How Much Does a Year of Yacht Ownership Really Cost?
- Editor
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
Owning a yacht feels like freedom — until the first marina invoice lands on your desk. But beyond the clichés (“the two happiest days…”), what does yacht ownership really cost per year? Whether you’re already an owner or still dreaming, it helps to understand where the money goes — and where it doesn’t have to.
⚓ The Basics: Size and Style Matter
Like everything at sea, the answer depends on the boat. A 35-foot sailing yacht costs far less to run than a 60-foot motor yacht — not just in fuel, but in storage, maintenance, and insurance.
A rough rule most owners use: plan around 10% of your boat’s value per year for running costs. So if your yacht is worth €200,000, expect around €20,000 per year to keep her afloat and ready to sail.
It sounds simple, but the real picture is a mix of predictable bills and sneaky extras.
🛥️ Mooring and Marina Fees
Your home port will likely be your biggest yearly expense. Prices vary wildly by country and boat size:
Greece: €4,000–€6,000/year for a 40ft berth in a marina.
Croatia: €6,000–€9,000/year, sometimes more for newer facilities.
Italy or France: €8,000–€12,000/year in popular areas.
If you stay mostly at anchor, you’ll save thousands — but pay with your time and energy for dinghy runs, fuel, and water trips.
⚙️ Maintenance and Haul-Outs
Every yacht needs annual maintenance — bottom cleaning, anodes, antifoul, oil changes, and safety checks.
Typical yearly care for a 40-footer:
Haul-out & yard storage: €1,000–€2,000
Antifouling paint + labour: €600–€1,200
Engine service: €300–€800
General upkeep (rigging, pumps, seals): €1,000–€2,000
If you do the work yourself, you might cut those costs in half — but only if you have the time and tools.
👉 For more on this, read Boat Haul-Out Cost: What Boatyard Bills Don’t Show
⛽ Fuel, Power, and Water
Sailors often forget that marinas now charge for everything — electricity, water, even waste disposal. A season of moderate cruising (engine + generator use) can easily reach €800–€1,500, depending on region and distance.
Electric or hybrid systems help, but only if they match your sailing habits. Otherwise, solar and wind setups are still the most cost-effective way to keep batteries full.
🧾 Insurance and Paperwork
Yacht insurance can vary from 1% to 3% of the boat’s value per year, depending on cruising area and coverage level. Registration, safety inspections, and cruising permits (like Croatia’s vignette) also add up.
If you winter abroad, always check whether your insurance covers haul-out damage and yard stays — many policies don’t by default.
💡 The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Every yacht owner learns these the hard way:
“While-you’re-at-it” jobs during a refit.
Broken parts that need express shipping to remote islands.
Marina parking for the car you swore you didn’t need.
The “comfort upgrades” — new mattress, fans, or that shiny new chartplotter.
They’re not always essential, but they’re part of yacht life — and sometimes, part of the joy.
⚓ What About Liveaboards?
If you live aboard full-time, your costs can actually drop. You’ll save on rent, utilities, and commuting — but spend more on upkeep, spares, and personal gear. Many liveaboards in the Med estimate €1,000–€1,500/month all-inclusive for two people on a 40ft yacht.
It’s not cheap, but it’s a life rich in views, sunrises, and sea air — things that never appear on a receipt.
🌊 Planning for the Real World
There’s no single number that fits everyone. But with realistic planning, owning a yacht doesn’t have to be a financial storm. Keep a maintenance log, plan your upgrades slowly, and find marinas that offer winter contracts or loyalty discounts.
The real cost of yacht ownership isn’t just euros — it’s time, care, and a little bit of obsession. And for those who love the sea, it’s always worth it.
⚓ Fair Winds & Final Thoughts
If you’re already planning next season’s expenses, check out:
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