Buying a boat in Mallorca: the annual costs
The annual cost of keeping a boat usually runs between eight and fifteen per cent of its value, covering berth, insurance, maintenance, lift out and fuel, so the purchase price is only the first payment.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- Annual running costs run 8 to 15 per cent of the boat's value.
- The berth is the largest single item in most cases.
- Annual lift out with antifouling costs 800 € to 3,500 €.
- Third party liability insurance is compulsory.
The conversation always begins with the price of the boat and should begin with the price of the berth. That is the figure that decides whether the purchase makes sense.
The fixed items
Berth or dry storage, which on the island and in season is the main expense. Insurance, compulsory in its third party liability cover. An annual lift out with hull cleaning, anode inspection and antifouling. Engine servicing with oil and filter changes. And whatever fees and formalities apply according to registration and use.
| Length | Annual berth | Total annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| 6 metres | 1,500 to 3,500 € | 3,000 to 6,000 € |
| 8 metres | 2,500 to 6,000 € | 5,000 to 10,000 € |
| 10 metres | 4,000 to 9,000 € | 8,000 to 16,000 € |
| 12 metres | 6,000 to 14,000 € | 12,000 to 25,000 € |
| 15 metres | 10,000 to 25,000 € | 20,000 to 45,000 € |
| Lift out with antifouling | 800 to 3,500 € | annual |
| Insurance | 0,4 to 1,2 % of value | annual |
What gets left out of the budget
Electronics, replaced every 8 or 10 years. Sails on a sailing yacht, with a working life of 8 to 12 seasons and a replacement cost that can reach 10 per cent of the boat's value. The service battery, every 4 to 6 years. The liferaft, with compulsory periodic servicing. And hull cleaning between lift outs, which in warm water is needed every 2 or 3 months in summer.
The berth is the bottleneck
In high season availability in the most sought after marinas is limited and prices reflect that scarcity. Before buying it is worth having somewhere for the boat resolved, with a contract or at least confirmed availability, because buying first and looking afterwards leaves an owner with an expensive asset and nowhere to keep it between June and September.
Dry storage is an alternative for boats up to 8 or 9 metres and cuts both berthing and hull maintenance costs considerably.
Before signing
A pre purchase survey by an independent marine surveyor, costing 600 € to 2,500 € by length, which finds everything from osmosis to structural problems invisible afloat. A sea trial with the engine under load. And a full document check: registration, certificate of seaworthiness, berth debts and charges. That set is what separates a calm purchase from a five figure surprise.
Frequently asked
+What does it cost to keep a boat each year?
Between 8 and 15 per cent of its value, covering berth, insurance, maintenance and lift out.
+Which item is largest?
The berth, which on a 10 metre boat can run from 4,000 € to 9,000 € a year.
+Is insurance compulsory?
Yes in its third party liability cover, with premiums of 0,4 to 1,2 per cent of value.
+What gets forgotten in the budget?
Electronics, sails, batteries, liferaft servicing and hull cleaning between lift outs.
+Is a pre purchase survey worth it?
Yes. An independent surveyor costs 600 € to 2,500 € and finds problems invisible afloat.
Sources
- 1Boletín Oficial del Estado, BOE (August 2026)
- 2Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)