
The Yachting Capital of the World
Expert yacht brokerage in Fort Lauderdale. Browse available inventory, learn about the local market, and connect with a broker who knows this area.
Fort Lauderdale is the undisputed yachting capital of the world, and it has been the home base of Yacht Access since our founding in 1980. With over 50,000 registered vessels, 300+ marinas, and 165 miles of navigable waterways, Fort Lauderdale is not just a city with boats — it is a city built around boats. The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show on the planet, drawing over 100,000 visitors and showcasing $4 billion worth of vessels. For buyers, this concentration of inventory means more choices, better pricing, and access to the most comprehensive marine service infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere. For sellers, it means the largest pool of qualified buyers in the world walks through this market every year. Our headquarters at 2881 E Oakland Park Blvd puts us in the heart of the action — minutes from Bahia Mar, Pier Sixty-Six, and the major yacht service yards that keep this industry running.
The advantages of buying in Fort Lauderdale are practical and significant. First, inventory: the IYBA MLS lists more yachts for sale in the Fort Lauderdale area than any other market in the world. Whether you are looking for a 40-foot express cruiser or a 150-foot superyacht, the boat you want is likely sitting in a marina within 20 miles of our office. Second, infrastructure: Fort Lauderdale has the most comprehensive marine service network in the world. Every major engine manufacturer has authorized service centers here. Every major electronics brand has certified installers. The yacht refit and repair yards — Bradford, Lauderdale Marine Center, Derecktor, Rybovich — can handle everything from a bottom paint to a full refit. This means that any pre-purchase survey issues can be addressed quickly and competitively, and your ongoing maintenance needs are fully supported. Third, logistics: Fort Lauderdale's deep-water port, international airport, and proximity to the Bahamas make it the ideal starting point for cruising the Caribbean, the East Coast, or crossing to the Mediterranean.
The Fort Lauderdale market is the most liquid yacht market in the world, which benefits both buyers and sellers. For buyers, high inventory levels create competitive pricing and negotiating leverage. For sellers, the constant flow of qualified buyers — both domestic and international — means that well-priced, well-presented boats sell. The market here is also remarkably diverse: you will find everything from production boats to custom builds, from American sportfish to Italian motor yachts, from sailing catamarans to expedition trawlers. The brokerage community in Fort Lauderdale is the most experienced in the industry, with IYBA (International Yacht Brokers Association) headquartered here and setting the professional standards that govern ethical yacht transactions. As an IYBA member since 1980, Yacht Access operates within this framework of professionalism and accountability. The market moves year-round, with peak activity from October through April when the snowbirds arrive and the boat show season is in full swing. Summer months offer opportunities for buyers willing to negotiate — sellers who need to move boats before hurricane season are often more flexible on price.
The yacht infrastructure in Fort Lauderdale is organized along several key corridors. The Intracoastal Waterway runs north-south through the city, connecting hundreds of marinas, yacht clubs, and residential docks. The New River runs east-west through downtown, home to Lauderdale Marine Center and several major brokerage docks. The 17th Street Causeway area — including Bahia Mar, Pier Sixty-Six, and the Convention Center — is the epicenter of the yacht brokerage world, particularly during boat show season. To the north, Lighthouse Point and Pompano Beach offer additional marina options with generally lower slip fees. To the south, Hollywood and Aventura provide access to the Miami market while maintaining the Fort Lauderdale service infrastructure. For buyers considering where to keep their boat, Fort Lauderdale offers everything from basic wet slips to full-service marinas with concierge, fuel, and maintenance on-site. Slip availability can be tight for larger vessels (60'+), so it is worth discussing dockage options early in the buying process.
Fort Lauderdale's location makes it the ideal departure point for some of the best cruising in the world. The Bahamas are a 50-mile crossing from Lake Worth Inlet — a day trip for most motor yachts. The Florida Keys are a comfortable two-day cruise south along the Intracoastal or offshore. The Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Eastern Caribbean are accessible via well-established routes through the Bahamas chain. For owners heading north, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway provides a protected route all the way to the Chesapeake Bay and New England. The Gulf Stream, running just a few miles offshore, provides a natural highway for northbound passages. Fort Lauderdale is also a major departure point for transatlantic deliveries to the Mediterranean, with yacht transport services operating regular schedules from Port Everglades. Whether your plans are weekend trips to Bimini or a circumnavigation, Fort Lauderdale is the starting point that makes everything possible.
We have been doing business in Fort Lauderdale for over 45 years, and there is no better place in the world to buy or sell a yacht. The concentration of inventory, services, and expertise here is unmatched. For buyers, we know every marina, every service yard, and every corner of this market. We know which boats have been sitting too long, which sellers are motivated, and which deals represent genuine value. For sellers, we know how to position your boat in this competitive market — pricing strategy, presentation, marketing, and access to the buyer pool that flows through Fort Lauderdale year-round. The relationships we have built over four decades — with surveyors, mechanics, captains, marina managers, and fellow brokers — are the foundation of our ability to move deals forward efficiently. If you are considering buying or selling in Fort Lauderdale, we are the local experts with the track record to prove it. Call us at 954-527-4848 or stop by our office — we are always happy to talk boats.
Looking to buy or sell in Fort Lauderdale? Our brokers know this market inside and out. Get honest, experienced guidance — no pressure, no games.
200 yachts currently available in the Fort Lauderdale market via the IYBA MLS.












Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring the market — we're here to help. 45+ years of experience. No pressure. Just honest broker guidance.