The Boatcrowd Buyer's Guide
Buying a yacht runs on a handful of instruments and decisions that most buyers meet only a few times in their lives: the survey, the contract, the deposit, the flag and the VAT position, and what the first season really costs. These ten guides explain each of them plainly, as we explain them to our own clients, so that you know the questions to ask before you need the answers.
From the first viewing to the first season
Read them in order or go straight to the question in front of you. Each one closes with the questions buyers ask us most often about it.
Survey and sea trial
The sea trial and the condition survey are the two moments in a purchase when you find out what the yacht is actually like, rather than what her listing says.
VAT and tax when buying a yacht
VAT is often the largest cost in a yacht purchase after the price itself, and it is the question we are asked about most.
Flag and registration
Every yacht that goes to sea internationally is registered with a flag state, and that registry decides which rules she is built and run to, which documents prove her ownership, and how easily she can be financed, chartered or sold.
The sale contract (MYBA MOA)
Once you have chosen a yacht and agreed a price, the terms of the purchase are set down in a written contract.
Deposit, escrow and closing
A yacht purchase involves moving large sums between parties who may be in different countries and who have often never met.
Delivery and crew
Closing makes the yacht yours, but she is rarely where you want her, and she needs people to run her.
The first season: what owning costs
The purchase price is the cost you already know, and the costs of the first season deserve the same care: crew, berthing, insurance, maintenance, fuel and the work the survey identified.
Buying a yacht in build
Buying a yacht before she is finished gives you a newer yacht and, depending on how far the build has progressed, a say in how she is completed.
Buying a yacht that charters
Some of the yachts on this site are also in our charter fleet, and many buyers ask whether charter can help to pay for ownership.
Co-ownership and shares
Sharing a yacht with family, friends or business partners can make ownership easier to justify and a yacht easier to use well.
This guide is general guidance as at September 2026, not legal or tax advice. Your own adviser confirms the position for your purchase.
Buying a yacht with Boatcrowd
One specialist from our team stays with your purchase from the shortlist to the handover, and we put you in touch with the advisers each stage needs.
How buying a yacht with Boatcrowd works