Marina-based yacht brokerage
Run a small brokerage from an office at a marina, with boats on display and a local reputation.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
4,307 UK companies in this field, 18% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46140 “Agents involved in the sale of machinery, industrial equipment, ships and aircraft”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small brokerage with a desk or office at a marina or boatyard, where you list, display and sell boats for owners. Being on site makes it easier to meet buyers, handle viewings and build a name locally.
Your first three steps
- Visit marinas and boatyards in your area to ask about office space, display berths and rent terms
- Work out your running costs and how many sales you would need to cover them
- Set up a website with strong listings, and agree referral links with surveyors, insurers and boat finance providers
Who pays
Local boat owners selling their boats, plus buyers who want a trusted broker to help them find and purchase one.
How it makes money
Commission on completed sales, plus sometimes fees for valuations or listing. Some brokers also arrange surveys and sea trials through partners.
Skills that help
- Strong boat knowledge
- Sales and negotiation
- Running a small office
- Marketing, including good boat photography
Watch out for
- Rent, berth fees and other fixed costs that continue when no boats are selling
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
- 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 each boat
- Anti-money laundering and large cash payment rules: check what applies with HMRC
- Sales are seasonal and slow, so plan for quiet months
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: marina-based yacht brokerage
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a marina-based yacht brokerage?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your office, berth fees, marketing and insurance. These are estimates, and rent and berth fees continue even when no boats are selling.
How much can a small yacht brokerage make?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on the number and value of boats you sell. Sales are seasonal and slow, so plan for quiet months and keep a cash buffer.
What rules should I check before opening a yacht brokerage?
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 ownership, registration, finance and VAT status of each boat, insurance, and anti-money laundering rules with HMRC.
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