Buying
How to buy a yacht in India
From working out what you need to closing the deal, from people who run boats.
24 January 2026 · 1 min read
The Indian market is smaller and less transparent than first-time buyers expect, with its own duty regime, limited berths and a monsoon to plan around.
Start with how you'll use it
The biggest mistake is buying the boat you'd like to have owned. Twice-monthly day trips and overnight family cruising need very different boats.
New or pre-owned
A pre-owned boat in India removes the import risk and is usually the easier first buy. New or imported gives more choice but takes more time and money.
Always survey
An independent survey that you arrange is the most important step. It covers hull, engine, rigging and systems.
Registration and paperwork
Boats register with the maritime board or Mercantile Marine Department, depending on category, and imported hulls need a clean customs trail.
- Independent survey before a deposit becomes non-refundable
- Confirmed customs and import documents for foreign hulls
- Registration with the maritime board or MMD
- A realistic running-cost budget
Ownership costs
Budget about ten percent of the boat's value a year for berth, crew, insurance, survey and monsoon haul-out.
Getting help
A good broker tells you unwelcome truths about price, size and paperwork. We also advise on boats we aren't selling.
