Charter Boat Investment: Why This Owner Would Do It All Over Again
Making a Smart Charter Boat Investment in a Lagoon Catamaran Charter
Thinking about entering the world of yacht ownership through charter? This story explores how one savvy investor turned a Lagoon catamaran charter into a successful long-term charter boat investment. With strong financial returns, minimal stress, and unforgettable family memories, this Lagoon 40 journey is a case study in how to make yacht ownership work for both business and lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking financial performance or dream getaways, a charter boat investment like this proves it’s possible to have both.
Reflecting on the Lagoon Catamaran Charter Journey with Whitsunday Escape
When Mike first looked into yacht ownership, he approached it the way any smart investor would, with a business mindset and a spreadsheet in hand.
“We did a lot of work before we committed,” he explains. “We looked at the boat, the business model, the company structure, and the tax implications. We put together a well-researched business case, and honestly, it’s performed better than expected.”
Six years later, Mike and his family are preparing for another sailing adventure, but this time it’s across oceans. Before they set off, he took a moment to reflect on their charter boat investment experience, and whether they’d do it again. The answer is a resounding yes.
Why the Lagoon 40 Hit the Sweet Spot
“We looked at a few different brands and models,” Mike says. “Ideally, I would’ve gone slightly bigger at the time, but the price difference was significant. The Lagoon 40 was the right size, it’s manageable, appealing to less experienced charter guests, and it charters well.”
Mike admits that the 40-foot mark is probably the “sweet spot” for a Lagoon catamaran charter in the Whitsundays. “The bigger boats need to charge more per night and don’t necessarily get as many bookings. The Lagoon 40 is less intimidating for new skippers, which is important in a market like this.”
A Reliable Charter Boat Investment
Whitsunday Escape helped Mike model his charter boat investment with conservative assumptions: 140, 160, and 180 charter nights per year.
“We probably averaged around 165 nights per year, even with COVID,” he says. “We were within the range we forecasted, and the boat retained much more value than we expected. Even if it hadn’t, the numbers would still stack up.”
Mike also gives credit to the Whitsunday Escape team for setting the boat up properly from day one.
“When the Lagoon arrived, it was pretty much in survey and ready to charter. That was a big selling point, they worked closely with TMG Yachts to get everything right before delivery.”
Low-Stress Lagoon Catamaran Charter Ownership
For Mike, one of the biggest benefits of this charter boat investment was the ease of management with Whitsunday Escape.
“They do a great job turning the boats around between charters, maintaining them, and communicating with owners,” he says. “They’ve got a proper system in place. I always had visibility on maintenance, but I never had to micromanage. If they said something needed doing, I’d just say ‘go for it.’ That’s how you maintain value.”
What Comes Next
Now, after six successful years in the fleet, Mike is considering selling his Lagoon, and possibly stepping into another charter boat investment.
“I’d absolutely do it again. It’s been a positive experience from start to finish. If we go again, I’d be looking at something like the new Lagoon 43, it looks like a great evolution.”
If you’re questioning whether the Lagoon 43 is good for charter, as an experienced investor Mike thinks yes.
Mike and his family are about to embark on a sailing journey across the Pacific, and TMG Yachts will be following their story. If his past experience is anything to go by, it won’t be long before another Lagoon catamaran charter opportunity is back in his sights. Watch this space.
LATEST LAGOON CATAMARAN REVIEWS
Lagoon Catamaran Charter Boat Investment Journey – Mike
Six years after purchasing a Lagoon 40 for charter in the Whitsundays, Mike reflects on the decision that exceeded expectations.
“We approached the charter boat investment with a business mindset. We modelled everything conservatively, and honestly, it’s performed better than expected. Even through COVID, we averaged around 165 charter nights a year, and the boat held its value far better than we’d anticipated.
The Lagoon 40 hit the sweet spot, it’s the perfect size for the Whitsundays market. Less intimidating for first-timers, and a strong performer in bookings.
The boat was delivered basically ready to charter.
After six years, I’d absolutely do it all again. It’s been a positive experience from start to finish, and if we go again I’d be looking at the Lagoon 43.”
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Lagoon 46 Favourite Features Real Owner Testimonial – Mike and Linda
After 2 seasons of sailing the Med on their Lagoon 46 Mike and Linda shared what they love most, “The Lagoon 46 has given us a whole new level of freedom and comfort. I love the Code Zero sail for light wind performance, and Linda’s favourite spot is the flybridge, it’s where everyone gathers when we’re sailing. With a watermaker and generator on board, we’ve been able to explore more remote places and stay cool during the heatwaves in Greece. It’s made the whole experience effortless and enjoyable.”
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Customisations and working with Lagoon – SEVENTY 7 Premium Offering Review – Luke
Luke the skipper of TMG Yachts latest Lagoon SEVENTY 7 handover said, “We were looking for a boat that enables us to do long-range cruising in comfort in luxury but also still being run by a small crew. The owner came from a sailing background and was really keen to get back to it, so it kind of met all our requirements. The team running the SEVENTY 7 line do a fantastic job adding all the customizations, they were super helpful and always answer your phone call, the support’s been fantastic.”
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