The recently published Q2 2015 YachtWorld Market Index detailed higher volumes of sales in both the U.S. and European markets. Brokerage members of YachtWorld reported in their proprietary database, SoldBoats, that from April through June, sales volumes and values were on the rise. And for the combined first and second quarters of 2015, total sales pulled roughly even with 2014. Volume was 125 boats ahead, and total value was $24 million behind 2014.
In Europe, 11-percent higher second-quarter sales followed an even stronger first quarter, and total sales for the year were up 13 percent, with 4,062 boats sold. In the U.S., the number of boat sales lagged behind the pace of 2014 by 1 percent, but the gap closed in the second quarter, especially in June, when 3,649 boats were recorded as sold.
The value of second-quarter sales in Europe climbed 8 percent compared to 2014, up €32 million to €456 million, yet average sold prices declined 3 percent. In contrast, total values in all U.S. market segments, by length, were level or higher for the second quarter, except for boats over 80 feet. For the year to date through June, despite incrementally lower sales volume, gains continued in pricing and total sales value rose from $1.96 to $2.04 billion.
Read the full Market Index for the rest of the story.
—John Burnham, Boats Group editorial director