The value of global sales for pre-owned yachts at least 78 feet long declined in the first nine months of 2026, while executives told CNBC that U.S. buyers remain a major source of demand.
Yacht brokerage Northrop & Johnson’s third-quarter report counted 472 pre-owned yachts measuring at least 78 feet (24 meters) sold worldwide from January through September, compared with 477 in the same period of 2025. Their combined value was $5.20 billion, down from $5.46 billion, a decline of about 4.7%.
CNBC reported that executives estimated U.S. purchasers account for about two-fifths of worldwide yacht sales and most buyers of vessels longer than 250 feet. Kevin Merrigan, chairman of Northrop & Johnson, told CNBC, “Recently, it's the Americans that have increased their purchasing.”
Sales varied by vessel type. Northrop & Johnson’s report counted 63 pre-owned brokerage sales in the 40-to-50-meter range through September, up from 49 a year earlier. For new yachts at least 78 feet long, the report counted 216 reported sales, compared with 266 in the same period of 2025; the 2026 figure is provisional. In the 40-to-50-meter range, reported new-build sales fell to 28 from 51.
The report counted 1,400 new central-agency listings in the first nine months, up 5.5% from 1,327 a year earlier. It also recorded 1,949 price reductions, compared with 1,818, a rise of 7.2%. Northrop & Johnson said the expanded inventory gave buyers more options, while the increased markdowns reflected sellers responding to competition.
At the top end of the market, Fraser Yachts CEO Anders Kurtén told CNBC, “Demand is greater than supply.” CNBC reported that shipyards are booked years ahead and a mega-yacht ordered now might not be delivered until 2031 or later.
The 67th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opens Wednesday, Oct. 28, and runs through Nov. 1. Its official lineup announcement includes a 305-foot superyacht and yachts featuring hybrid propulsion.
