We have been following the trends on the used boat markets in Italy and Croatia very closely since March 2020. And if you want to describe them briefly and succinctly, you can confidently speak of an unparalleled rollercoaster ride: From an almost empty market in the middle of the pandemic to a current supply situation in which everything is upside down again.
The common denominator?
Well… the market has turned – and those who understand it have a clear advantage.
So let’s take a closer look at the chronological developments of the last 5 years and finally examine the implications for buyers and sellers of boats and yachts in the current market environment.
2020-2022: The dream of a boating vacation
And suddenly the market was empty
When we started evaluating used boat listings on the relevant online exchanges in March 2020, nobody expected that the boat would suddenly become the ultimate retreat within the next two years.
But that is exactly what happened:
Boating vacation offered distance and freedom
Charter fleets kept everything ready to go on the market
Private owners clung to this new freedom on the water
➡️ The consequences: the supply of available used boats shrank dramatically – in Croatia by as much as half for sailing yachts (index March 2020 = 100% / index March 2022 = 51%).
Anyone who found a suitable yacht back then either bought it (often without a prior viewing and at completely inflated prices) – or came away empty-handed.
2023-2025: Fleet change, expensive berths
And the supply shoots up
However, like every pendulum, the euphoria on the boat market eventually swung back again and the market turned again from the end of 2023.
Expressed in figures, this means that today (in the fall of 2025) the total number of listed used boats in Croatia and Italy is again at an index of approx. 180% – so we are seeing an almost doubling of supply compared to March 2020.
We are also seeing very divergent trends in the individual market segments:
Croatia – Sailing yachts
This is where we are experiencing the greatest upheaval:
An index increase from 51% in March 2022 to 205% in October 2025 – i.e. a quadrupling of supply
- Charter companies are adapting their fleets – older models (model years ~2017-2020) are being sold in large numbers
Rising interest rates accelerate sales trends in charter management
The market is well filled again – advantageous for buyers, challenging for sellers.
Italy & Croatia – Motor yachts
We also see a strong increase in listings in the overall view of motor yacht listings, although the increase is (still) much milder (index March 2022 = 83% / index October 2025 = 173%).
The sellers mainly cite the following reasons:
Significant increase in mooring fees and service costs
Higher financing costs
Desire for smaller, more efficient boats or exit
The result: there is also more movement in the market for motor yachts – to the benefit of buyers.
Market Dashboard: Italy and Croatia
Chart no. 1: Total supply of used boats (motor & sail) 03/2020 to 10/2025 (Index 03/2020=100%)
Chart no. 2: Comparison: Sailboat vs. motorboat listings Croatia 03/2020 to 10/2025 (Index 03/2020=100%)
Source: Own analysis based on queries via boat.24.com and inautia.com
Future outlook 2026-2027
Wait-and-see dominates - buyers' market deepens
So far, so good. In view of the trends described above, the question naturally arises as to where the journey on the used boat markets in Croatia and Italy will take us in the foreseeable future.
Well… In view of the subdued economic and consumer sentiment within the EU , we do not expect a rapid rebalancing for the time being. From today’s perspective, however, the following scenarios are much more likely:
Buyers are waiting longer: investment decisions are being postponed; “nice-to-have” purchases are being weighed up more carefully.
Supply remains high: further charter exits (sailing HR) and selective private sales (motor IT & HR) keep the portfolio above average.
Price pressure is increasing: longer marketing times, more price comparisons, tough counter-offers.
Costs remain present: berths, insurance and service are not structurally declining – they act as a natural price cap.
Interest rates only help gradually: even with slightly more favorable conditions, caution dominates.
Total: The market continues to push towards buyers. A sustained stabilization of prices is currently not in sight. In particular, older boats in need of refit will come under extreme pressure.
What does this mean in concrete terms
For buyers and sellers?
Implications for buyers:
Patience pays off: Observe, compare, negotiate calmly.
Cost argument as a joker: systematically price ongoing costs (berth, insurance, service, upgrades) into the negotiations.
Implications for sellers:
More realistic than the market – not more optimistic: it is better to price early in line with the market than to reduce late.
Reduce risk for buyers: Complete documentation, fresh services, pre-sale survey if necessary, transferable berth, winterizing included. → lowers discounts.
Upgrading where it counts: Visible care (teak, upholstery, paintwork), up-to-date electronics, new batteries.
CONCLUSION
Since 2020, the market has gone through three phases: Scarcity, oversupply, wait-and-see.
Today and foreseeable 2026/27: buyers’ market with further pressure on average goods.
Premium remains in demand, but only if the condition, documentation and pricing logic are right.
In the end, it’s about both numbers and feelings.
Those who combine the two are sailing ahead of the market.