According to BOATPro, the superyacht market in 2023 saw an average listing time of 463 days before sale. However, some shipyards consistently outperform this benchmark, boasting much shorter sale times. One standout is Dutch yard Heesen, whose yachts that sold in 2023 spent an average time on the market of just 302 days, sitting comfortably below the industry average and proving that Heesen yachts do well in the resale market. So, what’s the secret? BOAT investigates…
BOATPro tells us that 131 Heesen yachts are currently on the water, with an average of just four changing hands on the resale market each year. Looking back at 2023, nine Heesen-built yachts found new owners, six of which were sold publicly via a broker. These included three 50-metres - Julia (2015), L’Oursin (2018) and Daisy D (2018) – as well as 55-metre South (2012), and 60-metre Lusine (2022). Notably, L’Oursin was on the market for just 81 days – a testament to Heesen’s strong reputation and resale value.
"I would put the quick sale of L'Oursin down to a timeless design and a combination of speed with good range," says Arne Ploch, senior sales broker at Camper & Nicholsons responsible for the sale. "But, in general, Heesen's quality, solid shipbuilding, brand name and a good level of demand all contributed too. The yacht needs to correspond to what you are offering. In this case, it was a turnkey yacht ready to go, in excellent condition and looked after by her experienced owner. All this, along with the seller having the right price expectations, achieves a quick sale, which reduces costs for the seller in the end."
The esteemed reputation of Dutch build quality is well known, and Heesen’s general manager of production, Paul van Herpen, puts it down to the shipyard’s build processes and techniques: "Building in series means building with a reliable, proven technique that consistently delivers results. This is evident in our sea trials, where we almost always achieve success on the first time." He also emphasises the popularity of yachts in the 50- to 60-metre size bracket, noting that they are "suitable for most ports, offering owners a wider variety of locations they can easily visit without the constant need to rely on tenders".
On the brokerage side, Thom Conboy, director of sales for Heesen in North America, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, agrees: "Yachts are a depreciating asset, but thanks to Heesen’s expert engineering and build quality, we have consistently maintained a higher resale value than our competitors."
Conboy also highlights one of Heesen’s standout qualities as the remarkable speed its yachts can achieve: "Dating back to the 43.5-metre Octopussy in 1988, Heesen has always been the leader in award-winning, aluminium hull, top-speed performance yachts. Our most recent example is the completion of 80-metre Genesis last year. Heesen engineered a proprietary "backbone" framework to ensure we were able to maintain our signature sportiness and timeless elegance without compromising structural integrity. It was a huge milestone for us and the yachting industry at large."
According to Denis Patrakov, yacht broker at Abberly Yachts responsible for the sale of Daisy D, the owner isn't the only person to target in the sales process. "Remember the buyer's kids and personal assistants too. They also play an important role in the decision process," he says. "The photos and videos sometimes sell better than a salesperson. So a good photo shoot and proper GA are crucial."
Much like purchasing a home, prospective buyers typically prefer to avoid costly refurbishment projects, so staying diligent with maintenance throughout yacht ownership is essential for ensuring a swift sale. "Having a solid budget for maintenance and required repairs is essential for the long-term resale value of a superyacht. All potential buyers need to go into it with this mindset to ensure their investment is safeguarded for the long haul," Conboy explains. "Keeping crew turnover and engine/generator hours low also enhances the resale value down the line."
Ploch adds: "It is a combination of an owner willing to spend what is needed and a responsible crew spending it where required, managed by an experienced yacht manager."
Heesen's dedicated team of 13 customer support and after-sales specialists provides 24/7 emergency assistance, even in remote locations: supporting owners with maintenance, warranty, spare parts, refits and documentation, to name a few. With service hubs in the US, Southern Europe and Dubai, the shipyard ensures accessible, worldwide service for its clients.
"Having an experienced, hands-on team is key to maintaining the condition of a superyacht, which should not be underestimated," van Herpen adds. "A superyacht is a complex machine – akin to a floating hotel powered by supercar-level propulsion. This requires extensive knowledge of machinery and maintenance upkeep. At Heesen, we offer tailored training and comprehensive support to ensure your yacht remains at peak performance."
But while it's possible to maintain yachts to the highest standard and invest extensively, luck inevitably plays a role. As Conboy puts it: "You need the perfect trifecta to make a quick sale in this industry - timing, market demand and flexibility."
To find out more about Heesen’s Dutch yacht-building expertise, contact the shipyard today.
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