How to build a yacht shortlist (without listing fatigue)

Introduction

Listing portals reward breadth; buyers need depth. A good shortlist has three to five boats you would genuinely buy this season - each with a defensible reason it beat the alternatives.

Start from your first-yacht budget template and cruising intent, not from the shiniest brokerage photo.

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Step 1 - Define non-negotiables

Write five lines before you search:

1. Primary cruising area (Baltic only vs North Sea passages)
2. Crew (solo, couple, family with kids)
3. Keel and draft (marina constraints, drying harbours)
4. Total budget (purchase + survey + 12-month reserve)
5. Layout (centre vs aft cockpit - see cockpit comparison)

Anything that fails a non-negotiable is a no, not a "maybe if cheap."

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Step 2 - Use three filters only

Filter	Why one dimension at a time
LOA band	9-11 m vs 12-14 m changes marina cost and rig handling
Build era	Systems age drives capex - tie to survey budgeting
Brand / model family	Compare within families on yacht models — e.g. Oceanis 34 vs Sun Odyssey 34

Avoid filtering on colour, minor gear, or broker prose.

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Step 3 - Score candidates

For each survivor, score 1-5 on: condition evidence, layout fit, price vs comps, logistics (distance to survey yard). Drop anything below 12/20.

Use compare pages for pairs you cannot separate on paper.

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Step 4 - Book viewings last

Only after shortlist lock: prepare first viewing questions and a shared spreadsheet. Maximum two viewings per weekend - fatigue kills judgment.

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FAQ

Q: How many boats should I shortlist? A: Three to five active candidates; one backup if a deal collapses.

Q: Should I include project boats? A: Only if refit budget and skills are pre-funded - otherwise they expand the list without shortening time to water.

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Next steps

Compare specific models (e.g. HR 36 vs Najad 390), browse Scandinavian brands, or talk to advisory.