American Flagged Yachts for Sale

The world of yachting is evolving, and one of the most significant changes in recent years has been the ability for American owners to register their yachts in the United States, thanks to new legislation. This change has opened up numerous opportunities for yacht owners, making American-flagged yachts a popular choice. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of owning an American-flagged yacht and showcase some of the best options available for purchase.

SPIRIT 112' Westport yacht for sale - American Flagged
SPIRIT - 112' Westport Yacht for Sale
NATURAL 9 - 112' Westport yacht for sale American Flagged
NATURAL 9 - 112' Westport Yacht for Sale

The Benefits of Flying the US Flag*

Since 2018, when President Trump signed an amendment reversing a 1920 law, yachts over 300 gross tons (GT) have been able to register in the United States. This has led to a notable increase in US-flagged superyachts on the water. Here are some key benefits of flying the US flag on your yacht:

  1. Patriotism: Displaying the American flag is a proud declaration of your citizenship and patriotism.
  2. Tax Depreciation: US-flagged yachts offer tax depreciation advantages, making ownership more financially appealing.
  3. Sales Tax Cap: Information regarding tax cap varies state-to-state. To learn more contact us today. 
  4. Transit: Easier transit within the USA without needing to check in and out with Customs. Yachts can also be sold to US residents while in US waters, unlike foreign-flagged vessels unless duty has been paid.
  5. Operational Flexibility: Owners of US-flagged yachts who have paid the 1.5% duty on foreign-built yachts can operate them as private vessels or commercial charters in US waters without restrictive permits.
21 SEA SANDS YACHT FOR SALE - 95′ PRINCESS YACHTS
21 SEA SANDS YACHT FOR SALE - 95′ PRINCESS YACHTS

Legislative Changes and Industry Impact

The amendment that allowed yachts over 300 GT to register in the US was a significant achievement for the yachting community. It modernized outdated laws and aligned the US with current maritime standards. The bipartisan support in Congress and the efforts of the US Superyacht Association (USSA) were crucial in making this change a reality.

“This has been a significant issue that the USSA has spent nearly a decade working to correct,” said Kate Pearson, USSA chair and vice president of business development at Safe Harbor Marinas. “We are thrilled to have been an integral part of helping to finally make it a reality.”

CHECKERS YACHT FOR SALE - 85′ BURGER
CHECKERS YACHT FOR SALE - 85′ BURGER
SEA SPUR 82' Leclerq in Seattle
SEA SPUR 82' Leclerq in Seattle For Sale

Economic Benefits and Job Creation

The ability to register large recreational vessels in the US is expected to have a substantial economic impact. According to Kitty McGowan, president of the USSA, the new legislation will create more high-profile opportunities for American crew, keep yachts in US waters longer, and generate more business for repair and refit yards.

QUE SA-RAH SA-RAH 76' (23.29m) Symbol 1998
QUE SA-RAH SA-RAH 76' (23.29m) Symbol 1998 in Seattle For Sale
COCONUT 74' Ocean Alexander Yacht for Sale in Seattle
COCONUT 74' Ocean Alexander Yacht for Sale in Seattle

Notable Industry Voices

Prominent figures in the yachting industry have expressed their support for the new legislation. Tilman J. Fertitta, a passionate yacht owner and TV personality, emphasized the importance of this change for American yacht owners.

“For at least a half-century, ridiculous regulations prohibited American citizens from displaying their patriotism by flying an American flag on their yacht,” Fertitta remarked. “With the new legislation, that ends. American yacht owners can now proudly proclaim their citizenship on their yachts.”

Profile of PIAFFE, a 71 foot New England Boatworks yacht for sale.
PIAFFE 71' (21.64m) New England Boatworks Custom 1995

Explore American Flagged Yachts for Sale

If you’re considering the purchase of a yacht, exploring American-flagged options can provide numerous benefits. From financial incentives to the pride of flying the US flag, these yachts offer a unique combination of advantages.

Whether you’re looking for a superyacht over 300 GT or a luxurious private vessel, the market for American-flagged yachts is growing. Contact us today to discover the best options available and take the first step towards owning a piece of maritime history.

SPIRIT
SPIRIT
Year: 2010
Builder: Westport
Length: 112′ 0″ (34.14 M)
$5,950,000 USD
SEA SPUR
SEA SPUR
Year: 2005
Builder: LeClercq
Length: 82′ 0″ (24.99 M)
$1,195,000 USD
QUE SA-RAH SA-RAH
QUE SA-RAH SA-RAH
Year: 1999
Builder: Symbol
Length: 76′ 5″ (23.29 M)
$1,295,000 USD
COCONUT
COCONUT
Year: 2009
Builder: Ocean Alexander
Length: 74′ 0″ (22.56 M)
$1,895,000 USD
PIAFFE
PIAFFE
Year: 1995
Builder: New England Boatworks
Length: 71′ 0″ (21.64 M)
$750,000 USD
SEA HAWK
SEA HAWK
Year: 1997
Builder: Fairline
Length: 65′ 0″ (19.81 M)
$499,000 USD
BRAVISSIMO
BRAVISSIMO
Year: 1982
Builder: Riva
Length: 60′ 0″ (18.29 M)
$325,000 USD
JUST MAGIC
JUST MAGIC
Year: 2002
Builder: Ocean Alexander
Length: 55′ 0″ (16.76 M)
$575,000 USD
TRILLIUM
TRILLIUM
Year: 1987
Builder: Hinckley
Length: 42′ 0″ (12.80 M)
$265,000 USD
ELISE
ELISE
Year: 2005
Builder: Hinckley
Length: 40′ 0″ (12.19 M)
$499,000 USD
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
Year: 2003
Builder: Wilbur
Length: 34′ 4″ (10.46 M)
$297,500 USD
SCOUT 275 DORADO
SCOUT 275 DORADO
Year: 2018
Builder: Scout
Length: 27′ 5″ (8.36 M)
$184,950 USD

Explore American Flagged Yachts for CHARTER

Looking to discover yachting on a shorter term? Try a yacht charter on one of our US-flagged charter yachts.

VALHALLA
VALHALLA
Cabins: 5
Guests: 10
Length: 151ft / 46m
Price: $190,000
ANDIAMO
ANDIAMO
Cabins: 3
Guests: 6
Length: 105ft / 32m
Price: $50,000
SOVEREIGN
SOVEREIGN
Cabins: 4
Guests: 7
Length: 100ft / 30.5m
Price: $48,000
BEYOND BEYOND
BEYOND BEYOND
Cabins: 4
Guests: 6
Length: 94ft / 28.5m
Price: $90,000
WINDWARD
WINDWARD
Cabins: 3
Guests: 6
Length: 90ft / 27.4m
Price: $39,000
OLYMPUS
OLYMPUS
Cabins: 5
Guests: 10
Length: 88ft / 26.8m
Price: $96,000
HOYA SAXA
HOYA SAXA
Cabins: 4
Guests: 8
Length: 87ft / 26.5m
Price: $55,000
INDY
INDY
Cabins: 4
Guests: 8
Length: 85ft / 25.9m
Price: $40,000
NORTHERN LIGHT
NORTHERN LIGHT
Cabins: 3
Guests: 6
Length: 74ft / 22.6m
Price: $30,000
TABULA RASA
TABULA RASA
Cabins: 4
Guests: 6
Length: 57ft / 17.4m
Price: $25,000

*At Worth Avenue Yachts, our team is highly experienced in navigating the complexities of yacht sales involving US and international flags, as well as various unique situations that may arise. While we provide expert guidance, we always recommend consulting with a reputable maritime attorney for thorough advice on taxation and flag state regulations. We collaborate closely with trusted maritime legal professionals and stand ready to assist through any challenging selling scenario. Please note that this information serves as general guidance, and specific requirements may vary for each yacht.

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