The first phase is choosing the boat based on use, then the negotiation begins

At the start, it’s not about the boat, but about what you want to do. Some seek a boat for leisurely cruises, some want something more performance-oriented, while others are already thinking about living on board. Understanding this helps avoid wasting time on vessels that may be beautiful but not suitable.

After an initial screening, there comes a moment when a boat convinces based on price, condition, and history. It is at this point that you truly enter the heart of the matter: the negotiation. In the used market, negotiating is completely normal, but it’s not a confrontation; rather, it’s a discussion based on concrete data, the actual condition of the vessel, and any necessary interventions.

What are the MOA and the survey?

When an agreement is reached, the MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) is signed, which regulates the sale. At that moment, the boat is secured, and you enter a more concrete phase, with well-defined timelines and conditions.

The step that creates the most doubts is always the survey, or technical assessment. It is often seen as an exam to pass, but that’s not the case. It simply serves to understand the real condition of the boat. It’s normal for observations or small repairs to arise; this is part of the nature of any used boat.

Aluminum yachts: when are they really worth it?

Aluminum has long been associated with ocean-going vessels designed to withstand demanding conditions. Its primary advantage is structural strength. An aluminum hull can absorb significant impacts and stress while maintaining high safety standards, making it especially attractive for offshore cruising and long-distance passages.

For this reason, Yacht Studio often recommends aluminum for explorer yachts, expedition vessels, bluewater sailing yachts, high-latitude cruising, and professional or intensive use. Aluminum construction also significantly reduces vessel weight, providing tangible benefits in fuel efficiency, range, and performance.

Another major advantage is the ease of structural modifications over time. Repairs, reinforcements, and alterations are generally simpler to perform compared to composite constructions.

Why fiberglass dominates the market

Despite aluminum’s technical appeal, fiberglass remains the most widely used material in modern recreational boating. According to Yacht Studio, the reason is simple: it offers an exceptionally effective balance between comfort, design flexibility, cost, and manufacturing efficiency.

From a livability perspective, fiberglass provides a quieter onboard environment, reduced vibration, better acoustic insulation, and superior cruising comfort. These qualities are particularly valued in flybridge yachts and vessels designed for Mediterranean cruising.

Composites also allow far greater design freedom than aluminum, enabling sleek modern lines, generous interior volumes, and highly sophisticated hull shapes. From a manufacturing standpoint, fiberglass offers additional advantages, including faster production times, greater standardization, more competitive pricing, and high-quality finishes.

Costs that are often overlooked when buying a yacht

Every boat requires maintenance, and this is even more true for used ones. After the purchase, necessary interventions may arise, such as engine work, replacement of worn components, or electronic upgrades. The critical point is when these are not anticipated, and the initial savings can quickly diminish.

The issue isn’t buying a used yacht, but doing so without an accurate assessment. A low price may hide significant work needed, whereas a well-maintained boat, even if more expensive, may turn out to be more cost-effective over time. Understanding the actual condition, maintenance history, and future interventions is what truly makes the difference. That’s why Yacht Studio is the ideal partner to act as an intermediary.

The true value of technical assessment in yacht transactions

A technical assessment is the main tool to avoid surprises. It doesn’t aim to find a perfect boat but to know its real state. A good investment arises from the balance between the initial cost, the condition of the boat, and management expenses over time.

Many buyers seek the deal by focusing only on the price. However, in the used market, the deal is rarely the cheapest boat, but rather the one that aligns best with its condition. When price, condition, and future costs are aligned, the purchase becomes truly advantageous.

Documents and key aspects for buying or selling a yacht

Buying or selling a yacht is not a simple transaction but a decision that involves technical, legal, and tax aspects. When purchasing or selling a used boat, the documentation is often the most undervalued part. It’s essential to verify the ownership of the vessel, the continuity of transfers, and the absence of encumbrances. However, one of the most delicate aspects remains the tax status. An unclear situation regarding VAT can create concrete problems both at the time of purchase and when reselling.

Checks and the purchase process of a vessel

Buying a yacht is a journey that unfolds in multiple phases. It starts with the selection of vessels, continues with visits and negotiations, and culminates in the technical assessment and sea trial. Only after verifying all technical and documentation aspects does the transfer of ownership take place.

Correctly following this process, along with a broker, allows you to maintain control and reduce risks, avoiding hasty decisions.

In the world of yacht transactions, VAT is one of the most sensitive aspects to manage. For this reason, when entering into negotiations, it’s always advisable to be accompanied by someone who truly understands the industry. Yacht Studio offers targeted support, especially during the selling phase, also clarifying all the tax aspects related to the transaction.

Essentially, VAT is applied at the time of the first sale or in the case of importation from non-EU countries. Once paid, the vessel can circulate freely within the European Union without further tax costs.

With the introduction of the European single market in 1993, many boats already present in the community territory obtained the status of “deemed VAT paid.” This mainly concerns units built before 1985 or already present in Europe before 1993, for which VAT can be considered settled even in the absence of original documents.

Situations like these must be handled carefully, as a superficial assessment can lead to problems. This is where Yacht Studio’s intervention becomes crucial, helping to correctly reconstruct the vessel’s tax position and avoiding potential complications.

18-Month rule: attention to non-eu vessels

Non-EU vessels can navigate in Europe VAT-free for up to 18 months under temporary admission, reserved for non-residents. Upon expiration, they must leave the EU or be imported with the tax paid. Properly managing timelines is crucial, as checks on duration and usage can lead to significant tax consequences, especially during the sale.

Therefore, careful and well-documented management becomes critical to avoid risks and ensure transparent operations. In this context, Yacht Studio supports its clients in planning and monitoring timelines, ensuring that each step complies with current regulations.

In recent years, Greece has established itself as one of the leading hubs for the international yachting market. In particular, Leros has become an increasingly attractive destination for those looking to buy or sell yachts, offering simpler yacht management, generally lower operating costs, and greater flexibility in both transactions and day-to-day vessel management.

Yacht Studio maintains a permanent operational presence in Leros. This allows the company to oversee every stage of the buying and selling process directly, from yacht selection and inspections to the management of negotiations. Having a local presence enables a practical and efficient approach, reducing delays and complexities while providing a reliable point of contact for both buyers and sellers.

The island also offers high-quality technical services and facilities, creating an ideal balance between operational efficiency and quality of life. This contributes positively to the local yachting market, increasing the appeal of vessels to potential buyers.