Sticker Shock at Yacht Show has many looking for alternatives


You are thinking of buying a yacht, but you are not sure if the investment of more than 1 million is for you. Well, think again. There are companies that can make yacht ownership not only a pleasurable experience, but also affordable and virtually risk-free.

We know that people engage in many activities to enjoy, and sailing is one of the most fun activities. Owning a luxury yacht carries a certain prestige, a kind of status symbol. This is mainly because yachts cost millions to buy and maintain. And with such a high cost, even the wealthy are looking for alternative ways to own a luxury yacht without all the maintenance hassles.

When we first buy a yacht, the excitement is there, and while sailing is a fantasy for most, let’s face it, there are just as many days that you will realistically use it. The problem is that the maintenance cannot wait for you to return, it is a constant and permanent task as long as you own the yacht. Insurance often requires a full time Captain on board. Some captains have basic mechanical and cleaning skills, but it’s not something they like to do. You will most likely need to add additional staff for polishing, mechanical, electrical, cleaning, etc. Some think that they can keep the yacht on the water with little or no maintenance. Think again: filters need to be changed, oil changes need to be done, bottom barnacle growth needs to be cleaned, filters need to be cleaned. , repaired air conditioning units, generators and motors also need maintenance. The list is endless. Marine mechanics and electricians get paid a pretty penny for their work and the bigger the boat, the deeper their pockets must be. So, on top of the yacht purchase price, be prepared to dole out another 10% per year of the total cost. I’m not trying to discourage you from enjoying the yachting lifestyle, on the contrary, just being honest about what owning a yacht entails. As a matter of fact, we encourage you to investigate. These are obstacles that we try not to think about, or think will somehow disappear while we are busy enchanted by the beauty of the yachting lifestyle, the yacht itself and the prestige that comes with it.

What if you could have your cake and eat it too? What I mean by this is owning your yacht, sharing your expenses with other owners and still having pride of ownership, equity and using the yacht when you would like to use it. What if a fractional ownership company provides you with your own cruise crew, cleaning crew, private concierge who does all your arrangements, maintenance crew, mechanic, electrical engineer, laundry services, just to name a few? Simply put, a large fractional company can have your yacht ready when you are and when you’re done, your crew will take care of everything. This will help you immensely in keeping yacht expenses low. Best of all, no one but yourself will know that you don’t own the yacht.

A luxury yacht is not your ‘every day’ boat. The size of a yacht varies between 40 feet and 328 feet in length. This provides plenty of room to enjoy – you have plenty of fun while sailing on the waters. Having said that, a yacht, as we all know, is a depreciating asset, so don’t be surprised if the millions you pay today are worth only a few hundred tomorrow. If this doesn’t matter to you, stop reading this: fractional yacht ownership is not for you.

Now for those of you who want a luxury yacht and where investments apply then read on as there is a way you can invest wisely without excessive losses. Yachts come with luxury cabins that can accommodate as many guests as possible, sometimes as many as twelve or more. Your friends, family or co-workers can join in on the fun and space won’t be a problem. They will have enough accommodations to make your trip very relaxing and a lot of fun. Closing deals on yachts is also common among businessmen.

There are also tax benefits where you can write off up to $500,000 and with a fractional ownership company, acting as your management company, we can also rent out the weeks you won’t be using so you can offset any expenses. Many people would love to have a yacht, to enjoy all these comforts and also the elegant effect that comes with it. How about a minibar or a kitchen in the sea? Most yachts come with an indoor and outdoor bar or entertainment area, and professional bartenders ready to mix and serve you your favorite whiskey. Take to the deck in the evenings and ‘wet your whistle’ with your fellow passengers as you gaze out over the ocean. Speaking of class! Finely designed dining rooms are typically found on luxury yachts. Your guests are sure to have an exciting dining experience. Furthermore, outdoor dining can also be set up for your guests to enjoy the beauty of the sunset and the sea.

However, a major obstacle is the price and maintenance costs. This should no longer be a problem as fractional yacht ownership is designed for people who want to enjoy the prestige of owning a yacht without the maintenance expense and hassle of ownership. And what is more? – You come and go in style, without worrying about cleaning or maintenance problems, since the management company takes care of everything.

Imagine this case scenario: You agree to meet your family or business partner at the yacht club for drinks while you wait for the rest of the family to join you. Meanwhile, your children, wife or grandchildren want to sunbathe or play in the swimming pool of the yacht club. Now that the whole family has arrived, you’re ready to enjoy your private yacht cruise to the Florida Keys. The Captain and crew await you on your private yacht. The stewardess serves him a few drinks before departure. You sail to enjoy your time with your family or business associates and when your trip is over, you simply leave in class and the crew gets ready for cleaning and maintenance. Yes, it’s that easy! And yes, this is the best way to own a yacht!