It is crucial for any investor considering purchasing a charter catamaran to understand as much about this business as possible, not the least of which being vessel selection, as well as how she should be equipped. Getting this right will make an enormous difference in the business outcome for the vessel.
First, consider the cabin arrangement and guest capacity. Remember one cabin needs to be dedicated to the crew, as great crews will not commit to running a season if they are confined to V-berth accommodation spaces. The business viability requires at least 6 guests, accommodated in 3 en-suite cabins, better yet 8 guests in 4 en-suite cabins or a maximum of 10 guests in 5 en-suite cabins. The guest spaces should ideally include walk around, ideally queen size beds.
Second, A flybridge, or sky lounge is also becoming a sought after space, almost to the point of being a necessity. This space should also ideally have sun shade, either as a fabric bimini or hard top.
As a general rule the more separate guest spaces around the vessel, eg foredeck seating, comfortable cockpit, spacious saloon, flybridge and dinghy platform, the better. The vessel definitely needs to feel spacious for the number of guests and crew on board.
Third, the vessel must have a good supply of water toys available for guest use. As an absolute minimum 2 x SUP’s, a kayak, snorkel gear for all, a sub wing, a towable tube, a floating island, pool noodles and possibly a knee board or skis. It would be ideal to also have sea scooters, an e-foil and scuba gear.
A great sound system, AC system throughout and a watermaker are also must haves.
The above required spaces, cabins and storage for toys etc would dictate the need for a 50ft to 70 ft vessel, obviously depending on the investors budget considerations.
We have extensive experience with the following catamaran manufacturers and would recommend their vessels to any new investor: Leopard, Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Bali. Not to forget the premium builders Privilege and Sunreef. Our partners at Catamaran Central are perfectly placed to guide a new investor in their search, selection and acquisition process.
We emphasize throughout our discussions with prospective investors that realistic charter volume ranges between 18 and 23 commercial charters per season. These numbers can be achieved if owners limit their personal use to 2-3 trips per season and/or during fringe periods.
The current market conditions would require an investment in the $1.2M to $2.7M range for a pre-owned vessel, matching these specifications and in the $1.5M to $4.0M range for a new vessel. Our partners at Catamaran Central will introduce prospective investors to the advantageous tax treatment of investments in this category of business asset. However we highly recommend that all prospective investors seek professional advice in this regard from their tax consultant to understand the treatment in their own particular circumstances.
There are multiple financing solutions available to prospective investors. We collaborate with Coastal Boat Loan, and confidently recommend talking with them.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions about yacht management and yacht purchase recommendations!
