Whether you’re eyeing a speedboat for summer fun or a luxury motor yacht for serious cruising, understanding the Canadian used yacht market can help you shop smarter and save thousands. With decades of combined brokerage experience, Luxury Yachts Co. has helped countless buyers navigate this complex landscape, offering a curated inventory of inspected pre-owned vessels, transparent market insights, and buyer-friendly financing options.
In this guide, you’ll find real-world pricing for various boat types and sizes—ranging from $10,000 for older or basic pontoon models to $2 million for pre-owned yachts. We’ll also cover key market trends, ownership costs, and what kind of maintenance budget to expect.
Used Yacht Prices by Category
Prices for used boats and yachts in Canada vary widely based on type, size, brand, age, and condition. On listing sites, asking prices range from around $10,000 for smaller used boats up to $2.5 million for large luxury yachts.
At Luxury Yachts Co., for example, the current yacht inventory spans from as low as $30,000 CAD for classic cruisers to $1.5 million CAD for newer, high-performance luxury yachts, including trusted brands like Azimut, Sea Ray, Carver, and Sunseeker. This range offers something for every buyer, whether you’re shopping for a budget-friendly weekender or a fully loaded, ocean-ready motor yacht.
Below we discuss the pricing data for used yachts in Canada, sourced from reputable yacht brokerage websites and market reports. These reflect the diverse pricing across different yacht categories and conditions in the Canadian market.
| Category | Used Price Range (CAD) | Typical Size Range (ft) |
| Small Motorboats / Speedboats | $10,000 – $50,000+ | 18–30 |
| Pontoon Boats | $10,000 – $60,000+ | 18–25 |
| Cruiser Yachts | $80,000 – $300,000+ | 25–45 |
| Sport & Performance Boats | $20,000 – $150,000+ | 20–40+ |
| Luxury Motor Yachts | $150,000 – $2,000,000+ | 40–100+ |
Small Motorboats and Speedboats
These include bowriders, runabouts, and performance speedboats (often 18–30 feet). Used models typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 for entry-level or older units. High-performance brands or newer models often exceed $50,000, but this category remains one of the more affordable entry points. For example, a used 18-foot bowrider might list for around $20,000, while a new model could cost $30,000 or more.
Pontoon Boats
Used pontoons (18–25 feet) are popular for leisure cruising and cottage lakes. Older, basic models can be found for under $10,000, while newer or larger triple-toon pontoons with powerful engines range from $30,000 to $60,000+.
Many new pontoons sell between $20,000 and $65,000+, depending on features. While pontoons are generally budget-friendly, high-end models with luxury seating and big outboards command higher prices.
Cruiser Yachts (Cabin Cruisers)
Mid-sized motor yachts (typically 25–45 feet) with cabins for overnight stays tend to be more expensive. Modern used cabin cruisers often start around $80,000 to $100,000, with prices increasing for larger or newer models.
For example, a 10- to 15-year-old 30-foot cruiser might list for around $100,000, while a newer 40-foot cruiser yacht could cost several hundred thousand dollars. These vessels include amenities like galleys and berths, which drive up costs, but they remain a more affordable alternative to new models, which often exceed $250,000.
Sport & Performance Boats
This category includes high-performance powerboats, sport-fishing boats, and sport yachts. Prices vary widely, with used offshore speed boats or sportfish models ranging from around $20,000 for older sport boats to six figures for larger or premium brands.
For example, performance fishing boats like a used 24-foot Yellowfin hold value due to strong demand among anglers. Sporty luxury models—such as a Sunseeker Predator or Formula performance cruiser—lean toward the higher end, while smaller used ski or wake boats typically fall in the $30,000 to $50,000 range, depending on the year and make.
Luxury Motor Yachts
Large high-end yachts (typically 40–100+ feet) come with hefty price tags, even on the used market. In Canada, many pre-owned luxury motor yachts range from hundreds of thousands to a few million dollars, depending on age, brand, and condition. For instance, a 10-year-old 50-foot motor yacht from a prestige brand might sell for around $500,000, while newer 60–80-foot yachts can range from $1 million to $2 million used.
As a general rule, used luxury yachts (30–100 feet) typically start around $150,000 and up. These vessels feature multiple staterooms, high-end finishes, and twin diesel engines, and the federal luxury tax (introduced in 2022 on new boats above a certain price) has led some buyers to seek cost savings in the used market or through U.S. imports.
What Factors Affect a Boat’s Price?
Within each category, prices vary by brand, age, and condition. If you’re wondering how to price your yacht for sale, factors such as maintenance history, brand reputation, and market demand play a crucial role in determining the right asking price.
Well-maintained boats from reputable brands tend to cost more upfront but can hold their value better. For example, manufacturers like Sea Ray are known for packing in features that help their boats retain resale value as they age (assuming good upkeep).
Durable, high-quality brands (e.g., Grady-White or Viking) often command a premium since they’re seen as “investment” boats with loyal followings in the used market. On the other hand, lesser-known or discontinued brands might be more affordable to buy used but could have lower demand later.
An “off-brand” boat or one from a defunct manufacturer may fetch a lower price and be harder to resell since buyers worry about parts availability and long-term support. Ultimately, factors like age, engine hours, maintenance history, and whether the boat was used in saltwater or freshwater will heavily influence its asking price and what a buyer is willing to pay.
Yacht Market Trends and Their Impact on the Boat Industry
The used boat or yacht market has seen major swings from 2020 through 2023, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Here’s an overview of key trends in demand, prices, and resale values over this period.
Pandemic Boom (2020–2021)
When COVID-19 hit, many Canadians turned to boating as a safe outdoor escape, causing an unprecedented surge in demand. In 2020, pre-owned boat sales in Canada jumped by 22% in units sold compared to 2019. This was a broad-based boom, with double-digit growth across all boat segments.
Similarly, 2021 saw record-high sales. Used recreational boat unit sales rose another 5% over the hot 2020 market, reaching all-time highs in both volume and dollar value. The total value of used-boat sales in Canada hit a record CAD $1.4 billion in 2021, more than double the value from a decade earlier.
During this time, popular models would sell quickly and in some cases used boats appreciated in value, with some owners able to sell a boat for as much or more than they originally paid due to scarcity. Key reasons for this seller’s market included limited supply of new boats caused by a combination of factory shutdowns, supply-chain woes, and heightened demand.
Dealers had little inventory, and many new models were sold out well into 2022, pushing impatient buyers to compete for used boats. In short, 2020–2021 was a frenzied market favouring sellers, with rising prices and quick sales.
Normalization and Cooling Off (2022–2023)
By 2022, the market dynamic began to shift. Supply chains started improving, and more new boats became available while the pandemic-fueled urgency among buyers eased. Used boat sales dropped sharply in 2022, with unit sales dropping about 20% compared to 2021, indicating that the frenzy had cooled.
Many who wanted a boat had bought one in the prior two years, and higher interest rates in 2022 also dampened discretionary purchases. Prices on used listings slowly started to stabilize as inventory grew. By 2023, the market had largely normalized from the extremes of the pandemic.
Global data showed that used boat sales volume leveled off. For example, Boats Group (which runs YachtWorld and Boat Trader) reported a slight 2.2% decline in used boat sales in 2023 after multiple years of decline following the 2020 surge. Notably, new boat sales picked up in 2023 by about 16%, while used sales dipped, as increased availability of new boats, plus better financing deals and warranties on new vessels, drew some buyers away from the second-hand market.
With more choices available, boats also started taking longer to sell. On average, lightly-used 1-year-old boats sat 66 days longer on the market than before. There were signs of downward price pressure, especially in entry-level segments. The “budget-friendly” boats under 35 feet remained the most in-demand, but their average selling prices began dropping in 2023 as supply caught up to demand. In other words, the market tipped back in favour of buyers with more negotiating room, especially for smaller used boats.
Shift to Buyer’s Market (2024)
In 2024, boat industry experts in Canada predicted the shift to a buyer’s market. More inventory provided buyers with more choices and stronger negotiating power on price. Sellers, by contrast, needed to price realistically to move their boats.
Economic factors played a role too, as interest rates rose significantly through 2022-2023, increasing borrowing costs for boats. To secure the best deal selling a yacht, pricing competitively and marketing through an experienced broker became essential to attract serious buyers in a more price-conscious market.
Although rates stabilized or dipped slightly in 2024, credit was still tighter than in the low-rate environment of 2020-2021. High inflation in the past couple of years also meant buyers were more cost-conscious. All this contributed to softer demand and a slight easing of prices on used boats.
That said, truly good-condition boats, especially from coveted brands, still found ready buyers. The resale value trend saw used boat prices gently correcting from their peak during the pandemic boom. However, values by no means crashed. They mostly reverted to normal depreciation patterns.
Budgeting, Maintenance Costs, and Financing a Used Yacht
The true cost of boat ownership extends beyond the initial purchase price. It’s crucial to budget for ongoing expenses and make smart financing decisions. Here are key financial factors to consider when purchasing and owning a used yacht or boat:
- Upfront Costs & Fees. Beyond the purchase price, factor in sales tax, import duties (if buying from the U.S.), and survey or inspection fees. A marine survey, which will set you back a few hundred dollars, helps avoid costly surprises in the long run. Some sellers provide one, but hiring a certified marine surveyor is recommended. Also, budget for necessary upgrades or safety gear after purchase.
- Maintenance & Operating Costs. A common guideline is to budget 10% of the boat’s value annually for maintenance. For a $50,000 boat, expect at least $5,000 per year for engine servicing, hull cleaning, painting, and replacing pumps or electronics. Additional costs include fuel, insurance, docking, and winter storage, which can run $30–$50 per foot per season. Some marinas require insurance, though it’s not legally mandated in most of Canada.
- Financing Options. Boat loans typically have higher interest rates (8–10% as of 2024) and longer terms (15–20 years) than auto loans. Lenders often require a 20% down payment and base loan amounts on the boat’s surveyed value. Some dealerships offer promotional financing, while a personal line of credit may be another option.
At Luxury Yachts Co., we connect buyers with hassle-free yacht financing options through a broad network of over 100 lenders, offering flexible solutions even to eager buyers with less-than-perfect credit. Opting for a used boat can also help offset depreciation, as the original owner has already absorbed the steepest loss in value.
- Docking & Additional Costs. Marina slip fees range from a few hundred dollars for smaller boats to thousands for larger yachts. Trailerable boats save on docking, but bigger yachts require permanent moorage. Other expenses include registration fees, training courses ($50 for a Pleasure Craft Operator Card), and essential gear (life jackets, navigation electronics, etc.). To avoid surprises, budget 10–20% of the boat’s purchase price annually for maintenance, storage, and operational costs.
What to Expect in the 2025 Used Yacht Market
The 2025 used yacht market in Canada is expected to remain a buyer’s market, with high inventory levels and declining prices giving buyers strong negotiating power. Interest rates are projected to decline gradually, improving financing options, but lenders will likely remain strict, requiring strong credit and larger down payments.
Many pandemic-era owners are likely to continue selling their boats, increasing supply and further correcting prices from their 2021–2022 peak. Late-model boats (1–7 years old) are expected to see the steepest depreciation, while older boats (10+ years) may hold their value better as depreciation slows after a decade. Luxury yachts in the $500K–$2M range should remain relatively stable, but resale times are expected to be longer as high-end buyers continue to negotiate harder.
Technology and environmental factors will also shape demand. Buyers are likely to favour yachts with fuel-efficient, hybrid, and electric propulsion systems, as well as models equipped with modern navigation and docking technology. Older gas guzzlers and boats with outdated tech may lose appeal due to rising operational costs and potential government regulations on emissions.
International markets are also expected to influence pricing—U.S. yacht prices will likely continue softening, making cross-border purchases attractive for Canadian buyers, while Canada’s free trade agreement with Europe (CETA) may encourage more imports of European yachts. Additionally, some high-net-worth individuals will likely continue keeping their yachts in the U.S. to avoid Canada’s 10% luxury tax on boats over CA$250K.
The best strategy for buyers will be to negotiate aggressively, explore international options, and purchase in the off-season for the best pricing. While the market is expected to stabilize, those who do their research will have the upper hand in securing the best deal.
Your Hassle-Free Yacht Transaction Begins Here
By understanding the market cycles and being a savvy shopper, you can find a used yacht in Canada that fits your budget and boating dreams. With the right timing and research, your money can go further—whether it’s a fun family speedboat or the cruising yacht you’ve always wanted, there are plenty of opportunities to find value in the 2025 used boat market.
At Luxury Yachts Co., we take the guesswork out of buying and selling yachts. Our team offers expert guidance, ensuring every transaction is seamless, transparent, and tailored to your needs.
For buyers, we provide access to a carefully vetted inventory, competitive pricing, and exclusive financing options—even for those with complex credit situations. For sellers, we handle everything from market analysis and professional staging to negotiations and closing paperwork, maximizing exposure to serious buyers.
If you’re ready to find the perfect yacht or list yours for sale, Luxury Yachts Co. is here to help. Explore our latest listings, get expert pricing insights, and take advantage of our industry-leading brokerage services. Reach out today, and let’s find the perfect yacht—or the perfect buyer—for you!
