What owning a Prestige or Majesty actually costs once the purchase price is paid

There is no universal rule that a Prestige or Majesty costs 8% to 12% of its purchase price every year. That range can be a rough planning allowance, but actual costs depend on berth, cruising hours, insurance, age, specification and crew. Depreciation is also a capital cost rather than a yearly cash bill. Before buying, build a model-specific budget alongside our guide on whether you can afford to own your own boat.

The costs that actually matter

Cost	Annual guide	What drives it
Berthing	From £270 per metre/year at Burton Waters Lincoln; coastal rates can be higher	Location, length, beam and contract
Insurance	Quote-specific	Value, cruising area and experience
Servicing and maintenance	Model-specific	Engines, systems, hours and age
Fuel	Usage-dependent	Speed, hours and fuel price
Lift-out, storage, antifouling	Yard-specific	Length, weight and yard rates
Depreciation	Market-dependent	Age, condition and demand

Burton Waters currently advertises annual moorings at its Lincoln marina from £270 per metre, with a 7.5-metre minimum charge. Premium coastal berths can cost substantially more, and multihulls may attract higher charges because of beam. Check whether billing uses length overall, whether VAT and utilities are included and whether annual contracts are cheaper than shorter stays.

Servicing scales with engines and systems

The Prestige F5.7 is 17.29 metres overall with three cabins and twin Volvo IPS 800 propulsion, while the two-cabin Prestige F4.3 is 13.07 metres with twin Volvo D6-440 engines. The larger yacht generally brings more systems and maintenance exposure, but exact servicing should be quoted for the equipment fitted. Regular work can include engine and generator servicing, antifouling, anodes, seacock checks and winterising. Stabilisers, air conditioning, watermakers and hydraulic equipment can add specialist costs. Our guide to the ongoing costs of your boat covers the recurring items.

Fuel is less predictable than you think

PRESTIGE states that the M8 uses about 20 litres per hour at 8 knots. That is a specific operating point, not a general consumption figure. Fuel use rises as speed and engine load increase. Budget around your own cruising pattern and review fuel duty and cruising costs. HMRC says propulsion fuel for private pleasure craft is subject to the full rate of fuel duty. In Great Britain, red diesel can still be supplied where the required declaration is made and the duty differential is paid on the propulsion proportion.

Depreciation needs its own line

Depreciation can be one of the largest ownership costs, especially on a new yacht, but there is no reliable fixed 4% to 8% annual rate. Resale value depends on age, specification, condition, service history, engine hours and demand. That is why selling well matters as much as buying well. The Prestige range and Majesty, built by Gulf Craft, cover different size segments. Burton Waters’ May 2026 announcement confirms its appointment as official Majesty dealer for Southern UK; its page now represents across Southern UK and Wales gives further detail.

Crew changes the maths entirely

There is no fixed yacht length at which a private UK owner must employ permanent crew. Many experienced owners operate yachts in the 40ft to 50ft range themselves, while professional help becomes more common around 55ft to 65ft and above. A permanent skipper adds salary and employment costs; day skippers can be used for passages or deliveries.

Ways to keep the number sensible

Buy the boat you will actually use.
Agree the berth before committing to the boat.
Keep complete service records.
If weekend use is the priority, a Merry Fisher 795 or Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 may cost substantially less to keep than a larger flybridge.

FAQs

How much does it cost to run a luxury yacht per year in the UK?

There is no fixed percentage. Budget for berth, insurance, maintenance, fuel, lift-outs and depreciation, with crew added separately where relevant.

Is a Majesty more expensive to run than a Prestige?

Not simply because of the brand. Majesty’s current range starts at 60ft, while Prestige includes smaller models, so size, engines and systems are usually more important.

Does VAT apply to running costs?

Usually, private pleasure-yacht berthing and most repair or maintenance work are standard-rated, although qualifying ships and particular supplies can receive different treatment.

Can you offset costs by chartering?

Potentially, but commercial chartering can change insurance, tax and regulatory requirements. Check the operating structure before relying on charter income. If you want a realistic ownership budget rather than a brochure estimate, speak to Burton Waters Boat Sales. The team can help price berthing, servicing and likely running costs for the models you are considering.