As the economic downturn endures new boat sales are undoubtedly taking a pounding. But Mallorca-based Vitesse Yachts, specialists in both yacht charter and brokerage for more than a decade, has noted that the second-hand market is sparking to life with bargain hunters out in force.
Director of Vitesse Yachts’ Puerto Portals office, William Haycock, observes, “Where there’s distress there’s opportunity and the allure of a cut-price used-yacht has temporarily put the brakes on the from-the-factory market. We have a number of boat owners who are highly motivated to sell due to personal financial reasons and also a number of bank repossessions where prices have been slashed considerably. We’ve not seen such value for money in years.”
William continues, “Some people however are under the misapprehension that they have plenty of time to window-shop and wait for that perfect deal. The problem is that the most attractive propositions simply aren’t hanging around on the market. We have one example of a client keen to secure a 50ft yacht with a budget of around 300,000 pounds. He missed out on no less than three potential candidates before realising the buoyancy of the distressed second hand market and snapping up the fourth before someone else did.”
As the mercury starts edging downwards and the holiday season draws to a close, the serious buyers will come out in force. So the message is - if you’re in the market for a new yacht, get your finances in place and broker a deal before someone else beats you to it.
On the market:
2004 Fairline Phantom 50 – Beautifully presented 2004 Fairline Phantom 50 fully fitted to a Mediterranean specification. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D12 engines, this boat has a maximum speed of 32 knots and is category II charter coded for 12 people. With seven berths arranged across four cabins including an en-suite owner’s double, en-suite VIP guest double, twin cabin to starboard and single crew cabin with basin. The roomy galley has a Sharp combi microwave, three-ring electric hob, sink and fridge with two further fridges – one in the saloon bar and one on the sports flybridge. Finished with cream carpets and cream leather upholstery, this yacht has hot and cold air-conditioning with separate controls to the three main cabins as well flatscreen televisions in the owner’s and VIP guest double. The saloon has a further flatscreen alongside DVD and video player. Additional features include a hydraulic Bezenzoni passerelle, 250kg lift, bow thrusters, generator, sea fire extinguishing system, two six-man life rafts and electrical equipment courtesy of Raymarine, Shipmate and Autohelm autopilot. Avon Seasport 3.2DL jet rib available as an extra.
Price – just £280,000 GBP ex-tax.
For further information or a viewing contact Vitesse Yachts on tel 00 34 971 676 011, email william@vitesseyachts.com or visit www.vitesseyachts.com
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