Never before has there been more demand for used boats for sale of every shape and size than now. As people have responded to restrictions in international travel, the number of UK used boats for sale has struggled to satisfy public demand. And Europe’s supply of luxury yachts has exhibited a broadly similar picture. Used boats are now in short supply but finding the right yacht can still be done.
Used boats for sale and luxury yachts
Traditionally, the astute boat buyer might have looked to source a used yacht toward the end of the year, however the current scale of demand for luxury used yachts is being seen year-round.
High-spec boats, for instance, where the original owner has chosen to upgrade his yachting experience with non-standard options, equipment and accessories, can represent fantastic value for money. Yes, they often fetch higher prices but the extra outlay is nothing like the investment that would have been required when new.
Luxury yachts for sale: Europe-wide solutions
Here at Princess Motor Yacht Sales, we operate the largest dealer and distributor network of luxury Princess yachts in the world. We have sales hubs, service centres and offices throughout the UK and Europe. Our highly experienced in-house brokers are very well placed to help. And if you want to take your used boat purchase to the next level, a ‘Princess Approved’ pre-owned craft is also a very tempting option…
Our fastidious approval process encompasses a certified independent yacht survey and sea trial, alongside a factory-approved 280-point checklist. That includes engine and generator services, new antifoul and anodes and a thorough interior and exterior valet. It also includes the servicing and certification of the fire systems, an up-to-date gas safety check, a full tank of fuel and a complete technical handover from one of our trained engineers, covering on-board systems, safety equipment and operation of the boat. Each yacht then benefits from an extendable 12-month insurance-backed breakdown guarantee covering all mechanical and electrical components, wherever in Europe your boat happens to be berthed. Clearly then, if you want to buy a pre-owned yacht with confidence, this is one of the best possible ways to do it.
Used boats for sale: popular pre-owned Princess yachts
The Princess 49 is one of our most sought after used yachts. With a pair of generously proportioned guest cabins and a vast full-beam master suite with dressing area, settee, en suite facilities and a separate shower compartment, it provides an astonishing amount of yachting flexibility for a sub-50-foot boat. And in addition to a spacious flybridge with a second helm position, two seating areas and a wet bar, its twin IPS 700 diesel engines still push it to around the 30-knot mark.
That said, if you prefer to sacrifice the fly deck and some of that internal volume for a little extra style and performance, the outstanding Princess V48 is equally popular. If you opt for the most recent incarnation, built between 2013 and 2017, with either an Open or Deck Saloon layout, this impressive predecessor to the extraordinary V50 is a very special used buy. In addition to a full-beam en suite master cabin, a forward guest cabin with scissor berths and a central lounge with dinette and galley, it features a versatile main deck space and a pair of IPS 600 engines for thoroughly entertaining performance.
In all cases, while the price of a pre-owned Princess puts it at the upper echelons of the used market, the quality of build, the calibre of the back-up and the resilience of the residual values means that the cost of the overall ownership experience is often much more accessible than you think.
