As international boating regulations evolve, yacht owners and buyers are facing a new wave of tax changes, fee adjustments, and compliance updates across some of the world’s most popular cruising and registration regions. From the Bahamas and Canada to Europe, the British Virgin Islands and Turkey, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of significant shifts that could impact cruising plans, operating budgets, and yacht-ownership strategy.
Below is a clear, concise roundup of the most important updates — plus links to the full sources for those who want to dig deeper.
Bahamas: New Cruising, Anchorage & Fishing Fees (Effective July 1, 2025)
The Bahamas has introduced a major overhaul of its fee structure for foreign pleasure craft. As of July 1, 2025:
- Cruising permits (valid up to 12 months) now scale by vessel size.
- Anchorage fees have increased substantially, ranging from US$200 to US$1,500 depending on boat length.
- Fishing permits have been separated out and priced at
- US$100 for vessels under 50 feet
- US$300 for vessels 50 feet and above
These changes reflect the Bahamas’ effort to modernize its revenue model and better regulate foreign-flagged vessels in its waters.
Read the full article → Bahamas Boating & Fishing Fees
Bahamas: New Cruising, Anchorage & Fishing Fees (Effective July 1, 2025)
The Bahamas has introduced a major overhaul of its fee structure for foreign pleasure craft. As of July 1, 2025:
- Cruising permits (valid up to 12 months) now scale by vessel size.
- Anchorage fees have increased substantially, ranging from US$200 to US$1,500 depending on boat length.
- Fishing permits have been separated out and priced at
- US$100 for vessels under 50 feet
- US$300 for vessels 50 feet and above
These changes reflect the Bahamas’ effort to modernize its revenue model and better regulate foreign-flagged vessels in its waters.
Read the full article → Bahamas Boating & Fishing Fees
Canada: Luxury Tax on Yachts Eliminated
The 2025 Canadian Federal Budget brings great news for yacht buyers: as of November 5, 2025, the luxury tax on private yachts has been removed. This change offers meaningful savings for anyone purchasing or upgrading a qualifying vessel in Canada.
Key points:
- No luxury tax on purchases or upgrades of eligible vessels after November 4, 2025.
- Dealers and brokers are no longer required to register for the tax.
- All existing dealer registrations will be cancelled by February 2028.
Read the full article → Canadian Luxury tax Eliminated
Europe: Proposed 33% VAT on Yachts in France Sparks Industry Pushback
A recent parliamentary proposal in France aims to raise VAT on recreational boating to 33%, a significant jump that has drawn strong criticism from European marine industry groups. Many have called the proposal:
- “Demagogic”
- “Ineffective”
- “Counter-productive”
The discussion underscores broader concerns about VAT unpredictability in the EU, where regulatory fluctuations can complicate yacht purchasing, charter activity, and long-term ownership planning. Read our article about current VAT taxes here>>
Read the full article → VAT Proposal in France
Turkey: New 8% Tax on Yachts & Leisure Vessels
Beginning September 2025, Turkey has introduced an 8% special consumption tax on yachts, superyachts, and other pleasure vessels. This replaces the previous zero-tax environment and is expected to:
- Increase acquisition and import costs
- Shift yacht-buyer behavior in the Eastern Mediterranean
- Influence where owners choose to base or register their yachts
Turkey has become a growing yacht-building and cruising region, so this tax marks an important shift in its maritime policy.
Read the full article → Turkey Imposes 8% Yacht Tax
Isle of Man: YET Scheme Offers Charter Flexibility for Private Yachts
The Isle of Man Ship Registry has launched the Yacht Engaged in Trade (YET) scheme, giving private yachts more operational flexibility. Under this framework:
- Private yachts (typically over 24 meters) may charter up to 84 days per year
- Chartering is permitted in designated EU waters
- The yacht maintains its private-use status outside charter days
- Owners gain more opportunities to offset operating expenses while staying compliant
This hybrid model appeals to yacht owners who want limited charter revenue without transitioning fully to commercial classification.
Read the full article → Isle of Man YET Scheme
Yacht taxes, fees, and regulatory frameworks are changing rapidly worldwide. Whether you’re exploring international cruising, planning a new yacht purchase, or structuring a charter-business strategy, staying informed is essential to avoid surprises — and to take advantage of new opportunities.
For tailored guidance on yacht ownership, business structures, and charter programs, the Catamaran Gurus team is always here to help. Contact us today!
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