How Much Does a Boat Broker Charge in Hawaii? (2026)

If you're thinking about selling your boat on Oahu, the first question is usually a simple one: what's this going to cost me? Fair question. Here's a straight, no-fluff breakdown of what a boat broker charges in Hawaii in 2026 — the standard rate, who actually pays it, how the buyer's side works, and exactly what that commission buys you.

The short answer: about 10%

The industry-standard yacht brokerage commission is around 10% of the final sale price. It's paid by the seller, out of the proceeds, at closing. That 10% is the long-running norm across the U.S. brokerage business; on very large yachts the rate sometimes scales down, and on smaller boats a minimum commission often applies so a sale is worth a broker's time. The rate is negotiable, but 10% is the number you'll see most often — and whatever you agree to is written into your listing agreement.

Who pays — and when

You, the seller, pay the commission, and only when the boat actually sells. A reputable broker doesn't charge an upfront fee to list your boat; they're paid from the sale proceeds through escrow at closing. In a standard listing, if the boat doesn't sell, you don't owe a commission. That lines up the broker's incentive with yours: they only get paid when they get you to the closing table. Always read the listing agreement so you understand the term length and how any out-of-pocket expenses are handled.

What about the buyer's broker? (co-brokerage)

Here's the part that confuses a lot of sellers. Often another broker brings the buyer. That's called co-brokerage, and in that case the listing broker splits the single commission with the buyer's broker — commonly around a 60/40 split, sometimes 50/50. The key point: it doesn't cost you extra. There's still just one commission. The buyer doesn't pay a separate fee either, because the buyer's representation is funded out of that same seller-paid commission. The upside for you is reach — your boat gets shown by every co-brokering agent on the island, not just one.

What the commission actually pays for

Ten percent can sound like a lot until you see everything a full-service broker handles. A central listing agreement — where one broker is your single point of contact and fields every inquiry — typically covers:

• Pricing & valuation — pulling real comps so you list at a number that sells, not one that sits.
• Professional photos & a strong listing write-up that makes your boat stand out.
• Marketplace exposure — the major sites buyers actually search (YachtWorld, Boat Trader and others) plus the brokerage's own channels.
• Fielding & qualifying inquiries so you're not giving up weekends to tire-kickers.
• Showings & sea trials coordinated and run for you.
• Survey coordination with the buyer and surveyor.
• The purchase & sale agreement and the paperwork that goes with it.
• Escrow & deposits — holding the buyer's money safely until closing.
• Closing — title transfer, DOBOR registration, and any loan payoff handled cleanly.

That's the difference between "listing a boat" and actually selling one. The commission pays for the second one.

Is Hawaii different on licensing?

Yes, in one important way. Unlike Florida and California, Hawaii does not license yacht brokers — there's no state yacht-broker license to look up here. That makes vetting your broker on you: check their track record, references, marketing reach, and how they handle your money (deposits should sit in a proper escrow account, never a personal account). A long local presence and real reviews matter more than a slick pitch. (This is general information, not legal advice — confirm any specifics with the relevant authority.)

A quick net-proceeds gut-check

The math is easy to sketch. At a 10% rate, a $50,000 sale carries a $5,000 commission; a $100,000 sale carries $10,000. From your gross sale price you subtract the commission, then any loan payoff and minor closing costs, and the rest is yours. These are illustrative figures, not a quote — your actual rate and net depend on your listing agreement and your boat. Want a real number? We'll walk you through it line by line.

What about selling it yourself?

You can absolutely sell your boat FSBO and skip the commission. Just know that you're then doing the pricing, the photos, the advertising, the showings, the negotiation, the paperwork, the deposit handling, and the DOBOR transfer yourself — and FSBO boats often take longer and sell for less. It's a real trade-off worth weighing with eyes open; our broker vs. FSBO guide breaks it down.

Hawaii Yacht Group is Oahu's boat & yacht brokerage, based in Honolulu. Questions about selling or what your boat is worth? Email contact@hawaiiyachtgroup.com.