Yacht brokers are the fortunate individuals whose job it is to find bone fide buyers and sellers of used and new yachts and bring them together in such a way that they, and the brokers, walk away from the completion of a sale as pleased as can be. Nice and simple!

However, Wikipedia has a more precise description. “A yacht broker is a specialist who serves yacht or boat sellers and/or buyers as a representative for the sale or purchase of a yacht or boat. The yacht broker is paid an agreed commission by the seller to market the yacht for sale, field interest and inquiries from buyers, handle negotiations, attend inspection and water trial and ultimately, if successful, to attend delivery. A buyer’s broker may assist their client in locating and qualifying a vessel and assisting with purchase negotiations but is typically not paid a commission by buyer and instead shares in the commission paid by the seller to their broker. These two roles are referred to as Listing Broker (representing the seller and vessel) and Selling Broker (representing buyer)”. 

Jonathan has spent over 35 years of his working life as a yacht broker of medium and large yachts, and as the director of three yacht sales and charter brokerage companies. Camper & Nicholsons International for Spain, Maritimo Yachts and Comercial Náutica.

David took a different path in the industry also beginning over 35 years ago, however, as a yacht owner. This led him to the acquisition of the world-renowned American yacht builder, Burger Boat Company. Soon after taking the reins, he opened a brokerage and charter company, Burger Yacht Sales in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and an international sales company in Monaco, Burger Boat Company, S.A.M.

Both the industry and the job have evolved considerably over recent years as regulation has become increasingly complex and the internet has made access to information and listings more readily available. Finding a desirable yacht at the right price or a willing purchaser is no longer the most challenging task for brokers; It is more about ensuring that all the paperwork, due diligence, compliancy, KYC and bureaucratic issues are dealt with professionally and as unobtrusively as possible during a sale.

In the following pages there are brief descriptions of the type of yachts and the different uses that can be made of them. This is mainly directed at newcomers to yachting and to people looking to know a little more about our world. What is wonderful about yachting is the many different ways in which one can express oneself and enjoy the yachting lifestyle. Just look at the diversity of boats and yachts in any marina or at boat shows.

Hamilton Marine International offers personalised brokerage services to novice and experienced buyers and sellers of yachts, and consultancy to industry professionals and institutions on a wide range of issues, representing their interests and bringing clarity and peace of mind. Our services are charged hourly, at a daily or per-project rate, can be partly commission based or as mutually agreed with clients.