How much does a yacht and its maintenance cost?

Owning a yacht is the ultimate symbol of luxury, but at what price? Beyond the cost of ownership, the maintenance and running of a yacht represents a considerable expense. In this article, we'll look at the purchase costs, the annual maintenance costs, and the factors to consider when budgeting for a yacht.

The purchase price of a yacht

The price of a yacht varies according to several criteria: size, builder, equipment and level of customisation.

Price ranges by yacht size

• Yachts from 10 to 20 metres between €200,000 and €2 million.
• Yachts from 20 to 40 metres between 2 and 15 million euros.
• Superyachts over 40 metres from 15 to over 500 million euros.

Custom yachts, designed by prestigious shipyards such as Lurssen, Benetti or FeadshipThese can reach record prices.

Yacht maintenance costs

On average, maintenance represents 10 to 15 % of the yacht's value per year. Here are the main items of expenditure :

1. Crew costs

• A yacht over 30 metres in length requires a crew (captain, deckhands, chef, hostesses, etc.).
• Average annual cost : 200,000 to 2 million euros.

2. Insurance

• Essential for covering risks (accidents, storms, theft, etc.).
• Price : from 10,000 to several hundred thousand euros depending on the size of the yacht.

3. Mooring and port

• A yacht must be parked in a top-of-the-range marina.
• Price of a berth in a port : 5,000 to 100,000 euros per year depending on location.

4. Fuel and consumption

• A yacht can consume between 200 and 500 litres of fuel per hour.
• Average annual budget : 50,000 to over 500,000 euros.

5. Maintenance and repairs

• Propellers, engines, paintwork, electronics... a yacht requires rigorous maintenance.
• Average cost : 5 % of the yacht's value per year.

6. Taxes and registration

• In Europe, VAT is charged on the purchase and use of a yacht.
• Some jurisdictions (Malta, Cayman Islands) offer advantageous tax regimes.

Rent out your yacht to make money

Many owners choose to charter their yacht to cover some of the costs.

• A superyacht can be chartered between 50,000 and several million euros a week.
• Good rental management can cover up to 60 % annual fee.

Owning a yacht is a considerable investment, with significant annual costs. Before taking the plunge, it is essential to assess the associated expenses and to consider chartering as a means of financing.