Boat buyers are getting younger

A Farewell and Heartfelt Thank You from JD Yachts

After 25 extraordinary years, JD Yachts will be closing its doors.

This has not been an easy decision—but it’s one we’ve made with deep reflection and immense pride in all that we’ve achieved. We set out to build a company grounded in trust, transparency, and a passion for getting people on the water. We believe we’ve done just that.

To our clients—some of whom have been with us from the very beginning—we owe everything. Your unwavering support and trust shaped our journey. Many of you returned to us time and again for your boating needs, and that loyalty became the foundation of our business. We’re honoured to have helped so many families and individuals realise their dreams of yachting across the UK and the Mediterranean.

To our industry colleagues, tradespeople, and the marinas who welcomed and supported our work—you made this possible. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment to excellence within the marine sector gave JD Yachts its wings. We always sought to drive business back into local trades and infrastructures, and we’re proud to have played a part in sustaining that ecosystem.

To our dedicated team—Toby Hawkins and Isabella O’Leary—thank you for your incredible contribution, professionalism, and commitment to our shared mission. You’ve been integral to our journey and success.

A special thank you to our families for your constant support, patience, and belief in us—especially through the demanding times. JD Yachts has always been about more than just boats; it’s been about people, partnerships, and heart.

The current business climate, especially for SMEs in the marine sector, has become increasingly complex and challenging—particularly in relation to post-Brexit trade regulations and the double taxation of vessels between the UK and EU. These conditions have made it nearly impossible to scale sustainably or operate competitively abroad. We believe it’s important to acknowledge how much the industry has changed—and how vital it is to protect what was once a thriving cornerstone of Britain’s maritime heritage.

As we close this chapter, we do so with enormous gratitude for every client, colleague, and friend we’ve met along the way. The memories, the adventures, and the trust you placed in us will stay with us forever.

Thank you for letting JD Yachts be part of your story. We are proud of the legacy we leave behind.

With heartfelt thanks,

Darren & Justin

Off Canvas

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The past few months have been very challenging for the marine industry, but the pandemic has apparently had one positive effect: the average age of boat buyers has dropped.

For many years, the average age of someone purchasing a boat has been consistently increasing. Until now, according to Info-Link Technologies, a Florida based market intelligence company focusing on the marine industry.

“As we have heard many times over the years, our customer base is ageing, but this year is different,” says Info-Link managing director, Jack Ellis. “As the demand for boats continues to soar, especially among first-time buyers, we are seeing another encouraging trend. This year’s boat buyers are considerably younger than past years’ buyers. Through mid-2020, the average age of new powerboat buyers decreased by almost two years compared to the same period last year. In fact, for the first time in a decade, the number of new boat buyers under 40 surpassed the number of buyers over 60.

“Our speculation is that this is being driven in large part by buyers who still have children in the home and are seeking a means of escape to spend time with their families in a more controlled and enjoyable environment.”

This is great news for the boating industry and the trend is said to be occurring in almost every segment of the industry, with only the average age of new yacht buyers remaining unchanged.

“This is of course exactly what we have to sell,” continues Ellis. “Our job now is to keep them coming back for more because, with all due respect to our cherished customers over 60, these younger buyers are our future.”

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