Yacht Broker Commission: How Much Do Boat & Yacht Brokers Charge?

By-owner guide · Updated June 2026 · Educational only

Most yacht and boat brokers charge a commission of about 10% of the sale price — that's $5,000 on a $50,000 boat and $30,000 on a $300,000 yacht. Here's exactly how broker fees work, who pays them, and how to keep that money by selling (or buying) by owner.

How much do yacht brokers charge?

The industry standard is around 10%, paid by the seller out of the sale price. On smaller boats a brokerage usually applies a minimum fee (commonly $2,000–$10,000), so the effective rate on a cheap boat can be far higher than 10%.

Who pays it — and how it splits

The seller pays. When a second broker brings the buyer, the ~10% is typically split between the listing broker and the buyer's broker (often 50/50). With no buyer's broker, the listing broker usually keeps the whole fee.

What you get for it

A broker markets the boat, fields inquiries, and handles paperwork and escrow — which can be worth it on a complex, high-value or out-of-state sale. For a straightforward sale you can do all of it yourself and keep the commission.

How to avoid or cut the commission

Sell by owner — free, no commission. Stuck with an underperforming broker? See how to fire your broker. Buying a broker-listed boat? Make your offer look 5% higher by redirecting the unearned buyer's-broker share back to the seller. Price from real data with the free boat price research tool — by-owner asking prices, no broker markup.