Notes from the dock

The rules changed twice in 2026. Where the rates sit now by country of build, the refund process running at Customs, and the one document that settles it on any boat.

Offshore registry is right at one end of the market and wrong at the other. Where the line sits, what you give up, and what the registries changed in 2026.

Six percent, capped at $18,000. The full closing cost line by line, the registration schedule by length, and the out of state use tax trap that catches buyers.

The seller does, customarily 10%, split with the buyer’s broker under co-brokerage. What that covers, what Florida requires, and why your own broker costs you nothing.

Late September through March, and the strongest weeks sit either side of the Fort Lauderdale show. The calendar, the insurance problem, and what to fix first.