April Yacht Brokerage Report

Brokerage yacht sales around the country dropped 3 percent in April compared with the same month last year, Trade Only Today reported.

The decrease was mainly caused by fewer boats sold under 35 feet. The drop in value was due to fewer and less expensive superyachts being sold.

For April 2,834 boats were sold, a decrease of 82 from 2,916 last year, according to YachtWorld member brokers reports in SoldBoats, their proprietary database. The boats sold were valued at $359.2 million, significantly less than the $461.3 million registered for 2016.

Powerboat and sailboat sales slid 3 percent, with 2,377 powerboats and 457 sailboats changing hands, according to Trade Only.

Sales of boats from 26 to 35 feet fell 5 percent, with 1,051 sold. Among superyachts, sales dropped from 27 to 17 and the total value dropped from $176.7 million to $51 million.

However, market segments from 36 feet to 79 feet rose in volume and value for the month. The 46- to 55-foot range increased 9 percent, 151 boats sold, and the 36- to 45-foot segment improved 17 percent, rising from $83.2 million to $97.1 million.

Total U.S. sales for April were 8,547 boats, an increase of just 1 percent from 8,480 in 2016. The total price paid improved to $1.26 billion, a 9 percent increase from $1.16 billion in the same period last year.