built Yachts: 30 to 50 years and up
- Steel built Yachts (ie. Superyachts, Expedition): 75 years and up
- Wood built Yachts (ie. Some sailboats, custom sportfish): 25 to 35 years and up
(Below: The Riva Aquarama was built between 1962 and 1971. This Aquarama below is a 1965 and still being used.)
WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT EXTENDING A YACHT'S LIFESPAN?
"There are many, many systems on a yacht and they all have detailed instructions and schedules of maintenance that needs to be done," says Christopher Cooke, senior yacht broker, division manager, and owner of Spencer Christopher Yacht Management Services. "I'm a big believer in the rule of thumb that $10 worth of caulk can save $10,000 in a delamination bill. Catch things early, stay proactive, and use your yacht often, that is the key to extending its lifespan. If your boat sits for long periods of time, things like pump seals begin to dry rot, lubricate pump systems, and pay attention to both the preventative and cosmetic maintenance. The ocean is a harsh environment, so routinely using your yacht and maintaining it is important."
"The lifespan of a yacht really depends on its pedigree and how dedicated the owners have been to taking care of her," says Captain Jeff Palmer, former superyacht captain and President of United Yacht Sales. "Superyacht shipyards like Feadship, motor yacht brands like Horizon or Fleming, sportfish brands like Rybovich, they all have something in common - a dedication to using the best materials possible and proper construction. This is what I mean by the pedigree of the brand. Whether or not the owner has kept a captain and crew on board to properly maintain the vessel makes a huge difference. If you're going to invest in a nice yacht, it makes sense to have it professionally maintained as well."
What Influences How Long A Yacht Will Last?
(Above: Viking Yachts are vacuum-bagged in then the core is infused with high-quality resin to create a light, but sturdy hull.)
- Materials & Construction: Ask 10 people what the best materials are to build a boat out of and you'll get 10 different answers. Whether your yacht is built out of fiberglass, steel, aluminum, or a composite, the longevity of it will largely depend on the owner's routine. Steel hull boats, for example, offer high resistance to impact of logs or floating debris, however rust never sleeps. This means the upkeep is greater to ensure that rust doesn't become a problem. Some shipyards are now using a composite structure of end-grain balsa wood, a high-quality resin, and a fiberglass/carbon fiber hybrid laminate. The result is a much lighter, faster boat, but with a stronger hull. Of course, the quality of resin is important and builders like Viking Yachts will only use a customized Epoxy resin for strength and durability.
- Hiring A Professional Team: Whether you've hired a professional yacht management team or a knowledgeable yacht captain, this extra investment will pay dividends in prolonging the life and condition of your vessel. There simply is no substitute for routine services and preventative maintenance. (Pro Tip: Keep a thorough history of maintenance and service, this will make a difference when you go to sell your yacht.)
- Use It Or Lose It: You bought your yacht to use it, right? It's a very rare occurrence that anyone has a bad day hanging out on the ocean, so why not use your free time getting out on the water. If not for your enjoyment, then do it for the longevity of your boat! Regularly using your yacht means the engines and systems on board are working and being lubricated.
- Re-Fit & Re-Power: Many yachts will go through either a re-fit process, a re-power, or sometimes both. Re-fitting your yacht means that there is a comprehensive repair or upgrade to the mechanical systems, electronics, interior amenities, and more. Think of it as a remodel of your home. Re-powering your yacht means completely replacing the engines. Many older yachts can demand more money when resold on the brokerage market if they've been re-powered or gone through a re-fit.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR YACHT LAST LONGER?
There are steps you can take to prolong the lifespan of your yacht. Not only does the investment in the care for it help when you go to resell it, you'll enjoy the condition of it during your ownership experience and time with the yacht.
- Finding The Right Storage: From boathouses to marinas, the ultimate storage facility for your yacht is one that is inside, out of the sun, and climate-controlled. This isn't always available, so try and find in-water, covered slips at a marina.
- Cockpit & Flybridge Covers: Invest in quality covers for your sofas, sunpads, exterior docking stations, flybridge helm stations, and any other part of your boat that you want to preserve. Especially in the Florida sun mixed with the salty air, good covers can prevent corrosion.
- Get A Survey Done: It's often said that you should hire an experienced, professional surveyor to do a a survey on your yacht every 3 to 5 years. Insurance companies also require surveys to be done every so often. This can be a great way for early detection of problems.
- Hire A Yacht Management Team: Hiring a professional yacht management team can keep your vessel well-maintained throughout its lifespan. Services of a yacht management contract might include wash schedules, deep detailing, ceramic coating, teak and bright-work, interior cleaning, dive schedules, systems checks, repairs, and routine maintenance.
SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN EXPERT WHEN BUYING A YACHT
Hiring a professional yacht broker that is part of a reputable brokerage firm, and has references, can help you make the right decision for your boating future. Looking for the CPYB certification (Certified Professional Yacht Broker), as well as membership to an existing association like the IYBA (International Yacht Brokers Association) are important in your broker selection process. Making the right decision on what yacht to purchase in the beginning can mean the life of your yacht lasts as long as you need it to.
An experienced yacht broker can help you:
- Research the market for the right boat and at the right price
- Advise you on the history of particular builders and certain models
- Conduct preliminary evaluations of yachts you have interest in
- Refer reputable surveyors, insurance agents, and yacht management companies
ABOUT UNITED YACHT SALES
United Yacht Sales has the world's largest network of boat buyers and sellers in the industry, thanks to our team of over 250 yacht brokers in 104 different locations. Whether buying a luxury boat or selling one, we have the right expert on staff to assist you in navigating the brokerage market for your type of yacht. If you're looking at selling a boat, there is no quicker way to get activity than listing it with United. Our entire team is immediately notified every time a listing agreement is made with United Yacht Sales and many boats are sold before they ever even make it online. Our support team is among the best in the industry at marketing your yacht. 100% of our marketing budget goes towards advertising our clients' listings, a claim not many other firms can make. To get started listing your yacht, fill out our online form What's My Yacht Worth?
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