Selling a yacht should feel calm and organized, not stressful. Every sale is different, but most follow the same path. Here's what to expect when you list with RM Yachting — and how to prepare so the process runs smoothly.
1. Pricing your yacht
We start with a conversation about your goals and timeline, then review comparable yachts — recent sales and what's currently on the market — alongside your yacht's condition, equipment, engine hours and maintenance history. The goal is a list price that attracts serious buyers while protecting your value.
2. Preparing for market
- Address any obvious deferred maintenance — small fixes often matter most to buyers and surveyors.
- Detail the yacht inside and out, and declutter personal items.
- Gather records: service logs, engine and generator maintenance, manuals, upgrade receipts and documentation.
- Decide what's included in the sale (tenders, toys, electronics, spares).
3. Listing and marketing
Once the listing agreement is signed, we produce professional photography and a detailed listing, enter the yacht into the brokerage MLS so it's visible to the co-brokerage network, and feature it on the RM Yachting website. We handle inquiries and qualify buyers before scheduling showings.
4. Offers and the purchase agreement
Offers are made in writing through a purchase agreement, typically accompanied by a deposit held in escrow — commonly around 10% of the purchase price. We'll walk you through price, terms, timelines and contingencies so you can respond with confidence.
5. Survey and sea trial
The buyer usually commissions a marine survey (often including a haul-out and an engine survey) and a sea trial. Based on the findings, the buyer may accept the yacht, negotiate repairs or price, or decline under the terms of the agreement. A well-maintained, well-documented yacht makes this stage far easier.
6. Closing
At closing, documentation and title are transferred, any liens are satisfied, funds are disbursed through escrow, and the yacht is delivered to its new owner. We coordinate with all parties so the handover is clean and on schedule.
Thinking about selling? We're happy to talk through pricing and timing with no obligation.
Ready for a new chapter? Visit our Sell page or contact us to start the conversation. (This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice — please consult your own advisors on those matters.)
