Yacht Delivery

[gman99]

Just out of curiosity, I often see posts from individuals who are either independent or owners of a yacht delivery service. I've always wondered if that is something that keeps them actually busy full time or if y'all just deliver boats every once in a blue moon. In other words, how often do you do deliveries? One of my sailing buddies who is a qualified commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Ocean is thinking of opening and/or advertising for a delivery service and I am a bit concerned that it is not a "full time" type job...although what do I know!

Anyhow, first post here...glad to be part of the community!

Cheers!

[boatman61]

As a 1 man band.. I'd suggest he sets up in the USA.. get more enquiries from where I cannot work USA to USA deliveries than anywhere else..
I think they have more disposable income.
Welcome to CF....

[gman99]

Thanks boatman, that's interesting that you receive more inquiries from the US. I'm curious because he's trying to talk me into working with him and helping him set up things (website, marketing, etc.) since I am both a sailor and come from a small business/marketing background.

What I don't understand about this business is that I have no idea if people actually contact you for work! In other words, if I decided to open a cookie store in town I could reliably estimate that people would walk in and buy cookies...regardless of anything else...people would buy at least some.

Is yacht delivery something that there is actually a demand for? I mean I wonder if most of the captains are sitting around waiting for work or if they actually get booked frequently.

[Brighteyes]

Hi,
There is a demand, witness the number of companies advertising. It will take a while to build up a reputation which is what will get you continuing business. There are a lot of part time delivery skippers, often semi retired/second career. It's not all beer and skittles so beware of making your hobby into your job. Best of luck.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, gman.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by gman99

Thanks boatman, that's interesting that you receive more inquiries from the US. I'm curious because he's trying to talk me into working with him and helping him set up things (website, marketing, etc.) since I am both a sailor and come from a small business/marketing background.

What I don't understand about this business is that I have no idea if people actually contact you for work! In other words, if I decided to open a cookie store in town I could reliably estimate that people would walk in and buy cookies...regardless of anything else...people would buy at least some.

Is yacht delivery something that there is actually a demand for? I mean I wonder if most of the captains are sitting around waiting for work or if they actually get booked frequently.

If he can pull some contracts from builders and a large brokerage it can be fairly steady I guess.. however the bulk of my work is last minute from folk looking for the cheapest deal or have been refused by Yacht Master professionals who've deemed the boats unsafe and cannot afford to upgrade to the YM's standards..
I average 3 jobs a year so far.. and have yet to achieve half my annual tax allowance.. so Don't Give up the Day Job..