The San Francisco Bay Area has long been a vibrant hub for boating enthusiasts, sailing professionals, and yacht investors alike. With its iconic coastlines, mild weather, and deepwater access stretching from Sausalito to Alameda, San Francisco offers the perfect backdrop for luxury boating, whether you’re looking to sail off into the sunset or park a statement-making superyacht.
But buying a yacht isn’t as simple as picking your favorite model. Between finding the right vessel, navigating surveys, arranging transport, understanding taxes, and negotiating with sellers, it quickly becomes clear why the right yacht broker can make or break the experience.
That’s why we created this guide, to spotlight the most trusted and high-performing yacht brokers operating in the Bay Area today. Whether you’re looking for your first sailing yacht, upgrading to a multihull, or shopping investment-ready charter boats, this list covers your bases.
And while the Bay Area has no shortage of talent, one name rises above the rest when it comes to white-glove service, exceptional listings, and a modern client experience: Yachtmann.
#1: Yachtmann – Concierge-Level Brokerage with a National Footprint
If you’re looking for more than a listing, if you’re looking for a partner, Yachtmann.com is the gold standard.
Unlike many local brokerages that stick to a narrow portfolio, Yachtmann has built its name by working with discerning buyers who want more than access, they want expertise. Whether you’re seeking to purchase a luxury sailing yacht, a high-speed catamaran, or a business-ready charter vessel, Yachtmann offers personalized support through every step of the process.
With listings across the United States and a growing presence in Florida, California, and international markets, Yachtmann has redefined what it means to be a full-service yacht brokerage in 2025.
Why Yachtmann Stands Out:
- National & International Listings – You’re not limited to what’s in the Bay. Yachtmann connects you to yachts across the country, and even globally, so you don’t settle for anything less than perfect.
- Private Tours & Client-Only Inventory – Not everything’s listed. Yachtmann offers select clients access to off-market vessels and exclusive opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
- Yacht as a Business Advisory – Yachtmann is one of the few brokerages that helps buyers think beyond leisure. From charter readiness to tax strategies, their team supports investment-driven buyers every step of the way.
- Streamlined, Modern Experience – The site requires quick registration, which unlocks detailed specs, high-resolution photos, and custom alerts, all designed to keep you informed and in control.
📧 Contact Richard Fachtmann at r@yachtmann.com
📞 Call: 855-487-2628
🌐 Explore listings: www.Yachtmann.com
#2: Atomic Tuna Yachts – Tech-Forward Brokerage for the Bay
Based in Alameda, Atomic Tuna Yachts has earned a reputation for blending traditional brokerage experience with cutting-edge tech. Their strength lies in their commitment to a digital-first customer journey, offering high-definition video tours, virtual consultations, and detailed walk-throughs before you even step foot on a deck.
This makes Atomic Tuna an ideal partner for out-of-town buyers or busy professionals who want to minimize hassle and maximize precision. Their curated selection focuses heavily on sailing yachts and cruising catamarans, perfect for the active, adventurous type looking to explore both coastal California and distant shores.
What Sets Atomic Tuna Apart:
- 3D and VR yacht tours for remote shopping
- Friendly, knowledgeable brokers who truly love the boating lifestyle
- Personalized support with a focus on new and mid-range vessels
- Licensed yacht sales professionals with years of experience
Whether you’re a first-time yacht buyer or a seasoned sailor trading up, Atomic Tuna’s tech-forward service and low-pressure approach make them one of the most approachable and professional brokerages in the region.
📍 Location: Alameda, CA
🌐 Website: www.atomictunayachts.com
#3: Rubicon Yachts – Veteran Brokerage Across the Bay
Operating from multiple offices in Alameda, Sausalito, and Richmond, Rubicon Yachts is a trusted name for both buyers and sellers of yachts in the San Francisco Bay. With a full-service team that includes licensed brokers, USCG captains, and surveyor support, they bring a wealth of expertise to every transaction.
Rubicon Yachts is especially strong in the powerboat and cruiser segment. They maintain a healthy mix of local listings and handle everything from inspections to delivery logistics. Their attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction has earned them consistent praise among both new and repeat buyers.
Why Rubicon Yachts Stays Top-of-Mind:
- Offices in three major Bay Area marinas
- Deep local market knowledge and marina relationships
- Great for selling or trading up from a mid-size yacht
- Professional service without high-pressure tactics
📍 Offices: Alameda, Sausalito, and Richmond
🌐 Website: www.rubiconyachts.com
#4: Richard Boland Yachts – Legacy Experience with Personalized Service
With decades of brokerage experience and offices throughout Northern California, Richard Boland Yachts brings a seasoned, full-service approach to the San Francisco Bay yacht market. The team is well-versed in both new and pre-owned vessels, offering representation for premium brands like Riviera and Belize, in addition to their curated resale inventory.
Richard Boland Yachts prides itself on being a one-stop shop for buyers, whether you’re looking for a family cruiser, a serious offshore trawler, or a luxury motoryacht with global range. Their knowledge of insurance, financing, shipping, and documentation makes even the most complex transactions manageable.
Why Richard Boland Yachts Is a Trusted Name:
- 30+ years of brokerage experience in Northern California
- Strong network of surveyors, marine lenders, and insurers
- Personalized consultation for both new builds and brokerage boats
- Expertise in Australian-made luxury vessels
📍 Location: Alameda, CA
🌐 Website: www.richardbolandyachts.com
#5: Jeff Brown Yachts – High-End Boutique Brokerage in Sausalito
If you’re in the market for a cutting-edge, performance-first yacht that turns heads, Jeff Brown Yachts might be your perfect match. Located in Sausalito, their boutique team specializes in high-end lines like Axopar, Sirena, Pardo, and Brabus Marine, ideal for the discerning buyer looking for sleek, modern builds that blend luxury and power.
Their smaller size allows for a more private and tailored experience. The Jeff Brown team acts more like consultants than salespeople, working closely with clients on everything from vessel selection and transport to design customization and post-sale service.
Standout Qualities:
- West Coast-exclusive dealer for several luxury European brands
- Personalized, white-glove service and delivery coordination
- A favorite among younger, tech-savvy boaters and entrepreneurs
- A go-to for buyers interested in something different than the typical yacht
📍 Location: Sausalito, CA
🌐 Website: www.jeffbrownyachts.com
#6: Seattle Yachts – Expanding Their West Coast Footprint
Though headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle Yachts has made a name for itself in the Bay Area by opening a growing office in San Francisco. With a deep roster of new and brokerage listings, their inventory spans everything from long-range trawlers and sailing yachts to powerboats and catamarans.
What makes Seattle Yachts stand out is their blend of boutique service with the scale of a larger dealership network. They offer both new vessel sales for brands like Nimbus, Hanse, and Tartan, and resale options for those seeking more value or uniqueness. Their team also provides concierge-level assistance with international shipping, mooring, and documentation.
Why Buyers Choose Seattle Yachts:
- Strong reputation across the West Coast and Pacific
- One of the most diverse yacht inventories in Northern California
- Experienced brokers backed by a corporate-level support team
- Excellent for buyers relocating from out of state
📍 Location: Pier 39, San Francisco, CA
🌐 Website: www.seattleyachts.com
#7: Naos Yachts – French-Inspired Elegance in the Bay
Specializing in Beneteau and Lagoon Catamarans, Naos Yachts brings a distinctly European flair to the San Francisco yacht scene. Their base of operations in Sausalito serves as a prime launch point for both first-time owners and experienced sailors seeking vessels that balance performance with comfort.
Naos is ideal for those looking to explore long-distance cruising, particularly across the Pacific or into South America. Their multilingual team and global network of partners make them an attractive choice for international buyers, too.
What Makes Naos Unique:
- Exclusive dealer for Beneteau and Lagoon in Northern California
- French ownership with deep European boatbuilding connections
- Excellent for buyers interested in cruising catamarans and sailboats
- Educational programs and sailing school options available
📍 Location: Sausalito, CA
🌐 Website: www.naosyachts.com
#8: Denison Yachting – National Reach with Local Support
Denison Yachting is one of the most recognized names in the American yacht brokerage world, and their San Francisco presence brings the brand’s extensive network and resources to Northern California buyers. With roots going back to 1948, Denison blends old-school professionalism with modern technology, offering everything from high-end listings and new builds to charter management and crew placement.
While Denison operates globally, their San Francisco office maintains a local feel. They’ve worked hard to cultivate relationships with marinas around the Bay Area and often list luxury yachts that never hit the open market. Denison is especially known for their superyacht sales and listings that push the $5M–$10M+ range.
What Sets Denison Yachting Apart:
- Access to a national and international network of buyers and sellers
- Consistently high-quality listings with video walkthroughs
- Concierge-level service for new yacht construction and design
- Charter and management options for investment buyers
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA
🌐 Website: www.denisonyachtsales.com
#9: Engel & Völkers Yachting – Luxury Expertise Meets Waterfront Living
While better known as a premium real estate brand, Engel & Völkers also operates a growing yacht division focused on high-net-worth clients seeking a seamless lifestyle. Their yachting office in the San Francisco Bay area targets clients who are buying both real estate and yachts, offering dual expertise in coastal property and marine investments.
This unique positioning makes Engel & Völkers a natural fit for buyers interested in waterfront properties with private docks, or sellers looking to list both their home and yacht at once. Their team brings a European flair to transactions and has access to international yacht listings that aren’t always visible in U.S. databases.
Why E&V Yachting Deserves a Look:
- One of the few firms blending luxury yachting and real estate
- Excellent for international buyers and offshore yacht delivery
- Boutique feel with a well-known global brand behind it
- Perfect for clients transitioning between coasts or countries
📍 Location: San Francisco Bay Area
🌐 Website: www.engelvoelkers.com/en-us/yachting
#10: Oceanic Yacht Sales – The Sailor’s Choice in the Bay
With a specialty in bluewater cruising sailboats, Oceanic Yacht Sales has built a loyal client base of serious sailors and liveaboard adventurers. Based in Alameda, they offer a boutique-style approach backed by decades of hands-on experience in sailing, yacht delivery, and offshore outfitting.
Oceanic’s team includes lifelong mariners, and they’re particularly skilled at helping buyers understand not just the specs of a boat, but how it will actually perform at sea. If you’re thinking about sailing to Mexico, Hawaii, or even circumnavigating, they can help you select, prep, and outfit your vessel for long-range voyages.
Why Oceanic Stands Out:
- Specializes in performance and cruising sailboats
- Deep expertise in offshore preparation and outfitting
- Great for liveaboards and long-distance sailors
- Personalized attention for discerning buyers
📍 Location: Alameda, CA
🌐 Website: www.oceanicyachtsales.com
How to Choose the Right Yacht Broker in San Francisco
With so many top-tier yacht brokers in the Bay Area, choosing the right one comes down to your goals, experience level, and preferred yacht style. Here are a few tips to help you narrow it down:
1. Know What You Want to Do With Your Yacht
Are you planning to live aboard? Cruise the Pacific Coast? Charter it out? Different brokers specialize in different vessel types and ownership models, from long-range cruisers to day boats to income-producing charters.
2. Match Your Budget and Style
Some brokerages (like Jeff Brown Yachts) cater to the ultra-modern, luxury buyer. Others (like Oceanic) are focused on practicality and bluewater readiness. Align your budget and style preferences before reaching out.
3. Look for Local Experience
While large brokerages have great reach, local knowledge of San Francisco marinas, taxes, weather, and post-sale maintenance can save you thousands. Brokerages like Yachtmann and Richard Boland Yachts bring years of on-the-ground experience.
4. Ask About After-Sale Support
The yacht buying journey doesn’t end at the bill of sale. Ask your broker what kind of support they offer post-purchase, including dockage help, documentation, outfitting, crew hiring, or training.
Final Thoughts: Set Sail with Confidence
Buying a yacht in San Francisco isn’t just a purchase, it’s an investment in your lifestyle, freedom, and connection to the water. Whether you’re seeking a luxury catamaran for coastal cruising, a performance sailboat for offshore adventures, or a sleek motor yacht to entertain in style, the Bay Area has the right broker to guide your journey.
Each of the yacht brokers on this list brings something unique to the table, from boutique service and offshore expertise to global reach and luxury sales. But when it comes to combining high-touch service with exclusive listings and true yacht market expertise, Yachtmann rises to the top.
Why Yachtmann is San Francisco’s #1 Yacht Broker:
- Access to rare, curated yacht listings, including vessels not widely advertised
- White-glove service for buyers and sellers alike
- Transparent process and trusted guidance from start to finish
- Personalized tours, investment guidance, and ongoing support
- Headed by expert broker Richard Fachtmann, one of the most trusted names in the industry
📧 Contact Richard directly at r@yachtmann.com
📞 Or call (855) 487-2628 to schedule your private consultation
Explore More with Yachtmann.com
Ready to find your perfect yacht?
👉 Visit Yachtmann.com to browse featured listings, compare models, and get exclusive access to yachts for sale in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned yachtsman, Yachtmann is your trusted partner at every step of the voyage.
