May Brokerage: U.S. Sailboat and Big-Boat Sales Slip

by | Jun 25, 2015 | Boats Group, News

Both sales volume and total boat values were lower in U.S. yacht brokerage market in May, with 3,586 boats reported sold at a total price of $400 million. According to YachtWorld brokerages recording sales in SoldBoats.com, the number of boats sold was 2 percent lower than in May 2014 and the total value was 10 percent less.

Sailboat sales in May 2015 declined compared to May 2014 while powerboat sales were virtually level.

Sailboat sales in May 2015 declined compared to May 2014 while powerboat sales were virtually level.

A drop in sailboat sales was largely responsible for the market’s 2-percent volume decline. The number sold for the month decreased from 629 to 557, while powerboat sales were virtually level, down 3 boats from 3,032 to 3,029. The total value of sailboats sold dropped 21 percent, from $50 million to $39 million; total powerboat value declined 9 percent, from $395 million to $361 million.

Weaker sales in the bigger-boat segments were responsible for much of the decline in market value. In the superyacht segment (80 feet and up), compared to the previous May, sales were down from 24 to 16 boats and total value declined proportionately, to $78 million from $103 million. Among boats 56 to 79 feet, sales decreased 14 percent, with 83 boats sold, and the total price paid was down $11 million, or 15 percent.

By length, the strongest segment of the market was among boats 26 to 35 feet long, a range that is typically the highest-volume portion of the brokerage market. Sales increased 1 percent in this category, with 1,419 boats sold; the total price paid was down 1 percent, with sales of $85 million. Powerboat sales in this range were 4 percent higher, with 1,142 boats sold. Sailboat sales in the range declined 12 percent, with 277 boats sold.

—John Burnham, Boats Group editorial director