Yacht sales have slowed globally from their post-pandemic peak, but American buyers are playing a growing role at the top end of the market, industry executives said ahead of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 28, 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • Americans account for about 40% of global yacht sales, according to industry executives.
  • Pre-owned yacht sales over 78 feet fell about 1% through September from a year earlier.
  • Brokers say demand is strongest for newly built or good-condition yachts over 200 feet.

Yacht sales slow overall as US buyers stand out

Americans make up the majority of buyers for yachts over 250 feet, executives said. With demand from Europe and the Middle East slowing, they see US customers as increasingly important to industry growth.

Kevin Merrigan, chairman of yacht brokerage Northrop & Johnson, said the firm had completed several large deals involving American buyers heading into the end of the year.

Globally, sales of pre-owned yachts over 78 feet were down about 1% in the year through September compared with the same period in 2025, while their total sales value fell about 5%, Northrop & Johnson said.

Large yachts face a supply squeeze

Northrop & Johnson reported 216 orders for new yachts over 78 feet in 2026 to date, compared with 266 last year. For yachts measuring 40 to 50 meters, or 131 to 164 feet, orders rose to 63 this year from 49 previously.

Brokers said buyers ordering a new mega-yacht could wait until 2031 or later for delivery because leading shipyards are fully booked. That wait can allow an almost-new vessel to command a premium.

Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts, said the top end of the market has been constrained by limited inventory, with demand exceeding supply.

Fort Lauderdale show provides a market test

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show begins Wednesday, October 28, and will feature more than 150 yachts. Brokers described strong attendance and sales at September's Monaco Yacht Show.

Kurtén said one of Fraser's four yachts displayed at Monaco went into contract during the show. Fraser expects to display eight or nine yachts at Fort Lauderdale after selling four vessels that had been scheduled to appear.

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