Buying a Yacht Made Simple
With over 25 years of experience helping sailors and cruisers purchase yachts throughout the Caribbean, Horizon Yachts International guides you through every stage of the buying process—from selecting the right yacht to survey, paperwork, and final handover.
Why Buy a Yacht in the Southern Caribbean?
Whether you’re looking for a blue-water cruising yacht in Grenada, a catamaran in St. Lucia, or a liveaboard in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Horizon Yachts International makes buying a yacht straightforward. With over 25 years of experience across the Southern Caribbean, we’ll guide you through every stage—from choosing the right yacht to survey, negotiations, paperwork and handover.
The Southern Caribbean is one of the world’s most desirable cruising regions and offers an excellent selection of brokerage yachts, whether you’re planning weekend sailing, Caribbean island hopping, or long-distance cruising!
Benefits
- Excellent selection of sailing yachts and catamarans
- Cruising grounds on your doorstep
- Professional marinas and boatyards throughout the region
- Experienced surveyors and marine service providers
- Ideal starting point for Caribbean cruising
- Active international sailing community
- Convenient international airports in St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada
Step 1: Choose the Right Yacht
The first step is identifying the yacht that matches your cruising plans, experience, and budget.
Consider:
Yacht Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Catamaran
- Trimaran
- Motor Yacht
- Size
Think about:
- Number of cabins required
- Crew and guest capacity
- Marina and docking costs
- Maintenance requirements
Intended Cruising Area
A yacht designed for coastal island hopping may differ significantly from one intended for offshore passages or world cruising.
Step 2: Establish a Realistic Budget
The purchase price is only part of the overall investment.
Budget For:
- Purchase price
- Marine survey
- Haul-out and launch fees
- Insurance
- Registration
- Safety equipment upgrades
- Annual maintenance
- Marina and mooring fees
Tip: Reserve a contingency fund for upgrades and unexpected repairs after purchase.
Step 3: Consider Yacht Location
Where your yacht is located can have a major impact on logistics and future cruising plans.
Every island offers different advantages depending on your cruising plans.
St. Lucia
- Excellent international flight connections
- Popular starting point for Caribbean cruising
- Well-established marinas and yacht services
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- Access to some of the Caribbean’s best cruising grounds
- Short passages between beautiful anchorages
- Ideal for sailors wanting to explore the Grenadine islands
Grenada
- Major yacht service and refit hub
- Excellent hurricane-season storage options
- Extensive marine trades and repair facilities
- Convenient base for preparing yachts for extended cruising
No matter where your chosen yacht is located, our team can coordinate surveys, sea trials, paperwork and handover.
Step 4: Match the Yacht to Your Lifestyle
Every buyer has different goals.
Liveaboard Cruisers
Look for:
- Large water and fuel capacity
- Solar power systems
- Comfortable living spaces
- Good ventilation
Family Cruisers
Priorities often include:
- Multiple cabins
- Safety features
- Easy handling
Long-Distance Sailors
Consider:
- Ocean-going design
- Strong construction
- Large storage capacity
Charter Opportunities
You may want:
- Multiple guest cabins
- Crew accommodation
- Commercial compliance options
Step 5: Work With an Experienced Yacht Broker
How Horizon Yachts International Assists Buyers
Initial Consultation
We discuss your requirements, budget, and cruising plans to identify suitable yachts.
Virtual Viewings
For overseas buyers, we provide detailed video walkthroughs via Zoom or WhatsApp, allowing you to inspect the yacht remotely before travelling.
Making an Offer
Once you find the right yacht, we assist with negotiations and prepare the purchase agreement.
Deposit & Escrow
A deposit is placed into a dedicated escrow account, ensuring security for both buyer and seller.
Survey & Sea Trial
We coordinate:
- Marine surveys
- Sea trials
- Haul-outs
- Launch arrangements
We work closely with marinas, boatyards, surveyors and marine professionals throughout the Southern Caribbean, allowing us to coordinate surveys, sea trials, repairs and handovers efficiently, wherever your yacht is located.
Documentation & Closing
After successful survey and acceptance:
- Final funds are transferred
- Title documentation is verified
- Ownership paperwork is completed
- Registration documents are provided
Step 6: Why Buy Through Horizon Yachts International?
Buying a yacht abroad can feel overwhelming, but with Horizon Yachts International you have experienced brokers guiding you every step of the way. We represent buyers and sellers throughout the Southern Caribbean, including St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Carriacou, and Grenada, providing local knowledge, trusted industry contacts, secure escrow services and professional support from your first enquiry through to completion.
Whether you’re relocating to the Caribbean, purchasing your first liveaboard, or searching for your next blue-water cruising yacht, we’ll help you find the right boat in the right location.