In short

Traditional yacht brokers usually charge a commission of roughly 8 to 10 percent of the final sale price, often with a minimum fee, and the commission may be shared with a buyer's broker. Compare the net amount you keep, the work included and every separately charged cost, not only the headline percentage. BoatUneet charges a 2.5 percent success fee for a managed sale.

Quick take

  • The headline percentage is only part of the cost of selling.
  • Ask when the fee is earned and whether a buyer's broker shares it.
  • Photography, listing, screening and viewings should be spelled out.
  • Model the net proceeds at one realistic price for every option.
  • Read the agreement for exclusivity, duration and cancellation terms.

Why does a commission percentage only tell part of the story?

Traditional yacht brokerage fees are often presented as a percentage of the final sale price. The agreement should also explain when the fee is earned, whether another broker may share it and what happens if a buyer introduced during the agreement completes later.

Rates and practices vary by market, vessel and contract. Read the actual agreement carefully and ask for written answers where the commercial terms are unclear.

What should you compare between selling options?

A lower percentage is valuable only if the service still covers the work needed to reach and complete with a qualified buyer. Ask each provider to describe the process, deliverables and responsibilities in plain language.

  • The success fee or commission and the event that makes it payable
  • Photography, listing preparation and marketplace distribution
  • Enquiry screening, viewings, inspections and sea trials
  • Buyer-broker participation and any effect on your net proceeds
  • Settlement, legal, survey, tax and other third-party costs
  • Agreement duration, exclusivity and cancellation terms

How do you model the net proceeds of a boat sale?

Use the same realistic selling price for every comparison. Subtract the main service fee and list the other likely costs separately. This turns an abstract percentage into the amount that matters: what remains with you after a successful transaction.

Illustrative net proceeds on a €100,000 sale (excluding third-party costs)
Selling routeFeeFee on €100,000You keep
Traditional brokerage10%€10,000€90,000
Traditional brokerage8%€8,000€92,000
BoatUneet managed sale2.5% success fee€2,500€97,500
Private sale0% (your time and costs)€0€100,000 minus your costs

Also consider the cost of time. A plan that makes pricing decisions, enquiry status and next actions visible can be easier to manage than an arrangement where activity is difficult to verify.

Which questions should you ask before signing a brokerage agreement?

  1. How will the asking price be recommended?Ask for the comparable boats and the reasoning, not just a number.
  2. Where will the boat appear?Confirm the marketplaces, the photography plan and who pays for it.
  3. How are enquiries qualified?You want to know who is screening buyers and how often you will hear from them.
  4. Who coordinates documents and settlement?Confirm which party handles the paperwork and which costs need your approval first.
  5. What ends the agreement?Check duration, exclusivity, cancellation notice and what happens with buyers introduced during the term.

The strongest answer is not the longest. Look for a defined process, transparent incentives and terms you can explain back in one minute.

Frequently asked questions

What is a typical yacht broker commission?

In most European and North American markets, traditional brokers charge roughly 8 to 10 percent of the sale price, sometimes with a minimum fee for smaller boats. Rates are negotiable and vary by vessel size, market and the level of service.

Who pays the yacht broker, the buyer or the seller?

The seller pays the commission out of the sale proceeds. If a buyer's broker is involved, the two brokers usually split that commission rather than charging the buyer separately.

Are there costs on top of the commission when selling a boat?

Yes. Typical extras include survey and haul-out costs if a sale falls through, marina fees while listed, legal or escrow fees, tax advice and any repairs the buyer negotiates after survey.

What is BoatUneet's fee for selling a boat?

BoatUneet charges a 2.5 percent success fee on completion of a managed sale, with a free market-informed valuation up front. Third-party costs such as survey or legal fees are separate and agreed with you in advance.