“In this 2020 marked by Covid, the used boat market has experienced a real surge.” Speaking is Peter Markowitz, sole director of Schmidt & Partner International Yachtbrokers, the Aprilia Marittima (Udine, Italy) company that has been involved in boat buying and selling and marine insurance services, among other things, since 1979.
(Pictured above, among the many used boats for sale on the Schmidt & Partner website, is this 2014 Dehler 38 (11.30 x 3.75 m) in perfect condition: Price? 169,000)
“The boat is perceived as a place and above all a safe ‘means’ for one’s vacation. This explains why there is a boom in second-hand goods at this time. The most ‘alive’ range is the 40- to 60-foot range; we are getting so many requests. While, speaking of prices, below 150,000 the market is bustling, while it is less so between 150,000 and 500,000. Above half a million, back to more than thriving.”
MUCH MORE THAN A “MARKET” FOR USED BOATS
This is important market data because it comes from a more than authoritative source. Schmidt & Partner is one of the recognized leaders in the world of used boats. “In more than 40 years of experience, we have gained the technical expertise to advise our customers on which boats to buy and which not to buy. I, for example, am a shipwright and can immediately distinguish a good boat from a model that is better left alone.”
On Schmidt & Partner’s website is. a long list of used boats for sale, but this is only the ‘tip of the iceberg. “If the customer is looking for a specific model, we have all the tools to help them: a network of international relationships with all the best brokers built up over time and an extensive panel of shipowners who have already bought that particular model from us and whom, in case, we can contact to find out if they plan to sell.” A veritable ‘library’ of used boats!
Once the purchase is made, Markowitz and his team also follow the new-owner through any refitting work, armed with their expertise: “I can take care of the modification of the interior furnishings, I can recommend the right sailmaker or the mechanic who will do the refitting. We are ready to handle any situation.”
SEARCH HERE FOR THE USED BOAT FOR YOU
THE RIGHT POLICY FOR YOUR BOAT
As anticipated, Schmidt & Partner does not deal exclusively with used goods. Another core business of the company is boat insurance, handled by relying on Aktiv Assekuranz, a large international broker founded in 1980 in Munich.
Its marine division is staffed by experienced sailing and motor people who have the ability to tailor policies to the insured and to stay in constant contact with shipyards, craftsmen, and adjusters to specifically assist the client with any problems. “We are able to offer, in addition to classic liability, a yacht body policy that is as extensive as possible, with all the necessary clauses to protect one’s boat in every situation. From waiver of recourse to the shipyard to fire and theft….”
It really only takes a few details, such as boat model, year, estimated value and enter them HERE to get a free quote. www.schmidtpartner.com
