“Owning a yacht is a good thing, one of the joys of life. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. A yacht allows you to make memories you never dreamed possible.” – Peter Schmidt, founder of United Yacht Sales 

2024 was a banner year in the marine industry for many reasons, but one near and dear to our hearts is the retirement of United Yacht Sales founder Peter Schmidt. After a career that spanned more than 50 years in the marine industry, including several decades as a professional yacht broker both in the Northeast and Florida, and most recently as Founder and President of United Yacht Sales, Peter has stepped away from his official role with the company and plans to spend more time on the water.

It was 2002 that Peter first opened the doors of United Yacht Sales, a yacht brokerage firm that sought to do things a little differently than the mainstream. Based in Stuart, Florida, United Yacht Sales mantra included “Earning Your Trust, One Boat A Time” and commits to doing the right thing for our customers, even when it’s difficult. Peter instilled into every broker that joined that integrity matters and to always focus on customer service. Since then, United has grown to become the largest yacht brokerage firm in the world with more than 250 brokers worldwide. Captain Jeff Palmer, who assumed the role of President in 2021 when Peter first sold controlling shares of the company, will continue to lead UYS. Well done, Peter, and thanks for so many memories!

In January of 2024, United Yacht Sales announced their boat sales results for 2023 with a positive message about number of boats sold. Now in the beginning of 2025, we are thrilled to announce our continued year-over-year growth.

While the industry MLS reported that there were 16% less pre-owned boats and yachts sold in the United States in 2024, UYS saw our market share grow. “In 2024, United Yacht Sales saw a 13% increase in total volume of boats sold, as well as a 13% increase in total net dollars,” said Captain Jeff Palmer. “Our team has grown substantially over the last two years. We have made and are making a big commitment to our yacht brokerage team, one that includes as much support as possible, which frees them up to deliver a better experience to their clients. The results are proof that this is working.”

OUR 2024 HIGHLIGHTS:

TOP BROKER IN DOLLARS SOLD – GREG GRAHAM

Congratulations to United Yacht Sales Top Broker in 2024 for most dollars sold, Captain Greg Graham! If you know Greg, you might think that the majority of his sales in 2024 had to be sportfishing yachts, as he is an avid angler competing in several tournaments each year. In fact, Greg had a diverse 2024 that included the sale of a 2021 Azimut 47 Fly and several center-consoles. Several of Greg’s notable boats sold this year include:

• 2006 Hatteras 60
• 2004 Viking 56 Convertible
• 2021 Viking 54
• 2022 Winter 53 Custom Sportfish
• 2021 Freeman 47
• 2020 Buddy Davis 42

TOP BROKER IN TOTAL BOATS SOLD – SCOTT WHITE

Congratulations to United Yacht Sales Top Broker in 2024 for most boats sold, Scott White! If you boat in or around the Cape May, New Jersey area, chances are you’ve run into Scott White on the docks. Having started as a professional mate on private fishing boats in 1992, Scott has fished with many well known anglers in Cape May and was crew on the charter boat “UNCLE T”. Scott earned his Captain’s license and has closed more than 500 transactions since becoming a yacht broker in 2003 thanks to his focus on customer service and “always doing the right thing” for his clients. Today, Scott runs the UYS New Jersey Division which includes himself and 6 other professional brokers that have more than 40 boats for sale between them. Some of Scott’s notable sales this year include:

• 2000 Viking 58
• 2009 Viking 50
• 2004 Carver 44
• 2002 Ocean 43
• 2004 Cabo 40
• 2019 Pursuit 32

LARGEST MOTORYACHT SOLD BY UYS IN 2024 – JUAN MORILLO

“LIQUID SKY” is a 2017 CMB 155′ Superyacht that was sold by UYS broker Juan Morillo in October of this year. LIQUID SKY features the exterior design of renowned Espen Oeino and elegant “beach house” interior by Arte-Bel Design Studio. The well-balanced exterior and interior deck layouts of the immense space onboard were designed as a private retreat with sumptuous main deck full-beam owner’s suite and four spacious, nicely appointed ensuite guest staterooms, two with pullman beds, on the lower deck. The yacht accommodates 9 crew. LIQUID SKY had an asking price of $17,886,000 when sold.

LARGEST SPORTFISH SOLD BY UYS IN 2024 – CCHRISTOPHER COOKE

Launched in January 2023, this Scarborough Boatworks 72 Custom Sportfish was sold in 2024 by UYS broker Christopher Cooke. This is hull #14 for the custom boat builder in Wanchese, North Carolina that was founded by Ricky Scarborough Junior.

The new Caterpillar C32B 2,400HP engines were chosen for the Scarborough 72 specifically for their top end speed and cruising speed. “At 2,050 rpm, we saw a fast-cruising speed of 38 knots with a 90 percent load burning 110 gph per side,” according to a test by Marlin Magazine. “As we dropped back to an ­economical cruise, we saw 32 knots at 1,750 rpm with an 80 percent load burning 80 gph per side. Dropping the ­hammers to wide-open ­throttle (2,230 rpm), (the 72) rocketed close to 44 knots and burned 127 gph per side.”

ABOUT UNITED YACHT SALES

United Yacht Sales has the world’s largest network of boat buyers and sellers in the industry, thanks to our team of over 250 yacht brokers in 104 different locations. Whether buying a luxury boat or selling one, we have the right expert on staff to assist you in navigating the brokerage market for your type of yacht. If you’re looking at selling a boat, there is no quicker way to get activity than listing it with United. Our entire team is immediately notified every time a listing agreement is made with United Yacht Sales and many boats are sold before they ever even make it online. Our support team is among the best in the industry at marketing your yacht. 100% of our marketing budget goes towards advertising our clients’ listings, a claim not many other firms can make. To get started listing your yacht, fill out our online form What’s My Yacht Worth?