Sales in the U.S. yacht brokerage market fell 3 percent in April from the same month last year.
The drop in volume was principally attributable to fewer sales of boats under 35 feet and the decrease in value was entirely attributable to sales of fewer and less expensive superyachts.
A total of 2,834 boats were sold in April, down 82 from 2,916 a year earlier, according to YachtWorld member brokers reporting in SoldBoats, their proprietary database. The value of the boats sold was $359.2 million, substantially below the $461.3 million registered in 2016.
Sales of both powerboats and sailboats fell 3 percent; 2,377 powerboats were sold and 457 sailboats changed hands.
Sales of boats under 26 feet were off by 4 percent with 935 changing hands. And sales of boats from 26 to 35 feet were 5 percent lower with 1,051 sold. Among superyachts, sales were down from 27 to 17 and the total value declined from $176.7 million to $51 million.
Market segments from 36 feet to 79 feet made gains in volume and value. The 46- to 55-foot range was up 9 percent as 151 boats were sold and the 36- to 45-foot segment saw a 17 percent gain in value from $83.2 million to $97.1 million.
Through April, total U.S. sales volume was 8,547 boats, up 1 percent from 8,480 in 2016. The total price paid rose to $1.26 billion, a 9 percent increase from $1.16 billion in the same period a year earlier.
John Burnham is the managing editor of Boats Group (formerly Dominion Marine Media).
A more detailed report summarizing recent U.S. brokerage sales will appear in the June issue of Soundings Trade Only.
