Economics

Super Rich Rethink Buying Yachts in Uncertain Economy

  • Slowdown of Skiffs and Superyachts alike confounds dealers
  • Industry remains hopeful that sales dip is tied to bad weather
Boats are prepared for display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on Oct. 29, 2019.Photographer: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Even the ultra-wealthy can get skittish about dropping $50 million on a boat, so superyacht salesmen like Thom Conboy are having to do more hand-holding these days. A checklist of global challenges -- including the U.S. trade war with China, a messy Brexit and Germany teetering on recession -- has been weighing down sales.