Buying a new yacht: boat shows, build slots, options and commissioning
Buying new means choosing a model, options and a build slot, then following the order to commissioning. Boat shows are where dealers make their best offers.
Updated 2 min read
Key points
- Major shows include Boot Düsseldorf in January and the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
- Get the build slot, the price list date and the payment schedule in writing.
- Commissioning and a handover inspection come before warranty starts.
Where to start
Boat shows put many models side by side. Boot Düsseldorf runs in January and the Cannes Yachting Festival runs in September. Dealers often offer show prices or extras, and you can step aboard several models in one day. Confirm current dates on the organisers' websites. Do your homework first. See Defining your mission on the Med: day trips, island hopping or extended cruising and How much yacht can you actually afford?.
The order
- Model and layout. Decide cabins, engines and keel. See How many cabins do you really need?.
- Options. Electronics, canvas, air conditioning, generator, tender, safety gear. Options add a large share to the base price, so price them one by one.
- Quote and contract. Check the price date, the VAT treatment, price escalation clauses, and what the base price includes.
- Deposit and payments. Stage payments tied to milestones are common. Ask who holds the money before delivery, and what protection applies if the builder or dealer fails.
- Build slot. Lead times run from several months to more than a year, depending on the yard and the model. Get a dated slot in writing, and the penalty or remedy for delays.
- Commissioning. The dealer prepares the boat: rigging, systems check, antifouling, launch, sea trial.
- Handover. You inspect the boat against the specification, list defects (a snag list), and agree dates for fixes.
Warranty
Read what the builder covers, for how long, and where warranty work is done. Check when the warranty starts: on delivery or on the contract date. See New vs pre-owned: depreciation, warranties and the second-hand market for the legal guarantee that applies to a consumer.
Things to confirm
- CE declaration and category for the model. See CE marking and the Recreational Craft Directive: design categories A to D.
- VAT paid status, with the invoice. See What does VAT paid mean on a yacht?.
- Registration route in your name. See How to register a yacht in Spain: Lista 6 vs Lista 7 (commercial vs private).
- A berth ready for the delivery date. See Berths in Barcelona and the Med: wet berth, dry stack, renting vs buying a berth concession.
Related guides
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check your own case with a professional or ask us.