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| Boats & Yachts |
Bespoke Customization
Michael Verdon
06/01/2004
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A yacht's pedigree,
including yard of origin and designer, is also important in determining the
ultimate return on investment. U.S. custom yards like Burger, Delta and Trinity
report that every one of their yachts to come on the secondary market has sold
for more than the owner paid for it. “You’re more likely to get top dollar if
it’s part of a brand that has been successful,” says Friedman. “Its design
should also be a variation of a repeated theme—rather than too personalized.”
The trick is to make the vessel unique, without looking too eccentric.
VALUE JUDGEMENT
Some of us see a yacht’s blueprint as a blank canvas upon which we may create
great art, although the process may take years. Others prefer less elaborately
customized vessels that can be built within a few months. Both options have
their advantages, and each has the potential to perform strongly as an
investment. |
Bruce
Schattenberg, of the Sacks Group in Fort Lauderdale, says that the market for
yachts from 120 feet to 150 feet remains strong, by virtue of the fact that
there are significantly more buyers in this size range. According to ShowBoats’
2004 Order Book, there are twice as many builds under way from 100 feet to 150
feet than there are for those over 150 feet. “Many used models are priced close
to what a new yacht from the same yard might cost,” he says. “Some people would
rather have a boat that’s only a few years old—which is generally perceived as
‘new’ on the market—than wait two or three years.”
Semi-Revival
That is clearly the case with semi-custom series yachts, say
some experts, particularly because there has been a resurgence in this field
over the past five years. “They are building beautiful boats now—boats that
could only have been custom yachts a few years ago,” says Gilbert. “They satisfy
the section of the market that isn’t project-oriented, or doesn’t want to wait
for three years for the yacht.”
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