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05/19/2015

April Brokerage: Volume and Pricing Trends Continue

By John Burnham, YachtWorld editorial director

John BurnhamU.S. yacht brokerage sales in April increased seasonally to 2,904 boats from 2,203 sold in March, but lagged 3 percent behind sales of April 2014, when 2,994 boats changed hands. In contrast, the total volume of April sales increased from $311 million to $476 million, according to reports by YachtWorld member brokerages in SoldBoats.com. While higher values in superyacht sales (over 80 feet) accounted for most of the increase (up $130 million), total sales for the rest of the market increased 14 percent, from $246 million to $281 million.

Powerboat sales of 2,427 were 3 percent below the April 2014 level of 2,505, and sailboat sales declined 2 percent, with 477 boats sold. The total value of powerboat sales increased 61 percent, from $275 million to $442 million; excluding superyacht sales, powerboat sales values increased 17 percent, from $211 million to $247 million. The total value of all sailboats sold in April was down 5 percent from the previous April, from $36 million to $34 million. 

Sales of the smallest boats on the market, those under 26 feet, were lower for the month by 13 percent, with 961 boats sold. The value of sales in this category increased 5 percent to $26 million, however, which pushed up the average sale value from $22,500 to $27,000.

Mid-size boats from 26 to 35 feet and 36 to 45 feet sold at slightly higher levels, up 2 percent and 1 percent, respectively. The total value of sales increased at faster rates, as higher average prices were recorded. In the 26- to 35-foot range, the average price rose from $55,700 to $63,100. In the 36- to 45-foot range, average price climbed from $132,200 to $138,600.

The strongest sales increase for the month was in the 46- to 55-foot segment, where volume was 26 percent higher, with 172 boats sold. Total value increased from $39 million to $51 million, and the average final price climbed from $287,400 to $298,000.

Sales of boats both 56 to 79 feet and in the superyacht range above 80 feet were lower for the month, but the total value of sales was higher. The number of boats sold over 80 feet decreased from 24 to 18, yet the total value of sales increased from $65 million to $195 million. In the 56- to 79-foot range, sales declined from 79 to 74 boats, but total value of sales increased from $48 million to $56 million, a 16-percent gain.

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

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