Why a Pre-Owned Yacht Can Be Worth More Than a New One Today: Bruno Dessì’s View

Delivery times, purchase costs, build quality and scope for customisation are reshaping the relationship between new and pre-owned yachts. Bruno Dessì, founder of Elica, explains why a quality yacht, selected through thorough due diligence and upgraded with a targeted refit, can represent a viable alternative to a new build, particularly in the 60- to 80-foot segment.

New yachts: long delivery times, rising prices and build quality that can sometimes be compromised. According to Bruno Dessì, founder of Elica, today’s high-end pre-owned yacht market offers opportunities that many owners underestimate — provided they know what to buy and how to upgrade it.

PressMare - Bruno, in recent years the pre-owned yacht market seems to have taken on an increasingly important role. How do you explain this trend?

Bruno Dessì - There are several reasons. The first is that many yachts built over the past twenty years are excellent products. We are talking about boats that still have solid structures, sound hulls and very high build quality. In many cases, an owner can purchase a high-quality pre-owned yacht and turn it into a thoroughly contemporary product through a well-planned refit.

PM - So it is not simply a question of price?

BD - No, that would be too simplistic. The financial aspect certainly matters, but the real issue is the relationship between the investment and the final result. Today, some new high-end yachts require very substantial investments. In many cases, an owner can purchase a quality pre-owned model, subsequently invest in a targeted refit and obtain a yacht perfectly suited to their requirements with a significantly lower overall budget.

PM - What are the most common mistakes when buying a pre-owned yacht?

BD - The first mistake is falling in love with the aesthetics without investigating the technical aspects in sufficient depth. A yacht may look perfect while concealing significant issues. This is why we place so much emphasis on due diligence. You need to analyse the documentation, systems, engines, the yacht’s overall condition and the quality of the maintenance carried out over the years.

PM - How important is the yacht’s history?

BD - Extremely important. A well-maintained yacht tells its story through the details. Some owners are exceptionally diligent and invest continuously in maintenance, and this becomes immediately apparent. Conversely, there are yachts that may initially appear attractive but require far more extensive work than a preliminary assessment might suggest.

PM - Elica Yachts is heavily involved in refit projects. How important is refitting when it comes to enhancing the value of a pre-owned yacht?

BD - It is central. Today, many clients are not simply looking for a yacht. They are looking for a yacht they can customise. A refit makes it possible to upgrade the interiors, systems, finishes and electronics and, in many cases, the yacht’s overall appearance. It is a way of adapting the yacht to the owner’s style of cruising without necessarily facing the lead times and costs associated with a new build.

PM - Is there a point beyond which a refit is no longer economically worthwhile?

BD - Every case is different. You have to assess the yacht’s initial value, the cost of the work and the result you want to achieve. What I can say is that many yachts built between 2005 and 2015 currently provide a very interesting platform for substantial upgrading projects.

PM - Is timing also a factor?

BD - Definitely. Someone buying a pre-owned yacht can often start cruising much sooner than someone ordering a new build. Naturally, it depends on the extent of the work required, but in many cases the time advantage is significant.

PM - What size range do you mainly focus on?

BD - Our core market is approximately between 60 and 80 feet. It is a segment that currently offers some very interesting opportunities, both in terms of purchasing and in terms of enhancing a yacht’s value through refitting.

PM - What is an owner entering this market looking for today?

BD - Reassurance. They want to know that the yacht has been properly inspected, that the necessary work has been identified and that there is a clear plan for its future management. The way people buy yachts has changed. Clients today are much better informed and want to understand every aspect of the transaction.

PM - Ultimately, why can a pre-owned yacht be the right choice?

BD - Because it allows you to combine quality, customisation and control over the investment. If the initial selection is right and the refit is properly planned, the result can be remarkable. There are yachts that, following a well-executed refit, can offer levels of comfort, technology and styling that are entirely competitive with much more recent products.

PM - Is this the philosophy behind Elica?

BD - Exactly. We do not simply sell a pre-owned yacht. We try to identify the yacht’s potential and work with the owner to develop a pathway that allows it to express its full value over the years that follow.

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