Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Yacht with Horizon Yacht Sales

Owning a yacht to sail and enjoy as part of a lifestyle investment is an exciting proposal. We know that yacht ownership – especially Caribbean yacht ownership – is one that takes new yacht owners time to plan, research, and action.

If you’re considering buying your first yacht, you will have a lot of questions, and finding trustworthy sources to provide independent and reliable answers is key.  As one of the largest, independent yacht sales and charter companies in the Caribbean, we’ve been providing guidance and assistance in new yacht owners’ early forays into the world of tariff and tax-free yacht ownership in the Caribbean since 1998. As a team of experienced sailors and yacht owners ourselves, and with over 26 years of experience in yacht sales into charter management and for private ownership, Horizon Yacht Sales has all the steps to yacht ownership! We take pride in making the process smooth, transparent, and rewarding. Here’s what you need to know whether you’re buying a new yacht direct from the manufacturer’s yard or a used yacht from an inventory of evolving brokerage listings.

Step 1: Choose the Yacht That’s Right for You

Your yacht ownership journey begins with choosing the vessel that works for you. We don’t get perks for promoting one yacht over the other, which means our independent advice is guaranteed.  We help you compare models, layouts, and performance features to find a yacht that fits your sailing style and budget.

 If you’re looking at buying a new yacht, Horizon Yacht Sales offers factory-direct pricing on a wide range of catamarans, monohulls, and powerboats from leading manufacturers, including:

• Catamarans: Lagoon, Nautitech, Fountaine Pajot, Excess
• Monohulls: Jeanneau, Beneteau, Bavaria, Dufour
• Powerboats: Invincible Powerboats, Island RIBs

Step 2: Sign Your Purchase Agreement

Once you’ve selected your yacht, Horizon prepares a Purchase and Sale Agreement. For new yachts the agreement details every aspect of your yacht’s build and delivery.

Your new yacht purchase price includes:

• Comprehensive specifications
• Full charter inventory
• Safety equipment and quality linens
• Semi-rigid inflatable dinghy and outboard motor
• Commissioning, insurance, and delivery to your chosen Horizon base

Step 3: Secure Your Yacht with a Deposit

To lock in your build slot for a new yacht, you’ll pay a 20% deposit. Horizon then coordinates directly with the manufacturer, ensuring your yacht’s construction and delivery is managed efficiently. You’ll receive regular updates as your new yacht takes shape.

Step 5: Step Aboard and Sail into Ownership

Horizon ensures your yacht is fully checked, cleaned, and equipped before delivery. You’ll receive a detailed handover briefing and optional sea trial.

Things to know

Yacht Financing, Registration, and Tax Benefits

Horizon Yacht Sales provides complete ownership support through its own resources and through reputable tax advisors and financiers.

• Financing: Up to 80% of your yacht’s cost through reputable lenders – applicable to both new and brokerage yachts.
• Registration: Full registration and documentation services in the BVI or assistance with US yacht registration.
• Tax Advantages: Buying new or brokerage yachts in the Caribbean is tax and tariff-free, and Horizon’s Active Management Program may allow qualifying US taxpayers to enjoy significant IRS-approved tax benefits.
• If you would like Tax advice, we can connect you with a leading Tax firm for a complimentary 15-minute consultation.

Maximize Ownership Through Charter Management

Horizon’s yacht Charter Management Programmes provide a way of earning income from charter fees that can be used to offset associated expenses. The options are flexible, transparent, and tailored to your goals.

Option 1: Maximum Income Program Earn charter income while Horizon manages bookings, maintenance, and expenses. You receive full monthly statements detailing income and costs — and you can use your yacht whenever you like.	Option 2: Active Management Program Designed for US yacht owners who want to operate their yacht as a for-profit business, this program offers potential tax deductions and credits. It’s the only Caribbean charter program reviewed and approved by the IRS and a US court of law.

*Perk to Buying with Horizon – if you purchase a yacht that is in charter service with Horizon in its charter fleets in either the BVI or St. Vincent & the Grenadines and choose to continue to keep the yacht in charter management, you benefit from the forward income from charters booked on your yacht from your purchase date.

Why Choose Horizon Yacht Sales? Founded in 1998, Horizon Yacht Sales is one of the Caribbean’s leading independent yacht brokers — offering both yacht sales and charter management. Horizon’s reputation is built on exceptional service, meticulous yacht maintenance, and lifelong client relationships. When you buy through Horizon, everything is handled — from specification and insurance to registration and after-sales care. And as part of the Horizon Yacht Owners’ Club, you’ll enjoy: Complimentary crew T-shirts and champagne on arrival Free cruising permits Personalized owner support at every Caribbean base

Start Your Yacht Ownership Journey Today

Whether you’re purchasing your first yacht or expanding your fleet, Horizon Yacht Sales will make your ownership journey effortless and enjoyable. From first consultation to the moment you set sail, you’ll have expert support every step of the way.

New Yacht Sales | Robin Hodges Brokerage Sales: Giles Starkey