By Robert Lama, President — Miami International Yacht Sales | Updated August 2026
Miami’s yacht market is one of the most active in the world — and the brands that dominate it do so for specific reasons. This guide covers the most popular yacht brands and models in the Miami market, what makes each brand consistently sought-after, and what buyers looking to purchase a luxury yacht in Miami need to know before making a decision.
📞 Ready to buy a luxury yacht in Miami? Call Robert Lama: +1-305-857-8939
What Makes a Yacht “Most Popular” in Miami?
Popularity in the Miami yacht market is driven by three practical factors that differ from other global yachting hubs:
- Gulf Stream performance: The Gulf Stream runs 6–7 miles off Miami’s coast, creating short-period steep chop that tests any hull design. Popular yachts in Miami handle these conditions reliably — which eliminates many brands that perform well in calmer Mediterranean waters but struggle offshore of Florida.
- Bahamas accessibility: Miami to Bimini is 55 nautical miles — a 90-minute run for a performance motor yacht. The brands that dominate Miami are the ones that make this crossing comfortably, regularly, and without drama.
- Pre-owned market depth: The most popular brands have the deepest pre-owned markets in South Florida — meaning buyers can find good examples at fair prices, and sellers can exit at reasonable timelines.
Top 10 Most Popular Yacht Brands in Miami — 2026
| Rank | Brand | Segment | Why Popular in Miami | Pre-Owned Entry Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azimut | Italian motor yacht | Highest volume — most liquid pre-owned market in South Florida | $400K+ |
| 2 | Ferretti | Italian motor yacht | Semi-displacement hull ideal for Gulf Stream — strong resale | $500K+ |
| 3 | Viking | American sportfishing | #1 tournament fishing brand in Florida — dominant pre-owned demand | $150K+ |
| 4 | Bertram | American sportfishing | Deep-V hull designed for Miami conditions — iconic Florida brand | $80K+ |
| 5 | Riva | Italian heritage | Brand recognition unmatched — instantly identifiable on Miami waterways | $200K+ |
| 6 | Sanlorenzo | Italian semi-custom | Best resale value in Italian production segment — artisan positioning | $1.5M+ |
| 7 | Pershing | Italian performance | Fastest Italian production brand — strong day-cruiser demand | $400K+ |
| 8 | Sunseeker | British performance | Global recognition — Predator series popular for Florida coastal use | $150K+ |
| 9 | Westport | American composite | Strong US-built alternative to European superyachts — good FL service | $2M+ |
| 10 | Feadship | Dutch custom superyacht | Strongest resale of any brand globally — limited supply supports prices | $15M+ |
Most Popular Yachts by Category
Most Popular Motor Yachts in Miami — Best Motor Yachts for Florida
When buyers search for the best motor yachts in Florida, the motor yacht segment — typically 40–90 feet, flybridge or sport cruiser configuration — is the most active segment of the Miami pre-owned market. These are the most consistently sought-after motor yachts in South Florida:
| Model | Length | Why Popular | Pre-Owned Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azimut Flybridge 72 | 72 ft | 4-cabin layout, entertaining-focused, high liquidity | $1.5M – $1.9M |
| Ferretti 780 | 78 ft | Skydeck config, semi-displacement hull, strong resale | $2.2M – $2.8M |
| Riva 76′ Bahamas | 76 ft | Heritage brand recognition, timeless design, entertaining | $1.6M – $2.2M |
| Sanlorenzo SX76 | 76 ft | Innovative SX design, beach club, strong pre-owned demand | $1.8M – $2.4M |
| Sunseeker 86 Yacht | 86 ft | British performance, spacious layout, global resale | $2.3M – $3.0M |
| Pershing 9X | 88 ft | Performance flagship — fastest in its class | $2.2M – $3.0M |
Most Popular Sportfishing Yachts in Miami
South Florida has one of the most active offshore sportfishing communities in the world — and the brands that dominate this segment have earned their positions through consistent offshore performance in tough Gulf Stream conditions:
| Model | Length | Why Popular | Pre-Owned Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viking 62 Convertible | 62 ft | Tournament proven, highest resale in sportfish segment | $1.5M – $2.5M |
| Viking 52 Convertible | 52 ft | Best all-round offshore convertible under $1.5M | $800K – $1.3M |
| Bertram 54 Convertible | 54 ft | Deep-V hull, Miami DNA, loyal owner community | $300K – $700K |
| Bertram 46 Convertible | 46 ft | Most actively traded Bertram in South Florida market | $150K – $400K |
| Hatteras 60 Convertible | 60 ft | Interior volume, liveaboard capability, tournament fishing | $400K – $900K |
Most Popular Superyachts in Miami
The superyacht segment (80 feet and above) is more active in Miami than any other US market — driven by Port Everglades infrastructure, Florida’s $18,000 sales tax cap, and year-round boating conditions. Most popular superyachts currently in the South Florida market:
- Azimut Grande 26M–35M — most liquid Italian superyacht in Florida, $3M–$9M range
- Ferretti 1000 — flagship Italian production superyacht, $5M–$9M pre-owned
- Westport 130 — leading American composite superyacht, $4M–$8M pre-owned
- Feadship (various) — strongest resale globally, $15M–$80M+ depending on size and year
- Benetti B.Star — Azimut-Benetti Group semi-custom superyacht, $8M–$15M range
Popular Yacht Price Guide — Miami Market 2026
| Budget | Most Popular Brands | Most Popular Models | Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $500K | Bertram, Viking, Hatteras, Azimut (older) | Bertram 46, Viking 48, Azimut Flybridge 50 | 40–55 ft |
| $500K – $1.5M | Azimut, Ferretti, Viking, Sunseeker, Riva | Azimut Flybridge 60–65, Ferretti 670, Viking 52 | 55–70 ft |
| $1.5M – $4M | Azimut, Ferretti, Sanlorenzo, Riva, Pershing | Azimut Grande 26M, Ferretti 780, Sanlorenzo SX76 | 70–90 ft |
| $4M – $12M | Feadship, Westport, Ferretti, Sanlorenzo | Westport 130, Ferretti 1000, Grande 30M | 90–130 ft |
| Above $12M | Feadship, Lürssen, Oceanco, Heesen | Custom superyachts — bespoke to specification | 130 ft+ |
Buying a Luxury Yacht in Miami — Complete Buyer Guide
Buying a luxury yacht in Miami puts you in North America’s premier yacht market — and for good reason. The combination of year-round boating weather, Florida’s $18,000 sales tax cap, world-class marine infrastructure, and deep pre-owned inventory makes South Florida the logical starting point for any serious luxury yacht acquisition.
Florida Sales Tax Advantage
Florida caps yacht sales tax at $18,000 — regardless of purchase price. On a $3 million Ferretti or $8 million Westport, this cap represents a tax saving of $162,000 to $462,000 versus states without a cap. For buyers anywhere in the US, acquiring a yacht through a Florida-based broker and taking delivery in Florida is frequently the most tax-efficient acquisition structure available. Robert Lama at Miami International Yacht Sales guides buyers through this structure on every transaction.
Year-Round Use
Unlike the Northeast or Pacific Northwest — where yacht use is limited to 5–6 months per year — Miami offers 12-month boating. No seasonal haul-out, no winter lay-up costs, no crew off-season. This materially reduces the annual cost of ownership relative to non-Florida markets, and makes the per-use cost calculation significantly more favorable for buyers considering their first luxury yacht purchase.
Deep Pre-Owned Inventory
More luxury yachts are actively listed and traded in South Florida than in any other US market. At any given time, 200–400 luxury yachts in the 40–200 foot range are available through Miami and Fort Lauderdale brokerages — giving buyers genuine choice across brands, models, and price points without the thin inventory constraints common to other US markets.
What to Check Before Buying Any Popular Yacht in Miami
- Survey first — always. Every yacht purchase above $100,000 should include an independent marine survey by a certified SAMS or NAMS surveyor before any funds are committed. The survey cost ($1,500–$5,000 depending on size) is the best money a yacht buyer spends.
- Engine hours matter. 500–1,500 documented hours is the sweet spot for pre-owned motor yacht value. Below 300 hours often means the vessel was used infrequently — which can create its own mechanical issues from insufficient running time. Above 2,500 hours on original engines warrants deeper inspection.
- Maintenance records are everything. A popular yacht brand with poor maintenance documentation is worth significantly less than the same model with complete service history. Documented maintenance adds 10–20% to resale value — which means it adds the same to a purchase price. Verify records before accepting asking price.
- Florida-based vessels show better. South Florida’s saltwater environment and year-round use typically means South Florida-based yachts are better maintained than comparable examples from freshwater or seasonal-use markets. Regional history matters.
Most Popular Yacht Brands — In Depth
Riva Yachts — Italy’s Most Iconic Heritage Brand
Founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo, Riva is the most culturally recognized yacht brand in the world — favored by Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and the Duke of Windsor. Modern Riva motor yachts run from the 27-foot Aquariva Super to the 130-foot Bellissima motor superyacht, all defined by the unmistakable Riva design language: hand-polished wood, chrome accents, and an aesthetic that has never chased trends because it has never needed to. In Miami, Riva’s most popular models are the Riva 76′ Bahamas and Riva 88′ Florida — both immediate conversation starters at any marina. See our complete Riva vs Pershing vs Sunseeker comparison for detailed model and pricing analysis.
Ferretti Yachts — Best Italian Production Motor Yacht
Ferretti Yachts produces motor yachts from 40 to 100 feet — known for semi-displacement hull stability, wide-body interiors, and a resale performance that consistently outpaces Azimut at equivalent age. In Miami, the Ferretti 670–780 range is the most actively traded segment — four cabins, Gulf Stream-capable hull, and the Skydeck configuration that adds meaningful upper deck living space to vessels in this length range. Ferretti yachts for sale in Miami are available across the full range — new and pre-owned.
Sunseeker Yachts — British Performance Global Reach
Sunseeker’s Predator and Manhattan series are among the most globally recognized sport and motor yacht designs in production. Founded in Poole, England in 1969, Sunseeker covers 38 to 116 feet with a consistent performance-meets-lifestyle design philosophy. In South Florida, the Sunseeker Predator 55 and 65 are the most commonly seen models — fast enough for Bahamas day runs, comfortable enough for overnight stays, and visually distinctive on any Miami waterway.
Sanlorenzo Yachts — Best Italian Resale Value
Sanlorenzo is Italy’s most respected boutique semi-custom builder — producing approximately 200 vessels per year at controlled volume, which maintains scarcity in the pre-owned market that high-volume Italian competitors cannot match. The SX series — SX76, SX88, SX112 — represents Sanlorenzo’s most design-forward product line, with open-plan beach club layouts that reflect current superyacht ownership preferences. Sanlorenzo retains 60–70% of new price at 5 years — the strongest figure of any Italian production brand. See our top 10 yacht brands for resale value guide for full comparative data.
Bertram Yachts — Miami’s Deep-V Legend
Bertram Yachts was founded in Miami in 1960 — built specifically for South Florida’s offshore conditions. The deep-V hull that C. Raymond Hunt designed for Richard Bertram has become the global standard for offshore sportfishing boat design. In Miami, Bertram is more than a brand — it is part of the city’s maritime identity. Well-maintained Bertrams hold value better than most comparable American sportfishing brands in the South Florida market. The Bertram 31 is entering genuine collector territory. See our complete Bertram history and buyer’s guide for the full story.
Frequently Asked Questions — Most Popular Yachts
What are the most popular yacht brands?
The most popular best yacht brands globally by transaction volume include Azimut, Sunseeker, Princess, and Ferretti in the motor yacht segment. In the sportfishing segment, Viking and Bertram lead in the US market. In the superyacht segment, Feadship consistently ranks as the most respected brand for value retention and quality. In the Miami market specifically, Azimut and Ferretti lead on pre-owned volume, while Viking and Bertram dominate the sportfishing segment.
What is the most popular yacht size in Miami?
The 55–75 foot range is the most active segment in Miami’s pre-owned market — large enough for comfortable Bahamas overnight trips with guests, small enough to dock at most South Florida marinas without special arrangements and to be managed with a small crew or even owner-operated. The sweet spot for first-time luxury yacht buyers in Miami is typically the 55–65 foot flybridge motor yacht from Azimut, Ferretti, or a comparable Italian builder.
How much does a popular yacht cost in Miami?
Pre-owned popular yachts in Miami range from approximately $80,000 for older Bertram sportfishers to $3M+ for recent Italian motor yachts in the 70–85 foot range. New popular yachts — Azimut, Ferretti, Viking — start from approximately $800,000 for the most popular models and reach $5M+ for the upper end of production motor yachts. Annual operating costs run 8–12% of vessel value for actively used yachts in South Florida — fuel, crew, dockage, insurance, and maintenance.
What is the best yacht to buy in Florida?
For the typical Florida ownership pattern — day trips, Bahamas crossings, social entertaining — the best yacht to buy is one that fits three criteria: a hull designed for offshore conditions (Gulf Stream chop), a brand with active South Florida service infrastructure, and a pre-owned model from a year where the initial depreciation has settled. In practice, this points toward the Azimut Flybridge 60–72 range, the Ferretti 670–780 range, or the Viking 52–62 range depending on whether you prioritize entertaining or fishing. Robert Lama at Miami International Yacht Sales provides free, unaligned advice on which fits your specific situation — call +1-305-857-8939.
What is the best motor yacht to buy?
The best motor yacht depends on size, budget, and use. For buyers in the $1–3M range prioritizing entertaining and Bahamas access, the Ferretti 780 and Azimut Flybridge 72 are consistently rated the strongest all-round choices by experienced South Florida brokers. For buyers who prioritize speed, the Pershing 7X or 9X. For buyers who prioritize long-range passage making, the Azimut Magellano 60 or Westport 130. For buyers at the superyacht level ($8M+), Feadship offers the strongest long-term value retention of any option in the market.
Which popular yacht brand has the best resale value?
Feadship holds the best resale value of any brand — retaining 70–80% of new price at 5 years. In the production motor yacht segment, Sanlorenzo (60–70%) and Ferretti (55–65%) lead. Viking (65–75%) leads in the sportfishing segment. Azimut (50–60%) and Sunseeker (48–58%) offer good liquidity but lower value retention percentages. See our complete used yacht brands that hold value guide for the full ranking.
How do I buy a luxury yacht in Miami?
Buying a luxury yacht in Miami involves five steps: (1) define your requirements — size, use, budget including annual operating costs; (2) engage an independent IYBA-licensed broker who represents your interests, not a dealer’s inventory; (3) review active market and off-market listings; (4) commission an independent marine survey before making an offer; (5) structure closing through a Florida-based transaction to maximize the $18,000 sales tax cap benefit. Miami International Yacht Sales handles all five steps for buyers across every brand and size range — contact Robert Lama at +1-305-857-8939 to begin.
What are the most popular yachts for the Bahamas?
The most popular yachts for Bahamas crossings from Miami are motor yachts in the 45–75 foot range with proven offshore hull performance. Specific models consistently recommended for the Miami-Bahamas run: Azimut Flybridge 60 (most popular by volume), Ferretti 670 or 750 (best offshore ride quality), Viking 52 Convertible (best for anglers), Bertram 46 (best value for serious offshore fishing), and the Riva 76′ Bahamas (which takes its name directly from this passage). The 55-nm crossing to Bimini in typical summer conditions takes 90–120 minutes at cruise speed on any of these models.
What makes Bertram yachts so popular in Miami?
Bertram’s popularity in Miami is inseparable from the brand’s origins: founded in Miami in 1960, built for Gulf Stream conditions, tested on South Florida waters before any other market. The deep-V hull handles the short-period steep chop between Miami and the Bahamas better than any comparable hull design at equivalent size. This offshore performance, combined with a fiercely loyal South Florida owner community and strong pre-owned resale values in the local market, keeps Bertram demand consistently high across all market conditions. See our complete Bertram history guide for the full story.
Buy a Luxury Yacht in Miami — Talk to Robert Lama
Ready to buy luxury yacht Miami buyers consistently choose Miami over other US markets for three reasons: the $18,000 sales tax cap, 12-month boating season, and North America’s deepest pre-owned inventory. Buying a luxury yacht in Miami — or buy a luxury yacht in Miami — through an independent IYBA broker costs buyers nothing — the seller pays all commission. Ready to buy a luxury yacht in Miami? Miami International Yacht Sales has been connecting buyers with the most popular yachts in South Florida since 2011. Every acquisition is handled personally by Robert Lama — IYBA-licensed Principal Broker — with access to active listings, off-market inventory, and 14 years of Miami brokerage experience across every brand in this guide.
- 📞 Phone: +1-305-857-8939
- 📧 Email: bob@miamiys.com
- 📍 Address: 953 Harbor View N, Hollywood, FL 33019
Browse our current listings at yacht search or explore our top yacht brands 2026 guide for a full market perspective.
Robert Lama is the founder and principal broker of Miami International Yacht Sales, an IYBA-member luxury yacht brokerage based in South Florida. With over 13 years of experience in 100’–250′ class superyacht transactions, Robert has facilitated multi-million dollar acquisitions and new builds with leading shipyards in Italy and the Netherlands. His background in Commercial Real Estate in New York gives him a unique edge in complex yacht deal structuring and negotiation.