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.

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.

If you’ve ever wondered, "What does a yacht broker actually do for me?," you’re not alone. Many buyers and sellers assume a yacht brokerage simply lists boats online and then waits for the phone to ring. For those who take this profession seriously, the satirical classic rock song, "Money for Nothing," by Dire Straits comes to mind because, while it might look or sound simple, in reality, there is a lot to it. Selling a yacht can be just as complicated as a real estate proper