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IYG’s guide to making the most of your time at any major boat show.
Boat shows can be daunting, whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned industry veteran. They’re large, often hot, and involve plenty of walking. But approached with a plan, they can also be enjoyable and highly useful when evaluating a yacht purchase. The brokers at the Italian Yacht Group have attended more boat shows than they can count, and they have gleaned some extremely helpful insights into making the most of your time on the docks.
How to Build a Yacht Show Shortlist
There are far more yachts at a major boat show than any one person can see in a week. To ensure that you get your eyes on the yacht you might end up buying, you should sit down with your broker first for a discussion. Once your broker understands your needs, he can pick a group of comparable yachts, book appointments, and map them out in an easily walkable tour.
“First-time buyers often try to see every yacht at a show, which can quickly become overwhelming,” says IYG broker Robbie LaGuardia. “Well before the show begins, I recommend defining how buyers plan to use the yacht, identifying a few genuine priorities, and drafting a list of compelling yachts. A focused shortlist creates more time for meaningful comparisons and beneficial conversations with brokers, captains, and shipyards.”
Best Days to Attend a Boat Show
Boat shows typically begin mid-week and run through Sunday. Buyers looking for more time aboard yachts may want to avoid the weekend, when the docks are typically busiest. The first couple of days are usually the best time for serious comparisons, when the docks are quieter and you can take your time aboard each yacht without feeling rushed. Starting early not only helps minimize crowds but also gives you more time to see the show before temperatures peak in the afternoon.
What to Bring to a Yacht Show
You don’t want to be lugging too much around at the show, but there are a few small items that will make a world of difference. “Comfortable shoes are a must,” says IYG broker Patrick Hopkins. “You’ll also want to bring good sunscreen, some water, and maybe a wide-brim hat to keep the sun at bay.” One other pro tip is to bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket. You can’t help but shake dozens of hands on any given boat-show day.
What to Look for When Touring a Yacht
Once you step aboard a yacht you are seriously considering, it helps to evaluate it through two different lenses. First: Will I enjoy being aboard this yacht? Second: Will I enjoy owning this yacht? The questions sound similar, but they lead to very different considerations.
“You want to get a good look at the accommodations, the entertainment spaces, the design, all of the things that will help you enjoy spending time on the yacht,” says IYG president Boomer Jousma. “But you also need to inspect all the technical spaces, most importantly the engine room. It may not seem obvious, but these are really the drivers of long-term enjoyment of your yacht, as well as its future resale value when it’s time to move into something else.”
Questions to Ask When Viewing a Yacht
When walking a yacht, ask the questions that will help you determine whether it fits your intended use and ownership priorities. Ask about refit and service history. Find out the realistic cruising range at the speed you want to run, ascertain how many crew you’ll need, and what the ultimate annual running cost will be. For new builds, ask about customization options and expected delivery timing, both of which can vary considerably by shipyard.
Lastly, Robbie LaGuardia recommends asking a less obvious, but particularly useful, question: “I advise my clients to ask ‘What would make this the wrong yacht for me?’” he says. Perhaps the range isn’t right, maybe the accommodations were shrunk for engine room space or vice versa, or perhaps the draft is too deep for your favorite anchorage. That one candid question can reveal compromises that may otherwise become frustrations later in ownership.
From Boat Show Viewing to Sea Trial
After you’ve seen your top picks, have your broker set up sea trials so you can see how the yacht actually behaves on the water. Then go home, compare notes with anyone else who was aboard, and sleep on the decision. After a long day of comparisons, conversations, and time aboard several yachts, some distance from the show can make it easier to evaluate which options deserve a closer look.
