acquisition and follow-up costs of a yacht
hire a lawyer now
How much does a yacht cost? – Your boating lawyer explains
The cost of a yacht can vary greatly and depends on several factors. These include the type of boat (e.g. motor yacht, sailing yacht, superyacht), the engine power, the equipment and many other features. But what specific expenses will you have to pay? As a lawyer for boating law and an experienced boat owner, I will provide you with legal advice during the purchase and inform you about all relevant cost aspects.
Enforce legal claims in just 3 steps
Simple, convenient & fast – we enforce your rights.
commissioning
Give us your mandate easily and conveniently via online form from home.
1lawsuit & trial
We will take care of all the remaining steps for you. Sit back and relax.
2Success
We will successfully enforce your claim and you can enjoy the success immediately.
3Cost factors of a yacht: What influences the price?
Purchasing a yacht involves many financial considerations. One key factor is the type of boat, but model, size, material and other aspects also play a central role. As a boating lawyer, I would like to give you a comprehensive overview of the most important factors influencing the cost of a yacht - so that you can start your purchase well informed.
size of the yacht
The size of a yacht is one of the main price drivers. The larger the ship, the higher the costs – often with an exponential increase.
- 15–20 meters: Prices between 1 and 2 million euros
- 20–25 meters: About 1.5 to 3.5 million euros
- 25–30 meters: Up to 9 million euros
- 30–40 meters: prices of up to 15 million euros
- Even larger mega yachts have almost no limits in terms of price and size.
Individual production requests
So-called custom yachts, which are built according to individual specifications, are particularly expensive. Smaller yachts usually have fewer individual customization options and are therefore cheaper to build.
equipment
The equipment of a yacht has a significant impact on the price. Everything is possible, from luxurious superyachts with helipads, spas and cinemas to smaller, functional models. The crew required - from captain to service staff - also increases the running costs.
material
The choice of material for the boat hull largely determines the price:
- Carbon: Highest price, but extremely light and stable
- Aluminum: Mid-price range
- Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP): More cost-effective option
drive
- Motor yachts: Diesel and petrol engines are cheaper, electric motors are more expensive.
- Sailing yachts: Usually cheaper to operate, but also depends on the sailing system.
maintenance costs
- Berth: Prices vary greatly depending on location.
- Care and maintenance: Regular costs for maintenance.
- Insurance: protection against financial risks.
- Crew costs: Often indispensable for larger yachts.
Used yachts: A more cost-effective alternative
If you don't necessarily need a new yacht, buying a used yacht is often a sensible option. You can buy a small used boat for as little as 20,000 euros. The price depends on factors such as the manufacturer, equipment, age, operating hours and condition.
As a boating lawyer, I provide you with comprehensive support in legal matters relating to the purchase, sale and operation of your yacht. From drafting contracts to clarifying liability issues – benefit from my expertise. Contact my law firm to obtain legal security for your project on the high seas!
One-off and ongoing costs of a yacht – Legal advice from a boating lawyer
The costs of a yacht consist of one-off acquisition costs and ongoing maintenance costs. Anyone thinking about buying a yacht should carefully calculate both types of costs in order to ensure long-term financial security. As a boating lawyer, we not only support you with legal questions about buying a yacht, but also help you avoid cost traps.
The one-off costs include the pure purchase price of the yacht. This depends on:
- Size of the yacht: the bigger, the more expensive.
- Equipment: Luxury yachts with high-quality equipment and custom-made features are significantly more expensive.
- Performance: Powerful engines or hybrid drives increase the price.
- New condition vs. used: Used yachts (e.g. 10 meters long) are already available in the four- to five-digit range.
- Individual custom-made products: Custom yachts continue to drive up the price.
The running costs include all expenses for the operation and maintenance of the yacht. A rough guide: approx. 10 % of the purchase price per year. Example:
- Purchase price: 100,000 euros
- Running costs: approx. 10,000 euros per year
- Typical running costs include:
- Insurance: Protection against damages and liability claims.
- Berthing costs: Depends on port, location and season.
- Maintenance and care: Regular inspections and cleaning.
- Repairs: Unforeseeable damage or wear and tear.
- Fuel costs: Depends on yacht size and usage.
- Crew costs: If a crew is required.
Yacht maintenance costs at a glance – What does it cost to operate a yacht?
Purchasing a yacht is only the first financial step. In order to operate a yacht in the long term, ongoing maintenance costs must be taken into account. These amount to an average of around 10% of the purchase price per year. A key factor in maintenance costs is the berth:
- Lake Constance: Approx. 3,000 euros per half year
- Portofino: Approx. 2,550 euros per day for yachts up to 60 meters
Prices vary greatly depending on the port, region and type of yacht. In addition, special berths must be reserved for larger mega yachts. Outside of the season, many yachts also require a storage hall or a protected winter berth.
Fuel costs – depending on usage and engine
Motor yachts in the 10 to 20 meter range consume an average of 100 liters of fuel per hour. A typical yacht tank holds between 500 and 1,500 liters, which can quickly lead to high fuel costs if used intensively. Fuel consumption can be legally relevant, for example in sales contracts based on efficiency.
Care, Maintenance & Repairs – Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Carrying out maintenance on your boat yourself can save costs, but requires time and expertise. Typical DIY jobs include checking on-board toilets, pumps and hoses, and servicing heating, air conditioning and electrical systems. Alternatively, professionals can carry out these tasks at a higher cost but with guaranteed professionalism, including corrosion protection and hull painting. The choice depends on your skills and the time available.
Insurance – Important protection against financial risks
Even though there is no legal obligation to have boat insurance in Germany, yacht insurance is highly recommended. It protects you from financial consequences due to:
- Accidents and damage to your own boat
- third-party liability claims
- The insurance premiums depend on:
- cruising area and berth
- value of the yacht
- deductible amount
- Example: Yacht liability insurance can be taken out with insured sums ranging from 7.5 million to 20 million euros.
- Tip: Use a tariff calculator to determine the exact insurance costs for your yacht.
VAT on yacht purchases
Your boating lawyer explains
Sales tax is a major cost factor when buying a yacht, which buyers in the EU should definitely take into account. As a boating lawyer with my own yachting experience, I can provide you with comprehensive advice on the tax obligations when buying a yacht in order to avoid legal pitfalls.
VAT liability when purchasing a yacht within the EU
If you buy a yacht as a private individual and use it predominantly in the EU, you are obliged to pay VAT in accordance with EU Directive 2006/112/EC. Every yacht that is permanently in EU waters must have been registered for VAT at least once.
Important proof of VAT paid:
- purchase contract with VAT shown
- delivery note with tax information
- customs clearance documents
If there is no proof of the sales tax paid, this can lead to high additional demands.
Buying a yacht outside the EU – what should you consider?
Purchasing a yacht outside the EU does not automatically exempt you from VAT. When importing the yacht into EU waters, you are obliged to pay import VAT.
Exception:
- The yacht does not sail under any EU flag
- The owner is based outside the EU
- In this case, you can use the yacht tax-free in EU waters for up to 18 months, provided you have the appropriate approval from the customs authorities.
Commercial use of a yacht and sales tax
If you purchase a yacht for commercial use, you also have to pay sales tax. The advantage is that if you purchase a yacht for commercial purposes, sales tax is payable, but this can be partially reclaimed through the input tax deduction and the possibility of a refund in the input tax disposal procedure. Important: When using a yacht purchased for business purposes for private purposes, a standard charter fee must be paid in order to avoid tax problems.
Tax advantages through the Malta Service Lease Scheme
The Malta Service Lease Scheme enables tax savings through a Maltese corporation.
Danger: This arrangement requires careful planning and should only be implemented with legal and tax advice.
Your lawyer for boating law – Competent advice from an experienced boat owner
Are you looking for legal security when buying a yacht or boat? As a specialist lawyer in boating law and passionate boat owner, I offer comprehensive advice and support that covers both legal and practical aspects. My range of services includes the review and drafting of purchase contracts, advice on financing models and leasing options, insurance against hidden defects and contract negotiations with shipyards and dealers. With my many years of experience in boating law and direct accompaniment at trade fairs and viewings, I guarantee tailor-made and personal support. Use my expertise for legal security and efficient solutions when buying a yacht.
Arrange a personal consultation and receive comprehensive advice on yacht purchase and boat maintenance – legally secure, practical and personal.
Professional advice & support
We offer you professional and comprehensive initial advice in the area of luxury and consumer goods. Take your chance and avoid mistakes.
English 
German 
Dutch