The True Cost of Owning a Superyacht: Purchase, Crew, and Maintenance

For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, buying a superyacht is often viewed as the ultimate lifestyle acquisition. Yet the reality is that the cost of owning a yacht extends far beyond its purchase price. From crew salaries to annual refits, insurance premiums to docking fees, ownership requires continuous investment and careful financial planning.

Understanding the full spectrum of yacht expenses ensures that first-time buyers and seasoned owners alike can approach ownership with clarity and confidence.

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Initial Purchase Costs

The most visible cost is, of course, acquisition. Prices vary widely depending on size, age, and customization.

• Entry-level superyachts (30–40m): €5M–€10M
  
  
• Mid-size yachts (50–70m): €20M–€60M
  
  
• Mega and gigayachts (70m+): €100M+
  
  

New builds allow for complete personalization but may take years to deliver. Pre-owned yachts provide immediate access but may require refits. Either way, purchase is only the beginning.

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Crew Salaries & Benefits

The crew is the lifeblood of any superyacht, delivering service, safety, and discretion. Salaries represent one of the largest recurring expenses.

• Crew size: Generally 1 crew member per 1.5–2 guests. A 50m yacht may require 10–12 crew; a 70m yacht 20+.
  
  
• Annual costs: €1M–€4M+, depending on yacht size.
  
  
• Breakdown: Captains, engineers, chefs, stewards, deckhands, and specialist roles such as dive instructors or spa therapists.
  
  

Benefits, insurance, and training also add to overall costs, but the quality of crew defines the quality of ownership.

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Fuel, Docking & Insurance

Fuel

Consumption varies by size and usage, but fuel costs can reach €400,000–€1M annually for large yachts undertaking transoceanic voyages.

Docking & Berthing

Premium marinas—Monaco, Porto Cervo, Ibiza—command significant fees. Annual berthing for a 60m yacht may exceed €500,000, depending on location and demand.

Insurance

Superyacht insurance typically ranges from 0.5–1% of hull value annually. For a €50M yacht, that translates to €250,000–€500,000 per year.

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Annual Maintenance & Refits

Yachts are highly complex vessels requiring continuous technical upkeep.

• Routine maintenance: Estimated at 10–15% of purchase value annually.
  
  
• Refits: Every 5–7 years, significant upgrades or overhauls are required. These can cost millions, especially for older vessels.
  
  
• Regulatory compliance: Surveys and certifications must be updated regularly to ensure seaworthiness and meet international standards.
  
  

These superyacht maintenance costs ensure both safety and long-term value preservation.

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Managing Costs Effectively

While ownership costs are substantial, there are strategies to optimize expenses:

• Chartering your yacht: Placing a vessel on the charter market can offset 30–50% of annual running costs.
  
  
• Professional management: Yacht Services & Management streamline operations, negotiate supplier contracts, and maintain compliance.
  
  
• Long-term planning: Budgeting for refits and technical updates avoids unexpected financial strain.
  
  

Effective management ensures your yacht remains both a lifestyle asset and a protected investment.

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At Barnes Yachting, we guide clients through the true costs of superyacht ownership, ensuring no detail is overlooked. From acquisition through ongoing management, our expertise protects both your time and your investment.

Begin your journey with Purchase a Yacht, or explore our Yacht Services & Management for seamless ownership support.

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FAQs

1. What is the average annual cost of ownership?
Annual running costs typically equal 10–15% of purchase price, covering crew, fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

2. How many crew are required?
Crew size depends on yacht length. A 50m yacht usually requires 10–12 crew; a 70m yacht may need 20 or more.

3. Can chartering offset costs?
Yes. Charter income can recover up to half of annual expenses, depending on demand and usage.