What Does It Cost to Own a Yacht in Thailand?
For a 45ft monohull in a Phuket marina, berthing alone costs roughly THB 30,000 to 45,000 a month at the marinas' published rates. A catamaran of the same length pays 1.5 to 2 times as much. On top of that, budget for a yearly haul-out and antifouling, insurance, engine servicing and, on bigger boats, crew.
Running costs matter as much as the price. Here is what owning a yacht in Thailand actually costs, using the marinas' own published price lists, and the questions to ask before you buy.
Marina berthing
Berthing is usually the biggest regular cost. Two Phuket marinas publish their rates:
| Marina | Published monthly rate | Multihulls |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket Yacht Haven (rates from January 2023) | THB 1,853 per metre of length, for boats up to 19.9m, plus 10% service charge and 7% VAT | Charged double, unless berthed alongside |
| Phuket Boat Lagoon (rates for November 2026 to October 2027) | THB 920 per foot for monohulls under 70ft, plus 7% VAT | Plus 50% |
Worked out for a 45ft (13.7m) boat, that is about THB 30,000 a month at Yacht Haven and about THB 44,000 at Boat Lagoon for a monohull, and roughly THB 60,000 to 66,000 for a catamaran. Electricity and water are charged on top.
Pattaya, Jomtien and Koh Samui marinas set their own prices, and long-term contracts can be cheaper. Ask the marina for a current quote for your boat's length and beam.
Moorings and anchoring
A swing mooring or anchoring out costs far less than a marina berth. The trade-off is that you need a tender to get ashore, and someone you trust to check the boat, her lines and her bilge pumps while you are away, especially in the monsoon season.
Haul-out and antifouling
Marine growth is fast in warm water, so most owners in Thailand haul out once a year to clean and repaint the hull. At Boat Lagoon, the travel lift for a 40 to 60ft boat costs THB 1,800 per foot, so about THB 81,000 plus VAT for a 45ft boat, with hardstand time charged at the berth rate. Paint, labour and any work found during the lift are extra. Catamarans need a lift wide enough for their beam, which not every yard has.
Insurance
As a rough guide, yacht insurance costs around 1 to 2% of the boat's value a year. The price depends on the boat, where you cruise, whether you live aboard and your experience. Ask for a quote before you commit to buy, because some insurers want a recent survey.
Maintenance and crew
- Engine and generator servicing, usually by engine hours
- Air conditioning, watermaker and electronics, which work hard in the heat
- Canvas, cushions and running rigging, which the sun wears out faster than in cooler places
- Standing rigging on sailing yachts, typically replaced every 10 years or so
- On larger boats, a captain or crew, or at least a boat-sitter while you are away
Customs and registration
A foreign-flagged yacht can stay in Thailand under temporary import, with agent fees each time you clear in or out. A boat registered in Thailand has her import taxes paid once. If the boat you buy is already duty-paid and registered in Thailand, that can save a large amount. See can a foreigner buy a boat in Thailand for how each route works.
Get a realistic estimate
Every boat is different. For any yacht you are seriously considering, Paul will give you a realistic yearly running cost based on what owners here actually spend. Browse all boats for sale, boats in Phuket or boats in Pattaya.
Marina prices are taken from the published rate sheets of Phuket Yacht Haven (effective 1 January 2023) and Phuket Boat Lagoon (1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027). Marinas can change their prices at any time, so always confirm current rates.
Want a running-cost estimate for a boat? Tell Paul which boat and where you would keep her, and he will give you real numbers.
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