Moorings Yacht Ownership FAQs: What Every Buyer Wants to Know

May 21, 2025 9 min

With over 50 years of experience helping people turn their sailing dreams into reality, The Moorings knows that choosing to own a yacht is a big decision. Naturally, prospective owners have a lot of questions, and we believe in providing clear, honest answers every step of the way.

Whether you’re exploring yacht ownership for the first time or considering it as a lifestyle investment, this guide breaks down the most frequently asked questions we hear from real buyers. From costs and program benefits to owner usage and resale options, we’re here to help you make an informed choice with confidence.

Here is a look at the most common questions we hear from real buyers looking to take the plunge and set sail with the Moorings Yacht Ownership Program.

Owning the Dream: The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program Basics

1. How Does The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program Work?

When you purchase a yacht through The Moorings, you can choose between two different ownership models. With both programs, your yacht will join our charter fleet, and you will enjoy up to 12 weeks of owner use annually at 20+ stunning worldwide bases.

Our most popular option is the Guaranteed Income Program, which offers:

A fixed monthly payment equal to 8% of your yacht’s purchase price

Full management of your yacht for 5–6 years

Owner access to similar yachts worldwide

Flexible end-of-program options: keep, sell, or trade in your yacht

We also offer a unique Option to Purchase Program:

Pay only 45% upfront, with no monthly income

Full management of your yacht for 5–6 years

Owner access to similar yachts worldwide

At the end, either pay 20% more to keep the yacht or receive a 20% cash buy-back.

The option to purchase the program is currently only available for select models and locations.

2. What Kind Of Yachts Are Available To Own?

The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program offers a premium selection of sail and power yachts designed to suit a variety of cruising lifestyles. Our curated fleet includes everything from classic monohulls by the renowned Dufour builder, to award-winning sailing and power catamarans built by Robertson and Caine.

Among the latest and most popular models are the luxurious Moorings 4200, a 3-cabin owner’s version sailing catamaran, the innovative 5-cabin Moorings 4600 sailing catamaran, and the sleek, fuel-efficient 403 Powercat.

3. Can I Upgrade Or Switch Yachts During The Program?

While not typical, upgrades or yacht transitions may be possible under certain circumstances, depending on fleet availability and the terms of your ownership agreement. If you’re interested in exploring this option, we recommend speaking directly with a Moorings Yacht Ownership representative to discuss what may be available to you.

4. How Long Is The Ownership Contract?

Most Moorings Yacht Ownership contracts span 5 to 6 seasons. Once the program ends, you have several options: take full ownership of your yacht, sell it through our Brokerage, or trade in for a new yacht and begin The Moorings Yacht Ownership journey all over again.

5. Are There Any Hidden Costs?

No, there are no hidden costs when you own a yacht through The Moorings. Unlike traditional private ownership, our program covers all routine expenses, including maintenance, insurance, and dockage, for the duration of your contract. You’ll enjoy worry-free ownership, a guaranteed monthly income, and none of the unexpected costs or headaches, so you can focus on the joy of sailing while we handle the rest.

6. What Are The Financial Benefits?

One of the biggest advantages of The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program is the guaranteed monthly income, paid regardless of charter activity. This reliable income stream can significantly offset the cost of ownership. On top of that, your yacht is professionally maintained throughout the program, preserving its value. Depending on your financial situation, there may also be potential tax benefits—consult your advisor for details.

7. Can I Finance My Yacht Purchase?

Yes, marine financing is available, and The Moorings can connect you with lenders experienced in charter yacht ownership. Many owners choose to finance their yacht and use the program’s guaranteed monthly income to help cover their loan payments, making ownership more accessible and financially manageable.

8. Can I Choose My Yacht’s Location?

Yes, you can choose your yacht’s home base at the time of purchase. The Moorings offers a variety of stunning locations, including the British Virgin Islands, Seychelles, Greece, and Tahiti. Availability of specific models and program options may vary by base, A Moorings sales representative can help match you with the ideal yacht and location to fit your preferences.

9. What If I Want To Sell My Yacht Early?

The program is intended for full-term ownership of 5 years, but early exit options may be available depending on market demand and the timing of your request. The Moorings Brokerage team can guide you through the process and help assess your yacht’s resale potential if you decide to sell before the contract ends.

Maintenance Coverage and Owner Obligations Explained

1. Who Pays For Maintenance And Repairs?

The Moorings covers all maintenance, repairs, insurance, and dockage costs while your yacht is in the charter fleet. As an owner, you won’t receive any bills for these services—this “zero operating cost” promise is one of the program’s most attractive benefits, offering true peace of mind throughout your ownership.

2. What Am I Responsible For?

As an owner, your primary responsibility is simply to enjoy your yacht! If you notice any issues during your use, the Moorings base team will take care of them promptly. Owners consistently praise the charter maintenance teams for keeping yachts in “pristine condition.” There’s no need for you to haul out or service the boat yourself—Moorings handles all the upkeep behind the scenes.

3. Is My Yacht Professionally Maintained?

Absolutely. All yachts in The Moorings ownership program undergo regular, high-quality maintenance performed by our expert on-site teams. Every maintenance cost is fully covered, ensuring your yacht remains in excellent condition throughout your ownership.

4. What If My Yacht Is Damaged By A Charter Guest?

All yachts in the program are fully insured and professionally maintained. Any damage caused by charter guests is promptly repaired, and you, as the owner, are not held responsible for these incidents, giving you peace of mind throughout your ownership.

Understanding Owner Access and Usage Benefits:

1. How Much Owner Use Do I Get Each Year?

The Moorings yacht ownership usage works on a point system. Every owner has 84 points to use each year. Charters cost two points per day during the high season and one point per day in the low season. Half of your points can be used for advance bookings and the other half for short-notice bookings. Essentially giving you up to 12 weeks of personal use annually.

2. Can I Sail A Different Boat?

Yes! The Moorings allows you to book a similar sister yacht of the same size at no additional cost in any of their 20+ stunning locations worldwide. This flexibility lets you explore new waters while enjoying the same high-quality yachts worldwide.

3. Can Friends And Family Use My Yacht Too?

Yes, owners can share their allotted weeks with family and friends, subject to availability and booking guidelines. Additionally, you have the option to hire a skipper or crew during your usage weeks if you wish (at your own expense). Ultimately, you maintain full control over your 12-week annual usage and how and where to use it.

4. What If I Don’t Use All My Owners’ Weeks?

Owners’ usage is based on an annually allotted point system of 84 points per year. Unfortunately, these points do not accumulate and will reset to 84 points regardless of use each year. Should life get in the way of enjoying your yacht, you are free to hand out your owner’s weeks to friends and family to enjoy!

5. How Much Flexibility Do I Have When Scheduling My Use Weeks?

The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program has no blackout dates and booking are based on availability, but owners receive priority access and can plan in advance or make short-notice bookings when possible.

Your Yacht’s Next Voyage: Options at Program End

1. What Happens At The End Of The Ownership Term?

After your 5 to 6-year ownership term with the Guaranteed Monthly Income Program, you have three options. You can choose to keep the yacht and take full ownership, sell it through The Moorings’ global brokerage service, or trade it in toward a new yacht and start The Moorings ownership journey all over again!

With the Option To Purchase Program, you can either choose to pay 20% of the original sales price to take full ownership of your yacht and sail off into the sunset, or receive a 20% cash buy back from the Moorings and walk away or start the program all over again.

2. What Kind Of Resale Value Can I Expect?

Thanks to professional maintenance and care, Moorings yachts retain strong resale value. Many owners sell their yachts through The Moorings Brokerage, which specializes in charter vessels. While production catamarans typically depreciate over time, industry data shows that a 5-year-old catamaran often sells for around 60–65% of its original price. Your yacht’s well-maintained condition and Moorings’ structured phase-out process will help maximize its resale value.

3. What Is The “Phase-Out” Process?

At the end of your ownership term, The Moorings conducts a ‘phase-out, ’ which is essentially a thorough inspection and servicing of your yacht to ensure all systems are fully functional and the vessel matches its original inventory. Owners are encouraged to hire a surveyor to attend this phase-out. The yacht is then delivered “in sound working order, allowing for fair wear and tear.” You assume full responsibility for the yacht only once the comprehensive phase-out is complete.

4. How Is Selling Handled?

The Moorings has an in-house brokerage team with offices worldwide to assist you in selling your yacht. Typically, your boat will be listed during the final year of ownership, and the brokerage uses its extensive network to find the right buyer. The brokerage fee is a flat 10% of the sale price. It’s important to note that Moorings does not guarantee a fixed buyback price, except in special Option-to-Purchase programs available in select locations. Resale value depends on market conditions and the yacht’s condition.

Yacht Ownership And Tax: What You Need To Know

1. Are There Any Tax Benefits To Owning A Yacht This Way?

Tax benefits vary depending on your country and how you use the yacht. Some U.S. owners may qualify for certain deductions, but we strongly recommend consulting a marine tax professional to understand your specific situation.

2. Can I Get Tax Deductions?

Potentially, yes. Because your yacht is chartered and treated as a business asset rather than personal property, you may qualify for depreciation deductions, including Section 179 write-offs in the U.S., as well as interest deductions on your loan. The IRS requires more than 50% business use to qualify, and chartering helps meet this threshold. Many Moorings owners work with tax advisors to maximize these benefits based on their circumstances.

Comparing Yacht Ownership Models: Why The Moorings Stands Out

1. Fractional Ownership vs. The Moorings Yacht Ownership

Fractional ownership means buying a share of a single yacht with others, sharing fixed weeks and costs, but often with limited control over the boat. In contrast, The Moorings program gives you 100% ownership of your yacht’s title while Moorings manages all charters and operating costs. You receive guaranteed income rather than splitting charter revenue with others. There’s no ownership committee or shared schedule — you simply own your boat outright, and Moorings handles the rest.

2. Independent Charter Management vs. The Moorings

With independent charter management, you retain your yacht but handle marketing and bookings through brokers, typically sharing revenue and covering all costs yourself. In contrast, The Moorings fully manages charter operations—including marketing, bookings, and crew—and pays you a fixed rental income. This eliminates the hassle of finding clients and protects you from vacancy risk. The trade-off? With The Moorings, you forgo the potential upside if your yacht charters exceptionally well, but you also have no downside since your income is guaranteed regardless of performance.

3. Private Ownership vs. The Moorings:

Traditional private owners cruise on their own schedule but bear all costs and maintenance responsibilities, which can be time-consuming and complex. Moorings charter ownership eliminates these burdens by managing maintenance, cleaning, and logistics for you.

Additionally, Moorings owners enjoy unparalleled global cruising flexibility—flying into different sailing regions rather than making long ocean passages. You can explore more world-class cruising grounds in a year with Moorings than a private owner might in five, thanks to access to the entire global Moorings and Sunsail fleet for up to 12 weeks annually.

4. Why Choose The Moorings?

With over 50 years in the business and a fleet of 700+ boats worldwide, The Moorings is one of the largest and most established charter companies. Backed by the global Travelopia group, Moorings offers fleet standardization, white-glove owner support, and extensive global reach. Compared to smaller charter companies or manufacturer programs, Moorings provides a hassle-free ownership experience where you trade the risks of maintenance, charter management, and fluctuating income for simplicity, stability, and a guaranteed fixed return.

Still Have Questions?

Yacht ownership is a big decision, and we’re here to help you make it with confidence. Whether you’re curious about the finer details of the program, want to compare models, or are ready to run the numbers, our experienced Moorings Yacht Ownership Advisors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Reach out today and discover if owning a yacht through The Moorings is the right fit for your lifestyle, travel goals, and financial plan. Let us help you set sail on a smarter, simpler path to yacht ownership.

Hanrie Bosch

Guest blogger, Hanrie Bosch, is a professional yacht chef. Based in the Caribbean and Bahamas, since 2013, she has worked on boats ranging from 48 ft Leopards to 160 ft superyachts.

See All Hanrie’s Articles