Buying
Should you buy a new or used yacht in India?
The trade-offs between a new import and a pre-owned boat already in the country.
7 February 2026 · 1 min read
In India, the answer usually favours used, but it helps to know why.
For used
A boat already imported and registered removes duty exposure and customs paperwork. You can survey it and negotiate against its real condition.
For new
More choice for the money, no hidden history and a full warranty. Landed cost includes duty and freight, and timelines run to months.
What duty adds
Duty and GST can add enough to change the whole calculation.
Deciding
For a first boat, a well-surveyed used one already in India is nearly always lower risk and faster. Experienced owners who know what they want may prefer importing. An independent survey and clear customs history are essential either way.
