Yacht maintenance and upkeep: costs to consider

Buying a yacht is a major investment. The price of a new yacht ranges from a few tens of thousands of euros to several million.

But it's essential to assess the ancillary costs of maintaining and operating the vessel. Crew, fuel consumption, berths, insurance...

As a general rule, the cost of annual maintenance is estimated at around 10% of the yacht's price. Simple and practical, this estimate is useful for planning ahead, but does not include fuel consumption.

What are the main expenses for such a boat? Here's what you need to include in your budget.

FUEL, A MAJOR EXPENSE ITEM

Fuel consumption, usually Diesel A, depends largely on your superyacht's engine and how you use it.

The budget will differ depending on whether you cruise aboard a small family yacht or a superyacht worthy of a 5-star hotel.

Similarly, if you use your boat for 80 hours a year, you can expect to consume less than if you set sail for the whole summer.

Over a week, fuel can represent anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros of fuel. A very wide range, then.

Note that engines and generators also consume power when at anchor, to ensure daily comfort.

With the current rise in diesel prices, it's best to count on a comfortable fuel budget.

THE CREW, A COST NOT TO BE NEGLECTED

Unless you're sailing solo, the presence of a professional crew is a must, especially on the largest yachts.

This means that the salaries of the captain, the deckhands and the chef for a full crew have to be taken into account.

These professionals maintain the boat and keep it running smoothly, and their skills ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers. It's hard to cut back on this area of expenditure to save money.

A BERTH FOR YOUR YACHT

Once again, the cost of mooring your yacht depends greatly on location. Prices can vary from simple to quadruple**: mooring on the Côte d'Azur is more expensive than on the Atlantic coast.

An annual fee is often added for services: water, electricity, access, showers, etc.

Some ports, such as Monaco or Saint-Tropez, are known for their considerably higher prices.

It's not enough to just want a berth: it takes an average of 5 years to get a berth in one of France's 50 biggest ports.

MAINTENANCE, THE KEY TO LONGEVITY

Regular maintenance preserves your yacht's value and reliability. Allow an annual budget of 8 to 12% of its value for :

• Mechanical maintenance of engines and equipment
• Exterior cleaning/treatment: hull, deck, fittings
• Maintenance of interior fittings

INSURANCE, DOCUMENTS AND CONTROLS

Other costs include administration and all the legal documents required. The yacht must of course be properly insured, and you need to francise your vessel.

Added to this are inspection visits, registration fees and other administrative formalities.

THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE YACHT

As we've seen, depending on the model and size, the purchase price ranges from a nice car to several million euros for a new yacht.

Buying a pre-owned yacht makes it possible to acquire a beautiful vessel at a lower cost, with expert advice.

Abys Yachting can help you choose your future boat according to a realistic budget. Don't hesitate to contact us to make your project a reality in the best possible conditions!