Good boats, fewer buyers – what’s going on in the European boat market?

In recent months many quality used boats have stayed on the market far longer than expected. Though the hulls, rigging and gear might be well maintained, interest from buyers is noticeably reduced. As a marine surveyor with years of experience in the Mediterranean, I believe a number of structural and market-driven factors are combining to slow sales. Below are some of the key trends and how sellers should respond.

1. A buyer’s market has returned

During the post-COVID boom, many vessels changed hands quickly, often at elevated prices. Now, that momentum has slowed. On specialist forums, owners report very little enquiry—even for boats in good condition. YBW Forum+2Reddit+2 One global overview lists “a market slowdown” as a key reason why used boats aren’t selling. The Yacht Market In Europe, sellers need to recognise that buyers have more leverage again. Boats that were listed at premium prices are now competing with more inventory and cautious buyers.

2. Cost pressures and affordability

Running a yacht in Europe, especially in popular cruising areas, has become costlier. Haul-out, maintenance, winter storage, marina fees and insurance premiums have all increased. Many buyers are also balancing higher interest rates, inflation and living-cost pressures. The result: fewer discretionary purchases, and sellers may need to recalibrate expectations.For example, on a UK-based forum one contributor wrote:

“A couple of years ago, post covid, boats were selling well. Now not so good.” YBW ForumThe affordability challenge is more acute for mid-size yachts rather than the ultra-luxury end, which still has a niche of cash buyers.

Thinking of buying a yacht and exploring the Greek Islands

3. Over-optimistic pricing and stale listings

One of the most recurring themes is that boats are simply priced too high. If a vessel is listed significantly above recent comparable sales, interest tends to fall off quickly. bayport.biz+1

Moreover, a listing that sits on the market for many months starts to signal to buyers that something is wrong — perhaps hidden issues, undesirable location, or unrealistic expectations. It becomes “shop-worn” and harder to shift without a meaningful price reduction.

4. Location and marketing still matter

Even in the European context, the marina location, accessibility, condition of presentation and quality of listing matter a great deal. A yacht located in a remote berth with difficult access or high haul-out cost will attract fewer viewings. Professional photos, good descriptions and updated specs continue to help. As one brokerage blog put it:

“Bad pictures can make a good boat look awful.” The Yacht Market Sellers should invest time (and modest budget) to present their vessel well online, and consider relocating or showcasing in a higher-visibility marina if feasible.

5. Changing buyer demographics and preferences

The market is evolving. Younger prospective owners may have different expectations about maintenance, comfort, digital connectivity, rigging age, and environment-friendly propulsion. One study noted fewer Millennials buying boats in earlier years:

“…boat ownership has seen a steep decline in the 20- to 39-year-old age category.” Marginal REVOLUTION In Europe, factors such as shipyard support, parts availability, and rigging age can influence buyer decisions. Models from discontinued builders or those with obscure spare-parts supply tend to struggle.

Yachts for sale in Lefkada

6. The new-build vs used dynamic

Interestingly, while the broader used-boat market is subdued, the new-build or large-thirty-metre-plus super-yacht segment shows strength (particularly for those with strong design, eco credentials or complex build). But for the mass of used sailing and motor yachts under 15 m or mid-size, the effect is less positive. Financial Times+1Thus, sellers of used boats may find themselves competing indirectly with factory-new stock or extended production-boat inventories, which can dampen resale pricing.

7. How does this apply to the Mediterranean/Ionian region?

In the Ionian region (Greece) the same fundamentals apply — but with local twists:

• Mooring and winter storage costs remain high and difficult to find in popular areas (Preveza, Lefkada, Aktio) which may discourage buyers.

• The international buyer-pool means VAT/registration status, location of vessel and ease of transfer matter. Clear documentation becomes a differentiator.

• Quality condition matters more than ever: a well-surveyed hull (below waterline, rigging, systems) attracts buyer confidence in a market where buyers are being extra cautious.

• Sellers may need to consider incentives: relocation, haul-out included, or flexible viewing times to make their vessel more attractive relative to others.

8. Recommendations for sellers (from a surveyor’s lens)

• Ensure condition is well documented: a recent survey or pre-survey report will help instill buyer confidence.

• Provide full maintenance/repair records, show recent service work (engine hours, rigging age, sail condition) so the buyer sees what lies ahead.

• Be realistic about pricing: research recent comparable sales (Europe/Ionian region) and be prepared to adjust early rather than wait for offers.

• Presentation matters: clean the hull, polish the topsides, tackle cosmetic wear and ensure the boat shows well in photographs and in-person.

• Choose the right listing channels and target markets (US, Australian and EU buyers) and highlight strong local mooring/harbour options.

• Consider timing: if the summer season has passed and the boat remains unsold, investigate price reduction or alternative marketing strategies rather than simply carrying high listing costs.

Conclusion

The European used-boat market is in a more balanced, perhaps buyer-favouring phase right now. Good boats still sell — but against a backdrop of higher costs, cautious buyers, and greater competition. For sellers in the Mediterranean, and especially the Ionian, success will increasingly depend on condition, transparency, marketing finesse and realistic pricing. As a surveyor I encourage sellers to view the process proactively: invest in condition, documentation and marketing, and align expectations with market realities.

“Seller’s checklist for the Ionian used-yacht market 2025/26” to follow in my next BLOG