The true cost of ownership in Spain and the Med

Budget about 10% of the boat's value per year to run it. See where the money goes: berth, maintenance, insurance, haul-out and fuel.

Updated 24 Oct 2026 2 min read

Key points

A common rule of thumb is 10% of the boat's value per year. On a €200,000 boat that is about €20,000.
Berth and maintenance take roughly 30% of the budget each.
Older and larger boats cost more than the rule. Light use of a newer boat costs less.

The rule of thumb

Many owners find that a year of ownership costs about 10% of the boat's value. The figure is a starting point for a boat in normal use, in good condition, kept in a Spanish marina. Older boats, larger boats and boats used for long cruises cost more. A newer boat used on 20 weekends a year can cost less.

A worked example

Take a €200,000 boat. The rule gives €20,000 a year. This split is an illustration built from the same rule. It quotes no marina or yard:

Berth: about €6,000 (30%). Marina tariffs depend on port, season and size. Ask the marina for the real figure on the boat's length and beam.
Maintenance and repairs: about €6,000 (30%). Engine service, filters, batteries, rigging checks, small repairs.
Insurance: about €2,000 (10%). Roughly 1% of the insured value. It varies with the boat, your experience and your cruising area.
Haul-out and antifouling: about €2,000 (10%). Once a year, usually in spring.
Fuel, cleaning, extras: about €4,000 (20%). A motor yacht that cruises fast will spend far more on fuel than this.

What the rule leaves out

Depreciation. The boat loses value even when you spend nothing. See New vs pre-owned: depreciation, warranties and the second-hand market.
Financing costs. Interest on a marine mortgage is not part of the 10%. See Financing a yacht in Europe: marine mortgages and leasing.
Crew or a skipper for larger boats. See Yacht management and crew for larger yachts.
Upgrades. New electronics, canvas, sails. See Upgrading marine electronics.
Taxes. Some are recurring and some are paid once on purchase. See Spanish taxes beyond VAT: registration tax and transfer tax (ITP).

How to test your own number

Phone the marina and ask for the yearly fee for your boat's length and beam.
Ask an insurer for a quote on the exact boat, with the value, cruising area and your experience.
Ask the boatyard for last year's haul-out and antifouling price for the same length.
Take the age of the boat into account: add 20 to 30% to maintenance for a boat over 15 years old.

Four phone calls give you a better number than any rule. Then compare the total against what you can spend. See How much yacht can you actually afford?.

Also useful at step 2 How much yacht can you actually afford?

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check your own case with a professional or ask us.