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Tariffs aren’t a new feature of the global economy, but the sweeping tariffs announced by President Trump in April are shaking up the global marketplace for yachts and boats dramatically, particularly in the United States. Tariffs on boats, equipment, and materials from outside the U.S.—essentially taxes on most imported goods—now range from 10 to 145 percent depending on the country of origin. Although there are some electronics and other exemptions as of our publication date, the increases broadly speaking will no doubt result in higher costs, challenged supply chains, and tough decisions for buyers, boat manufacturers, and dealer/brokers.
Whether you’re in the market for a new or used boat, understanding the tariff landscape can help you navigate the price tides. Publications close to the industry have done a fair amount of reporting throughout the month, and in this article we have drawn not only on our own Rightboat interviews but also reporting in publications such as Boating Industry, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and Trade Only Today. The result? Here are six key ways tariffs are changing yacht prices—and six ways smart buyers can respond.
1. New Boat Prices Climb Due to Tariff-Driven Costs
Even though most of the boats sold in the U.S. are built in the country, tariffs on imported materials and parts—especially from China—have hit the boating supply chain hard. Aluminum, steel, electronics, and hundreds of marine components have been subject to additional taxes and increasing production costs.
Manufacturers such as Brunswick Corporation (Mercury Marine, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and many more) have responded with model-year price hikes of 4 percent, reports Boating Industry. As a result, many new boats are already more expensive than they would be without tariffs. Add the possibility of higher interest rates and inflation, and it’s likely that demand will soften.
Buyer Tip: If you’re looking for a new boat, ask your dealer what inventory was received before the latest tariff increase. Many dealers promote these as “tariff-free” boats and may be willing to sell at a lower price.
2. Used Boats—In Demand But Asking Prices are Rising
Tariff-driven hikes in new boat prices are pushing more buyers into the used market; used boats built outside the U.S. and already delivered to the U.S. with duty paid aren’t directly subject to tariffs. “Lightly used two- to four-year-old models on sites like Rightboat.com often cost significantly less than a new version—and still offer modern features and warranty coverage,” says Josie Tucci, Rightboat.com’s US vice president. “Just be sure to confirm with the broker that duty has been paid already.”
As demand for used boats rises, of course, so do used boat prices. Vertical IQ, an industry intelligence company, reports that supply shortages and strong buyer interest have already led to higher used boat valuations.
Buyer Tip: Certified pre-owned boats and recent model yachts of all sizes often represent excellent value but may not stay on the market long. Determine what type and model of boat suits your needs, ask your broker for comps on other units for sale or recently sold, and be ready to act quickly.
3. Dealers Focus on U.S.-built Models to Manage Tariff Volatility
Many dealers were already ordering fewer new boats from builders due to their forecasts of decreasing 2025 demand. Then in recent months, tariff announcements and inflation prospects increased their uncertainty. Depending on the brands they sell and the territories they serve, many dealers are now focusing more on U.S.-built models that may have overseas parts but are impacted less overall by tariffs. Buyers are logically doing the same thing.
Stanton Murray of Murray Yacht Sales, a southeastern U.S. boat dealer and broker, posted a blog for his customers early in April called “Tariffs and the U.S. Marine Industry,” and pointed to the opportunity in buying in-stock, un-tariffed inventory. “Our goal when big things like this happen is to give people a compelling reason to move. We did this a couple of months after 9/11. It was a way to remind people why they thought it was a good idea to buy the boat—and that the boat we have in stock may be the best deal they get in the next three years.”
Buyer Tip: Ask your dealer about how tariffs have affected specific models, and consider the pricing on U.S.-built models that may be less affected by tariffs. Some dealers may offer rebates, discounts, or alternative models sourced from non-tariffed countries.
4. When Profit Margins Are Smaller, Is There Room to Negotiate?
New boat profit margins have thinned slightly as dealers and manufacturers share the burden of rising costs in an increasingly uncertain economic environment. MarineMax recently reported record second-quarter revenues driven in part by top-line growth in boat sales, but its gross profit margin decreased from 32.7 percent to 30 percent. According to Boating Industry, this was due in part to the fact that MarineMax and other dealers couldn’t pass along all tariff-driven price increases to customers.
Buyer Tip: Depending on dealer inventory, trying to negotiate on sticker price may or may not be productive, but you might also consider negotiating for value-added extras like electronics, warranties, prepaid maintenance, or free delivery. Also, push for high trade-in values, since dealers need inventory.
5. Tariffs Create Market Timing Opportunities—Stay Informed
Because tariffs can be imposed, suspended, or modified quickly, being alert to an upcoming change in tariffs is one clear way to help you time a better deal. Vertical IQ, an industry intelligence company, reports indicate that buyers who acted before pending tariff deadlines have often been able to save substantially. The only caveat to that is that some tariffs have been postponed or renegotiated right on up against the deadline, and neither broker or buyer knows for sure what will happen.
Buyer Tip: Connect with a friendly broker or dealer about your goals, budget, and boats of interest and then stay informed about pending tariffs, trade negotiations, or temporary exemptions. If tariffs are about to rise, be ready to make your best deal. At the same time, making sure it’s the boat you want is usually much more important than any price break.
6. Foreign-Flag Registration Gains Appeal
One approach to U.S. tariffs for larger yacht buyers is to register under a foreign flag. Rather than importing a new yacht into the U.S. (and paying high tariffs or sales taxes), owners register in countries like the Cayman Islands and enter U.S. waters under a cruising permit, which allows them to stay up to one year before sailing to another country for 15 days.
Seth Hynes, president of HH Catamarans, which builds boats in China and the Philippines, told Rightboat that this was normal even before the recent tariffs were announced: “Our owners typically do not import their boats and flag them under a foreign port. They can enter the United States on a cruising permit. As long as you never bring your boat into the state you live, then your local state does not charge taxes either.”
Hynes added, “The [foreign] flagging business is getting a huge boost, and we are seeing filing delays already.”
Buyer Tip: If you’re an American buyer considering a cruising yacht built outside the U.S., ask the manufacturer or your broker about offshore registration options. Consult with a maritime attorney to navigate customs and tax requirements properly. Foreign-flagging can be a powerful way to avoid tariffs—but it comes with costs and compliance responsibilities.
Perspective: Focus on Value, Not Just Price
Tariffs have added complexity to the boat-buying landscape, but in some cases they have also created opportunities for savvy buyers who stay informed and flexible. Whether you’re buying new or used, understanding how tariffs shape pricing, supply, and dealer strategies can help you secure a better deal.
Stay informed, shop strategically, and you’ll be able to navigate the tides of today’s tariffs as the owner of the right boat for you. The market will ebb and flow, but cast off your dock lines and set a course for new memories each season, and what you bring home will always be worthwhile.
