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

Berthing costs can change dramatically depending on where the yacht is kept. To illustrate the difference, take a PRESTIGE F5.7, which measures 17.29 metres overall with a 4.69-metre beam. At Fox’s Marina in Ipswich, the published 2026 annual rate is £367.33 per metre excluding VAT, with length rounded up to the nearest metre.

An F5.7 would therefore cost approximately £7,900 a year including VAT. On the South Coast, Berthon Lymington charges £327.60 per foot including VAT for yachts between 50ft and 59ft, putting the same yacht at roughly £18,700 a year before separate harbour dues and levies.

At Puerto Banús on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, the published 2026 annual tariff for an 18m × 4.8m berth is €26,173. These are published tariff examples rather than quotations, and electricity, water, additional services and berth availability can increase the final cost.

Beam matters as well as length. A multihull such as the PRESTIGE M8, with its unusually wide 8.85-metre beam, may require a specialist or double-width berth rather than a standard berth, so owners should obtain a marina-specific quotation rather than applying a simple per-metre rate.

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

Fuel consumption on the PRESTIGE M8 varies significantly with speed and engine specification. PRESTIGE quotes around 20 litres per hour at 8 knots for the original M8 with twin Volvo D8-600 engines, but this is a slow-speed economy figure rather than typical cruising consumption. The newer M8 EVO, powered by twin 730hp MAN i6 engines, has recorded around 28 litres per hour at 8.4 knots, rising to approximately 202 litres per hour at 15.1 knots and 247 litres per hour at 18.6 knots in sea trials. Owners should therefore budget fuel around their intended cruising speed and annual engine hours rather than relying on the headline 8-knot figure. 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.