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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers on buying, selling, building and owning a yacht with Abyacht.
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Whether you are acquiring your first yacht or planning a new build, find guidance organised by theme below.
Buying a Yacht
From first shortlist to signed Memorandum of Agreement — how Abyacht supports your acquisition.
How does buying a yacht with Abyacht work?
We start with a confidential brief: budget, preferred size, yard, cruising plans and timeline. Our brokers then shortlist suitable yachts from our central listings and selected off-market opportunities, arrange viewings and sea trials, and guide you through survey, negotiation and closing.
Do I need a broker to buy a yacht?
It is not mandatory, but strongly recommended for yachts of significant value. A buyer’s broker protects your interests, interprets technical surveys, benchmarks pricing, and coordinates lawyers, surveyors and flag administrations — with absolute discretion throughout.
What costs should I expect beyond the purchase price?
Budget for survey and sea trial, legal fees, registration and flag costs, possible VAT or import duties depending on your situation, insurance, and initial operational setup (crew, berth, management). We outline a clear cost overview before you commit.
Can Abyacht source off-market yachts?
Yes. Through our European shipyard and owner network we regularly access vessels that are not publicly listed. Tell us your criteria and we will discreetly approach owners or central agents on your behalf.
Selling Your Yacht
Valuation, marketing and negotiation — how we bring the right buyer at the right price.
How do I sell my yacht with Abyacht?
Appoint us as your central or joint central agent. We prepare a professional valuation, photography and listing package, promote the yacht across our network and selected media, qualify buyers, manage viewings, and negotiate through to a successful closing.
How is the asking price determined?
We analyse comparable sales, current market demand, the yacht’s condition, refit history, and your preferred timeline. You receive a clear recommendation — ambitious enough to protect value, realistic enough to attract serious buyers.
How long does it typically take to sell a yacht?
Timelines vary with size, price positioning and market season. Well-presented, correctly priced yachts often attract serious interest within weeks; larger or highly specialised vessels can take several months. We keep you informed at every stage.
Will my sale remain confidential?
Discretion is central to how we work. Listings can be marketed selectively, buyer identities are screened, and sensitive details are shared only on a need-to-know basis under NDA when required.
New Builds & Construction
Shipyard selection, specifications and project follow-up for your next new build.
Can Abyacht manage a new-build project?
Yes. We advise on yard selection, compare proposals, help refine the technical specification, and can act as your owner’s representative throughout construction — from contract negotiation to delivery and sea trials.
Which shipyards do you work with?
We maintain long-standing relationships with leading yards in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and beyond. Recommendations depend on your size range, design brief, delivery window and budget — never on a one-size-fits-all list.
How long does a new build usually take?
Depending on length and complexity, a semi-custom or full-custom project typically ranges from roughly 18 months to several years. We help you set a realistic programme and monitor milestones so delays are anticipated early.
What is the difference between semi-custom and full-custom?
Semi-custom builds start from a proven platform with room to personalise layout and finish. Full-custom projects are designed from a blank sheet with your naval architect and yard. We help you choose the approach that matches your ambition and timeline.
Brokerage Services
How our boutique brokerage model works — fees, scope and what sets Abyacht apart.
What services does Abyacht offer?
Yacht sales and acquisitions, new-build consultancy, valuations, charter introductions where relevant, and introductions to trusted partners for management, crew and refit. Every mandate is handled with a dedicated broker and absolute discretion.
How are brokerage fees structured?
Fees follow market practice and are agreed in writing before we start. For sales, commission is typically a percentage of the final sale price; for buyer representation or new-build mandates we define scope and remuneration transparently upfront.
Where is Abyacht based?
We operate as a boutique European brokerage with deep roots in the Mediterranean and Northern European markets, and a network of professionals worldwide. Contact details and team profiles are available on our Contact page.
Do you work with clients outside Europe?
Yes. Our clients and transactions span multiple jurisdictions. We coordinate with local counsel, flag administrations and yards wherever your project takes us.
Ownership & Practical Matters
Flag, VAT, insurance and day-to-day ownership — practical questions after the signature.
Which flag should I choose for my yacht?
The right flag depends on ownership structure, cruising grounds, crew nationality and tax considerations. We introduce specialist flag and maritime counsel so you can decide with full visibility — we do not give legal advice ourselves.
How does VAT apply to yacht purchases in the EU?
VAT treatment varies with use (private vs commercial), registration and import status. Rules are technical and country-specific. We work with specialised tax advisors so your structure is compliant before completion.
Can you help with insurance and management?
We introduce trusted underwriters and yacht management companies for crew, technical maintenance and berthing. You remain free to choose your partners; we simply open the right doors.
Who do I contact if my question is not listed?
Reach our team via the Contact page. A broker will respond personally — we prefer a short conversation to a generic form reply.
Expert Guidance for Your
Next Acquisition
Navigating the acquisition of a superyacht requires unparalleled market insight and technical expertise. Our dedicated brokers provide bespoke consulting for both new builds and brokerage acquisitions.
From first conversation to final signature, we secure the right vessel on the right terms — with absolute discretion at every step.
“The ultimate expression of freedom on the water.”