Independent yacht broker working with an established brokerage

Boat owners who want to sell, and in some cases buyers who hire you to find a specific boat. The commission is normally paid from the sale price when the deal closes.

A percentage commission on each completed sale, usually split with the brokerage you work with. Income is lumpy: a few larger deals can make a season, and many weeks may pay nothing.

• Sales and negotiation
• Knowing boats, engines and systems
• Trustworthy and organised with paperwork
• Good photos and clear listing writing

• Check whether your province or municipality requires a licence or registration to broker vessels, and who holds it (you or the brokerage)
• Commercial general liability and errors and omissions insurance, check what the brokerage covers and what you need yourself
• Handling deposits: check the rules on trust accounts and never mix client funds with your own
• Check ownership and liens on a boat before listing it, including vessel registration and any registered security interests
• Sales are seasonal in most of Canada and income can be slow for months, so keep savings for quiet periods

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your setup and what the brokerage provides. Treat this as an estimate, and check what the brokerage covers and what you need to pay for yourself, such as insurance.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many boats you sell and when. Sales are seasonal in most of Canada and income can be slow for months, so keep savings for quiet periods.

Check whether your province or municipality requires a licence or registration to broker vessels, and whether you or the brokerage holds it. Also check insurance cover, the rules on trust accounts for deposits, and ownership and liens on boats you list.