Buying a boat is exciting — but few topics generate more confusion, misinformation, and costly mistakes than sales tax on a boat. Every year, buyers are surprised to learn that sales or use tax applies when they buy through a dealer, broker, or purchase from a private seller. They think they can simply register the vessel in another state, or they wrongly assume boats are treated differently than the sale of other assets, like cars.

Buying a yacht should be exciting — not disappointing. Unfortunately, many buyers discover that the boat they fell in love with online looks very different in person. This phenomenon, often referred to as being "catfished by a yacht listing," is more common than most people realize.

Buying a yacht is one of the most exciting purchases you’ll ever make—but it can also be one of the easiest ways to overspend if you don’t approach the process strategically. Whether you’re buying your first yacht, upgrading to a larger vessel, or purchasing a boat for long-range cruising or charter use, understanding how to buy a yacht without overpaying is critical.

The yacht brokerage industry is filled with myths and misunderstandings that often lead buyers and sellers down the wrong path. From licensing requirements to what brokers actually do behind the scenes, there is no shortage of misinformation — and believing these myths can cost you time, money, and create legal exposure.