New Yachts FAQ
Common questions about buying new yachts in Thailand. Island Spirit Catamarans, Bavaria Yachts, factory direct pricing, build timelines, and Smart Financing answered.
Table of Contents
Pricing & Financing
What does factory direct pricing mean?
Factory direct pricing means you are buying your yacht without a dealer markup sitting between the manufacturer and you. Island Spirit manufactures Island Spirit Catamarans at its own facility in Rayong, Thailand, and is the exclusive authorized dealer for Bavaria Yachts in Thailand. In both cases, buyers access the same pricing that would otherwise be absorbed by a third-party dealerhere is no additional margin added between what it costs to build and what you pay. Download the Investors Guide for a complete breakdown.
What new yachts are available and what do they cost?
Island Spirit Yacht Brokerage offers the Island Spirit IS525e electric sailing catamaran from $1,250,000 USD, the IS410 sailing catamaran from $449,000 USD in charter or cruiser configurations, and Bavaria monohulls including the Cruiser 34 from €149,000 EUR, the C42 from €240,000 EUR, and the C46 from €469,000 EUR. AusThai Marine commercial power catamarans are also available from $100,000 USD for the AT800 through to $700,000 USD for the AT1800 ferry. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
What is Smart Financing?
Smart Financing is Island Spirit's ownership program that combines a new yacht purchase with placement in the charter fleet so that charter income contributes toward ownership costs. The program requires a minimum 70% down payment on the vessel, which is then placed into a 6-year charter management agreement. During the charter term, Group Island Spirit holds ownership title and all charter earnings are applied toward paying off the financed balance. The owner is only responsible for fuel when using the yacht personally and the cleaning and turnaround fee for their own use periods. All other operating expenses are covered by the company during the charter term. Download the Investors Guide for a complete breakdown.
What ownership programs are available beyond Smart Financing?
There are three ways to own a new yacht through Island Spirit. The first is straightforward outright purchase, you buy the yacht and it's yours to use however you choose, no charter commitment required. The second is Charter-Management purchase, you buy the yacht with a 15% discount from the retail price in exchange for a 6-year charter-management commitment. The yacht earns income during the 6-year term and you receive a favorable 70/30 share split. The third is Smart Financing, you place a 70% down payment and enter a 6-year charter agreement. All charter income is retained by Island Spirit until the remaining 30% balance is collected in full, after which the income split 70/30 begins. This is the lowest upfront commitment of the three options. Download the Investors Guide for a complete breakdown.
Build & Delivery
How long does it take to build a new Island Spirit catamaran?
The IS410 has an 8 to 9 month build timeline from order confirmation to delivery. IS525e build timelines vary depending on specification and current production capacity. Both models are manufactured at the Group Island Spirit facility in Rayong, Thailand. Contact us for current build slot availability before committing to a delivery window. Learn more about Island Spirit Yachts here.
How long does delivery take for a Bavaria Yacht ordered through Island Spirit?
Bavaria Yachts are manufactured in Giebelstadt, Germany. Island Spirit keeps an inventory of new Bavaria yachts already located in Thailand and registered in Thailand for easy ownership transfer and immediate sales. Speciality orders and delivery to Thailand after production completion typically adds several weeks for sea freight. Lead time from order confirmation to delivery in Thailand depends on Bavaria's current production schedule and the specification complexity of your order. Contact us for a current delivery estimate before placing an order. Learn more about Bavaria Yachts here.
Can I visit the factory before ordering?
Yes. The Island Spirit manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand is open for factory tours by appointment. This is a serious purchase decision and seeing the construction process in person - including the vacuum infusion, the foam core layup, the production stages - gives buyers a level of confidence that no brochure can match. Contact us to arrange a visit.
What is included in delivery to Thailand?
For Island Spirit builds commissioned in Thailand, delivery to Ocean Marina Pattaya is available as the closest option. Antifouling, a mooring kit, and anchor set can be included at order stage. For Bavaria Yachts shipped from Germany, a steel cradle for overseas transport is available and keel transport options vary depending on whether the keel is mounted or crated separately. Shrink wrap foil is also available. Commissioning and registration at a Thailand marina is handled by Island Spirit.
Models & Specifications
What is the difference between the IS410 configurations?
The IS410 can be configured as a Cruiser model with 3-cabins, 6-berths blue water design with an enclosed galley, master stateroom, and air conditioning compatible layout. It is designed for owner-operators and extended passage-making rather than high-turnover charter use. The IS410 can also be configured as a Charter model with 4-cabins, 8-berths open galley designed for bareboat and skippered charter operations. The open galley integrates with the saloon for crew efficiency and guest sight-lines, and the layout maximizes berth count. No air conditioning is fitted as standard, keeping systems simple and operating costs low for commercial use. See all the specifications for the IS410 here.
Is the Island Spirit IS525e fully electric?
The IS525e uses twin 65kW rated permanent magnet electric motors powered by 210kW engine battery banks. A 55kW main battery generator and diesel range extender are included for passages where charging is not available. The vessel charges via a 300 amp shore power charger, approximately 3.5kW of onboard solar across the Bimini top and aft area, and the motor generator system. For day-to-day use in Thailand — coastal cruising, anchorage, charter operations — the IS525e runs on electric power. The diesel range extender exists for extended offshore passages where shore power or solar charging is not sufficient. See all the specifications for the IS525e here.
What is the difference between the Bavaria C42 and C46?
Both are designed by Cossutti Yacht Design and built in Germany to CE offshore standards, but they serve different buyers. The C46 is a 14.5m yacht with up to 5 cabins, a larger cockpit with an electric bathing platform, twin wheel steering, and a comprehensive Ocean Package available covering lithium batteries, bow thruster, B&G Premium electronics, electric winches, and more. It suits serious bluewater sailing and charter placement. The C42 is a 12.4m yacht with up to 3 cabins and a more straightforward build suited to owner-operators who want a proven German monohull at a more accessible entry price. The C42 also features an extractable salon table that lowers to create additional berths — useful for extended passages or guests.
What makes the Bavaria Cruiser 34 different from the C42 and C46?
The Cruiser 34 is designed by Farr Yacht Design rather than Cossutti, giving it a different performance character — 9/10 rig with aft-swept spreaders for better upwind performance. It is the entry point into the Bavaria range at 9.99m and offers an XXL cockpit with 1.95m standing headroom below deck, which is exceptional for a 34ft yacht. Engines are Volvo Penta rather than Yanmar, and the standard battery bank is 3 x 95Ah AGM — more than the larger models as standard. There is no genset or watermaker option, making it a simpler and more accessible cruising yacht than the C42 or C46.
Ownership & Registration
Can a foreign national buy a new yacht in Thailand?
Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase and register a new yacht in Thailand under their own name. The primary registration category is Sports and Recreation, which covers privately owned vessels. The one requirement that catches people off guard is a registered address in Thailand — this is required before the Marine Department registration can proceed. Island Spirit can assist buyers in obtaining a registered address in Thailand. Once that is in place, the registration process is straightforward and our team handles every step directly. Learn about registering a yacht in Thailand here.
What documentation does a foreign buyer need to register a new yacht in Thailand?
The buyer needs three copies of their passport covering the data page, visa, and departure card pages, a residency letter from Thai immigration, Powers of Attorney for the Sale Agreement, Revenue Department, Tax ID, and Harbour Department registrations, and a Thai Tax ID Number. All copies must be signed in blue pen. Island Spirit manages the full documentation process on behalf of buyers and coordinates directly with the Marine Department and Revenue Department. Learn about registering a yacht in Thailand here.
What taxes and fees apply to a new yacht purchase in Thailand?
The Revenue Department charges stamp duty of 0.5% of the purchase price on the Official Bill of Sale. For Smart Financed builds where Group Island Spirit holds ownership title until the charter term completes, the buyer is responsible for VAT on the value of the vessel at the point of transfer from Group Island Spirit to the owner at the end of the charter agreement. Agent fees for registration assistance are determined case by case. Contact us for a full breakdown applicable to your specific purchase.
What is the Sports and Recreation registration category and what are its restrictions?
Sports and Recreation is the primary registration category for privately owned yachts in Thailand and the one that applies to most foreign buyers. It allows free movement within 15 nautical miles from shore and travel between provinces without notifying Harbour Masters. The category covers personal use only — commercial charter operations require a separate commercial registration, which Island Spirit handles alongside your ownership registration as part of the same process.
Charter Management
What charter management program is available for new yacht buyers?
Island Spirit operates charter fleets in Phuket, Koh Chang, and Koh Samui. New build buyers can place their yacht into a 6-year charter management agreement. Island Spirit handles all bookings, marketing, guest briefings, maintenance, and charter turnaround. Net charter income is split 70% to the owner and 30% to Island Spirit. Owners retain access to the yacht outside of booked charter periods via an electronic booking schedule, with up to two weeks of personal use bookable during both high and low season. Download the Investors Guide.
What is the owner's financial responsibility during the charter agreement?
During the 6-year charter term, the owner is responsible only for fuel when using the yacht personally and the cleaning and turnaround fee for their own use periods. All other operating costs — marina fees, insurance, maintenance, antifouling, charter turnaround — are covered by Island Spirit as part of the charter management agreement. There are no other ongoing financial obligations on the owner during the charter period. Learn more about our Charter Management programs.
How do I book personal use of my yacht during the charter program?
Owners receive electronic access to the yacht's booking schedule, allowing them to see availability and create their own bookings directly. Bookings can be confirmed a month or less in advance if the yacht is available. During high season (November 30 to March 30) owners can pre-book up to two weeks of personal use at any time. During low season (April 1 to October 31) owners can also pre-book up to two weeks at any time the yacht is available. Download the Investors Guide.
What yacht models are preferred for charter placement?
The Island Spirit IS410 Charter configuration and IS525e are the primary models placed into the Island Spirit charter fleet. Bavaria monohulls are also operated in charter across the Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Chang fleets. Charter clients actively request these name-brand vessels, which is why they generate consistent bookings. Island Spirit can also take on other makes and models for charter management on a case by case basis. Learn more about our Charter Management programs.