The Global Yacht Market in 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Understand Right Now
Every year, BOAT International publishes the Global Order Book, the most reliable snapshot of what’s actually happening in the superyacht industry. The 2026 data tells a clear story — and it’s one every yacht owner, buyer, and investor should understand before making a move .
Fewer Yachts, Bigger Builds
Globally, there are 1,093 yachts over 24 meters currently in build or on order, down nearly 4% from last year. On the surface, that looks like a slowdown — but here’s the reality:
The yachts being built are larger, heavier, and more complex than ever before.
Average yacht length is now 40.8 meters, and average gross tonnage jumped almost 9% year-over-year. Builders aren’t chasing volume anymore; they’re chasing value .
Italy Still Dominates — And That Matters
Italy accounts for roughly half of all global superyacht production, led by builders like Azimut-Benetti, Sanlorenzo, Feadship, and The Italian Sea Group .
Why does this matter to owners?
Because pedigree affects resale value, buyer confidence, and long-term support. Yachts from top-tier yards consistently outperform lesser-known brands on the brokerage market — especially in a more selective post-Covid environment.
The Post-Covid Correction Is Real — and Healthy
The Covid boom is officially behind us. Orders peaked in 2023 at over 1,200 yachts. Since then, the market has normalized, not collapsed .
This is good news:
Buyers have more negotiating power
Sellers must be realistic on pricing
Quality yachts still sell — speculative or poorly maintained ones sit
In fact, brokerage sales were up significantly in 2025, proving that well-priced yachts in good condition still move fast when positioned correctly .
Spec Builds Are Rising — and So Is Risk
Nearly 32% of yachts under construction are speculative builds (started without a buyer). In some countries, that number is far higher. Turkey, for example, has over 40% of projects built on spec .
For buyers, this can mean opportunity — faster delivery and better pricing.
For sellers and investors, it means competition. New yachts hitting the market directly affect resale values of 3–7 year-old vessels.
This is where strategy matters.
Tariffs, Taxes, and Why Structure Matters More Than Ever
US tariffs on foreign-built yachts, shifting depreciation rules, and flag-state decisions are now major financial variables — not footnotes. Poor planning can cost owners millions over the lifecycle of a yacht .
This is no longer just about choosing the right yacht.
It’s about:
Ownership structure
Flag selection
Build location
Timing the market correctly
What This Means for You
If you’re buying:
This is a smart window for leverage
Yard selection and specification matter more than price alone
New-build vs brokerage decisions should be data-driven, not emotional
If you’re selling:
Pricing must reflect today’s market, not 2021 nostalgia
Condition, maintenance records, and presentation are critical
A different set of eyes — beyond your captain or engineer — makes a measurable difference
Final Thought
The yacht market isn’t shrinking — it’s maturing. The winners will be owners who understand the data, the risks, and the long game.
That’s where a broker adds real value — not by pushing inventory, but by helping you make the right decision at the right time.
If you want to talk through what this market means for your yacht or your next move, that’s exactly what I do.
