U.S. Buyers Drive Yacht Market as Global Sales Slow

American buyers now dominate the global yacht market, accounting for approximately 40% of all sales worldwide.

Industry executives are betting that domestic wealth will sustain the sector as it prepares for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show starting Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Americans represent the majority of the market for yachts exceeding 250 feet. This shift occurs as demand from Europe and the Middle East slows. Kevin Merrigan, chairman of Northrop & Johnson, noted that American buyers have driven recent purchasing activity. He said the firm has closed several large deals heading into the end of the year.

The overall industry has cooled since the post-pandemic peak in 2022 and 2023. Global sales of pre-owned yachts over 78 feet dropped about 1% year-to-date through September compared to the same period last year. The sales value for these vessels fell by roughly 5%, according to Northrop & Johnson data.

Orders for new yachts over 78 feet also declined. The number fell from 266 last year to 216 for the current year. However, the market structure is becoming more top-heavy. Orders for yachts between 40 meters and 50 meters increased from 49 to 63 this year. Centimillionaires and billionaires are gaining wealth faster than other groups, driving demand for larger vessels.

Supply constraints affect the top end of the market. New mega-yacht orders can face delivery dates in 2031 or later because major shipyards are fully booked. Consequently, almost-new large yachts command high premiums. Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts, stated that demand exceeds supply for the very top end of the inventory.

The charter segment has also adjusted to post-pandemic norms. Summer activity started slowly, partly due to the conflict in the Middle East, but business improved in August. Charter bookers report a strong pipeline for 2026. Many customers are young Americans in their 30s and early 40s, many of whom made their fortunes in the technology sector. Merrigan described chartering as the entry point for new yachting families.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will feature more than 150 yachts and serve as a key indicator for market health. The Monaco Yacht Show in September saw strong attendance and sales. Kurtén reported that Fraser displayed four yachts at Monaco, with one entering a contract during the event.

Fraser plans to display eight or nine yachts in Fort Lauderdale. The company originally intended to show more vessels but sold four of the scheduled boats in recent weeks. Kurtén said these pre-show sales reflect the current state of the market.

The event begins Wednesday, Oct. 28, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Brokers will gauge buyer interest from American and international clients during the show.