Flat-Fee vs. Percentage Boat Brokerage

Most brokers charge 10% of the sale price. On a $250,000 boat that's $25,000. On a $750,000 boat that's $75,000. Flat-fee brokerage flips the model: you pay a fixed fee for the same service, and you keep the rest.

How percentage brokerage works

The broker takes a percentage — usually 10% — off the top at closing. It scales with the boat's price, even though the work of listing, marketing, showing, and closing is roughly the same across price bands.

How flat-fee brokerage works

You get quoted a flat number up front for the full brokerage service: photography, listing syndication, showings, sea trials, negotiations, and closing. If your boat sells at asking, you know exactly what you'll net.

What each costs on real numbers

• $150K boat — 10% commission is $15,000. Flat fee can be a fraction of that.
• $400K boat — 10% commission is $40,000.
• $750K boat — 10% commission is $75,000.

The higher your boat's price, the bigger the delta. Above ~$200K, flat fee is almost always cheaper.

When percentage brokerage still makes sense

On lower-value boats or when a broker is providing storage, transport, or heavy prep work, percentage can be fair. Ask what's included and get the number in writing either way.

Talk numbers with us

We quote every seller a flat fee up front. Call and we'll walk you through what your boat should list for and what our fee looks like on your specific hull.