Is Now the Right Time to Buy or Sell a catamaran ?

During the Covid period, the boating industry experienced exceptional market conditions, driven by a surge in demand, extremely long construction lead times, a shortage of available boats, sharp increases in raw material costs (resins, fiberglass, aluminum, stainless steel), and rising transportation and labor expenses.

As a result, new boat prices increased by 20% to 40% on average, and even more on certain highly sought-after models.

Today, the market is gradually returning to normal, with greater inventory availability, less congested order books, renewed room for negotiation, and more price reductions in the brokerage market.

However, recent large cruising catamarans (Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Sunreef, Bali, etc.) continue to hold their value relatively well, supported by strong charter demand, the growth of remote working and liveaboard lifestyles, and the limited supply of well-maintained, highly specified yachts.

Will New Boat Prices Continue to Rise?

Probably yes, but at a slower pace.

Shipyards still face high labor costs, stricter environmental regulations, the integration of new technologies (lithium batteries, hybrid propulsion, advanced electronics, solar energy), and material costs that remain significantly higher than they were in 2019.

As a result, list prices from major manufacturers are likely to remain high. However, buyers may benefit from more attractive commercial offers, larger discounts, and shorter delivery times—something that is already becoming evident across the market.

In other words, while published prices may remain elevated, the actual negotiated purchase price is becoming increasingly favorable to buyers.

Is It a Good Time to Sell a catamaran?

For owners of recent catamarans in the 50- to 70-foot range, the answer is generally yes—particularly if you are considering moving up to a larger yacht.

A well-maintained vessel with a clear ownership and maintenance history, and one that is ready to cruise immediately without requiring additional work, remains highly attractive.

Buyers are still willing to pay a premium for "turn-key" yachts that allow them to avoid two to three years of waiting or major refit projects. Refit work has become increasingly time-consuming, and qualified contractors are not always readily available.

Is It a Good Time to Buy a multihull?

For buyers, market conditions are probably more favorable today than they were two years ago, with a wider selection of yachts available, sellers more open to negotiation, and market prices better aligned than they were five years ago.

For anyone seeking a recent large cruising catamaran, 2026 could represent an attractive window of opportunity: prices are no longer driven by the post-Covid buying frenzy, yet shipyards have not seen production costs return to pre-pandemic levels.

Outlook for the Premium Multihull Market (60 Feet and Above)

Within the premium multihull segment above 60 feet:

• New-build prices are expected to continue increasing moderately.

• High-quality, recent brokerage yachts should retain their value well.

• Vessels with permanent professional crew, complete maintenance records, and significant recent refit investments will remain the most desirable.

• Average or insufficiently maintained yachts are more likely to experience price corrections.

You have a project to sell or buy a catamaran ?

Contac-us for more information and details.