Independent yacht broker under an established firm

Boat owners selling a vessel, who pay the commission at closing. Buyers also rely on you, but the fee usually comes out of the sale price.

A commission on each completed sale, usually split with the brokerage. Income can be uneven because a single deal can take months to close.

• Sales and negotiation
• Knowledge of boats and marine systems
• Building trust with high-value clients
• Organized paperwork and follow-up

• State licensing for yacht and ship brokers varies, so check with your state's licensing agency or DMV
• Rules on handling buyer deposits and escrow, usually run through the brokerage
• Errors and omissions and general liability coverage, and whether the brokerage's policy covers you
• Slow, uneven income, so plan to cover living costs for several months
• Independent contractor tax obligations, including self-employment tax

Estimates put startup costs typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your arrangement with the brokerage and what you spend on marketing and basic equipment. You work under an established firm's name and systems rather than building your own.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many boats you list and close. Income can be slow and uneven, so plan to cover living costs for several months. The estimates assume at least 15 hours a week.

State licensing for yacht brokers varies, so check with your state's licensing agency or DMV. Also check how buyer deposits and escrow are handled, whether the brokerage's errors and omissions and liability cover applies to you, and your self-employment tax obligations.