Luxury for Less: Get Your 'Cheap' Yacht Now

Yachts have long been assumed to lie squarely in the opulent domain of the extraordinarily wealthy, costing hundreds of millions of dollars. But the entry level is quite a bit lower, and a deal is a bargain at any price -- even if that price could buy a nice house in the suburbs. Cheapism.com identified 10 luxurious pre-owned yachts that look like relative steals. Potential buyers can pick up the keys to these vessels at auction or work with an accredited broker. In either case, a thorough inspection should be completed; no one wants to buy a pig in a poke.

A recent trade-in, this 2014 Tiara 3100 Coronet, listed with Galati Yachts, is available for $344,000. Compare that price to a new 2015 model listed for $435,987 and you know you've found a bargain. With only 50 hours logged, this specimen is like new. The cockpit has a refrigerator and wet bar and both indoor and open-air seating areas with tables. This is a small vessel with just one stateroom -- best suited for short trips.

This blue and white 2008 Cruisers Yachts 560 Express, posted at YachtWorld and docked in New Jersey, carries a $429,000 price tag. Over in New York, where everything always costs more, you could pay another $30,000 for a 2007 model. Really? The twin Volvo engines on the newer, cheaper yacht produce a total of 1430 horsepower, propelling the boat at a maximum speed of 35 mph. Equipped with flat-screen TVs, Sirius satellite radio, and a grill, the spacious 560 Express provides plenty of entertainment options. Even the large, half-moon settee has a role to play: It can be transformed into a bed, or a coffee table can be pulled up from below the floor for games.

A 74-foot 2000 Horizon Motor Yacht on offer comes with an interesting proposition. The owner is willing to "trade" for similarly priced ($999,000) mortgage-free real estate. (Calling all moguls.) The yacht has recently undergone a deep cleaning, buffing, and bottom painting, and will have new deck cushions and covers, as well as routine maintenance before a transaction is executed.

This 41-foot 2015 Rampage 41 Express features a full tower, a 16-inch touchscreen electronics suite, a Release Marine helm chair, and a five-year or 2,500-hour extended service plan, all for the shockingly low price of $845,000. This being a demo model, the lucky buyer will save chump change of $284,000 off the MSRP of $1,128,799. Designed for a fisherman with luxurious tastes, the Rampage 41 Express features two staterooms, walnut wood interiors, and a cruising speed of up to 30 knots.

Some yachts are listed with non-negotiable prices, but this owner is ready to deal. The 55-foot Sea Ray 550 Sedan Bridge recently saw its price drop $45,000 to the current $489,900. The twin engines have less than 300 hours on them, and there are a total of six berths spread among a master stateroom, VIP guest stateroom, and guest stateroom (guests know where they stand on this vessel). The inside is beautifully finished and the yacht has a hidden davit that can be used to lift a dingy or WaveRunner.

This 2004 Sea Ray 420 Sedan Bridge was bought recently, but the new owner had a change of heart and put it back on the market. Jump on this yacht, because the price has already dropped to $217,415. Many other models of the same or similar vintage currently on offer are tacking north of $299,000. The yacht is in mint condition; it was stored in a boathouse and sailed mostly in fresh water. The next owner will benefit from an upgrade to the interior carpets, mattresses, drapes, and other soft goods now underway.

This 41-foot 2007 Cruisers 415 Express Motoryacht is up for auction at a suggested bid of $189,900. Similar makes and models are listed for $219,000 to $259,999 elsewhere, so don't miss out on a money-saving opportunity to drop anchor in a hardtop that combines agility with spaciousness. There's a large salon with an L-shaped sofa, two queen-size berths, and private heads (yachtsmen are too refined to call them toilets).

An oldie but goodie, this 56-foot Carver Voyager dates to 2005 and has only 175 hours on it. The listing mentions a large salon and galley, eight berths, and two heads, making it ideal for family outings and entertaining a crowd, all for a paltry $484,000. Think of all the new friends you'll make.

The 41-foot Formula 400 Super Sport is a luxury cruiser with a wood and leather interior, large wet bar, built-in USB chargers, Bluetooth stereo, and room for up to 12 during day cruises. For $445,990, what more could you want? According to the listing, the original and only owner had it equipped with every optional upgrade and a few custom extras, and is now ready to sell after putting just 120 hours on the engine (153 hours on the generator). Considering the base price on this model was $656,890, this is a hard deal to let sink.

A 9-year-old, 58-foot 2006 Fairline Squadron docked in North Palm Beach, Florida, is currently available for a bargain. But before getting too excited, check the fine print: Federal law requires that it be moved out of territorial waters before a U.S. resident can buy it. Not surprisingly, the list price of $699,000 is far cheaper than similar vintage Fairline Squadrons currently for sale that show far more sea time in their logs, including one with 265 hours selling for more than $1 million. This yacht has only 185 hours on its new engines, which are warrantied through August 2017, as well as recent servicing of all fluids and filters and a renewed zinc and gel coat.