Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a city, it’s the yachting capital of the United States. With over 300 miles of waterways, the world’s largest boat show (FLIBS), and marinas lined with vessels from every corner of the globe, this coastal hub is where yacht deals get done.
Whether you’re looking to buy a sleek 40-foot catamaran, a long-range trawler, or a custom-built 150-foot motor yacht, chances are the best opportunities are docked right here. But with so many brokers operating in Fort Lauderdale, ranging from boutique consultants to global giants, it can be tough to know who to trust with a transaction that often runs into the millions.
That’s why we put together this list. It highlights the top yacht brokers in Fort Lauderdale based on reputation, specialization, service quality, and client success. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned owner, this guide will help you find the right match, and maximize your investment on the water.
What Makes a Great Yacht Broker in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is a competitive, fast-moving market. Buyers here aren’t just shopping for boats, they’re looking for insight, access, and strategy. A great broker doesn’t just show you listings, they unlock opportunities that others can’t see.
Here’s what separates the best yacht brokers in Fort Lauderdale from the rest:
1. Florida Licensing & Local Knowledge
All yacht brokers must be licensed and bonded in Florida. But beyond that, top brokers know the city’s marinas, service yards, hurricane regulations, tax laws, and even which docks are worth paying a premium for.
2. Network & Inventory Access
The best brokers don’t just rely on MLS listings. They have relationships, with shipyards, sellers, and other brokers, that give them off-market inventory and first-call access to new listings.
3. Specialization
Whether it’s luxury catamarans, sportfishers, or superyachts, the best brokers have a clear focus. They know the builders, the models, the quirks, and the resale value, and they can help you buy smart.
4. Strategic Support
Top brokers go beyond the sale. They help structure deals for charter income, connect you with trusted marine surveyors, and walk you through documentation, financing, and delivery logistics.
5. Discretion & Follow-Through
Fort Lauderdale’s yacht scene includes high-profile clients and high-dollar deals. The best brokers operate with discretion, integrity, and white-glove service from inquiry to closing, and beyond.
List of the Best Yacht Brokers in Fort Lauderdale
1. Yachtmann.com – Best Boutique Broker with Global Reach
At the top of the list is Yachtmann.com, a Florida-based brokerage known for combining white-glove service with smart strategy. Led by Captain Richard Fachtmann, a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and veteran yacht consultant, Yachtmann.com offers something rare in Fort Lauderdale: personal service with global reach.
While technically headquartered on the west coast of Florida, Captain Richard frequently shows vessels and closes deals in Fort Lauderdale, where much of the high-end inventory is located. What makes Yachtmann stand out is their ability to serve not just as a sales agent, but as a long-term advisor, especially for buyers looking to make their yacht work for them.
Specialties include:
- Yacht purchase consulting
- Charter-ready yacht acquisitions
- “Yacht as a Business” tax and income strategy
- ASA sail and power instruction
- International transactions and documentation guidance
One of their flagship listings, the 2019 Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 “Grand Crew”, exemplifies the firm’s approach: modern, turnkey yachts for discerning buyers who want both lifestyle and financial flexibility.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or building a yacht-based business model, Yachtmann.com delivers unmatched attention and strategic insight.
📞 Call Captain Richard Fachtmann directly: (727) 487-2278
📧 Email: r@yachtmann.com
🌐 Visit Yachtmann.com
2. Denison Yachting – Best for Tech-Driven Listings
With its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Denison Yachting is one of the most digitally dominant brokerages in the U.S. They’ve built an enormous online presence, ranking for virtually every major yacht-buying keyword, and their listings are some of the most polished in the industry.
Denison is ideal for buyers who want:
- 3D walkthroughs
- Drone footage
- Online scheduling and buyer dashboards
- Real-time market updates
Beyond tech, Denison has deep experience with everything from 30-foot express cruisers to 100-foot superyachts. They also offer in-house closing support, charter services, and new yacht inventory from builders like Beneteau, Excess, and more.
With offices across the country and a huge footprint in Fort Lauderdale, Denison Yachting combines scale with smart systems, making them one of the most efficient choices for digital-first buyers.
3. Northrop & Johnson – Best for Global Superyacht Access
Northrop & Johnson is one of the oldest and most prestigious names in global yacht brokerage, and their Fort Lauderdale office is central to the brand’s operations. Known for their refined marketing and superyacht charter division, N&J specializes in yachts from 30 to 100+ meters, often working directly with buyers and sellers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Clients who choose Northrop & Johnson are often looking for:
- Superyacht charter placement
- Custom new builds
- Long-range expedition yachts
- Central agency representation for elite vessels
They also excel at transaction coordination, with legal, technical, and operational specialists available in-house. Their service model is built for high-net-worth clients who expect concierge-level handling of every detail.
If you’re shopping in the 7- to 9-figure range, or planning to list a high-value asset for global exposure, Northrop & Johnson is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most capable firms.
4. Fraser Yachts – Best for European Superyacht Buyers
With a major office in Fort Lauderdale and its headquarters in Monaco, Fraser Yachts bridges the gap between Europe’s luxury shipyards and Florida’s vibrant yachting scene. The firm has been involved in some of the largest yacht transactions in the world and is trusted by buyers and sellers alike for discretion, technical precision, and global access.
Fraser specializes in:
- Custom and semi-custom yachts from builders like Feadship, Lürssen, and Benetti
- Central agency representation for yachts 40m+
- Full yacht management and crew placement
- Charter program setup and global exposure
For buyers seeking large yachts with complex transaction requirements, whether financial, logistical, or legal, Fraser offers in-house experts who make cross-border deals seamless.
If your vision includes a superyacht cruising the Med or a fully managed charter operation, Fraser brings the pedigree and network to make it happen.
5. IYC (International Yacht Collection) – Best for U.S.–Med Integration
IYC has become a major player in Fort Lauderdale’s brokerage landscape by serving as a true connector between U.S.-based buyers and the European market. Their local office on 17th Street puts them in the middle of the action, and their global presence (with offices in Monaco, Athens, and more) ensures seamless support no matter where your yacht lives.
IYC is known for:
- Sleek, high-end listings
- Strong mid-size superyacht focus (80–150 ft)
- Charter-ready inventory
- Full-service yacht management and crew services
They also invest heavily in marketing, producing beautiful brochures, cinematic videos, and high-traffic listings that help sellers get noticed fast.
For buyers who want to cruise both sides of the Atlantic, or sellers looking for international exposure, IYC is a smart, well-connected option.
6. Allied Marine – Best for Italian Luxury Yacht Brands
Allied Marine has been a Fort Lauderdale fixture for decades and is the official U.S. dealer for the Ferretti Group, representing iconic brands like:
- Ferretti Yachts
- Riva
- Pershing
- Custom Line
Their office in Lauderdale offers both brokerage and direct-from-factory sales for clients interested in Italian design, speed, and style. Allied’s team is highly experienced in handling new builds, trade-ins, and custom orders, making them ideal for clients who want more than what’s on the market.
They also provide:
- Trade evaluation
- Extended warranty and service coordination
- VIP delivery experiences
If you’re looking for elegance, performance, and brand-new models that turn heads from Miami to Monaco, Allied Marine delivers on all fronts.
7. Ghost Yachts – Best for Off-Market Listings and Discreet Transactions
If privacy is a priority and you’re interested in yachts that rarely make it to public listings, Ghost Yachts in Fort Lauderdale is the name to know. This firm operates in the background of the brokerage world, quietly brokering high-value deals for clients who prefer to stay under the radar.
Ghost Yachts specializes in:
- Off-market listings
- Confidential seller representation
- Direct buyer-to-seller negotiations
- Custom builds and private shipyard relationships
They serve a clientele that includes celebrities, executives, and institutional investors, people who want access without exposure. Whether you’re buying or selling a yacht in the 80–150+ ft range, Ghost Yachts provides tight-lipped, high-trust service and exclusive access others can’t offer.
If discretion, security, and strategic deal-making matter more than flashy marketing, Ghost Yachts is a smart and sophisticated choice.
8. Rick Obey Yacht Sales – Best for European Yacht Imports
Rick Obey Yacht Sales, based in Fort Lauderdale, is a great fit for buyers looking to import or invest in sleek European-built yachts. Known for their strong ties to shipyards in Spain and Italy, the firm regularly sources and resells brands like Astondoa, Absolute, and Sunseeker.
They offer full-service support for:
- U.S. Coast Guard and EPA import compliance
- International shipping and CE certification
- Overseas vessel inspections and remote transactions
- Custom order coordination with foreign builders
Rick Obey’s team also maintains a healthy local brokerage inventory, so whether you’re looking to purchase something ready to cruise or want to bring in something truly unique from abroad, they know how to navigate both markets.
If European design and import expertise are high on your list, Rick Obey Yacht Sales is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best.
9. Reel Deal Yachts – Best Boutique Experience in Miami & Fort Lauderdale
Though headquartered at Fontainebleau Marina in Miami Beach, Reel Deal Yachts has deep Fort Lauderdale ties and regularly lists and shows vessels throughout Broward County. Led by veteran broker Alejandro Grander, the firm offers a high-touch, boutique experience with an emphasis on express yachts, center consoles, and mid-size luxury vessels.
What makes them stand out:
- Personalized, fast-moving service
- Direct-to-owner access on many listings
- Bilingual team with strong local and international reach
- Involvement in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale boat show circuits
Reel Deal is an excellent choice for buyers who want quick access, sharp negotiation, and that rare “insider” feeling in every transaction.
10. 26 North Yachts – Best for Charter-Ready Motor Yachts
26 North Yachts, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, is uniquely positioned for buyers looking to own a yacht that not only brings lifestyle value, but also income. Their specialty is helping clients acquire vessels in the 70 to 130 ft range that are fully equipped for charter service or already earning revenue.
They offer:
- Charter program setup and marketing
- Owner advisory for charter-friendly operations
- Management services for crewing, scheduling, and maintenance
- Turnkey listings ideal for passive or active charter investors
What makes 26 North stand out is how they combine brokerage with post-sale business planning. You’re not just getting a boat, you’re getting a plan. They’re also strong in media, with top-tier photography and yacht walkthroughs that attract serious buyers and charter guests alike.
If you’re thinking about turning your yacht into a business, or want to step into one that’s already running, 26 North Yachts offers the insight, infrastructure, and support to make it happen.
Why Fort Lauderdale Is the Ideal Place to Buy or Sell a Yacht
There’s a reason Fort Lauderdale has earned the nickname “The Venice of America.” With over 300 miles of waterways, five-star marinas, and immediate access to the Atlantic, it’s both a natural and strategic choice for yacht transactions.
Here’s why it remains the yachting capital of the U.S., and arguably the world:
1. Proximity to the Caribbean & Bahamas
From Fort Lauderdale, you can reach the Bahamas in a few hours. That proximity makes it ideal for weekend getaways, charter repositioning, and attracting international buyers looking to explore nearby waters.
2. Home to the World’s Largest Boat Show (FLIBS)
Each fall, Fort Lauderdale hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), a massive industry event that draws brokers, buyers, builders, and enthusiasts from around the world. Many deals happen on the docks that week alone.
3. Infrastructure That Supports the Lifestyle
From yacht service yards and refit facilities to crew training centers, provisioning companies, and tax/legal specialists, Fort Lauderdale has the full ecosystem. You’re not just buying a yacht here, you’re buying into a lifestyle with built-in support.
4. The Most Active Market in the Country
Because of high volume and high competition, Fort Lauderdale consistently offers the best access to inventory, the fastest transaction timelines, and the most experienced professionals in the business.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or chartering, there’s no better city in America to get started.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
The yacht market in Fort Lauderdale moves fast, and so should your broker. With hundreds of listings, aggressive buyers, and an ever-changing inventory, you need someone who knows the docks, knows the numbers, and knows how to deliver real value.
That’s why Yachtmann.com is our top choice. Whether you’re exploring ownership for the first time or ready to turn your yacht into a business, Captain Richard Fachtmann offers hands-on support, honest insight, and strategic guidance you won’t find anywhere else.
📞 Call Richard Fachtmann directly: (727) 487-2278
📧 Email: r@yachtmann.com
🌐 Visit Yachtmann.com
