Selling a yacht
Sell your yacht at an honest price, shown properly.
I price your yacht on real market evidence, present her with photography and a filmed walkthrough, and put her in front of buyers through Northrop & Johnson’s network and my own contacts.
- Since 1997
- in Asian yachting, starting with Lee Marine’s launch in Phuket
- Hundreds
- of yacht sales, brokerage and new build in Asia, 1997–2017
- Asia Pacific
- General Manager for Northrop & Johnson since 2018
- 2022
- named one of Asia’s Yachting Leaders by Yacht Style
What’s included
How I sell your yacht
Accurate pricing
An honest valuation based on the market as it really is, so your yacht is priced to sell.
Shown properly
Photography, drone footage and a walkthrough video, like the yacht tours on my YouTube channel.
Listed worldwide
Listed through Northrop & Johnson’s international network and the major listing sites, so buyers in Asia and around the world can find her.
Targeted buyer outreach
Direct introductions to buyers and brokers I know are looking.
Clear reporting
Regular, straightforward updates on every enquiry, viewing and piece of feedback.
Handled personally
Viewings, negotiation and closing, handled by me from start to finish.
The process
How selling with me works
Clear steps, no surprises. I keep you updated at every stage, and you always know what happens next.
Step 1: Valuation
We agree an asking price grounded in real market evidence.
Step 2: Preparation
Photography, video, specifications and advice on presentation.
Step 3: Launch
Your yacht goes out to the market, online and to buyers I know.
Step 4: Viewings and feedback
I show the yacht and report back on every serious enquiry.
Step 5: Negotiation
I work for the highest achievable price and the right terms.
Step 6: Closing and handover
Contracts, survey, payment and handover, managed properly.
Plain English
The words you’ll hear
New to buying or selling a yacht? Here is what the terms on this page mean.
- Brokerage
- Buying or selling a yacht that has already had an owner, as opposed to ordering a new one.
- New build
- A yacht ordered new from a builder, either from stock or built to your specification.
- Survey
- An independent inspection of the hull, engines and systems by a qualified marine surveyor, usually a condition of the sale.
- Sea trial
- A test run at sea before completion, to check the yacht performs as described.
- Deposit
- A part-payment, commonly around 10%, held until the survey and sea trial are accepted.
- Closing
- Completion of the sale: the balance is paid, the bill of sale is signed and ownership transfers.
- Handover
- The day the yacht, her keys, documents and equipment pass to the new owner.
Track record
Recently sold
A few of the yachts I have sold, as announced by Northrop & Johnson. Every sale is different; the care that goes into it isn’t.
| Yacht | Builder and type | Length | Built | Sold | My role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIG MAMA: sale announcement | Riviera 78 Motor Yacht | 81 ft 5 in (24.8 m) | 2022 | January 2025 | Seller’s broker |
| FIREBIRD: sale announcement | Palmer Johnson aluminium ketch | 84 ft (25.6 m) | 1966 | January 2025 | Buyer’s and seller’s broker |
| THEA: sale announcement | Kong & Halvorsen motor yacht | 94 ft 2 in (28.7 m) | 1979 | July 2024 | Seller’s broker |
Sources: Northrop & Johnson sale announcements for BIG MAMA (16 January 2025), FIREBIRD (16 January 2025) and THEA (9 July 2024).
See my current listings on Northrop & Johnson(opens in a new tab)Client testimonials
In my clients’ words
A man of trust
“I enjoyed pertinent reporting of all efforts along with skilful advice on price and the market. I highly recommend using the services of Martin. A man of trust and enjoyable company.”
I would recommend him
“Martin’s character, tenacity, diplomacy and genuine desire to see my classic ketch find a new home were critical and much appreciated. I would recommend him and his team to any boat buyer or seller.”
Cheerful enthusiasm
“It was his extensive knowledge of the industry that most impressed. Martin thinks beyond the box, is diligent and very thorough. Martin well deserved, and earned, a 10/10.”
Next step
Thinking of selling?
Tell me about your yacht — builder, model, year and where she is — and I will give you an honest view of the market.
Martin Holmes
Phuket, Thailand (UTC+7)
WhatsApp or call +66 81 891 7057