How to Run a $14 Million Superyacht | WSJ Operating Costs
The Wall Street Journal・5 minutes read
Owning a 128-foot super yacht like Snowbird can cost nearly $14 million, with annual operating expenses totaling close to $2 million, including maintenance, fuel, crew expenses, and potential repair costs. In addition to the high initial purchase price, maintenance costs for superyachts can be significant, with fees for dockage, fuel, crew, and repairs adding up to millions of dollars annually.
Insights
- The maintenance costs for a superyacht are substantial, with expenses ranging from 10 to 20% of the yacht's value annually, including significant costs for fuel, crew, engine maintenance, teak flooring upkeep, and more, totaling nearly $1.9 million a year for some yachts.
- Superyacht owners face major expenses beyond initial purchase, including expensive paint jobs, detailed inspections, potential multi-million dollar engine repairs, and high charter fees to help offset operating costs, making ownership a financially demanding endeavor.
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Recent questions
How much does a super yacht cost?
$14 million
What are the annual maintenance costs for a super yacht?
Nearly 1.9 million
How much fuel does a super yacht burn per hour?
60 to 120 gallons
What are the major expenses for super yacht owners?
Paint jobs, inspections, engine repairs
How much are the charter fees for a super yacht?
$125 to $145,000 per week
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Summary
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"Superyacht Ownership: Costs and Expenses Revealed"
- A 128-foot super yacht costs nearly $14 million to purchase, with maintenance expenses ranging from 10 to 20% of the yacht's value annually, potentially totaling tens of millions per year for superyachts.
- Dockage fees for superyachts can range from $3.50 to $7.50 per foot per day, with high demand for limited spaces leading to expensive maintenance costs if yachts remain docked.
- Snowbird, the super yacht, requires approximately 800 gallons of fuel in its day tank, burning 60 to 120 gallons per hour at around $4.50 per gallon, totaling $360,000 annually for fuel.
- Annual maintenance costs for Snowbird include around $60,000 for engine maintenance, $18,000 for teak flooring upkeep, and over $800,000 for crew expenses, bringing the total operating cost estimate to nearly 1.9 million a year.
- Major expenses for superyacht owners include paint jobs costing from $100,000 to a million dollars, detailed inspections every few years, and potential engine repairs running into the multi-millions, with charter fees ranging from $125 to $145,000 per week to offset costs.
