Top 10 Used Yacht Brands That Hold Their Value Over Time

By Robert Lama, President — Miami International Yacht Sales | Updated August 2026

Not all luxury yachts depreciate equally. Some brands lose 40–50% of their value in five years. Others retain 60–70% — or more. After 14 years of buying and selling yachts in Miami’s pre-owned market, the pattern is consistent: the brand matters almost as much as the condition when it comes to resale value.

This guide ranks the ten used yacht brands that consistently hold their value best — with specific resale data, the models within each brand that perform strongest in the secondary market, and what South Florida buyers need to know about each brand’s local availability and dealer support.

📞 Want a market valuation on a specific pre-owned yacht? Call Robert Lama: +1-305-857-8939

What Makes a Yacht Hold Its Value? — 5 Key Factors

Before ranking the brands, understanding what drives resale value is essential. Buyers who grasp these factors make better acquisition decisions — and better exit decisions when the time comes to sell.

Factor Why It Matters High-Value Signal
Limited production volume Scarcity keeps secondary market prices firm Custom yards (Feadship, Sanlorenzo) vs high-volume builders
Brand loyalty and community Loyal buyers return — creating sustained demand Viking, Bertram owner communities in South Florida
Build quality and longevity Quality construction holds up — fewer deferred repair discounts at sale Steel/aluminum hulls (Feadship, Westport composite)
Service network strength Buyers pay more when service is accessible Brands with active US dealer + service networks
Design longevity Timeless aesthetics don’t look dated at resale Riva, Sanlorenzo — design that ages gracefully

The brands that score highest on all five factors consistently outperform in the pre-owned market. The rankings below reflect 14 years of Miami brokerage data, YATCO and YachtWorld price tracking, and direct transaction experience across all ten brands.

Top 10 Used Yacht Brands That Hold Their Value — Ranked

1. Feadship — Best Overall Resale Value (Superyacht Segment)

Feadship is the gold standard of superyacht resale value. No other production or custom builder consistently retains value at the same level — driven by three factors that no competitor can easily replicate: fully custom construction (no two Feadships are identical), extraordinarily limited annual output (3–5 vessels per year), and sustained demand from UHNW buyers who specifically seek out Feadship pedigree.

Metric Feadship Data
5-year value retention 70–80% of original price
10-year value retention 55–65% of original price
Annual production 3–5 vessels per year
Price range (pre-owned) $15M – $300M+
Best-holding models Custom builds 50–90m with strong design heritage
Miami market liquidity Moderate — sells internationally, not primarily in Florida

Robert Lama’s take: Feadship is the safest long-term value store in the superyacht segment. If you buy a well-maintained Feadship at a fair price, you will rarely lose significantly on resale — and you may break even or improve on your entry price in a strong market. The challenge is that the entry point starts at $15M+ and there are rarely more than 20–25 Feadships on the open market globally at any given time. See our complete Feadship builder comparison for more context on how the yard sits relative to Dutch and German competitors.

2. Sanlorenzo — Best Resale in Italian Semi-Custom Segment

Sanlorenzo is Italy’s most respected boutique semi-custom builder — and its pre-owned values reflect that positioning. Sanlorenzo deliberately limits annual production volume even though it could build more, maintaining scarcity in the secondary market that Italian high-volume competitors like Azimut cannot match.

Metric Sanlorenzo Data
5-year value retention 60–70% of new price
Best segment 40–62 meter range (SL102, SL106, SX112)
Price range (pre-owned) $1.5M – $30M+
Design longevity Excellent — understated aesthetics age well
Miami availability Good — growing Florida presence, active pre-owned market

The Sanlorenzo SX series — particularly the SX76, SX88, and SX112 — has become one of the most sought-after modern designs in the 25–35 meter production semi-custom market. Hybrid propulsion options and flexible deck use make these models attractive to the next generation of buyers, supporting stronger resale values over time.

3. Viking Yachts — Best Resale in Sportfishing Segment

In the 35–90 foot sportfishing and convertible segment, Viking Yachts has the strongest resale value of any brand — American or European. Viking is family-owned (New Gretna, New Jersey, since 1964) and has never been sold to a corporate conglomerate. That consistency of ownership translates into consistency of build quality and brand identity, which the secondary market consistently rewards.

Metric Viking Data
5-year value retention 65–75% of new price
Best-holding models Viking 62, 68, 80 Convertible — tournament-rigged
Price range (pre-owned) $150K – $4M+
Miami market liquidity Very high — tournament fishing community, active Bahamas use
Maintenance advantage Parts and service widely available in South Florida

For Miami buyers who offshore fish seriously, Viking is the benchmark brand. The tournament fishing community in South Florida specifically targets Viking convertibles — creating sustained buyer demand that keeps pre-owned prices firm. A well-maintained Viking 62 Convertible from 2015–2019 is among the most liquid sportfishing assets in the Florida market.

4. Ferretti Yachts — Best Italian Production Resale Value

Among Italian production motor yacht builders — Azimut, Ferretti, Princess, Sunseeker — Ferretti consistently retains the most value over 5–10 years. The reason is structural: Ferretti’s semi-displacement hull produces a heavier, more durably built vessel than comparable Azimut planing hulls, and interior finish quality ages more gracefully, reducing the cosmetic discount buyers apply to older examples.

Metric Ferretti Data
5-year value retention 55–65% of new price
Best-holding models Ferretti 780, 850, 920 — Skydeck configurations
Price range (pre-owned) $500K – $10M+
Miami availability Excellent — largest Italian brand presence in South Florida
vs Azimut at 5 years Ferretti retains ~5–8% more of original price

The Ferretti 780 Skydeck (introduced 2021) is already showing strong early resale signals in the Miami market — the additional deck space configuration is consistently cited by buyers as a premium they are willing to pay, supporting secondary values. See our detailed Azimut vs Ferretti comparison for a full head-to-head on resale data.

5. Azimut — Best Volume Brand for Resale Liquidity

Azimut does not retain value as strongly as Ferretti or Sanlorenzo percentage-wise — but it sells faster. The brand’s broad recognition, high production volume, and wide buyer awareness mean that a well-priced Azimut typically moves more quickly than an equivalent Ferretti in the pre-owned market. For sellers who prioritize time-to-sale over maximum exit price, this liquidity advantage matters.

Metric Azimut Data
5-year value retention 50–60% of new price
Best-holding models Azimut Grande 25M, Azimut 78 — upper range holds better
Price range (pre-owned) $400K – $8M+
Miami liquidity Highest of any Italian brand — widest buyer pool
Best for Buyers planning 3–5 year holds who want easy exit

Azimut’s ARS hull design (later models) and IPS pod drive systems are also positives for resale — buyers increasingly understand these engineering features and pay for them, which supports secondary values on post-2015 Azimut production.

6. Riva — Best Heritage Brand for Collector Value

Riva occupies a unique position: it is the only major Italian yacht brand with genuine collector value. Classic Riva Aquarama runabouts from the 1960s and 1970s sell today for multiples of their original price. This heritage premium flows forward — modern Riva motor yachts command a brand premium over technically equivalent Ferretti Group siblings that is measurable in pre-owned market data.

Metric Riva Data
Classic models (pre-1980) Appreciation possible — genuine collector market
Modern models (5-year retention) 55–65% — premium over Azimut equivalents
Best-holding modern models Riva 88′ Florida, Riva 110′ Dolcevita
Price range (pre-owned) $200K – $12M+ depending on era
Miami recognition Very high — immediately recognizable hull profile

7. Bertram — Best Sportfish Resale Under $1.5M

In the under-$1.5M sportfishing market, Bertram retains value better than any competitor in the Miami and South Florida pre-owned market. The brand’s deep-V hull design, loyal owner community, and Miami-specific performance credentials create consistent demand that keeps pricing firm — particularly for 40–54 foot models in documented condition.

Metric Bertram Data
5-year value retention (modern) 55–65%
Best-holding models Bertram 46, Bertram 54 — documented with service history
Price range (pre-owned) $80K – $1.5M+
Miami market advantage Strongest single brand loyalty in South Florida sportfishing
Classic models Bertram 31 — collector category, appreciation possible

The Bertram 31’s collector trajectory is worth noting specifically. Well-restored 1960s–1970s examples now trade at prices that would have seemed implausible a decade ago — genuine maritime heritage commands genuine premiums. For the complete Bertram story, see our complete Bertram history and buyer’s guide.

8. Westport — Best American Composite Brand for Resale

Westport Yachts (Port Angeles, Washington) produces composite motor yachts in the 112–164 foot range — and holds pre-owned value better than most American production competitors. The brand’s controlled production volume, consistent build quality, and strong Florida service network contribute to secondary market performance that outperforms Hatteras and most domestic competitors in the same size range.

Metric Westport Data
5-year value retention 55–65%
Best-holding models Westport 130, Westport 164 — well-specified examples
Price range (pre-owned) $2M – $15M+
Miami market Good — active South Florida presence
vs European competitors 20–30% lower acquisition cost than Feadship equivalent; faster delivery

9. Princess — Best Value Retention Under $1M (British)

Princess Yachts (Plymouth, UK) produces one of the most liquid pre-owned markets in the 40–75 foot segment globally. While value retention percentage is comparable to Azimut (50–60% at 5 years), Princess benefits from a genuinely global secondary market — buyers from the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas all actively seek Princess pre-owned, which keeps prices competitive even in softer markets.

Metric Princess Data
5-year value retention 50–60%
Best-holding models Princess S72, Princess Y85 — sport bridge configurations
Price range (pre-owned) $150K – $5M+
Global liquidity Excellent — one of the most actively traded pre-owned brands worldwide
Miami availability Good — Florida dealer network established

10. Sunseeker — Best Performance Brand for Pre-Owned Value

Sunseeker (Poole, UK) targets buyers who prioritize styling and performance over engineering conservatism. The brand’s Predator and Manhattan lines in the 55–95 foot range have developed a strong secondary market — particularly among buyers in Florida, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean who want British performance aesthetics without the Italian production market’s volume-driven depreciation curve.

Metric Sunseeker Data
5-year value retention 50–60%
Best-holding models Sunseeker 86 Yacht, Sunseeker 95 Yacht — upper range
Price range (pre-owned) $300K – $6M+
Miami availability Moderate — growing Florida presence
Design appeal Sporty British aesthetic — strong buyer recognition

Complete Resale Value Comparison — All 10 Brands

Rank Brand Segment 5-Yr Retention Pre-Owned Entry Miami Liquidity
1 Feadship Custom superyacht 50m+ 70–80% $15M+ Moderate
2 Sanlorenzo Semi-custom 24–62m 60–70% $1.5M+ Good
3 Viking Yachts Sportfish 35–90 ft 65–75% $150K+ Very High
4 Ferretti Yachts Italian motor 40–100 ft 55–65% $500K+ Excellent
5 Azimut Italian motor 34–116 ft 50–60% $400K+ Highest
6 Riva Heritage + motor 27–130 ft 55–65% (+ collector) $200K+ Good
7 Bertram US sportfish 28–61 ft 55–65% $80K+ Very High (FL)
8 Westport US composite 112–164 ft 55–65% $2M+ Good
9 Princess British motor 40–75 ft 50–60% $150K+ Good
10 Sunseeker British performance 40–95 ft 50–60% $300K+ Moderate

Best Used Yacht Brands by Budget — Miami Buyer’s Guide

Best Yacht Brands Under $500K

In the sub-$500K pre-owned market, the brands with the strongest resale and the most active secondary markets in South Florida are Bertram (sportfishing, 28–40 ft), Princess (motor yacht, 40–50 ft), and Azimut (motor yacht, 40–55 ft). Viking Yachts also appear in this range for older models. All four have active service networks in Miami and Fort Lauderdale — critical for the ongoing maintenance costs that determine real cost of ownership in this segment.

Best Yacht Brands $500K–$2M

This is the most active pre-owned segment in the South Florida market. Ferretti (60–80 ft), Azimut (60–80 ft), Viking (50–70 ft), and Riva (modern motor yachts 50–70 ft) all offer strong value retention and active Miami-area buyer pools. Ferretti leads on resale percentage; Azimut leads on liquidity (time to sell). For buyers planning a 5–7 year hold, Ferretti’s slightly stronger value retention typically outweighs Azimut’s liquidity advantage.

Best Yacht Brands $2M–$10M

At this level, Sanlorenzo, Ferretti (900+ range), Westport, and Riva (larger motor superyachts) dominate. Sanlorenzo’s combination of artisan Italian build quality, design longevity, and production scarcity makes it the strongest resale bet in this price range for buyers who plan to own 7–10 years. Westport offers comparable value retention at a lower per-foot cost than Italian equivalents.

Best Yacht Brands Above $10M

Above $10 million, Feadship leads on resale value with no close competitor. Sanlorenzo and Lürssen are second-tier options with strong secondary market performance. For buyers acquiring at this level, Robert Lama’s recommendation is consistent: buy a Feadship at a fair price and hold it. The downside risk in the secondary market is meaningfully lower than for Italian production or semi-custom alternatives at equivalent price points. See our guide to the mega yachts and superyachts for sale in Miami for current availability at this level.

Best Small Yacht Brands That Hold Value

For buyers in the 35–60 foot range — the most active segment of the South Florida used yacht market — these are the brands with the strongest resale performance specifically in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale corridor:

  • Viking Yachts (35–55 ft): Strongest resale in the sportfishing segment under $1M. Tournament fishing community creates sustained demand. Best small Viking models for resale: Viking 48 Convertible, Viking 52 Convertible.
  • Bertram (28–40 ft): Classic deep-V sportfishers hold value exceptionally well in South Florida. Bertram 31 entering collector territory. Service infrastructure locally strong.
  • Azimut (40–55 ft): Most liquid Italian brand under $1M. Wide buyer pool speeds exit. Azimut 50, 55, and 60 represent the strongest value at this size.
  • Ferretti (40–55 ft): Retains slightly more value than Azimut at equivalent age; sells more slowly. Best choice for owners who prioritize value over exit speed.
  • Princess (40–55 ft): Global liquidity advantage — active secondary market in US, Europe, and Middle East simultaneously. Princess V58 and V65 hold well.

Most Reliable Yacht Brands — Build Quality vs Resale Value

Resale value and build reliability are related but not identical. These are the brands consistently rated highest on long-term mechanical reliability by marine surveyors and owners with documented maintenance history:

  • Feadship — Engineering precision unmatched in the segment. 100-year hull design life with proper maintenance is not marketing; it reflects actual structural standards.
  • Viking Yachts — American family ownership since 1964 means no cost-cutting from corporate acquisition cycles. Build consistency is the strongest in the production sportfishing market.
  • Westport — Composite construction and consistent production standards result in fewer structural surprises at survey than most competitors.
  • Sanlorenzo — Artisan production at controlled volume means each hull receives attention that high-volume builders cannot provide at similar price points.
  • Bertram — The deep-V hull’s offshore performance in rough water is inseparable from its structural integrity — a hull that pounds less fatigues less. 50+ year old Bertrams still fishing offshore prove the structural case.

Frequently Asked Questions — Used Yacht Brands and Resale Value

Which yacht brand holds its value best overall?

Feadship holds value best in the superyacht segment — retaining 70–80% of original price at 5 years. In the production motor yacht segment, Viking Yachts (sportfishing, 65–75% at 5 years) and Sanlorenzo (semi-custom, 60–70%) lead. Ferretti holds value best among Italian production brands. The brand that holds value “best overall” depends entirely on your segment and budget.

What are the best used yacht brands under $1 million?

In the under-$1M pre-owned market in Miami, the best brands for value retention and liquidity are Bertram (sportfishing, $80K–$500K range), Viking (sportfishing, $150K–$800K range), Princess (motor yacht, $150K–$600K), and Azimut (motor yacht, $400K–$1M). Ferretti also appears in the upper end of this range — slightly slower to sell than Azimut but retaining more value over 5+ years.

Which yacht brands have the best resale value in Miami specifically?

In the Miami and South Florida market specifically, Viking, Bertram, Ferretti, and Azimut lead on pre-owned liquidity — driven by the active sportfishing community, year-round boating season, and deep dealer/service infrastructure. Feadship and Sanlorenzo hold the strongest value percentages but sell internationally rather than primarily through Miami brokerage. For buyers acquiring and selling within the South Florida market, Viking and Ferretti offer the best combination of value retention and local liquidity.

Do Italian yacht brands hold their value?

Yes — Italian brands generally hold their value reasonably well in the US market, with meaningful differences by brand. Sanlorenzo retains 60–70% at 5 years; Ferretti 55–65%; Azimut 50–60%; Princess and Sunseeker (British) also 50–60%. Riva commands a heritage premium. The Italian brands that hold value least well are high-volume entry-level builders where depreciation is steepest in years 1–3. Buying a 3–5 year old Italian production yacht (rather than new) is typically the better value entry point.

How much do luxury yachts depreciate per year? — Yacht Depreciation Guide

Yacht depreciation is steepest in years 1–3 (15–20% per year on production yachts) then flattens significantly from years 4–10 (5–10% per year). Custom built yachts (Feadship, Sanlorenzo, Westport) depreciate more slowly in years 1–3 because their initial pricing reflects individual specification rather than production-line margin. By year 10, most production yachts have settled at 40–55% of their new purchase price; custom-built examples from top yards retain 50–65%.

Is buying a used yacht a good investment?

Yachts are not investment vehicles in the traditional sense — they depreciate and generate significant ongoing costs. However, buying a well-maintained pre-owned yacht from a brand with strong resale demand (Feadship, Viking, Ferretti) at an appropriate market price is fundamentally different from buying a poorly maintained vessel from a low-demand brand at an overinflated price. The “investment” framing that makes sense for yachts is not capital appreciation but rather cost-per-day-of-use — which, for an owner who uses the boat 8–14 weeks per year, can compare favorably to equivalent charter rates.

Which yacht brands are most popular in Miami?

Miami’s most actively traded pre-owned brands are Azimut, Ferretti, Viking, and Bertram — by transaction volume. Riva has strong brand recognition on South Florida waterways. Feadship, Sanlorenzo, and Westport are present but trade less frequently in the local Florida market, selling more through national and international brokerage networks. For current availability across all these brands, browse our current Miami yacht listings.

What should I look for when buying a pre-owned yacht to maximize resale value?

Five things determine exit value more than anything else: (1) brand and model — choose from the list above; (2) condition and maintenance records — documented service history adds 10–20% to resale price vs undocumented equivalents; (3) engine hours — 500–1,500 hours is the sweet spot for value; (4) geographic history — South Florida-based boats often show less freshwater corrosion than boats from Great Lakes or northern markets; (5) equipment specification — tournament-ready rigging on a Viking or Bertram commands premium; dated electronics on any brand hurt resale. Robert Lama provides independent resale value assessments for any pre-owned yacht before acquisition — call +1-305-857-8939 for a private consultation.

Ready to Find a Used Yacht That Will Hold Its Value?

At Miami International Yacht Sales, every acquisition we recommend is evaluated for resale value — not just current condition. Robert Lama’s 14 years of specialist brokerage in the South Florida market means the advice you receive is grounded in real transaction data, not generalized brand rankings.

Whether you are buying your first pre-owned motor yacht or upgrading from your current vessel to a brand with stronger resale credentials, the conversation starts with a direct call.

For a full ranking of all major yacht brands by build quality, resale value, and CE certification, see our top yacht brands 2026 guide covering 20 brands across every major category.

Browse our current superyacht and mega yacht listings or explore our top yacht brands 2026 guide for a full market perspective before reaching out.