Sell my motor yacht with Australian trusted yacht brokers

Sell Your Motor Yacht with Australia's Premier Yacht Brokers

We pride ourselves on achieving the best results for yacht sellers through strategic marketing, qualified buyer networks, and expert market knowledge. When selling your motor yacht, our proven approach delivers maximum value and a streamlined experience.

It takes an extensive network and accurate market intelligence to secure the best results in the premium yacht market, which is why appointing Flagship International as your exclusive yacht broker is a wise decision when you want to maximise your opportunities and achieve successful yacht sales.

Highly experienced yacht brokers with your needs in mind
Our dynamic team of brokers have the confidence of the entire yacht market, an assurance that is founded upon and intrinsically linked to the trust of individual clients. Our brokers are all mariners by nature which makes them content experts that buyers turn to when seeking premium motor yachts from manufacturers like Nordhavn, Azimut, Riviera and Sunseeker.

The most dynamic and successful yacht sales programme
We consistently sell the most impressive motor yachts on the market, dominating yacht sales across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. In-depth market knowledge, honest and transparent advice, and unparalleled teamwork all contribute to optimising a successful and timely sale for your vessel.

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Professional Yacht Selling Process

Selling your motor yacht can feel overwhelming, with numerous details to manage effectively. At Flagship International Yacht Brokers, Australia's leading yacht brokerage, we make the journey smooth and satisfying for both you and the buyer of your vessel. Our comprehensive process ensures maximum market exposure, qualified buyer introductions, and expert guidance throughout the transaction.

Step 1: Expert Yacht Broker Consultation

We will promptly connect you with a knowledgeable yacht broker to understand your specific requirements and selling objectives. They'll assess if our premium brokerage package aligns with your needs and, when feasible, schedule a personal inspection of your motor yacht. During this inspection, our broker will meticulously complete a Condition Report and comprehensive Inventory, essential for the valuation process and potentially shared with prospective buyers. Your signature will be required on the Inventory to confirm its accuracy. Upholding ethical standards is paramount at Flagship International Yacht Brokers, and we anticipate the same from our clientele. Therefore, it's vital to disclose any pertinent details or historical aspects of your vessel that could impact its value or seaworthiness at this initial stage.

Step 2: Professional Yacht Valuation Assessment

Drawing upon historical yacht sales data, current market trends, the condition of your vessel, its location, and various other pertinent factors, your Flagship broker will provide you with a comprehensive valuation estimate. At Flagship International Yacht Brokers, we pride ourselves on our access to an extensive repository of past yacht sales data within the Australian and international markets, enabling us to offer you informed and accurate valuations for your motor yacht, whether it's a Nordhavn, Azimut, Riviera, Sunseeker, or another premium brand.

Step 3: Yacht Selling Authorisation and Documentation

Once you've determined that Flagship International Yacht Brokers is the ideal choice for selling your motor yacht and are satisfied with the valuation presented by your broker, we'll request completion of the Authority to Sell form. Additionally, you'll need to furnish several documents and supplementary information necessary for creating an effective yacht listing.

Essential Yacht Selling Documents and Information:

  • Authority to Sell: Fully completed, initialed, and signed by all relevant parties.
  • Yacht Registration Documentation: Demonstrating your name or your entity's name as the vessel's owner.
  • Importation Papers (if applicable): All pertinent details regarding the yacht's international movements (e.g., clearance papers) are necessary for addressing any Customs inquiries that may arise.
  • Marine Insurance Certificate of Currency: Every yacht under our management must possess its own insurance policy with public liability coverage, a requirement for most marinas or boatyards where your vessel may be stored.
  • Identification: A copy of your Driver's License (for Australian Residents) or Passport (for Overseas Residents), along with a Company Registration Certificate if the selling entity is a company. The Company Registration Certificate must designate you as the authorised representative of the entity.
  • Proof of Yacht Ownership: Previous Bill of Sale (for pre-owned vessels) or purchase invoice (for new yachts), serving as evidence that you or your entity are the rightful owners of the yacht being sold.
  • Professional Yacht Photos & Videos (optional): If available, please provide high-quality photos (especially exterior shots) and/or videos of your yacht to your broker promptly, as they may enhance the listing. Note that photos should be high-resolution (approximately 1-2MB) and in landscape orientation.

Step 4: Premium Yacht Marketing Campaign

Once you've finalised the Authority to Sell form and submitted ALL necessary documents, our marketing team will initiate a comprehensive campaign for your motor yacht. Your vessel will be featured on the Flagship International Yacht Brokers website, various other high-traffic marine sales platforms, and across our social media channels targeting qualified buyers. Additionally, your yacht will be displayed physically within our sales offices and distributed via e-Newsletters to clients in our exclusive database whose interests align with your yacht's specifications.

You'll receive a link to your online yacht listing to review the details. Please carefully inspect all information and promptly notify us if any adjustments are required to ensure your motor yacht is presented optimally to the market.

Step 5: Yacht Offers & Showings

Motor Yacht Offers: For potential buyers situated away from the yacht in question, and prior to scheduling any viewings, we recommend that the Buyer opts for a formal document to establish mutual agreement on price and conditions. This step ensures alignment before the Buyer commits to extensive travel plans to inspect the vessel. It affords the Buyer sufficient time to arrange travel and make an informed decision. At this juncture, the Buyer is required to submit a nominal Option Deposit, confirming their commitment. Upon mutual acceptance of this option document and receipt of the Option Deposit by the Buyer (held by Flagship International Yacht Brokers), the yacht is reserved for that Buyer until their inspection occurs. During this period, the Seller cannot entertain other offers. The duration will be specified in the Option Document.

Yacht Viewings: Typically, viewings occur subsequent to an offer being made. However, there may be instances where in-person inspections take place without a formal offer. Your Flagship broker will manage all inquiries and associated logistics. They will provide you with regular updates, at least on a monthly basis, to ensure the best possible price and conditions are secured for the successful sale of your motor yacht.

Step 6: Yacht Purchase Agreement & Deposit

If the Buyer decides to proceed with the purchase following their inspection, a Standard Purchase Agreement will be prepared and must be signed by both the Buyer and the Seller. While both parties have the option to include their own terms in the Standard Purchase Agreement, typically, a yacht sale is contingent upon the outcome of the survey and sea trial process at a minimum. Additional conditions may involve financing, the sale of another vessel or property, or specific items being repaired or replaced. Subsequently, a 10% refundable deposit is required within 3 days of signing the Purchase Agreement to secure the vessel at the agreed-upon price.

Step 7: Yacht Sea Trial, Survey & Remediation

Yacht Survey: The Buyer has the option of engaging a marine surveyor of their choice to assess the vessel. This ensures they receive impartial advice on its condition and any potential, albeit unlikely, issues. For ethical reasons, Flagship International Yacht Brokers cannot select a surveyor for the Buyer, but we can offer a list of reputable marine surveyors near the yacht's location.

Yacht Sea Trial: The Buyer may opt to arrange a sea trial at a mutually convenient time for themselves, the Flagship broker, and the Buyer. Your broker will handle all necessary arrangements for the survey and sea trial. Upon receiving the survey results and completing the sea trial, the Buyer may proceed with the purchase or raise any concerns with the broker, who will then discuss them with you.

Yacht Survey and Sea Trial Costs: Typically, the Buyer covers all expenses related to the survey and haul in/out. In some instances, the Buyer may request the Seller to share some of these costs. If a professional skipper is needed for the sea trial or delivery, this expense is typically borne by the Seller. All arrangements must be coordinated through your Flagship broker and approved by you as the Seller. Throughout, the yacht remains covered by the Seller's insurance policy.

Yacht Remediation: Should it be determined that repairs are necessary to meet the advertised standard or the conditions of the Purchase Agreement, quotes can be obtained. If the Buyer and the Seller agree on the cost of these repairs, rather than delaying the sale, it's common to proceed with the sale at a discounted settlement price reflecting the agreed-upon repair value. The Buyer is not authorised to undertake any repairs until taking possession of the yacht after settlement. Any repairs before settlement must be authorised in writing by the Seller. All negotiations will be managed by your Flagship broker to ensure your interests are protected.

Step 8: Yacht Sale Preparation for Settlement

Unconditional Acceptance Form: Upon fulfilling all conditions stipulated in the Purchase Agreement, the yacht sale proceeds to unconditional status. The Buyer will be requested to sign the Unconditional Acceptance form. It's crucial to understand that at this juncture, the Buyer's deposit becomes non-refundable, signifying the irreversible commitment to purchase the vessel. This commitment enables your Flagship broker to facilitate the following:

Encumbrance Check: Prior to settlement, our finance team conducts a thorough search on the Personal Property Securities Register to ensure clear title transfer from the Seller to the Buyer, protecting both parties in the transaction.

Signing of Original Bill of Sale Documents: Two Bill of Sale Documents will be dispatched for your signature. These documents must be promptly signed and returned to Flagship International Yacht Brokers (at least 1 week before settlement) to ensure availability for signing by the Seller at settlement. Failure to receive these documents by settlement date poses a risk of default. These original documents are exclusively handled by courier and may require some time for transport, depending on the Seller and Buyer's locations. Following final signing by the Seller, one original document will be provided to the Buyer and one to the Seller.

Final Payment: Transfer of the final settlement amount to Flagship International Yacht Brokers Trust Account is mandatory at least 48 hours before the settlement date/time. However, the earlier these funds are transferred, the greater the likelihood of meeting the settlement date.

Step 9: Yacht Sale Settlement Process

Flagship International Yacht Brokers will oversee the yacht sale settlement process at the agreed-upon date and time, acting as the intermediary for both the Buyer and the Seller. We serve as the security checkpoint during this pivotal stage, ensuring that documents and funds are held in trust until all parties are content and ready to proceed with settlement. As a member of esteemed marine industry organisations, Flagship International Yacht Brokers adheres strictly to the relevant industry's Code of Practice.

Bill of Sale Documents: Upon confirmation of cleared funds into Flagship International Yacht Brokers Trust Account and completion of all requisite document signings, Flagship International Yacht Brokers will facilitate the exchange of signed original Bill of Sale documents between the Seller and the Buyer.

Transfer of Funds: We will arrange for the transfer of funds from Flagship International Yacht Brokers Trust Account to the Seller. Depending on the banks involved and whether transfers are domestic or overseas, this process may take several days.

Yacht Registration Transfer: Your Flagship broker will assist the Buyer in selecting the necessary registration, and our administration team can aid in the registration procedure. Although the Buyer can initiate the registration process at any time, finalisation is contingent upon the Buyer possessing an original copy of the fully signed Bill of Sale, which will be provided by Flagship International Yacht Brokers at settlement. Subsequently, the Buyer can present the original signed Bill of Sale document to their state registration office to complete the registration process.

De-flag Certificates: In certain instances, a De-flag certificate (de-registration certificate) may be required from the Seller. Typically, the Seller initiates this process post-settlement finalisation. Flagship International Yacht Brokers will expedite the delivery of these documents to the Buyer as promptly as possible. If requested by the Buyer, a small portion of the settlement funds may be retained by Flagship International Yacht Brokers in trust until the Buyer confirms receipt of all necessary documentation.

Marine Insurance: For the mutual benefit of both parties, we recommend that the Seller maintains their yacht insurance policy until after the settlement date, while the Buyer should initiate their insurance policy before the settlement date. Flagship International Yacht Brokers can facilitate quotes from top marine insurance companies globally to ensure continuous protection for the vessel.

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The Flagship Selling Process

Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Selling

Our team of yacht brokers regularly answers these common questions from motor yacht sellers. Find expert answers to help you understand the yacht selling process and maximise your vessel's value.

How long does it typically take to sell a motor yacht?

The timeframe to sell a motor yacht varies based on several factors including vessel type, condition, price point, and current market conditions. For properly priced premium motor yachts, we typically see sales completed within 2-5 months. Flagship's extensive buyer network often allows us to secure qualified offers more quickly than industry averages. During your initial consultation, we'll provide you with a realistic timeframe assessment based on current market analysis specific to your yacht model and price range.

What fees or commissions are involved when selling my yacht?

Flagship International Yacht Brokers operates on a standard commission structure that aligns with industry practices for premium yacht brokerage services. Our commission is only payable upon successful completion of your yacht sale, with no upfront or marketing costs. The exact commission rate depends on your vessel's value, complexity of the sale, and marketing requirements. During your initial consultation, we'll provide complete transparency regarding our fee structure and the comprehensive services included. Our focus is always on maximising your net return through strategic marketing and effective negotiation with qualified buyers.

Should I continue using my yacht while it's listed for sale?

Yes, we generally encourage owners to continue using their motor yachts while listed for sale, with some practical considerations. Regular use ensures systems remain operational, batteries stay charged, and mechanical components don't deteriorate from sitting idle. However, we recommend maintaining the vessel in "show-ready" condition, with minimal personal items aboard and thorough cleaning after each use. Our team works around your usage schedule to arrange viewings at convenient times. Many buyers actually prefer purchasing vessels that have been regularly used and maintained rather than those sitting unused for extended periods.

What preparation should I complete before listing my yacht?

Proper preparation can significantly impact both selling time and final price. We recommend: 1) Addressing any known mechanical issues or operational concerns, 2) Completing a thorough cleaning of both interior and exterior spaces, 3) Organising maintenance records and documentation, 4) Removing excessive personal items while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere, 5) Ensuring registration and safety equipment are current. During our initial assessment, your Flagship broker will provide a customised preparation checklist specific to your yacht model and condition to maximise its market appeal.

How is my yacht's value determined?

We determine yacht values through a practical evaluation process that considers several important factors: 1) Recent comparable sales data for similar models, 2) Current market supply and demand for your specific yacht type, 3) Your vessel's condition, equipment, and upgrade history, 4) Engine hours and maintenance records, 5) Original build specifications and any custom features, and 6) Current Australian and international market trends. Our extensive database of past sales allows for realistic valuation that strikes the right balance - maximising your return while ensuring your yacht is marketable at the recommended price point.

How will you keep me updated on the selling process?

Communication is a top priority at Flagship. You'll have your broker's direct mobile number, so you can reach them whenever you have questions or concerns. Beyond that personal touch, we provide comprehensive monthly PDF reports sent directly to your email. These reports include all the metrics relevant to your yacht's sale - advertisement views, detailed enquiry counts, how many people are watching your vessel online, and other valuable data. This transparent approach gives you a clear picture of the market's response to your listing and helps you make informed decisions throughout the sales process. We believe in keeping you in the loop without overwhelming you with unnecessary information.

How will you market my yacht to potential buyers?

We take a comprehensive yet practical approach to marketing your vessel. This includes professional photography, detailed specifications, placement on major yacht listing platforms, and targeted emails to buyers with matching preferences. We also use social media strategically, broker networking, and physical display at our Sydney or Gold Coast locations when appropriate. For Nordhavn yachts specifically, we have the added advantage of co-listing arrangements with Nordhavn directly, putting your vessel on their official site and tapping into their worldwide network of expedition yacht enthusiasts. This gives Nordhavn sellers the best of both worlds - local representation with global reach through the manufacturer's own channels.

Can I sell my yacht while it's located outside Australia?

Absolutely! We regularly help owners sell vessels located throughout the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Our team has handled sales for yachts in New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and even further afield. Through our international connections and digital tools, we can effectively represent your vessel regardless of where it's currently berthed. We coordinate remote inspections, video walkthroughs, and when needed, in-person viewings with serious buyers. For international sales, we'll also guide you through the paperwork requirements, registration transfers, and delivery logistics to make the process straightforward no matter the distance involved.

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what recent yacht sellers have experienced working with Flagship International Yacht Brokers:

"Marley Cutbush of Flagship International excelled in turning around the sale of our Riviera 4800 Sport yacht in quick time. The entire process kicked off with a slick marketing campaign distributed through normal market channels but also through the Flagship network. A quality offer through the Flagship network was accepted within a few weeks and the diligence process completed seamlessly under Marley's personal stewardship. I have no hesitancy in recommending Marley Cutbush and Flagship International and thank them for their outstanding service."

— Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht Seller

"Thank you so much Marley, Blayne, Adrian and all the crew at Flagship International for getting the sale of our boat over the line. You guys have gone above and beyond to ensure that we achieved the desired result. We appreciate your patience and persistence and it has really paid off. We are excited to see that the boat is going to a beautiful young family that will use her and get the many years of memories which we have. Thank you all for your assistance once again.."

— Mustang 43 Sports Flybridge Owner

"We sold our Sealine T50 through Blayne and Flagship. I was blown away by the professionalism, knowledge, commitment & trustworthiness of Blayne and the team. On a personal note, he was always very friendly and pleasant to deal with. He will be my first call if I am buying or selling a boat again. Can't recommend highly enough."

— Sealine T50 Seller