Buying or selling a yacht isn’t a simple transaction. You’re dealing with a complex asset that involves large sums of money, detailed paperwork, surveys, sea trials, and negotiations. That’s where yacht brokers come in.

At 36° Brokers, our team are specialists who guide buyers and sellers through this process. From marketing yachts to handling offers and ensuring smooth closings, here’s everything you need to know about what yacht brokers do - and why working with an experienced team like ours makes all the difference.

What Does a Yacht Broker Do?

Think of yacht brokers much like real estate agents - but for boats. Typically paid by the seller through a commission, their role covers every step of the sales journey:

Marketing the Yacht

At 36° Brokers, we give every listing maximum exposure. This includes:

• Professional Presentation - We work with experienced marine photographers to capture high-quality imagery, paired with polished write-ups and detailed specifications.
• Brokerage Website - Our own 36° Brokers website (with dedicated brand pages for Beneteau, Lagoon, and Excess) and our extensive buyer database.
• Local Platforms - Trade Me and New Zealand - based channels to target domestic buyers.
• Global Platforms -YachtWorld, Boats.com, Yacht Hub, Boats Online & Boat Seekr. 
• Print & digital advertising - Features in Boating New Zealand, Social Media, and exposure through our monthly brochures and Email Marketing.
• In-office presence - A3 window listings displayed in all 36° offices across Auckland, Opua, Marsden Cove, and Picton.
• Events & Shows - Showcasing listings at boat shows, open days, and sponsorship events to generate face-to-face interest.
  
  

Setting a Fair Price.

With access to market data and recent sales, brokers help sellers establish realistic, competitive asking prices that attract buyers without undervaluing the yacht.

Screening Buyers

We filter enquiries, arrange viewings, and organise sea trials with qualified prospects, saving sellers from time-wasters and ensuring genuine interest.

Negotiating

Our team manages offers, counteroffers, and contracts to ensure a fair outcome while keeping the process professional and transparent.

Managing paperwork and closing

Selling a yacht involves more than just signing an agreement. At 36° Brokers, we:

• Draft and manage Sale & Purchase Agreements
• Coordinate surveys, sea trials, and inspections
• Oversee deposit handling through our licensed trust account
• Manage ownership transfers & registrations.
• Advise on tax and import considerations.
• Assist buyers with marine finance options if needed

Every detail is handled to keep the deal moving smoothly to settlement, giving both buyer and seller confidence throughout.

How Yacht Brokers Help Buyers

Working with a yacht broker as a buyer comes at no direct cost - the seller pays the commission. This means buyers get professional guidance and representation without additional fees. The advantages include:

• Finding the right yacht - Access to both public and off-market listings, plus insight into time on market and seller motivation.
• Objective advice - A professional broker will evaluate condition, maintenance history, and value, offering honest recommendations.
• Guidance through the process - From arranging surveys and interpreting reports to negotiating repairs, a broker ensures you ask the right questions.
• After-sales support - At 36° Brokers, our relationship doesn’t end at settlement. We assist with berthage arrangements, connect you with trusted local trades and service providers, and remain available for advice as you step into ownership.

Why Use a Yacht Broker?

• Reduce stress - A broker ensures the entire process runs smoothly.
  
• Global exposure - Your yacht gains visibility on platforms that private sellers can’t usually access, through a well-established brokerage.
  
• Accurate pricing and faster sales - Brokers track market data to set prices correctly.
• Professionalism and protection - Many brokers, including our team, follow strict industry codes of conduct.
• Market insight - With offices across New Zealand and Tahiti, 36° Brokers monitors buyer trends across the South Pacific, helping you time your sale or purchase.

Professional Standards You Can Trust

Unlike real estate, yacht brokerage in New Zealand isn’t governed by a licensing system. Instead, the industry is built on trust, reputation, and results. At 36° Brokers, we hold ourselves to the highest professional standards, ensuring every transaction is handled with transparency, integrity, and care.

With years of experience representing world-leading brands and hundreds of successful sales across New Zealand and the South Pacific, our clients can be confident they’re working with a team that knows the market inside and out.

Choosing the Right Yacht Broker

Not all brokers are the same - the best results come from working with someone who understands your type of yacht and your local market.

• Experience with your style of boat - Some brokers specialise in power, others in sail or multihulls. Choosing someone with a proven track record in your category ensures better advice, marketing, and buyer reach.
• Local knowledge - A broker based near your boat understands the marina, berthage, and buyer pool in that area, which can make all the difference in generating the right enquiries.
• Trust & fit - Beyond experience, you should feel confident in your broker’s communication and approach - this is a partnership.

At 36° Brokers, our team includes specialists in sail, power, and multihulls, based across Auckland, Opua, Marsden Cove, Picton, and Tahiti. Wherever your yacht is located, there’s a broker on our team with the right expertise to represent it.

The 36° Brokers Difference

At 36° Brokers, we’re more than salespeople- we’re trusted advisers who safeguard your interests, provide market insights, and deliver results. With offices across New Zealand and Tahiti, we combine global reach with local expertise.

Whether you’re considering selling your yacht or beginning your ownership journey, our certified team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

View our current listings
Thinking of Selling ? Talk to one of our Brokers.
Explore yacht finance options.

Partnering with an experienced yacht broker makes buying or selling a yacht smoother, faster, and more successful. At 36° Brokers, our commitment is to make every transaction transparent, stress-free, and rewarding - on and off the water.