According to the International Boating Industry (IBI) 2024 Global Market Report, the yacht charter market is projected to grow by 23% in 2025, while the volume of used yacht transactions is expected to surpass historical peaks. As such, the 2025 boating boom may leave many people torn between renting or buying a yacht. If you had to choose, would you prefer the ultimate flexibility and zero maintenance burden of renting, or the exclusive freedom and potential asset value of owning? Faced with surging market options and complex pros and cons, how can you make the wisest decision?

Article Topics
You may also be facing the same dilemma
Advantages and Disadvantages of renting a yacht
a. Advantages

b. Disadvantages

Advantages and disadvantages of buying a yacht
a. Advantages

b. Disadvantages

2025 Market Trends: Price Comparison Between Leasing and buying Yachts
a. Leasing Market Trends

b. Yacht Purchase Costs

c. Additional Cost Comparison

Scenario-based recommendations: Which option is better suited for you?
a. Short-term sailing enthusiasts

b. Long-term sailing enthusiasts

c. Business and Social Needs

How to make the best choice based on your budget and lifestyle?
a.Budget

b.Usage Frequency

Summary
You may also be facing the same dilemma
Perhaps you are facing the same dilemma: how to choose your first yacht? Should you buy new or used?

In 2016, I also stood at this crossroads in life. In the end, I chose to welcome this Azimut second-hand yacht into my life. Although it was not brand new, the excitement and satisfaction of owning my first boat were no less.

As someone who has been through this process, I deeply understand the dilemmas faced by newcomers—the high price is undoubtedly a key factor, but the reliability of the brand, the unknown condition of the boat, the cost of maintenance, and even its resale potential all require careful consideration. How can one make the best decision for themselves when faced with these choices?

Now, as a captain with nearly a decade of sailing experience, I hope to share my firsthand insights and industry knowledge, combined with real data and personal practical experience, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of chartering versus purchasing a yacht, as well as the cost comparison between leasing and buying, to help you navigate this classic purchasing dilemma.

Advantages and Disadvantages of renting a yacht
Advantages
1. Flexible costs. As yacht finance expert Robert Whitman points out, “Leasing allows the middle class to enjoy 95% of the core experience at just 5% of the purchase cost.” If you've ever rented a yacht, you'll likely agree with this statement. Yacht leasing allows you to choose based on your needs, paying by the hour, day, or week, and avoiding the need for a large upfront investment.

2. True zero-burden experience. When you need a yacht, simply book it and enjoy it without worrying about annual maintenance, expensive berthing fees, rising insurance premiums, or unexpected repair bills. Your responsibility ends the moment you return the yacht.

3. Diverse options. For example, if you want to experience the smooth comfort of a catamaran this week and crave the speed and excitement of a luxury motor yacht next month, no problem—the rental market can provide it! From sleek sailboats to superyachts, you can find the yacht you desire.

Disadvantages
1. Usage restrictions. Simply put, you need to book in advance, and during peak seasons, prices may rise or boats may be unavailable. To avoid the situation of not being able to rent a boat, you need to book months in advance, and the price will inevitably rise accordingly.

2. Lack of ownership. Yacht rental only grants temporary usage rights; you have no authority to customize the yacht or use it at any time. After all, you are not the owner, and you may feel a lack of ownership during use.

3. Cumulative long-term costs. Based on my rough calculations, if your annual usage exceeds 30 days and you are a passionate sailing enthusiast, the cumulative rental costs over the years may approach or even exceed the ownership costs of a small used yacht!

Advantages and disadvantages of buying a yacht
Advantages
1. Absolute freedom of navigation: This is the core appeal of ownership! No need to book, no need to wait—the key is in your hand, and the sea is at your feet. This “spontaneous” freedom is something that renting cannot provide.

2. Potential asset value and preservation: A yacht can serve as an asset for value preservation, especially well-known brands or used models with high resale value, giving you a tangible asset. If maintained properly, a yacht can retain or even increase in value during stable market conditions.

3. Personalized customization: From deck layout, interior style, to navigation equipment upgrades, you can tailor the yacht to your dreams and needs, creating a unique “floating villa”—a level of satisfaction that yacht rentals cannot provide.

Disadvantages
1. High initial investment: This is the most practical barrier. Prices for new small yachts can easily range from several hundred thousand dollars to tens of millions of dollars (for superyachts). Even for used boats, reliable models over 35 feet in length require hundreds of thousands of dollars as startup capital.

2. Ongoing maintenance costs: Purchasing a yacht is just the beginning. Annual maintenance and repairs, fixed berthing fees (annual fees in popular ports can reach tens of thousands of dollars), ongoing fuel/diesel consumption, and wages for hiring a captain/crew are all costs that must be considered. Don’t forget annual insurance premiums either—even used yachts have significant insurance costs, For detailed information, please refer to the 2025 Used Yacht Insurance Guide.

3. Depreciation risk: Yachts are similar to cars in that they depreciate immediately upon purchase. In the event of an economic downturn or market volatility, resale may face risks of value depreciation or prolonged cycles. If you’re unsure about depreciation rates, I can share a depreciation calculation model to help you research the value and pricing of used vessels.

2025 Market Trends: Price Comparison Between Leasing and buying Yachts
Leasing Market Trends
I have been closely monitoring the yacht leasing market, and I can say that the key trend for 2025 will be yacht-sharing platforms similar to Airbnb and Sky Walker, where individuals can lease directly from yacht owners. Membership-based and subscription-style yacht services are also expanding, particularly in Dubai and the Mediterranean region, where customers prefer predictable pricing and guaranteed availability without the full ownership costs.

When renting, you can choose from different rental models, with hourly rentals currently being the most popular. Additionally, yacht rental prices vary significantly depending on location, yacht size, and season. Taking Dubai as an example, here’s a reference for hourly rentals on the Sky Walker yacht rental platform:

If you want to get more discounts, it’s recommended to choose daily or monthly rentals, as the hourly rate will be cheaper when calculated on a per-hour basis. Furthermore, in Dubai, the winter and early spring (November to March) are peak seasons, with prices increasing by 20% to 40% during this period. During the summer, due to extreme heat, demand is lower, and prices are more affordable.

Yacht Purchase Costs
If considering purchasing a yacht, the first decision is whether to buy a new or used yacht, as this significantly impacts the budget! Additionally, purchasing a yacht shares similarities with renting one: rental prices are influenced by the yacht's size, and similarly, the purchase price of a yacht also depends on its dimensions. I've compiled some data from the U.S. market; the size-cost relationship can be referenced in the chart below:

Note: Market conditions vary by country or region, and both new and used yachts may have price differences. It is recommended to compare prices based on your local market when making a purchase.

Additional Cost Comparison
1. When renting a yacht, there are additional costs beyond the rental fee. Do you know about these? For example, tips and fuel surcharges are mandatory, and during peak seasons, there may also be seasonal surcharges. Additionally, when I go out to sea for fun, I prefer to experience water activities like jet skis and kayaking. Note that these water activities are typically additional services that require extra payment. If you also want to experience these, the overall rental cost will inevitably increase.

2. What are the additional costs of purchasing a yacht? Insurance, annual inspections, maintenance, or upgrades are all holding costs that must be paid annually.

Scenario-based recommendations: Which option is better suited for you?
Short-term sailing enthusiasts
If you only plan to go on a few sailing vacations each year, seeking novelty and luxury experiences, and your priority is to avoid being tied down by the high costs of purchasing a yacht and the subsequent maintenance, then renting a yacht is undoubtedly your ideal choice.

More importantly, renting allows you to freely switch between scenarios—this quarter you can rent a sailboat to cruise the Mediterranean, and next quarter you can switch to a catamaran to explore the Caribbean. This is also an excellent way to embark on marine adventures!

Long-term sailing enthusiasts
If, like me, you spend an average of over two months sailing each year and are a serious enthusiast, or if you’re planning an ocean crossing or long-term liveaboard lifestyle, then purchasing a yacht—especially a used one—will better meet your core needs. Since I’ve had my own yacht, the ability to set sail on a whim has truly given me the freedom of sailing!

For example, from a ten-year cost perspective, purchasing a reasonably priced used yacht, such as a 35-foot sailboat priced at approximately $150,000, typically saves over $180,000 compared to renting when used an average of 90 days per year. Of course, this is based on my personal situation, and specifics should be determined based on individual circumstances.

Important note! If you’re considering purchasing a used yacht, the guide “2025 Guide: 5 Top Mistakes When Buying a Used Yacht” details several common pitfalls you should avoid.

Business and Social Needs
If you need to frequently entertain clients, host sea parties, or conduct business meetings at sea, your first consideration should be how to effectively demonstrate your capabilities while controlling unnecessary asset investments. In this case, your choice should be precisely tailored to your usage frequency.

Based on my experience, for low-frequency users (less than 20 days per year), high-end chartering is a wise choice. For example, a flybridge yacht over 60 feet can be chartered for approximately $8,000 per trip, offering a superyacht experience worth millions of dollars, making it highly cost-effective. For high-frequency users (over 45 days per year), purchasing a medium to large yacht between 50 and 80 feet offers long-term advantages and economic benefits. What do you think?

How to make the best choice based on your budget and lifestyle?
Budget
The core advantage of leasing is its low entry threshold. Typically, you only need to pay a deposit to enjoy a yacht worth millions for dozens of days throughout the year. Therefore, if you don't have sufficient startup funds, leasing is a more realistic option.

While purchasing requires a one-time investment for the yacht purchase and annual maintenance costs, when your annual usage frequency reaches a certain level, purchasing becomes more economical compared to the annual expenses of renting a yacht of the same experience level over the long term.

Usage Frequency
There is a clear “break-even point” in the industry, meaning that when your annual usage days exceed a certain threshold, the total cost of purchasing will be lower than the total cost of renting. This threshold increases with boat size: for boats under 40 feet, the break-even point is approximately 45 days per year; for 40-60 foot boats, it is approximately 60 days per year; and for large yachts over 60 feet, it is approximately 75 days per year. For a precise personalized calculation, you can use online tools such as the Superyacht Cost Calculator to calculate based on your specific circumstances.

Summary
In 2025, to pursue your sailing dreams, should you rent a yacht or buy one? After reading this article, you may have some ideas. Leasing and purchasing are two paths leading to the same blue sea, yet they entail completely different investments and experiences. Renting offers the advantages of flexibility, low barriers to entry, and zero maintenance, allowing you to easily access different waters and yacht types. Purchasing, on the other hand, is the ultimate anchor point for your maritime dreams, granting you freedom, a sense of belonging, and potential asset value, but it also entails responsibility for high initial costs and ongoing expenses. So, which path will you choose?

Leo Williams

Leo Williams is a NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors) certified surveyor, license number NAMS-CMS-18527, and writes in-depth technical analyses, market commentary, and safety guidelines for Yachting World and Power & Motoryacht magazines. He has been honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to Maritime Safety Award” from Boat International and the “Innovative Marine Technology Communication Award” from the International Boat Show (IBEX).

Disclaimer

1. The content of this article (including but not limited to market data, cost analysis, and personal opinions) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, maritime, or legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a licensed shipbroker, maritime lawyer, or financial advisor.

2. The 2025 market forecasts cited in this article may be subject to uncertainty, and actual market fluctuations may result in data discrepancies. Readers are advised to verify the latest information through multiple sources.

3. The cost models described (such as depreciation calculations and break-even point analysis) are based on specific assumptions. Actual results may vary significantly due to factors such as vessel type, usage intensity, maintenance levels, and regional economic policies.

4. The author and the publishing platform shall not be liable for any risks or losses arising from decisions made by readers based on the content of this article (including leasing/purchasing decisions). Maritime activities must comply with local regulations and ensure that the necessary qualifications are obtained.

5. Charts and data in this article that involve third-party copyrights are the property of their original owners. Reproduction for non-commercial purposes must cite the source, and alteration of core content or data is prohibited.

source：Renting vs. Buying a Yacht in 2025: Which Fits You Best?