Boats for Sale in United States
Find your perfect yacht
2017 Sunseeker 95 - S-CAPE
2005 Sunseeker Predator 68
2019 Lagoon 42 - 'Bolubo'
1995 Tayana 48 Center Cockpit
2015 Azimut 64 Flybridge
2003 Viking 45 Convertible 'Big Sky' - Extensively Upgraded Sportfish
2022 Chaparral 267 SSX OB - Immaculate Bowrider with Factory Warranty
2004 Nautor Swan 62 FD 'Uxorius IV'
1976 Formosa 51 Ketch
Vie le Reve - Hanse 575
2024 Sea Ray SLX 260 - Factory Warranty Until 2029
2019 Leopard 50 Sail - Next Generation Bluewater Cruising Catamaran
Buying a Yacht in United States
The United States is the world's largest recreational boating market by both volume and value, with an estimated 12 million registered recreational vessels and a marine industry generating over $50 billion annually. The country's vast coastline — spanning the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Great Lakes — supports a diverse boating culture ranging from bass boats on inland lakes to superyachts in South Florida.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the undisputed yacht capital of the United States and one of the most important yachting centres in the world. Known as the "Yachting Capital of the World," Fort Lauderdale hosts the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — the largest in-water boat show on earth — and is home to hundreds of yacht brokerages, boatyards, and marine service providers along its extensive canal system. The city's marina infrastructure stretches from Bahia Mar on the beachfront to the Lauderdale Marine Center and New River area.
The west coast yacht market centres on Southern California, with Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, and San Diego as the primary hubs. Newport Beach is one of America's most affluent coastal communities, with a natural harbour that has been the centre of Southern California yachting since the early 20th century. The city is home to the Balboa Yacht Club, the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, and numerous brokerages.
The US yacht market benefits from a mature financing infrastructure, comprehensive marine surveying practices, and well-established title and registration systems. Coast Guard documentation provides a federal registration option that is recognised internationally. The market is liquid, with strong demand for quality pre-owned vessels and a transparent pricing environment supported by industry databases.
Marinas in United States
Key marinas and berthing facilities for yacht owners in the region
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
250 berthsFort Lauderdale Beach, Florida
An iconic Fort Lauderdale marina on the Intracoastal Waterway at the beachfront, home of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show since 1959. Bahia Mar offers approximately 250 slips for vessels up to 90 metres and is surrounded by restaurants, the Bahia Mar hotel, and Fort Lauderdale Beach. A legendary address in American yachting.
Lauderdale Marine Center
200 berthsFort Lauderdale, Florida
One of the world's largest full-service yacht refit and repair facilities, located on the New River in Fort Lauderdale. LMC offers 60+ acres of boatyard, multiple travel lifts (including a 485-tonne marine travel lift), and hosts dozens of specialist marine contractors. The facility is central to Fort Lauderdale's status as a global yachting hub.
Las Olas Marina
58 berthsLas Olas, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
A city-centre marina on the New River at the foot of Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale's most famous shopping and dining street. Las Olas Marina offers 58 slips for vessels up to 46 metres and provides quick access to both the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean inlet. The surrounding area has excellent restaurants and nightlife.
Newport Harbor Marina
100 berthsNewport Beach, California
A full-service marina in the heart of Newport Harbor, offering approximately 100 slips with easy access to the Pacific Ocean. The marina is within walking distance of Balboa Island, Lido Village, and Newport Beach's waterfront restaurants. Newport Harbor is a natural harbour with calm, protected waters ideal for yacht berthing.
Cruising Grounds
From Fort Lauderdale, the Bahamas are the primary cruising destination — Bimini is just 50 nautical miles east across the Gulf Stream, and the Exuma Cays and Abacos offer world-class island cruising. The Florida Keys extend south from Miami to Key West, offering sheltered Intracoastal cruising and access to the Gulf of Mexico. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) runs from Miami to Maine along the East Coast. From Newport Beach, the Channel Islands (Catalina, Santa Cruz) are a popular day crossing, and the Sea of Cortez in Mexico is a longer-range destination for cruising yachts.
Planning Your Visit
Hotels and accommodation near the marinas — convenient for yacht viewings and sea trials
Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida
Near: Bahia Mar Yachting Center
A beachfront resort hotel integrated with the Bahia Mar Yachting Center — quite literally on the marina. Guests can step from their room to the show docks. The hotel has hosted boat show visitors for over 60 years and is the most convenient accommodation for yacht buyers viewing boats at Bahia Mar.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Southeast 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Near: Bahia Mar Yachting Center
A waterfront hotel on the Intracoastal Waterway, adjacent to the 17th Street Causeway Bridge. The Hilton has its own dock space and overlooks the parade of yachts moving through the Intracoastal. Located between Bahia Mar and the Lauderdale Marine Center, it is centrally positioned for yacht viewings across Fort Lauderdale.
Balboa Bay Resort
Newport Beach, California
Near: Newport Harbor Marina
A waterfront resort on the shores of Newport Harbor, within walking distance of Newport Harbor Marina and Balboa Yacht Club. The resort offers harbour-view rooms, a waterfront restaurant, and a private beach. The premier hotel for yacht buyers on the Southern California coast.
The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
America's Cup Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island
Near: Newport Yachting Center
The only hotel directly on Newport Harbor with its own marina facilities, adjacent to Bowen's Wharf. Named after America's Cup sailing heritage, this is the premier choice for yacht buyers in Newport, Rhode Island — offering on-site kayaks, charter boats, and walking access to all major yacht berths.
Hammetts Hotel
Commercial Wharf, Newport, Rhode Island
Near: Newport Yachting Center
A boutique waterfront hotel co-located with the Newport Yachting Center, offering 84 rooms with private decks overlooking the harbor. Buyers can step directly onto the wharves where yachts are berthed.
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
St. Petersburg, Florida
Near: Vinoy Yacht Basin
A historic landmark hotel overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin with its own exclusive 74-slip marina accommodating vessels up to 120 feet. This Marriott Autograph Collection property puts yacht buyers directly at the waterfront with state-of-the-art dockage adjacent to the property.
Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront
St. Petersburg, Florida
Near: St. Pete Municipal Marina
Located in the Waterfront District just one block from St. Pete Municipal Marina (600+ slips, vessels up to 100 feet). Walking distance to the Dali Museum and the main marina where most yacht viewings in St. Petersburg take place.
The Inn Above Tide
Sausalito, California
Near: Sausalito Yacht Harbor
Sausalito's only hotel built directly over the water on Richardson Bay, with every room offering floor-to-ceiling bay views. Located in the heart of Sausalito's waterfront, steps from the yacht harbor and ferry pier — an iconic base for viewing boats in the San Francisco Bay area.
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
Sausalito, California
Near: Sausalito Yacht Harbor
A 64-room historic hotel directly across from Sausalito Yacht Harbor on Richardson Bay. Steps from shops, restaurants, the marina, and the Golden Gate Ferry. Offers a full spa for unwinding after a day of yacht viewings.
Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Near: Cove Marina
A beachfront resort directly on the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 2.6 km from the Cove Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway. Offers ocean views, pools, and a beachfront restaurant as a comfortable base for marina visits in the Deerfield Beach and wider South Florida yachting area.
Royal Blues Hotel
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Near: Cove Marina
An intimate 12-room Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel with oceanfront balconies overlooking Deerfield Beach Pier. Within driving distance of the Cove Marina and Intracoastal yacht facilities. A luxury option for discerning yacht buyers visiting the South Florida coast.
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Shelter Island, San Diego, California
Near: Shelter Island Marina
Home to a 188-slip marina on Shelter Island that is a favourite stopping point for megayachts and cruisers. Yacht buyers can walk from their room to the docks, and the marina is just one mile from the open ocean with marine suppliers within walking distance.
Bay Club Hotel & Marina
Shelter Island, San Diego, California
Near: Shelter Island Marina
Situated on Shelter Island overlooking San Diego Bay, this hotel with its own marina provides direct waterfront access to the heart of San Diego's yacht and boating district. Ideal for buyers viewing boats at any of Shelter Island's marinas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boating in United States
Where is the best place to buy a yacht in the United States?
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the primary yacht sales market in the US and one of the largest in the world. The city is known as the "Yachting Capital of the World" and hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the largest in-water boat show on earth. Other major markets include Annapolis (Maryland), Newport (Rhode Island), San Diego, and Seattle.
When is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is held annually in late October or early November, spanning several locations including Bahia Mar, the Broward County Convention Center, and Las Olas Marina. The show features over 1,500 boats and attracts more than 100,000 visitors. It is the world's largest in-water boat show and the most important event in the US yacht sales calendar.
How far is it from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas?
Bimini, the closest Bahamian island, is approximately 50 nautical miles from Fort Lauderdale across the Gulf Stream — roughly 3–4 hours at motor yacht cruising speeds. The crossing requires attention to the northward-flowing Gulf Stream current. The Bahamas are one of the primary cruising destinations for Fort Lauderdale-based yachts, with the Exuma Cays and Abacos offering world-class island cruising.
Do I need a licence to operate a boat in the US?
Licensing requirements vary by state. Most states require a boating safety education certificate for operators of motorised vessels, though the specific requirements differ. Florida, for example, requires a boating safety ID card for operators born on or after January 1, 1988. There is no federal licensing requirement for private recreational vessels. Coast Guard documentation provides an alternative to state registration for vessels over 5 net tons.
What is the sales tax on boat purchases in Florida?
Florida charges a 6% state sales tax on boat purchases, with a cap of $18,000 on vessels. This tax cap makes Florida one of the most tax-efficient states in the US for yacht purchases, which is one reason the state dominates the American yacht market. Some counties add a small local surtax. Out-of-state buyers may be eligible for tax credits in their home state.