The global yacht market has moved beyond short-term recovery and into what can now be described as a structural value boom, led by superyachts but reinforced across regional markets, including New Zealand.
According to mid-February reporting from BOAT International, brokerage yacht sales reached a staggering €7.5 billion in 2025. While overall transaction volumes have eased from pandemic highs, total market value remains robust. This is largely because buyers are increasingly shifting towards larger, higher specification vessels, creating a strong foundation for sustained growth in the market.
A recent report from Global Market Insights values the yacht market at USD 12.4 billion in 2024, with forecasts suggesting it will grow to USD 22.7 billion by 2034, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 percent. Notably, superyachts are projected to grow at over 10 percent annually, with vessels exceeding 50 metres showcasing remarkable resilience in an ever-evolving market landscape.
Value over Volume
The surge in yacht sales observed between 2020 and 2022 saw numbers more than double compared to 2019. However, this spike has since normalized, leading to a consolidation upwards in market spend rather than volume. The 24 to 45 metre segment now commands over 64 percent of the global share. Interestingly, while larger yachts continue to transact at strong values, smaller and older vessels are facing longer selling periods and heightened price sensitivity.
In early 2023, Yachtfinders Global shed light on the evolving nature of buyer behavior. It is no longer just about vessel length; digital engagement, high-quality online presentations, and remote negotiations have now become standard practices in the industry. Experienced buyers are placing greater emphasis on documented maintenance history, build integrity, and long-term value rather than just the initial purchase price.
Lifestyle trends are also significantly influencing market demand. Many yachts are now primarily used by couples rather than extended families, leading to a surge in interest for manageable double-handed layouts, day boats, and picnic boats. This reflects a wider shift in how people perceive and utilize their watercraft, prioritizing personal experiences over sheer size and capacity.
New Zealand Mirrors Global Trends
New Zealand’s yacht market is reflecting this broader narrative. Data from 36 Degrees Brokers indicates that motor yachts over 10 metres, priced above NZD 500,000, are performing strongly. Vessels in popular configurations, such as sedans and game fishing layouts, are gaining traction, while high-quality new builds along with two-year-old vessels continue to attract interest, with remarkably low buyer remorse rates at just five percent.
Conversely, the market for motor yachts priced below NZD 200,000 has been declining, with the NZD 200,000 to 400,000 segment experiencing price corrections of up to 23 percent during 2024. However, yachts priced over NZD 500,000 remain resilient, showcasing their enduring allure amidst shifting consumer sentiments.
The depth of current listings supports this trend. A review of the Boats for Sale section on Boating New Zealand reveals approximately 200 motor yachts listed across various price points, indicating a healthy supply and active brokerage turnover. Furthermore, sailing multihulls continue to rise in popularity, demonstrating quick sales when well-presented and competitively priced.
The economic implications of this growth stretch well beyond mere sales figures. A report commissioned by NZ Marine and conducted by Market Economics Limited in 2024 found that 56 visiting superyachts contributed NZD 212 million to the New Zealand economy during the 2023/2024 season. Each vessel spent an average of NZD 3.8 million, with around 90 percent directed toward marine services, including maintenance, refit, and berthage. This level of refit activity represents a considerable part of what the NZ Marine Industry Association has reported as a NZD 3.3 billion marine sector, encompassing both domestic sales and exports.
Moreover, substantial investments in refit facilities across Northland, Auckland, and the Bay of Plenty are expanding capacity, allowing New Zealand to accommodate up to 50 percent more superyacht arrivals in the coming seasons. This investment in infrastructure underscores the country’s commitment to becoming a prominent player in the global yacht market.
Additionally, trailer boats continue to stand out as a remarkably strong segment within the New Zealand market, reflecting the country’s boating culture that emphasizes access and flexibility.
The current state of the yacht market is not merely a fleeting moment influenced by superyacht headlines. Rather, it signifies a broader, value-driven evolution influenced by global wealth growth, technological advancements, sustainability, and the increasingly discerning behavior of yacht owners across all major markets.