Independent yacht broker

Boat owners who want to sell, paying commission from the sale price. Buyers sometimes pay for a search service.

A percentage commission on each completed sale, usually agreed in a written sales agreement. Income is lumpy: a few sales can matter more than many small ones, and some months may bring nothing.

• Good knowledge of boats and sailing or motor cruising
• Sales and negotiation
• Careful with paperwork and detail
• Building trust with owners and buyers

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, check what cover buyers and owners expect
• Holding client money for deposits: check how to keep it separate and protected, and whether a trade body such as ABYA has standards you should follow
• Checking ownership, registration, outstanding finance and VAT status of every boat before you sell it
• Anti-money laundering and large cash payment rules: check what applies to you with HMRC
• Commission-only income with long gaps between sales, so keep savings or other income

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on whether you work independently or link to an established brokerage, plus marketing and insurance. These are estimates, so check what cover owners and buyers expect.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many boats you sell and their prices. Income is commission-only with long gaps between sales, so keep savings or other income to fall back on.

Check how to hold client money for deposits separately and safely, and whether a trade body such as ABYA has standards to follow. Also check each boat's ownership, registration, finance and VAT status, insurance, and anti-money laundering rules with HMRC.