Why Buy a Boat in Sardinia
Sardinia is one of the best places in the Mediterranean to buy a boat. The island has a large and diverse fleet — many owners base their boats here year-round, meaning the second-hand market is deep and varied. You will find everything from 7-metre RIBs to 30-metre motor yachts, from classic wooden sailing boats to modern performance catamarans.
Buying locally in Sardinia also makes practical sense. You avoid the cost and complexity of transporting a boat from another country. You can view boats in person across multiple marinas in a single trip. And if you plan to keep your boat in Sardinia (which, given the 1,800 km of coastline and the clearest water in the Mediterranean, most people do), you start the ownership experience immediately.
The other advantage is price. Sardinia is not Monaco or Antibes — the cost of berthing, maintenance, and boat services is significantly lower than the French Riviera, while the sailing conditions and coastal beauty are arguably superior.
What We Do for Boat Buyers in Sardinia
Buying a boat — especially in a foreign country — involves more than finding a listing you like. The Italian registration system, VAT implications, survey requirements, berth availability, and negotiation culture all have their own nuances. We manage these for you.
Search and shortlisting: Tell us what you want — size, type, budget, intended use, preferred location — and we compile a shortlist of boats that meet your criteria, including off-market opportunities that are not publicly listed.
Viewings: We arrange and accompany viewings, providing honest assessments of each boat. We will tell you what we see — good and bad — because an informed buyer makes better decisions.
Survey and sea trial: We coordinate independent marine surveys and sea trials with qualified surveyors who know the local fleet. We review the survey results with you and advise on what is normal wear and what is a concern.
Negotiation and purchase: We negotiate on your behalf based on survey findings, market conditions, and comparable sales. We prepare the purchase contract, coordinate payment (including escrow options), and manage the Italian registration transfer.
Berth and logistics: We help you secure a berth at your preferred marina, arrange insurance, and connect you with local maintenance providers, captains, and crew if needed.
Types of Boats for Sale in Sardinia
Motor yachts (8–30m): The largest segment of the Sardinian market. Brands commonly found include Azimut, Ferretti, Sunseeker, Princess, Cranchi, and Absolute. Ideal for day cruising the Costa Smeralda, weekend trips to the Maddalena Archipelago, or longer passages around the island.
Sailing yachts (10–25m): A strong market in Sardinia, particularly around Alghero, Cagliari, and the north coast. Popular brands include Bavaria, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Dufour, and Hallberg-Rassy. The sailing conditions in Sardinia — consistent summer winds, protected bays, and world-class anchorages — are among the best in the Mediterranean.
Catamarans (38–50ft): An increasingly popular choice for families and those wanting more living space. Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Bali are well represented. The shallow draft is an advantage in Sardinia, where some of the best anchorages are in crystal-clear shallows.
RIBs and day boats (5–12m): Perfect for summer use from a fixed berth. Brands like Nuova Jolly, Joker Boat, and Scanner are widely available on the second-hand market. Low running costs and easy to manage.
The Buying Process for Boats in Sardinia
Buying a boat through us follows a clear, managed process. First, we discuss your requirements — a 30-minute call or meeting where we understand what you want to use the boat for, your budget, your preferred location, and any specific requirements.
We then search the market — both public listings and off-market opportunities across our network. We compile a shortlist with our honest assessment of each option.
Viewings are arranged across one or multiple marinas. We accompany you and provide candid feedback. If you cannot visit Sardinia immediately, we can conduct initial viewings on your behalf with video walkthroughs.
Once you have chosen a boat, we coordinate the marine survey, negotiate the price, prepare the purchase agreement, and manage the payment and registration transfer. The entire process from offer to ownership typically takes 4–8 weeks.
Where to Buy a Boat in Sardinia
The boat market in Sardinia is spread across the entire island, but certain areas have higher concentrations of boats for sale.
North-east coast (Costa Smeralda): Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Olbia, and Cannigione have the largest concentration of motor yachts and higher-value boats. This is where the premium market lives.
North-west coast: Alghero, Stintino, and Castelsardo have a strong sailing fleet and more affordable options. Alghero in particular has an active cruising community.
South coast: Cagliari is the island capital and has the most diverse market — everything from dinghies to superyachts. Villasimius and Carloforte are smaller but have interesting options.
We cover all 60+ marinas across Sardinia. Wherever the right boat happens to be, we will find it.
Costs and Taxes When Buying a Boat in Sardinia
The purchase price is the main cost, but there are additional considerations. VAT: if the boat has VAT-paid status (most boats in the EU do), there is no additional VAT to pay. If the boat is VAT-unpaid or being imported from outside the EU, Italian VAT (22%) will apply.
Registration: registering a boat under the Italian flag involves fees to the maritime authority (Capitaneria di Porto). These are modest — typically €200–€800 depending on the boat size and registration type.
Survey: a pre-purchase marine survey costs approximately €500–€2,500 depending on the boat size and scope. We strongly recommend a survey for any boat over €30,000.
Berth: annual berth fees in Sardinia range from approximately €2,000–€5,000 for a 10m boat to €15,000–€80,000+ for a 20m+ yacht in a premium marina like Porto Cervo. We help you source the best berth options.
Our fee: in most cases, the buyer pays no brokerage fee — the seller pays the commission. In situations where we are acting solely as a buyer's agent, we agree a transparent fee structure in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner buy a boat in Italy?
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying boats in Italy. You can register a boat under the Italian flag regardless of your nationality, or keep it registered under another EU flag. We advise on the best registration strategy based on your circumstances.
Do I need to be in Sardinia to buy a boat?
Not necessarily. We can conduct initial viewings and video walkthroughs on your behalf. However, we recommend visiting for the final viewing and sea trial before committing. Many buyers combine a viewing trip with a short holiday — the travel connections to Olbia and Cagliari from most European cities are excellent.
What is the best time of year to buy a boat in Sardinia?
Autumn and winter (October–February) are typically the best time to buy. Owners who did not sell during summer become more motivated, and there is less competition from other buyers. Spring (March–May) has the widest selection as sellers list before the season, but prices tend to be firmer.
Do you only sell boats listed with your brokerage?
No. We search the entire market on your behalf, including boats listed with other brokerages and private sellers. Our job is to find you the best boat at the best price, regardless of where it is listed.
What does a marine survey involve?
A standard pre-purchase survey includes a hull inspection (condition, osmosis check), engine and mechanical systems check, electrical systems, rigging inspection (for sailing yachts), safety equipment review, and a sea trial. The surveyor provides a written report with findings and recommendations. We coordinate the entire process with accredited local surveyors.
How do I arrange a berth in Sardinia?
Berth availability varies dramatically by marina. Porto Cervo has long waiting lists; other marinas have immediate availability. We advise on berth options based on your boat size and preferred location, and can negotiate berth transfers or new contracts on your behalf.
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Looking for a Boat in Sardinia?
Tell us what you want — size, type, budget, location — and we will send you a curated shortlist of boats that match, including off-market opportunities.
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