The yacht market is evolving, and savvy buyers and sellers are increasingly turning to auctions as a transparent, efficient alternative to traditional brokerage sales. Leading this shift is Boathouse Auctions, a platform that's revolutionising how superyachts change hands - and with two exceptional vessels currently listed, Elysian and Escape of London, there's never been a better time to explore what the auction route can offer.
The Boathouse Auctions advantage
Boathouse Auctions has already successfully sold five superyachts in 2026, establishing itself as a trusted name in the yacht auction space. Operating through a state-of-the-art online bidding platform, the company facilitates real-time, international auctions that bring transparency and efficiency to the market.
Working alongside the yacht's listing broker and seller, the platform amplifies exposure to reach qualified buyers worldwide while maintaining the broker's traditional role. This partnership model ensures sellers benefit from both expert representation and the competitive dynamics that auctions create.
The process is designed with both parties in mind. During the preview period, prospective buyers have the opportunity to undertake comprehensive due diligence, with detailed hull, mechanical, and engine survey reports available for review on the Boathouse Auctions website. Bidders register in advance and place deposits in escrow, ensuring serious intent. Once the auction begins, pricing is fully transparent, with live updates visible to all participants, creating a level playing field where the best offer wins.
For sellers, selling by auction can be a compelling financial decision, especially when you factor in the time it can take for a yacht to sell. According to Jack Mahoney, founder of Boathouse Auctions, there are four primary financial drivers: carry costs (crew, dockage, insurance - typically 15 per cent of vessel value annually); opportunity cost (the 10 per cent average annual return that capital could earn elsewhere); depreciation (two to five per cent annually depending on vessel age); and inflation (currently three per cent in the US, eroding purchasing power while increasing carry costs). "Taken together, that's over 30 per cent of a vessel's value that vanishes every year, never to be recouped in a sale," Mahoney explains.
The commission structure is straightforward and transparent. Boathouse Auctions does not accept vessels unless they're represented by a broker, ensuring professional representation throughout. Brokers are paid per the terms of the listing agreement, with a typical 10 per cent total brokerage commission split between listing and cooperating brokers when applicable. Boathouse Auctions is paid an eight per cent buyer's premium, meaning the seller pays the brokers and the buyer pays the auction house.
Elysian: A spacious tri-deck packed with luxury features
LOA: 39.6m
Builder: Westport
Online bidding date: 25 June 2026
Opening bid: No reserve, selling to the highest bidder
Currently listed with Boathouse Auctions, Elysian is a tri-deck motor yacht built by Westport in 2004. Imagine stepping aboard Elysian's expansive swim platform, perhaps after a morning spent exploring secluded coves or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. The platform makes it easy to launch the tender or simply dive straight into the sea. As you ascend to the main deck, walk-around side decks guide you forward, with unobstructed views and a sense of openness.
The main saloon welcomes you with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light. Picture yourself relaxing on plush seating while watching your favourite show, or gathering around the formal dining table with nine other guests for an evening meal prepared in a country-style galley.
Venture up to the skylounge for sunset cocktails or stargazing after dinner, where the aft deck beckons with a built-in sofa and whirlpool Jacuzzi. The newly installed Samsung television features UV adaptation for daytime viewing even in bright sunlight, while Starlink Wi-Fi keeps you connected wherever your travels take you.
With accommodation for 10 guests across five en-suite cabins, there are three king-size cabins. The on-deck master suite stretches the full 7.9-metre beam and features oversized windows. The en-suite bathroom rivals any five-star hotel, with marble and granite finishes, a walk-in shower and a bath tub. Two king-size cabins and two twins make up the remaining accommodation.
Recent updates to major systems mean she's ready for immediate use. This auction, conducted in collaboration with Michael Strassel of HMY Yacht Sales, represents an opportunity to acquire a meticulously maintained tri-deck with no reserve.
Escape of London: An explorer's hidden gem
LOA: 36.4m
Builder: Trident
Online bidding date: 24 June 2026
Opening bid: $1,200,000
If your yachting dreams lean toward exploration and adventure, Escape of London might be your perfect match. This 36.4-metre Trident motor yacht is what the official J. Hargrave book describes as "perhaps the best yacht the public has never seen" - a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Designed by the legendary Jack Hargrave, Escape of London features a robust displacement hull that's proven itself through decades of extensive cruising from the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest. Built in Florida in 1997 and meticulously maintained by the same owner for 25 years, she embodies the seaworthiness that serious cruisers demand.
With a 5,000 nautical mile range, economical fuel consumption and low power requirements, Escape of London makes ambitious itineraries achievable. The 5,000lb crane handles large tenders with ease, ensuring you can explore shallow anchorages and remote coastlines.
For fishing enthusiasts, the aft cockpit is a dream come true, complete with a fish tank and full gear setup. Imagine landing a trophy marlin or tuna, then celebrating your catch on the heated and air-conditioned aft deck veranda. This all-season space features a U-shaped sofa, side chairs and hi-lo tables that transition from casual lounging to al fresco dining. Sliding windows and doors open to fresh air when conditions are perfect, while a heated coat locker adds comfort for cooler climates.
Inside, Escape of London's benefits from 335GT of volume and an eight-metre beam. The saloon offers excellent visibility through large windows. A lounge area and card table provide entertainment options, while the adjacent den serves as a versatile social space with its own wet bar, desk and television.
The dining room, positioned forward of the galley, comfortably seats eight guests for formal meals. Retractable Naiad stabilisers, sound insulation and vibration-free systems ensure a smooth, quiet ride.
Accommodation for eight guests is arranged across four en-suite cabins. The full-beam master is convertible into two single cabins for flexible guest configurations. Two twin cabins provide additional space, while a fourth cabin on the upper deck can serve as either a guest cabin or captain's quarters, depending on your preferences.
Conducted in collaboration with Lon McCloskey of Fraser and Max Minarek of judel/vrolijk & co, this auction offers the chance to acquire a go-anywhere yacht at a competitive price.
Why buy/sell a yacht at auction
- Transparent pricing through live bidding - everyone knows where they stand
- Comprehensive documentation with full hull, mechanical and engine surveys provided upfront
- Set sale conclusion date reduces ongoing running costs and depreciation for sellers
- International online platform connects sellers with qualified buyers worldwide
- Listing brokers remain involved throughout, providing buyers and sellers with professional guidance
- Escrow deposits and registration requirements ensure serious buyers and committed sellers
Visit Elysian or Escape of London to register for upcoming auctions, review detailed vessel information and see how the platform is transforming the superyacht market.
Sponsored content created for Boathouse Auctions