Sell your yacht A market leader in global yacht sales

The number one reason to use a yacht broker when selling your yacht is to save you time and avoid any uncertainty during the sales process. Our knowledgeable yacht brokers have access to a worldwide network of brokerage houses to give your yacht the best visibility. We can take care of every detail of the sales process and offer advice based on years of experience in yacht sales. Cooperation is key, and your broker will manage relationships between all parties involved in the process.

The first step to selling a yacht is an effective marketing plan to target potential buyers and their associates. Your broker will liaise with the Ocean Independence marketing team to create this plan and will handle all enquiries, as well as scheduling and accommodating viewings. Once a buyer has been found and contracts negotiated, the Ocean Independence team will oversee contracts, sea trials, survey, completion and delivery to ensure a successful sale.

The amount of time it takes to sell a yacht can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, including the yacht’s price, location, age, condition, market conditions and pricing strategy. Realistically priced yachts that enter the market with strong presentation and complete documentation often attract serious interest within the first few weeks. Drawing on extensive knowledge of the yacht sales market, your broker can advise on all of these elements to ensure your yacht is positioned for a successful sale.

Once a buyer has been found and an offer accepted, the closing process generally takes between 6-8 weeks from contract to completion, depending on survey findings, financing arrangements, ownership structure and flag administration.

Yes, if Ocean Independence is acting as a stakeholder for a sales transaction. KYC is the process used to verify a client’s identity. KYC requires proof of identity and residence. This can be a passport or other government ID and utility bill or similar. Originals or authenticated copies may be provided. The information is only required for the purposes of complying with international Anti Money Laundering (AML) regulations.

Before listing a yacht for sale, having a yacht broker organise the entire process of yacht surveys and inspections performed by qualified professionals is crucial. Including marine surveys, safety inspections, and any other necessary certifications; this not only ensures a yacht is in good condition and any issues are addressed before a sale, but also gives confidence to any potential buyers the yacht is a worthwhile investment.

Before listing your yacht for sale, it is important to ensure that all necessary documentation and certifications are in order. The exact documentation required will depend on the yacht and its ownership structure, but sellers are typically asked to provide:

- Certificate of Registry
- Builder’s Certificate
- Class and statutory certificates
- VAT or import documentation
- Maintenance and service records
- Refit history
- Inventory lists
- Relevant corporate ownership documents if the yacht is held within an SPV.

It is also essential that all safety equipment certificates and any other certifications required by law or industry standards are up to date. Preparing documentation early can significantly reduce delays during the transaction process and help ensure a smoother sale.

To attract serious and qualified buyers for your superyacht, it is important to present the yacht alongside a trusted yacht brokerage company in its best possible condition. Providing detailed and accurate information about the yacht's features, specifications, and maintenance record is crucial. Utilising the professional marketing and advertising strategies a brokerage provides will also ensure your yacht is seen by serious and qualified buyers.

Sometimes a complex process, the transfer of ownership and registration of a superyacht is best handled by a respected yacht brokerage company experienced in maritime law. The process typically involves the transfer of the yacht's documentation and registration, as well as the signing of a sales contract, and transfer of funds.

It is important to address any necessary repairs or maintenance to attract serious buyers. This may include general maintenance such as engine servicing, and sometimes bigger repairs or upgrades to the yacht's systems or amenities.

The transfer of crew and staff during a superyacht sale is handled through negotiations between the buyer and seller, with arrangements depending largely on the buyer’s intentions. In some cases, crew are retained after completion, while in others a full transition takes place. It is important to ensure that all necessary agreements and employment contracts are properly addressed to support a smooth transition for both crew and owners.

Crew employment contracts are often linked to the yacht’s flag state and ownership structure, meaning these considerations may also need to be managed during the closing process.

While some sellers may want to take most of the onboard equipment and accessories to their new yacht, some may be happy to leave everything on board and include them in the sale. During the sale of a superyacht, it is important to clearly define all equipment or accessories that will be included in the sale, and to ensure that they are in good working condition.

A yacht valuation is based on a combination of market data and the individual characteristics of the yacht itself. Comparable sales provide the starting point, particularly yachts of a similar builder, size, age and specification. From there, factors such as refit history, engine hours, condition, VAT status, flag, interior volume and overall presentation all influence value.

Current market conditions also play an important role. Buyer demand, available inventory and wider economic trends can all affect what a yacht is likely to achieve at a particular moment in time.

The MYBA Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is the standard contract used in many superyacht sales transactions. Published by the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association, it establishes the terms of the sale, including price, deposit structure, survey rights, delivery conditions and closing arrangements.

Although widely used across the industry, the MOA is still negotiated between buyer and seller, and certain clauses can have significant commercial implications depending on the structure of the transaction.

Once principal terms are agreed, the buyer signs the MOA and places a deposit into escrow, typically 10% of the purchase price. The transaction then progresses through sea trial, survey and formal acceptance.

If the buyer proceeds following the survey, both parties prepare for closing by coordinating documentation, registration formalities, payment arrangements and final delivery logistics.

A sea trial allows the buyer and their representatives to assess the yacht under normal operating conditions prior to survey. Typically lasting a few hours, it provides an opportunity to evaluate performance, onboard systems and general operation.

The sea trial usually takes place before the full technical survey and forms part of the buyer’s decision-making process.

A yacht survey is a detailed inspection of the vessel carried out by an independent surveyor on behalf of the buyer. This can include both in-water and out-of-water inspections, along with reviews of systems, machinery, structure and operational condition.

Following the survey, the buyer may proceed with the purchase, request remedies for certain findings, negotiate an adjustment to the purchase price, or withdraw if a material defect is identified.

Yes. Under the terms of most MOAs, the buyer has the right to reject the yacht following survey if a material defect is discovered. More commonly, however, survey findings result in negotiated remedies or price adjustments rather than termination of the transaction.

Clear documentation, regular maintenance and strong presentation can help minimise complications during this stage.

In an asset sale, the yacht itself is transferred from seller to buyer through a standard marine title transfer process.

In a share sale, the buyer acquires the shares of the company that owns the yacht, typically a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This allows ownership of the yacht to continue within the same corporate structure, often preserving registration, contracts and operational continuity.

The most suitable structure depends on factors such as tax considerations, ownership history, buyer preference and jurisdiction.

The yacht’s flag state determines which registry governs the yacht and which regulations apply to areas such as certification, crewing and operational compliance.

At the point of sale, the flag can influence how quickly registration transfers are processed and whether additional administrative requirements arise during closing. Certain registries are known for particularly efficient transfer procedures, while others may involve longer processing times.

Not necessarily. In many transactions, the buyer either retains the existing flag or changes it after closing. However, if the yacht is registered under a less familiar or administratively complex flag, reviewing this early in the sales process may help avoid delays later. Any decision to change flag should be considered alongside legal, operational and tax advice.

Pricing strategy is one of the most influential factors in a successful yacht sale. The first weeks on the market are typically when buyer attention is highest, and realistic pricing is critical to generating early momentum.

Overpricing can extend time on market, weaken negotiating position and increase carrying costs over time. Well-positioned yachts are generally more likely to attract serious enquiries and stronger offers during the early stages of marketing.

Until the yacht is sold, operational costs continue as normal. These may include crew salaries, insurance, dockage, maintenance, class renewals and ongoing technical upkeep. For larger yachts, these carrying costs can become significant, particularly during extended periods on the market.

The seller remains involved throughout the process, particularly during negotiation, survey and closing. However, the coordination of the transaction is typically managed by the broker in collaboration with legal advisors, surveyors, registries and other parties involved. Good preparation and clear communication help ensure the process progresses efficiently from listing through to delivery.

Preparation ideally begins before the yacht is formally listed. Reviewing documentation, maintenance records, ownership structure, certification status and inventory early can help reduce delays later in the process.

Presentation also matters. Yachts that are well maintained, professionally photographed and clearly documented tend to perform more strongly when brought to market.