Rewrite the sentence as follows: As someone with 7 years of experience in yacht sales consulting, I have handled more than 40 catamaran sales transactions, of which approximately 60% were “By Owner” transactions—as noted by the author.I once helped a client purchase a pre-owned Lagoon 380 for $180k, and the actual maintenance costs were 35% lower than the budget. The following content is based entirely on practical experience.
This article is approximately 1,800 words long and takes about 8 minutes to read.
Looking to buy a used catamaran? First, figure out exactly what “By Owner” means
Many people are completely baffled the first time they hear the term “By Owner.”
Simply put, it means bypassing a broker and dealing directly with the seller. Sounds like a way to save money, right?
But the truth is—there are more pitfalls than you might imagine.
Last year, I helped a friend search for a boat on the Amphibian platform. He set his sights on a 2015 catamaran listed at $145,000, with an initial brokerage fee of just $5,000. To save that money, he opted for the “By Owner” option.
And what happened?
The boat inspection cost $8,000 (the normal market rate is $3,000–5,000).
The seller concealed the repair history for two propulsion systems
The transfer process dragged on for three months, incurring an additional $2,000 in legal fees
Bottom line: The $5,000 he saved on the brokerage fee was completely eaten up by these costs.
Buying a Boat Directly from the Owner: The Real Maintenance Costs Revealed
First-Year Maintenance Cost Reference Table
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Boat Inspection | $3,000–8,000 | Depends on the vessel’s age and condition |
| Twin-Engine Maintenance | $4,000–12,000 | Major overhaul required every 500 hours |
| Sail and Rigging Replacement | $5,000–15,000 | Recommended evaluation every 5 years |
| Hull antifouling paint | $2,000–6,000 | Repaint annually |
| Electrical system maintenance | $1,500–4,000 | Inverters, batteries, etc. |
| Total | $15,500–45,000 | Varies depending on the condition of the vessel |
Data source: MarineHowMuch 2024 Statistical Report
Three Hidden Costs Beginners Most Often Overlook
1. Catamarans have a unique structure, resulting in higher maintenance costs
Many people are unaware that the maintenance costs for catamarans are actually 20 to 30 percent higher than those for standard monohulls.
Why?
Two propulsion systems (twin engines)
More electrical wiring (one set per hull)
Complex bridge structure, making repairs difficult
Here’s an example: on a 2019 Lagoon 42, the buyer noticed a tiny crack in the connecting bridge, and the repair costs soared to $25,000.
2. In “By Owner” transactions, there is no broker to fall back on
When purchasing a boat through a broker, if a problem is discovered, you can hold the seller accountable. On your own? You’re on your own.
Just last year, there was a case in Miami where a buyer only discovered a crack in the engine block after the purchase was complete. When the buyer confronted the seller, the seller responded, “Once the sale is final, I assume no liability whatsoever.”
3. Insurance Costs Are Higher Than You Might Think
Insurance premiums for catamarans are typically about 1.5 times those for monohulls.
In 2010, insurance premiums for catamarans ranged from $2,500 to $4,000 per year.
Insurance premiums for monohulls of the same class: $1,600–2,500/year
How can you tell if a “By Owner” catamaran is worth buying?
Focus on these five key areas
① Hull and connecting bridge
Gently tap the hull with a hammer and listen for hollow sounds to determine if there are any voids. The connecting bridge is a critical load-bearing point; always be on the lookout for cracks and never overlook them.
② Propulsion system
Do both engines run in sync? Are the tachometer readings consistent?
③ Electrical System
Do the switches in each compartment work properly? What is the condition of the battery?
④ Sails and Rigging
Do the mainsail and jib show signs of wear? Are the steel cables rusty?
⑤ Life-Saving Equipment
Do they comply with local regulations? How much time is left before they expire?
My Honest Opinion: Is Buying a Boat “By Owner” Really Worth It?
Honestly, if you:
have experience with marine repairs
know a reliable surveyor
are willing to invest time in handling the transaction details
then buying “By Owner” can indeed save you a lot of money.
But if you:
are a complete beginner
don’t understand hull construction
don’t have time to deal with tedious paperwork
In my opinion, it’s better to go through a broker. Although it will cost an extra 5,000 to 10,000 yuan, what you get in return is peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: How much can you really save by buying a boat “By Owner”?
A: It depends on the price of the boat. Generally speaking, you can save 3 to 5 percent of the purchase price—which would otherwise go toward brokerage fees—but this assumes you can avoid all the pitfalls.
Q2: Are maintenance costs for catamarans really higher than for monohulls?
A: Yes. Data shows that the average annual maintenance cost for a catamaran is 25 to 40 percent higher than that of a monohull of the same class. This is mainly due to the dual engines and more complex structure.
Q3: Are there any recommended “By Owner” trading platforms?
A: Some reliable options include:
BoatTrader
Amphibian
YachtWorld (be sure to filter for the “By Owner” tag)
Q4: Is it essential to hire a boat surveyor before buying a boat?
A: It’s strongly recommended. A survey fee of 3,000 to 5,000 could help you avoid repair bills as high as 50,000, so it really is a worthwhile investment.
Q5: How are insurance premiums calculated?
Insurance companies base their rates on many factors, including the boat’s age, the captain’s experience, and the mooring location. We recommend shopping around and comparing quotes from several providers, as the differences in rates can be significant.
One final note: Buying a boat is a major decision—don’t just focus on the price. Maintenance costs are the long-term expenses, and that’s what you should really be concerned about.