yacht cost singapore

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How to buy a yacht in Singapore: Cost, size and other factors to consider before sinking your money in

The demand for big boys toys is on the rise, and it’ll only continue to grow. Here’s what you ought to think about before joining the party

It doesn’t take much to notice that the demand for yachts has been steadily increasing in Asia in the past few years. Yacht shows – such as the Singapore Yacht Show and Thailand Yacht Show – have reportedly pushed for a fair number of sales. In particular, the number of superyachts (over 79 feet / 24m in length) in Thailand increased by over 50 per cent in the last three years.

According to the 2019 Global Order Book , 78 per cent of yachts being built are motor yachts, with one in four measuring 78 to 88 feet (23 to 26m). But new builds only represent a small portion of yachts available to buyers. There are almost 800 superyachts advertised for sale online, and the majority of these are pre-owned.

Which yacht builder should I go to?

The first – and most important question – is who to buy your yacht with. If you’ve already seen a yacht you like, that solves a lot of issues. But if you need help finding the right yacht, that’s where you need a broker to step in. There are numerous brokers and dealers in Singapore, such as Simpson Marine , Hong Seh Marine and Boat Lagoon Yachting Singapore.

To build or to buy?

Many first-time owners prefer purchasing pre-owned yachts and refurbishing it, as it gives them an opportunity to really understand the workings of the vessel. Price wise, expect an upwards of USD9 million (S$12 million).

Uncovering the (not so) hidden costs

You’ll also have to take into account the upkeep, which includes everything from insurance, fuel, docking fees to crew salaries, maintenance and repair bills and more. A conservative figure to keep in mind would be shelling out 10 per cent of the yacht’s value towards its upkeep every year.

Pleasure pursuits

It’s also important to ask yourself what the main objective of your purchase. Is it for business, where the intention is to charter? Or is it for personal use. If it’s the latter, how open are you to renting it out when it’s not in use? On average, owners are on board just six weeks a year, and chartering the yacht allows them to maximise their purchase.

The charter market is fairly competitive, and this means you’ll need to be very selective about the yacht you’re purchasing. The most popular charter yachts offer equally sized ensuite cabins, plenty of space to entertain, are run by an exceptional crew. They also tend to have the latest amenities like tenders, jet skis, a gym, whirlpool tub and at times, a spa.

You also need to identify your clientele and market share. It’s easy to find a yacht that can accommodate eight people, but when you start looking at 10 or more overnight guests, the number of potential yachts will drop. Ask yourself if that’s a space you’d like to be in. It’s important to be aware that if you want the yacht to accommodate more than 12 guests, the classification rules change and it becomes more complex.

Building: bespoke, classic production or semi-production

For those who have their hearts set on building yacht, you can either go for a bespoke build or a production piece (mass built by the brand).

And here’s where things get slightly trickier. There are roughly 150 new yachts hitting the water every year, but only a few of these are custom builds . If you’re looking for a yacht under 100 feet (30m), consider a production yacht. Price aside, it will be delivered to you much sooner, given that there are less bespoke options on a yacht for you to consider.

If you go with a production yacht, choose between a classic or semi-production yacht, the latter which is essentially a more customised option. Semi-production superyachts sit on a production hull while allowing you to make a number of personal touches, offering the best of both worlds in terms of cost and personalisation.

But if you truly desire a custom-built superyacht, you can take a look at some concepts that have been backed by superyacht yards , or commission a team to craft a yacht that is tailored to your specifications .

Play the waiting game

Commissioning a new build is a complex process that spans years. Expect to wait upwards of three years depending on the size. According to a representative from Benetti Yachts , it takes roughly four years from the time someone toys with the idea of buying a yacht to actually making the purchase.

Choice of marina

Singapore is an obvious choice in the Southeast Asian region, given its lack of severe weather conditions and stable economy, explains Scott Walker, director of Asia Pacific Superyachts Singapore.

The city’s robust banking system is also preferred by the wealthy, which makes it simpler to send or receive money if you’re transferring the purchase price or dealing with charter fees. Plus, Singapore has shipyards and service providers in abundance. Adding to the appeal is the fact that foreign registered yachts can also be exempted from GST on purchases if they go through the proper channels, Walker says.

It’s location as a hub for the region is another reason to keep yachts in Singapore, as it’s within sailing distance to Pulau Tioman in Malaysia and the Anambas Islands in Indonesia.

Size matters

Of course, the marina you select also depends on the size of your yacht. The bigger the yacht, the more challenging it’ll be to find space for her in the region. The most common size for a superyacht is between 78 and 100 feet (24 and 30.5 metres), but that’s on a modest side of the scale. For context, Azzam , the largest yacht in the world measures six times that, at 590 feet (180m). And not many marinas are able to accommodate yachts of that size.

If you decide to keep your yacht in Singapore, you’ll need to ensure the size is under 200 feet (61m), because that’s the maximum size that can be accommodated ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, our city’s most prestigious marina.

With 90 per cent of yachts staying at the marina on a long-term basis, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove is a realistic option for a homeport. But space is competitive: the marina receives more than double the number of enquiries than they have berths each year, reveals Esther Ang, marketing manager of the marina.

In fact, demand is so high that the marina is undergoing renovation. By the end of 2020, it’ll be able to accommodate 19 superyachts, up from its original 12. Yet another reason to berth at ONE°15 is its CIQP facilities, which allows the boats to clear in and out of Singapore at the marina, instead of the Immigration Anchorage.

If you’re thinking of buying a yacht closer to 100 feet (30.5m), your berthing options increase – but the three other marinas in Singapore with space for yachts of this size. When Raffles Marina opens its CIQP facility in October, it may become a more attractive alternative to ONE°15.

How far can it go?

To understand just how long-range your yacht needs to be, you have to know where you’d like to take her. If you plan to cruise the coasts of Malaysia, Thailand and beyond, range is less of a concern because there are a handful of facilities that you can access, such as Royal Selangor Yacht Club, Royal Langkawi Yacht Club and Royal Phuket Marina.

But if you’d like to go somewhere more remote on a regular basis, you’ll need a yacht with a higher range. Take for example Indonesia, where the nearest marina is in Bali, and can accommodate yachts up to 98 feet (30m) in length. In this instance, you should aim for a range above 2,500 nautical miles. Feadship’s Najiba has a range of 6,000 nautical miles , for example, although that is exceptionally far.

For those who’re especially keen on exploring the numerous archipelagos that scatter the region, it’s best to opt for a yacht of a smaller size, which relates to a smaller draft, and ease for exploration. Or maybe consider purchasing a chase boat while you’re at it.

Lastly…

Don’t forget to hire a lawyer right from the start of the process. Buying a yacht is more like purchasing a jet or floating real estate, compared to a car and should be treated with as much scrutiny. We’ll leave you with a tip: Never skip the sea trial or full condition survey, and don’t skimp on doing the due diligence.

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How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Yacht in Singapore?

How much does it cost to buy a yacht in Singapore? Well, expect to pay more than the cost of the yacht itself. There are also other expenses that you should take into consideration. This article will discuss just that.

If you want to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what i specialize in, you can email me ([email protected]) or use WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).

Introduction

Living on a yacht in the marinas of Singapore and sailing beyond them may be one of the things you’re looking most forward to. You may have already tried renting a yacht and experienced first-hand what it feels like to have one. And, with the experience that traveling by sea gives, you might just want to keep coming back for more.

Over time, the cost of renting a yacht can add up. It also gives you less freedom to sail whenever and wherever you desire. Because of this, you just may be wondering how to buy a yacht for yourself. Read more to find out how you can start this exciting journey ahead and how much it will cost you.

On average, a new yacht costs $1,219,884 SGD ($887,453.05 USD), while a second-hand yacht costs $683,783 SGD ($497,445.09 USD). However, there are listings that can go as low as $45,773.84 SGD ($33,300 USD) and as high as $40,239,190.57 SGD ($29,185,058 USD).

Apart from size and age, the cost of a yacht in Singapore is dependent on various factors. First, it depends on whether the yacht is brand new or secondhand. If purchasing a secondhand yacht, determine if the previous owner was a yacht charter company or a private individual.

Yacht charter companies regularly sell their newly bought yachts in order to replace them with the latest models. This ensures that they offer the best to their customers. For buyers, this means you can find an ex-charter yacht that has been well-maintained, especially if it comes from a reputable charter company. Though upfront costs can be lower, you will also need to consider the cost of repairs. Given that it has been for public use, the interior and exterior are prone to wear and tear.

Second, the type of yacht also matters. The main types of luxury charter yachts are motor, sailing, catamaran, and gulet.

Third, just as a car from luxury brands such as Audi and Tesla is more expensive, the company that manufactured the yacht also dictates its price. There are different brands to choose from when deciding on what luxury yacht to buy. In line with this, the yacht designer, who meticulously crafted the details of the yacht, also plays a part in its value.

What Other Costs Should I Keep in Mind When Buying a Yacht in Singapore?

Apart from the cost of the yacht itself, there are other expenses that you should factor into your budget. These are listed below.

1. Fees to rent a berth and obtain membership in a marina

There are relevant rental fees charged for individuals who intend to berth their yacht at a marina. In Singapore, there are different marinas that you can choose from, such as the following:

One°15 Marina Club
Marina at Keppel Bay
Raffles Marina
Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
SAF Yacht Club
Marina Country Club (Punggol)
Changi Sailing Club

Each has its own services for berthing, additional amenities, and fees charged. For example, berthing a 50-to-60-foot yacht at ONE°15 Marina costs between $1,920 SGD and $2,300 SGD per month for members. But on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $480 SGD to $1,500 SGD per month.

For those who plan to anchor their yacht, this can often be done for free. Take note that this will most likely come with restrictions, depending on where you are. Furthermore, there may also come a time when you decide to store your yacht on land. This would similarly incur expenses to rent space in a storage facility.

2. Maintenance and repairs of the yacht

For those buying a second-hand yacht, this often involves the need to refurbish both the interior and exterior. But beyond that, all yachts will eventually need maintenance and repairs later on. Expenses for regular cleaning services should also be included. Some would say that annual maintenance costs are roughly 5–10% of the yacht’s value. However, it would still depend on the frequency of use of the yacht and the weather conditions it is exposed to.

Expect to pay around $1,500 SGD to $2,000 SGD every month. This includes costs for fuel and repairs, should you use your yacht every weekend. The aforementioned amounts still lean toward what you can at least expect, so it may be more than that.

3. Equipment and accessories

Safety and communication equipment are must-haves when owning a yacht. This ensures that you’re well-prepared for unexpected situations should they arise. In general, it would be wise to keep a life jacket, a first aid kit, mooring lines and fenders, spare fuel, and others. Apart from that, batteries, pumps, lights, and oil are often recurring costs.

4. Insurance for the yacht

An insurance policy is a prerequisite for all yacht owners prior to the issuance of a pleasure craft license. The appropriate insurance coverage for your yacht will be determined by its size, age, docking place, and how it will be used. Some would advise having enough insurance to purchase a new yacht. This becomes beneficial in the unfortunate event that the whole of your yacht becomes damaged beyond repair or gets lost.

More often than not, insurance plans shoulder the costs associated with damage and/or loss of the yacht, legal liabilities to affected parties, and for the owners of the yacht themselves. Basic insurance plans usually cost $1,200 annually, at the minimum.

5. Getting a Pleasure Craft License and a Driving License

A pleasure craft refers to any craft that will be used within the port of Singapore for the purposes of sports or leisure. This excludes a craft used to board passengers who will go on sightseeing tours for a fee. When licensed by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), the pleasure craft will be prefixed with “SZ.” This indicates that the craft is licensed for private use. The license fee costs between $30.00 and $100.00 per year.

Apart from that, the person driving the yacht himself must apply for a powered pleasure craft driving license (PPCDL) or an Advanced Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (APPCDL). Prior to the application of a license, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

Must be at least 16 or 18 years of age
Must have completed a recognized course about the handling of a powered pleasure craft
Must have obtained a valid medical certificate
Must have completed the PPCDL or APPCDL examinations administered by the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA)

On average, the courses cost $350, which includes both theoretical and practical lessons. Apart from that, the license examination fees cost between $20.00 and $100.00, while the issuance of the driving license costs $10.00 or $20.00.

With this, be prepared to spend at least $50,000 per year to own a yacht in Singapore. This price gives you the most affordable yacht there is, so it would be better to expect more than that. When you do decide to buy one, you will also have the option of earning money by renting it out. But even when this is not the case, living on the water and being able to explore by sea can make it well worth the investment.

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