Selling a 40–55ft Catamaran in the Caribbean
The Caribbean catamaran market has shifted. Sales cycles are longer, and buyers are more deliberate. Owners benefit from understanding current buyer behavior and the realities of pricing and presentation before listing or setting expectations.
What buyers are doing now
Buyers are cautious and comparison-driven. Most review recent sales, survey reports, and full photo sets before committing to travel or offers.
- Longer decision cycles with more scrutiny of condition, location, and pricing
- Side-by-side comparison against similar layouts and power packages
- Preference for complete documentation: service history, upgrades, and warranty status
- Sensitivity to relocation costs, import/export, and operational setup
Common pricing mistakes
- Anchoring to 2021–2022 peak prices without adjusting for current buyer demand
- Ignoring comparable sales from the last 6–12 months for similar year, engines, and equipment
- Emotional attachment leading to premiums unsupported by condition or setup
- Assuming buyers will overlook survey items, deferred maintenance, or charter wear
- Not accounting for location friction, VAT/import considerations, or repositioning costs
How long realistic sales are taking
Timeframes vary by price, condition, documentation, and location. The following ranges reflect current observations, not guarantees.
- Well-prepared and correctly priced: roughly 8–16 weeks
- Overpriced or poorly positioned: 4–9 months
- Significant survey or presentation gaps: 9–18+ months
Extended time on market affects buyer perception and offer strength. Repricing and refreshed presentation often shorten cycles.
Why some boats are sitting
- Price does not match condition or specification
- Unclear use case: charter setup marketed to private-use buyers without repositioning
- Charter fatigue: interior wear, high hours, or incomplete service history
- Location friction: difficult access, export/import uncertainty, or high relocation costs
- Presentation gaps: limited photos, no walk-through, or inconsistent documentation
Charter exit experience
VIYB works with owners transitioning out of charter programs and selling to private buyers. We address compliance, debranding, documentation, and buyer concerns with straightforward processes.
- Coordinating with charter management for handover, service records, and equipment lists
- Clarifying compliance, liens, registration, and import/export steps
- Positioning the vessel for private use: presentation, inventory, and survey preparation
Get in touch
If you own a 40–55ft catamaran and want a straightforward conversation about selling in the Caribbean, contact us directly.
Email: info@virginislandsyachtbroker.com
Phone: +1 786 246 0809 • +44 7340 482091
Offer: Market Reality Review
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- Recent comparable sales
- Pricing errors we are seeing
- What buyers are actually rejecting