Yacht Buying Process: What Happens After You Say "I Want It"?

From offer to sea trial—here’s what to expect when buying a yacht.

Hey, me again - Broker Bob from Yacht Partners! 🚤

So, you’ve found the one. That perfect yacht that checks all the boxes. You’re ready to say, “I’ll take it!” But what happens next? Buying a yacht isn’t like buying a car—you don’t just hand over the cash and sail away. There are a few key steps to make sure everything goes smoothly and you get exactly what you’re paying for.

Here’s a breakdown of what happens after you decide to buy a yacht.

Making an Offer & Negotiation

Once you decide on a yacht, the first step is making an offer. This is typically done in writing, with a formal Letter of Intent (LOI) or a Purchase Agreement that outlines:

✅ The offered price

✅ Any conditions (like a sea trial or survey)

✅ A deposit amount (usually 10% of the agreed price)

From there, negotiations may follow. Maybe the seller counters, or perhaps you agree right away—either way, your broker (that’s me!) helps navigate the process to get you the best deal.

Signing the Sales Agreement & Paying the Deposit

Once the offer is accepted, both buyer and seller sign a formal contract. At this stage, the buyer usually pays a 10% deposit, which is held in escrow (a secure account).

💡 Broker Tip: Always ensure your deposit is held by a trusted brokerage or escrow service to protect both parties.

Survey & Sea Trial 🚤⚓

If Applicable - not every deal includes a survey/ sea-trial but it is generally recommended

This is your chance to make sure the yacht is in the condition you expect.

🔍 Survey: A professional marine surveyor inspects the hull, engine, electronics, and overall condition of the yacht. They check for structural issues, leaks, electrical faults, and other potential red flags.

🌊 Sea Trial: This is your test drive. You’ll take the yacht out on the water to check performance, engine response, maneuverability, and comfort.

🤝 Negotiating Repairs or Adjustments: If the survey or sea trial uncovers issues, you can: Request repairs before closing the deal, Negotiate a price reduction to cover the cost of repairs, Walk away if major problems are found

Final Payment & Paperwork

Once everything checks out, it’s time to finalize the sale. This includes:

✅ Paying the remaining balance

✅ Signing the Bill of Sale (which officially transfers ownership)

✅ Handling registration and insurance paperwork

Delivery Day: Your Yacht is Yours! 🎉

With all paperwork complete, the yacht is officially yours! Some owners choose to take delivery immediately, while others have their yacht transported to a specific location.

At Yacht Partners, we can help arrange:

🚢 Yacht transport & delivery

⚓ Berthing & mooring

🛠️ Post-purchase upgrades or maintenance

Final Thoughts: Smooth Sailing from Start to Finish

Buying a yacht is exciting, but it’s also a process that requires careful steps. That’s why working with a professional brokerage (like us at Yacht Partners) makes things much smoother.

We handle the details so you can focus on the fun part—getting out on the water! 🚤 Thinking of buying a yacht? Let’s talk—I’ll help you navigate the process with confidence.

'Til next time!

Bob Yacht Partners