Value of Brokerage Yachts Sold in March Rises 24%

The number of U.S. brokerage yacht sales slipped to 2,387 in March from 2,437 a year ago, a 2 percent decline, according to Trade Only Today, but the total value of sales shifted substantially in the other direction.

The total value of boats sold jumped 24 percent from $281.7 million to $350.6 million, according to YachtWorld member brokers reporting in SoldBoats, their proprietary database.

The decrease in number of sales was primarily caused by a 122-boat decrease in sales of boats that were less than 26 feet from 860 to 738, Trade Only Today reported.

That decline was somewhat offset by increases in sales of longer boats, especially boats that were 46 to 55 feet, which increased from 127 to 168. Small increases also were reported among vessels that were 26 to 35 feet and 36 to 45 feet long.

Boats in all size ranges above 26 feet saw increases in what was paid. The biggest increase, $27.5 million, came among boats that were 80 feet and longer. Boats from 56 to 79 feet accounted for an additional $16.3 million, over March of last year, and boats from 46 to 55 feet fetched $10.8 million more.

Powerboat sales for the month fell 4 percent, as 1,940 boats were sold. Sailboat sales increased 6 percent, with 447 sailboats being sold.

U.S. sales volume totaled 5,709 boats in the first quarter of this year, an increase of 3 percent over 2016. The total price paid rose from $701.9 million to $904.1 million, a gain of 29 percent.