Buying or selling a used super trimaran follows the same steps as any large yacht transaction, with a few extra checks for three-hulled construction. This guide explains how yacht brokerage works, what the stages are, and what to ask at each one.
What a yacht broker does
A broker markets a yacht for the seller, screens enquiries, arranges viewings and sea trials, and helps both sides negotiate the price and the contract. Buyers can also hire a broker to search the market and to advise on valuation. In a typical arrangement the seller pays the commission, which is often quoted at around ten percent of the sale price, and the figure is negotiable. Verify the terms in writing before you sign anything.
Listing agreements
A seller usually signs a listing agreement with one broker, sometimes on an exclusive basis, called a central agency. That broker then shares the listing with other brokers who may bring a buyer, and the commission is split. Read the length of the agreement, the exclusivity terms and what happens if you sell privately.
The usual stages of a purchase
- Viewing and offer. A serious buyer makes an offer, subject to survey and sea trial.
- Memorandum of agreement. The terms are written into a purchase agreement, often a standard form, and a deposit, commonly around ten percent, is paid into a neutral account held by the broker or an agent.
- Survey and sea trial. An independent surveyor inspects the yacht, normally out of the water, and the buyer tests the engines, systems and sails at sea.
- Negotiation and acceptance. Defects found in survey can lead to a price reduction, repairs before delivery, or the buyer walking away within the terms of the agreement.
- Title and paperwork. The buyer checks ownership, outstanding mortgages or liens, registration or flag documents, class status, tax or VAT status and the equipment list.
- Closing and delivery. The balance is paid, the bill of sale is signed, the old registration is cancelled and the new one is made, and the yacht is handed over.
Extra checks on a used trimaran
- Composite structure: look at the crossbeams and the points where the floats join the main hull, since these carry the highest loads. Ask for any repair history and for photos of past repairs.
- Folding or retractable amas: if the boat has them, the mechanism, hydraulics and locking system need their own inspection.
- Rig: check the age and certification of the mast, rigging and sails, and the cost of replacement.
- Surveyor choice: use someone with experience of multihulls and large composite yachts, not only monohulls.
- Value: the market is small and comparable sales are thin, so expect valuations to depend heavily on condition, equipment and charter history.
If the yacht earns charter income
Ask for the charter accounts, the bookings already on the calendar, the management agreement and any obligations that pass to a new owner. Our ownership costs guide explains crew, running costs and how charter income is shared with a management company.
Where to read next
The complete guide covers the whole subject. If you are comparing boat types before you buy, read trimaran versus monohull and trimaran versus catamaran. This site does not list yachts for sale and does not broker transactions: use a licensed broker and an independent surveyor.