When you sell your yacht, the broker you choose shapes the result: how the yacht is presented, who sees it, how offers are negotiated and how smoothly the sale reaches closing. AK Yachts is an independent Fort Lauderdale brokerage led by Andy Kniffin, a Certified Professional Yacht Broker with decades of experience as a captain and broker.
Personal attention from one experienced broker, backed by the marketing reach of a much larger firm.
At many large brokerages, a listing passes between several people. At AK Yachts, your yacht is handled by Andy from the first walkthrough to the final signature. You always know who is marketing your yacht, who is speaking with buyers and who is negotiating on your behalf.
Being independent does not mean reduced exposure. Your yacht is marketed through the same professional listing channels and broker networks that larger brokerages use, reaching qualified buyers and their brokers across the United States and abroad.
Without layers of corporate policy, AK Yachts can be more flexible during final negotiations. That flexibility often helps bridge the gap between buyer and seller and allows sellers to realize a stronger net return. The aim is simple: to get the deal done on terms that work for you.
Andy spent more than twenty years as a professional captain, directing refits and repairs on yachts of all types. He knows how to take a newly listed yacht and prepare it to show at its best, and how to anticipate the questions an experienced buyer and surveyor will ask.
Nine clear steps, from pricing to closing — managed personally by Andy from start to finish.
STEP 01
Andy reviews comparable yachts currently for sale and recent sales of similar make, model, age and condition to recommend a realistic asking price.
STEP 02
An on-board inspection identifies the yacht’s strengths and any items worth addressing before the listing goes live.
STEP 03
Andy advises on cleaning, detailing, minor repairs and documentation so the yacht shows well and survey surprises are reduced.
STEP 04
Professional photography and a detailed, accurate listing description present the yacht clearly to buyers and their brokers.
STEP 05
The listing is distributed through professional listing networks, AK Yachts’ pages and direct outreach to brokers and buyers.
STEP 06
Andy qualifies prospective buyers, conducts showings and presents every offer with his recommendation.
STEP 07
Terms are negotiated and documented in the yacht purchase agreement, including deposit, acceptance and closing dates.
STEP 08
Andy coordinates access and attends the buyer’s yacht survey and sea trial, and manages any negotiation that follows.
STEP 09
Funds, documents and transfer of title are completed through a professional closing process.
A well-priced yacht attracts serious buyers early. Andy’s pricing recommendation is based on current competing listings and recent comparable sales, adjusted for condition, equipment and maintenance history.
Drawing on his years as a captain, Andy advises on which improvements and repairs are worth making before listing and which are better left to negotiation. Sensible preparation often shortens time on the market and protects the sale price.
Your yacht is presented through quality photography, a thorough listing and the professional channels buyers and brokers rely on, supported by a Fort Lauderdale location that draws buyers from around the world, particularly around the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
From the first offer through survey, sea trial and closing, Andy manages the details: buyer qualification, contract terms, survey negotiations and coordination with closing agents.
Share a few details about your yacht and Andy Kniffin, CPYB will provide a realistic market assessment and a clear plan for selling it. A conversation costs nothing.
Meet Your Broker
Andy Kniffin was born and raised in South Florida and spent more than twenty years as a professional captain before turning to yacht brokerage full-time over two decades ago. He maintains his Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) status, is a long-time member of the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA) and holds a yacht broker’s license with the State of Florida.
Brokers are typically paid a commission when the sale closes, which is agreed in the listing agreement before the yacht goes on the market. Andy will explain the terms clearly at the outset, so there are no surprises at closing.
It depends on the yacht’s type, size, condition, price and the market at the time. Accurately priced, well-presented yachts generally sell faster. Andy can give you a realistic expectation for your specific yacht after reviewing the market.
Pricing is based on comparable yachts currently for sale, recent sales of similar yachts, and your yacht’s condition, equipment, engine hours and maintenance history. The goal is a price that attracts serious buyers without leaving money on the table.
Often, yes, but selectively. Items a surveyor will flag, along with cleaning and cosmetic work that improve first impressions, usually pay for themselves. Major upgrades rarely return their full cost. Andy will help you decide what is worth doing.
No. AK Yachts works with sellers wherever their yacht is located. In some cases, bringing a yacht to South Florida can increase buyer exposure, and Andy can advise whether that makes sense for your yacht.
Typically, proof of ownership such as Coast Guard documentation or state title and registration, any lien information, and maintenance and service records. Organized records support value and help the buyer’s survey go smoothly.
Survey findings are common and are usually resolved through negotiation, either by adjusting the price, agreeing on repairs or offering a credit at closing. Andy manages this stage on your behalf to keep the sale on track.
In many cases, yes, provided it remains available for showings and is kept in show-ready condition. Andy will discuss how to balance use with marketing.
