Yacht Sales Dip Slightly in January 2011

The number of brokerage yachts sold in the U.S., along with the total valuation of those yachts sold, declined in January 2011, compared with sales in 2010. The Sold Yachts Report, as reported by U.S. yacht brokers to SoldBoats.com, indicated a unit sales total of 1,564 boats represented a 2% decrease from the previous January (1,604 boats sold); total boat sales valuation sales slipped 4%, to $178,000,000.

Surprisingly, the strongest part of the market was not among megayachts, as in recent months, but in the mid range of 36-45′. The number of boats sold in that range increased by 1% (346 boats); the total valuation of those boat sales increased nearly $2 million, to $45,500,000.

The larger yachts held their value well, even when the total number sold was less. For the 93 boats sold between 46-55′ (the same number as last year), total valuation climbed 4%, to $28,000,000 USD. For yachts larger than 55′, unit sales were down 17% (55 boats sold), but the boats sold for more money on average. Total valuation was down 12%, to $61,000,000 million.

Powerboat sales held up better than sailboat sales in January, rising 1%, compared with the previous January (1,258 boats sold).

Sailboat sales were down 15%, at 306 sailboats sold in January.

Total valuation of powerboats sold was down 2%, to $155,000,000; sailboats sales dropped 17%, to $23,000,000.

Source: John Burnham, editorial director for Dominion Marine Media

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