What Does It Really Cost to Run a Crewed Charter Yacht—And Can You Make a Profit?

Is Owning a Yacht Profitable? Can you Actually Make Money With a Charter Boat?

These are the most common questions we hear from aspiring yacht owners. While a well-equipped charter yacht can generate income, turning a significant profit is much less common than most expect.

At Catamaran Guru, we’ve worked with dozens of yacht owners to develop smart ownership solutions. In many cases, the right structure can offset a substantial portion of yacht ownership costs through business income, tax advantages, and flexible charter management.

Can You Really Make Money with a Charter Yacht?

Short answer: Not easily.

Running a charter yacht—even a popular model like a Bali 5.4—usually won’t deliver large profits. Charter income typically covers operating expenses. The real financial advantage comes from tax breaks and strategic ownership structures that allow you to classify the yacht as a business.

That said, if structured properly, your yacht can:

Offset monthly costs
Maximize tax deductions
Retain flexibility for personal use
Preserve resale value with professional management

Case Study: Bali 5.4 in a Crewed Program (BVI)

Take a Bali 5.4 Catamaran with a 5-cabin layout operating in the British Virgin Islands. This size and layout are among the most profitable setups. In prime charter locations, such yachts can break even or turn a small profit—but only if you prioritize charter bookings over personal use.

Most owners purchase yachts for enjoyment and use charters to offset operating costs, not to generate income. As our co-founder Stephen Cockcroft often explains:

“Chartering helps offset costs, keeps the boat active, and keeps the crew motivated.”

How to Make Yacht Ownership Work Financially

The most successful yacht owners treat ownership as a business venture from day one.

Our Boat as a Business approach helps you:

Plan for tax efficiency
Structure your yacht purchase correctly
Create a charter operation that works for your lifestyle
Use the yacht for personal enjoyment without sabotaging the business model

We offer comprehensive support, including:

Financing and insurance specialists
Yacht management companies
Independent tax advisors

You’ll also gain the flexibility to move your yacht seasonally—follow the sun and base your boat where the charter market is strongest.

This Is Not a Typical Charter Company Program

Unlike standard charter company programs, our model empowers you as the owner. We help you:

Select the right catamaran
Develop a charter business tailored to your goals
Integrate yacht ownership into your overall tax and financial strategy

Whether you’re looking at new yacht purchases or pre-owned catamarans already operating in successful charter businesses, we can guide you.

Financial Model for a Bali 5.4 Catamaran

Bali 5.4 Value	$1,750,000
Total Annual Income (Charter rate: 20 weeks at $33,200 average / week)	$664,000
Annual Direct Expenses (Turn around costs, booking fee, management fee, dockage, utilities, fuel, mooring)	$292,000
Annual Operating Expenses (Yacht maintenance, crew salaries, insurance, admin & accounting, hurricane preparation)	$206,000
Total Annual Expenses	2025 $472,000
Net Income	$165,000
Annual Mortgage Principal & Interest	$155,000
Total Annual Income	$10,000
Tax Saving @ 31% tax rate	$507,500
Value of Owner Weeks (3 weeks annually)	$99,600