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10 red flags in a used yacht listing

Ten signs that a used-boat listing needs a closer look before you spend money travelling, or a deposit.

Updated 2 min read

Key points

  • A price far below comparable boats is a warning, not a bargain.
  • Pressure to pay a deposit before a viewing is a red flag.
  • A seller who refuses an independent survey is hiding something.

Ten red flags

  1. The price is far below comparable boats. Check three similar listings. A boat 30% cheaper than the rest is a scam, a problem boat, or a VAT not paid boat sold without saying so.
  2. The seller pushes for a deposit before a viewing. Fake listings exist, and the deposit goes to a stranger. See The deposit: how escrow protects you.
  3. The owner is "abroad" and cannot show the boat. Someone else holds the keys. Ask for the owner's ID and the registration in that name.
  4. The photos are stock images, or they show two different boats. Ask for a video of the boat today, with a newspaper or a time stamp.
  5. The hull number is missing or will not match. See Verifying the HIN / CIN.
  6. The VAT status is vague. Wording like "all papers in order" is no answer. See Proving and verifying VAT status: which documents count, and checking before you offer.
  7. Engine hours do not fit the age or the wear. A ten-year-old boat with 150 hours and a worn engine room is a puzzle. See Engine hours, and whether they can be trusted.
  8. The seller asks you to pay a third party or a new account. Phone the seller on a number you found yourself, and ask the broker to confirm.
  9. No surveyor allowed, or no haul-out. A seller with a good boat welcomes inspection. See Why you need your own pre-purchase survey.
  10. Fresh paint or new gelcoat on the hull, with no invoice. It can hide repairs. Ask who did the work and ask for the bill.

What to do when you see one

  • Ask the seller or broker to explain it in writing.
  • If the explanation does not satisfy you, pause and ask your broker or lawyer.
  • Never pay on pressure. A real boat is still there next week.

Verify before you travel

Ask for the registration certificate, the ID of the owner, and the VAT proof by email. Call the marina to confirm that the boat lies there and who the owner is. Ask the questions in Questions to ask before travelling to view a yacht.

Also useful at step 4 Due diligence before you pay a deposit

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

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