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04/19/2017

March Brokerage Volume Dips, Values Rise

by John Burnham, Yachtworld Editorial Director

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U.S. yacht brokerage sales slipped from 2,437 in March 2016 to 2,387 boats in March 2017, a 2 percent decline. However, according to YachtWorld member brokers reporting in SoldBoats, the total value of sales moved substantially in the other direction, climbing from $281.7 to $350.6 million.

The loss in volume was due mainly to a 122-boat decline in the sale of boats under 26 feet long. This was offset somewhat by increases in other categories, especially boats 46 to 55 feet, which rose from 127 boats to 168 boats sold. Small volume increases were also reported among boats 26 to 35 feet and 36 to 45 feet. 

Gains in the price paid for boats were made in all size ranges over 26 feet, with the biggest increase, $26.5 million, coming among boats 80 feet and longer. Boats 56 to 79 feet delivered an additional $16.3 million compared to March 2016, and boats 46 to 55 feet gained in aggregate price by $10.8 million. 

Powerboat sales for the month were down 4 percent, with 1940 boats changing hands. Sailboat sales increased by 6 percent, with 447 boats sold. 

Through the first quarter of 2017, total U.S. sales volume was 5,709 boats, an increase of 3 percent over 2016. The total price paid rose $702 million to $904 million, a gain of 29 percent. 

—John Burnham

 

Note: A version of this article first appeared in Soundings Trade Only Today.

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