Smoke and Mirrors - Finding the Real Deals in Yachting Today

The concept of 'a good deal' is a particularlywould be a nightmare if they are looking for a yacht
subjective one and is dependent on each buyer'sthat doesn't require much to think about. So
perceived value of the yacht - those aspects seenregardless of the price, this yacht wouldn't be for
as qualities rather than drawbacks; selling pointsthem. Instead, another vessel with lesser upkeep, a
rather than hindrances. And of course, it also dependssmaller crew and no refit worries would be ideally
on what the buyer is actually looking for from asuited.
yacht. For many, 'a good deal' would seem to beYacht brokers are there to supply you with the
about price - the implication being that a yacht withinformation you need to know when it comes to
its price slashed by ten million dollars is a yachtdeciding which yachts best suit you. How clear and
offered at a heavily discounted rate. However, theredetailed that information is when choosing your yacht
are those in the industry that disagree - since 2005is key. In essence it is your broker's responsibility to
the yachting market has seen some fairly significantpresent the most intelligent and accurate information
price rises. A good deal always depends on the yachtabout the yacht - it is important not only in terms of
itself - its history, age, any repair work and refits itthe acquisition but also when it comes to selling at a
has gone through and when. To know whether it is alater date. It is vital for brokers to relay the facts
good deal or not requires looking into the backgroundand figures in as much detail to potential owners. This
of the yacht. Any major price drops or reductionsbuilds trust and demonstrates an element of
are not always what they seem and in some cases,transparency. An ideal brokerage would be one that
they should flag up a risky investment. The bestdelivers a "warts and all" approach, delivering a candid
thing to do is to seek sound advice on the yachtsopinion on the true value rather than simply delivering
you may be considering, with a focus on the rightthe answers an owner wants to hear. This should be
package as a whole and not merely on the price.a fundamental philosophy at the core of a yacht
'Good value' is not just about the price, but thebrokerage. A yacht brokerage house that can meet
opportunities or hindrances it may present in termsthese requirements is sure to retain integrity and
of potential future chartering, running costs, crewing,professional relations with key clients and those that
eventual upgrades and refits and of course, re-saleare recommended to them.
price. It is suggested that you have or seekWhen it comes to investing in new construction, one
experience into all the elements in the process inhas to also seek a brokerage house that boasts
order to make an educated decision on yourexperience in naval architecture marine engineering,
investment. Some buyers are looking purely for shortenvironmental engineering and project management.
term investment and others expect to keep a vesselIt is important that a Management and Brokerage
in the family for generations - purchasing a yacht is ateam work closely together to ensure that clients
very personal decision.that are investing in new construction receive in the
An example of this is the 40-metre Feadship, a greatbest deal in terms of yard rates and tariffs and
brand from a shipyard with excellent build quality,yacht design, materials and engineering efficiency.
known for building yachts timeless in their design andThis instils trust whilst giving clients peace of mind.
look. This may represent a great deal in terms ofBrokerage houses that most impress clients are
purchase price, but in reality you have to thenthose which do a lot of the leg work for them
consider the costs of the crew and running theallowing them to benefit from the best possible
yacht. In addition to that, capital will have to be spentadvice. This is done by cruising, travelling and
on refits, which incurs further costs. Before youinspecting a lot of yachts and attending familiarity
know it, your budget to feed your passion fortrips in order to amass information. This information is
yachting is blown! This brings us back to the notioninstrumental to finding the best boats and the best
that "real value" is not just about price, but aboutcrews suited to client's needs and preferences, as
seeking the ideal yacht that is suited to you.well as saving time, money and heartache. Finding
Some may have considered the Feadship as anpeace of mind is finding real value in yachting - this is
exciting project that would give them great value forwhere a true "good deal" lies. When a client can rely
money. After making their mark on the yacht duringon a brokerage to be well informed, intelligent and
refits, they have a personalised yacht designed tobrutally honest, they will find true peace of mind in a
suit their tastes for at least another ten to fiveyacht purchase.
years. For others, taking on a project such as this