{"id":297,"date":"2025-08-28T14:42:43","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=297"},"modified":"2025-08-28T14:42:43","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:42:43","slug":"how-to-buy-a-yacht-for-under-100000","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=297","title":{"rendered":"How to buy a yacht for under \u00a3100,000"},"content":{"rendered":"

What can you really buy for up to \u00a3100,000 in today\u2019s yacht market? Perhaps a lot more than you think. Will Bruton takes a look at how it can be done<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

Between \u00a350,000 and \u00a3100,000 might mark the point at which boat buying gets \u2018serious\u2019. And while nobody is claiming that \u00a3100,000 is not a lot of money, in today\u2019s yacht market it\u2019s probably not going to buy you a new bluewater yacht<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So is the adage of legendary cruisers Lin and Larry Pardey \u2018go small, go cheap, go now\u2019 still feasible? Albeit with \u2018cheap\u2019 now being a little less cheap, and fewer adventurous sailors today likely to build their own yacht.<\/p>\n

The \u00a3100,000 figure, and sticking to it, can be a useful benchmark in itself, forcing a buyer to focus the mind on what they really need for an adventure afloat. Air conditioning? Certainly not. A rig in good order? Certainly.<\/p>\n

A lack of complication has other advantages; less to inspect and get ready means leaving sooner. But what is really possible, and what is it smart to look out for when shopping for a cruising yacht while spending under \u00a3100,000?<\/p>\n

Careful buyers<\/h2>\n

Broker David Morris deals regularly with yachts around the \u00a3100,000 price point. He explains that clients are quite often either those with very little experience, or a lot, but almost all are very aware of price.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a very price sensitive area of the market. For a 35ft yacht you are going to be looking at around \u00a3800 for a survey, plus the haul-out costs; so even just thoroughly checking out a boat is a big amount of money proportional to overall spend.\u201d<\/p>\n

A survey is still undertaken by the majority of buyers, but Morris explains that in this sector of the market some don\u2019t bother, particularly when it\u2019s a relatively new yacht. \u201cI recently sold a Dufour 360 for a little over \u00a3100,000 and they took the view that they\u2019d take their chances. The yacht was only four years old and lightly used, so it\u2019s true that there is less risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\n

Adventures like the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers are still achievable with a sub-\u00a3100,000 yacht. Photo: James Mitchell\/WCC<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The question of what expensive items will be needed to buy, or costly work to be undertaken immediately or shortly after purchase, is one of the first asked by potential buyers. \u201cA new engine, something that\u2019s often up for consideration, could easily be \u00a310-15,000, so 10-15% of the overall purchase cost.<\/p>\n

Other items, like rigging, some sellers will change pre-emptively, knowing that it could well be a big factor in making the yacht attractive for a quicker sale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\n

Self steering gear, whether autopilot or wind
vane, will likely be a priority upgrade. Photo: Sharon Ee\/ARC 2023<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Don\u2019t underestimate<\/h2>\n

So what do buyers often fail to consider? David Morris suggests that buyers look at the major costs of upgrading a boat that\u2019s bluewater capable, but not really bluewater-equipped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the \u00a3100,000 price point, if it\u2019s a yacht that\u2019s never been used for ocean sailing, it probably doesn\u2019t have the kit. The autopilot set-up would probably be my number one consideration. On a small yacht, more specifically, wind vane steering gear would be high on my list of priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Article continues below\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n

When should you upgrade your yacht and when should you sell it<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
\n

A well-found GRP hull can, as environmentalists are right to highlight, have a long life. But taking the decision to\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n