What a 45 ft yacht costs per year depends mostly on where you keep it and how many hours you run it. A widely used industry rule of thumb puts total annual running costs at roughly 10% of the purchase price, though many owners spend noticeably less or more. For a yacht like the AZUR 45HT, from EUR 1,359,500 excl. VAT and engines, the most useful approach is to budget category by category, as set out below.

Why a single number is misleading

Two owners with the same yacht can have very different annual bills. One keeps the yacht in a home marina in the Netherlands, runs it for a few weekends in summer and lays it up for winter. Another keeps it in a popular Mediterranean harbour for the full season and covers long distances. Their berth and fuel costs alone can differ several times over.

The 10% rule of thumb is a starting point for a conversation, not a budget. It tends to include everything from crew-free day use to occasional repairs. For a well-built, owner-run day yacht or weekender, the real figure depends on the choices covered here.

The seven cost categories

Berth

A berth is often the largest single fixed cost. Marinas usually charge by length, and sometimes by beam. The AZUR 45HT is 13.5 m long with a beam of 4.32 m, which puts it in a size band where many marinas have good availability in northern Europe and tighter availability in sought-after Mediterranean ports. Summer rates in prime locations are typically far higher than annual rates in a home marina. Ask several marinas for a quote based on your exact dimensions.

A shallow draught helps. At 0.79 m, the AZUR 45HT can use berths and anchorages that are closed to deeper boats, which can widen your options.

Insurance

Yacht insurance is usually priced as a share of the insured hull value, adjusted for the cruising area, the owner's experience and the type of use. Premiums for Mediterranean or US waters often differ from those for inland and coastal northern European waters. A broker who specialises in yachts can give you a quote once the final specification and value are known.

Maintenance

Maintenance covers everything that keeps the yacht in condition: cleaning, deck care, stainless steel, upholstery, electrics, sanitary systems and small repairs. On a Bekkers, that includes the Flexiteek deck, marine leather, LED lighting and features such as the electric sun awning and electric swim ladder.

An aluminium hull does not suffer from osmosis, which is a known long-term issue for some fibreglass hulls. Aluminium does need care with paint, anodes and electrical installations to prevent galvanic corrosion. Our article on aluminium yacht maintenance explains this in more detail. The yard thinks along with owners on a maintenance plan. See ownership.

Antifouling

If the yacht stays in the water for the season, the underwater hull needs antifouling. It is typically renewed every year, along with a check of anodes and running gear. On an aluminium hull, the antifouling must be compatible with aluminium. Copper-based products are typically avoided because of the risk of galvanic corrosion. The yard can advise on suitable systems.

Engine service

The AZUR 45HT runs on twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 (2x 440 hp) as the entry engine package, with options up to IPS 800 (2x 600 hp). Service follows Volvo Penta's schedule, based on engine hours and time. A twin installation means two engines and two drives to service. Volvo Penta has a wide international dealer network, which keeps servicing practical wherever you cruise. Ask the yard for a service estimate based on the engine hours you expect.

Fuel

Fuel is the most variable cost. It depends on engine choice, cruising speed, sea conditions, load and hours run. Planing yachts typically use far less fuel per mile at an efficient cruising speed than at top speed. The AZUR 45HT reaches 30+ knots depending on engines and carries 1,240 l of fuel. A simple way to budget is:

Annual fuel cost = engine hours per year x average consumption per hour x fuel price

Ask the yard for consumption figures for your engine option to complete this calculation.

Storage

In northern Europe, many owners take the yacht out of the water for winter. Costs include lift-out, cleaning, storage space and launch in spring. Indoor storage typically costs more than outdoor storage, but protects the paint and interior better. Transport between a marina and a storage facility adds cost if they are not on the same site. The yard thinks along with owners on storage, so ask about the options for your yacht.

Costs that are easy to forget

• Mooring lines, fenders and safety equipment renewal
• Cleaning and valeting, especially for owners who do not do this themselves
• Electronics and software updates
• Registration, flag and documentation costs, which depend on the country
• Transport by road or ship if the yacht moves between cruising areas

How build quality affects running costs

The purchase price is paid once. Running costs are paid every year. A yacht that is built carefully tends to need fewer unplanned repairs. Motor Boat & Yachting described the fit and finish of the AZUR 45 as exceptional for a 45-footer, with no visible weld marks. Good welding, good paint preparation and well-fitted stainless steel all help a yacht age well.

Running costs also affect resale. A yacht with a clear maintenance history is typically easier to sell. Keep invoices and service records from the first day.

Building your own budget

1. 01Get a berth quote for your chosen marina, using exact length and beam.
2. 02Ask a specialist broker for an insurance quote.
3. 03Ask the yard for a maintenance, antifouling and engine service estimate.
4. 04Estimate your engine hours per year and calculate fuel.
5. 05Decide whether you will lay up for winter, and get a storage quote.
6. 06Add a contingency for the unexpected.