Can you tell us about your background and how you entered the yachting industry?
Computer engineer, entrepreneur, and passionate about boating, I decided to venture into yacht brokerage as a new chapter in my professional life.
I founded the XBOAT network 20 years ago, thanks also to numerous agents close to the coast, who are independent and autonomous in managing their schedules. Membership in the network is free and without fixed royalties.
We are obsessed with delivering excellent service, transparency, and honesty, which might seem obvious but isn’t always the case with some other brokers who tarnish the profession's reputation.
What advice would you give to someone buying their first boat?
Define your real needs across all criteria, and remember that your purchase budget should include an extra 10 to 20% for small (or medium) refurbishment works, and don’t underestimate the annual maintenance costs.
Don’t focus only on the boats you know "by name." There are many gems to discover among lesser-known shipyards, with great deals to be made as these boats are less sought after.
Have an expert inspection done during the period between the sales agreement and the final sale.
You will receive all the information from an expert who is committed to the process.
Even the owners don’t always know the real condition of their boats.
What are the current trends in the yachting market, in your opinion?
Let’s not hide it: the market has been tough since the end of 2023, particularly in France.
Buyers are fewer, and sellers are holding onto prices from the best years, which tightens the business.
We need to look for buyers outside France.
We achieve this through our powerful internal IT system, as well as efficient partners like Yachtingaddress.
In your opinion, which boat model or brand currently stands out in the market and why?
Sailboats sell the best.
We were around a 60/40 ratio until 2023, and since the decline, it’s more like 70/30.
Bavaria, long criticized for its construction quality, is making a strong comeback as their quality has improved while maintaining good value for money.
Catamarans are in demand but not at any price.
Small fishing and leisure boats, as well as semi-rigid boats, continue to sell well.
I believe large engines are a barrier, especially due to the lack of depreciation allowance for engines above 50 fiscal horsepower in France.
What sets your brokerage agency apart from others on the market?
We have been in business for 20 years.
Our model is solid, rigorous, and sustainable.
No show-offs, no company cars, no luxurious offices: our revenue wouldn’t support such expenses for long.
We cover all of France, a large part of Spain, and Italy.
XBOAT agents visit the boats, take photos and videos themselves.
We provide sellers with the necessary advice and follow-up.
It’s concrete.
Can you share a memorable anecdote or experience with a client?
Over the past 20 years, we have assisted with more than 2,000 transactions.
It’s difficult to highlight one over the others.
Each situation has its own context and a personalized relationship.
What are the most common mistakes you see among boat buyers or sellers?
For buyers, the most frequent mistake is believing that by buying "directly" on Leboncoin, for instance, they’ll make "a great deal" by avoiding paying the commission to so-called "vulture" yacht brokers, who they see as unnecessary.
I would tell them that we know our clients’ boats well, as well as the psychology of clients and their motivations for selling.
We can secure very good prices, and in most cases, they will end up paying less for the boat through a broker, while also benefiting from support and security.
I also remind them that the broker’s fees are paid by the seller, not the buyer.
Another mistake buyers make is thinking that after purchasing a large boat at a low price, the maintenance costs will also be low.
For sellers, the mistake is imagining that all improvements, repairs, or maintenance can be added to the market value of the boat.
At best, only concrete and recent improvements can bring a small added value. If a seller neglects maintenance, there will indeed be an impact... but downward.
What is your favorite place to sail and why?
I’m not an avid sailor.
For me, I prefer shallow and calm coves, ideal for relaxing swims, with everything needed on the table to enjoy the moment.
So: the Caribbean, Balearic Islands, Corsica, and Arcachon Basin.
How do you see the future of yachting in the coming years?
No revolution.
Consolidation to reduce costs for small and medium boats.
For sailboats: a division between classic sailboats offering more comfort, space, and stability, and faster sailboats with fewer compromises on comfort.
It will also be necessary to strengthen the sector for dismantling and recycling materials.
Xboat on Yachtingaddress
www.xboat.fr
