Fort Lauderdale’s yacht market is perpetually active. Yachts come, yachts go, inventory shifts weekly. But right now, if you’re hunting for a 75–85 footer under $1.5 million, there are some genuinely compelling options. Here are five standout categories that represent real value in today’s market.
1. M/V Bella — 82′ Sunseeker Yacht, 2005 | $1,195,000
There’s a reason this one leads the list: it’s genuinely rare to find a Sunseeker 82 available in the U.S. market, and rarer still to find one that’s been as thoughtfully maintained and recently refreshed as Bella.
Why it stands out:
Twin Caterpillar C30 engines with only 1,956 hours and 3,000-hour service completed 2022. Complete 2022 interior refit: reupholstered furniture, new blinds, refreshed galley. Four staterooms, four heads, crew quarters, three decks. Max speed 29 knots, cruise 24 knots, 1,348-gallon fuel capacity. One of only two Sunseeker 82 Yachts for sale in the entire U.S.
Best for: Buyers seeking a proven cruising platform with exceptional space, low engine hours, and recent professional updates. View M/V Bella listing for complete specs and photos.
2. Azimut 75 — 2010 Vintage | Est. $1,150,000–$1,350,000
A well-maintained Azimut 75 is a solid platform. Italian-built, design-forward, and peppy enough to make passages feel effortless.
Why it’s compelling: Italian design and build quality, potential shallow-draft option with prop tunnels, strong global resale community.
Considerations: Fuel consumption is slightly higher than Sunseeker comparables at cruise speed. Italian electronics and systems can carry premium maintenance costs.
3. Princess 85 Motor Yacht — 2009 Vintage | Est. $1,200,000–$1,400,000
A well-spec’d Princess 85 from the 2008–2011 production run is a contemporary-design masterpiece emphasizing efficiency and comfort.
Why it appeals: Sleek, timeless aesthetics with large cabin windows. Approximately 1,850-gallon fuel capacity for 1,500+ nm cruising. Excellent ride quality in rough seas.
Considerations: Deeper draft limits Bahamas shallow-water exploration. Interior styling, while excellent, can feel a touch conservative.
4. Sunseeker 80 — 2004 Vintage | Est. $900,000–$1,200,000
If you’re drawn to Sunseeker engineering but want a more affordable entry point, a well-maintained 80-footer shares DNA with the 82 but is slightly more compact.
Why it’s worth considering: Proven platform with excellent track record. Same engineering quality as the 82. Strong parts availability with Caterpillar engines.
The trade-off: Cabins are noticeably smaller than the 82. If you’re planning extended cruising for a family, the 82’s extra volume matters.
5. Benetti 75 — 2006 Vintage | Est. $950,000–$1,250,000
Italian yachts in the sub-$1.5M range are unusual, which makes a well-maintained Benetti 75 a compelling outlier for those seeking boutique craftsmanship.
Why it’s different: Boutique build quality with bespoke detail. Excellent fuel efficiency at 20+ knots cruise. Intimate size for couples or small families.
The consideration: Three-cabin layouts are typical. Resale market is slightly smaller than Azimut or Princess.
How to Narrow It Down
Ask yourself: How many people will cruise regularly? What’s your fuel budget? Where do you want to cruise? How important is recent refitting? Do service records matter (they should)?
The Bottom Line
Fort Lauderdale’s sub-$1.5M yacht market offers genuine variety. But if you want to understand what a best-in-class offering looks like — a yacht that checks boxes for engineering, condition, livability, and recent professional maintenance — see Bella on Aspire Yacht Sales is essential research. Bella represents the gold standard of value in this market segment.
Exploring the Fort Lauderdale yacht market? Contact Aspire Yacht Sales at (954) 560-2811 or visit aspireyachtsales.com for expert guidance.