Support Vessel Yachts For Sale

Explore new and used support vessels for sale on YachtBuyer, from purpose-built shadow yachts to converted commercial craft. Compare asking prices, specifications, locations and availability across current listings, including stock yachts, new builds and pre-owned vessels.

These are workhorses, so deck space, lifting gear, tender capacity and crew accommodation often count for more than fancy interiors. Some support yachts come with everything needed to shadow a mothership from day one, while others need substantial work. A converted commercial vessel can look like a bargain, but hull condition, stability, deck loads, class status and refit costs all deserve close attention before committing to a purchase.

Buyers can also choose from newer support yachts with guest accommodation and the ability to cruise independently. YachtBuyer's onboard review of the Damen YS 53 Emotional offers a firsthand account of what a modern support yacht can provide.

NEW - Built to Order Support Vessel Yachts

Find your new support vessel in minutes, and request a quote online. We'll connect you to the nearest independent broker or support vessel dealer, for free!

Popular Support Vessel Models

NEW - Stock & In Build support vessels

Be the first to own one of these brand new support vessels. There's no need to wait - they're scheduled to complete and be available for 2026 & 2027 cruising.

Scheduled For Delivery

Dealers & Shipyards - tell us about your stock.

Verified yacht listing

1 Not for sale to US residents while in US waters

2 Approx Price Conversion

Pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual Yacht may vary due to client options.

USED - support vessels For Sale

View a wide selection of pre-owned support vessels for sale in your area, explore detailed information & find the perfect support vessel for you.

Latest Pre-Owned support vessels

For Sale

Stocznia Polnocna Sa

SKY

89m | Custom

1999

2 x Wartsila 1,329hp

Features: Helipad

€18,000,000
Limassol, Limassol District (Leymasun), Cyprus

Stocznia Polnocna Sa

SKY

89m | Custom

1999

€18,000,000

Limassol, Limassol District (Leymasun), Cyprus

For Sale

Lynx Yachts

PLAYA

27m | Crossover 27

2018

2 x Caterpillar 850hp

€4,950,000
Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur, France

Lynx Yachts

PLAYA

27m | Crossover 27

2018

€4,950,000

Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur, France

For Sale

Arcadia

Arcadia Sherpa 60

18m | Sherpa 60

2021 M/Y GODDESS OF THE MOON

Features: Stabilisers

€1,900,000
San Remo, Liguria, Italy

Arcadia

Arcadia Sherpa 60

18m | Sherpa 60

2021 M/Y GODDESS OF THE MOON

€1,900,000

San Remo, Liguria, Italy

Verified yacht listing

1 Not for sale to US residents while in US waters

2 Approx Price Conversion

Pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual Yacht may vary due to client options.

Recent Award Winning support vessels

Check out the recent award-winning and finalist support vessels and models.

Damen Yachting

YS 6911

69.15m

Winner

Best Support Vessel

The World Superyacht Awards 2018

Award Finalist YXT 24 - Playa 27.4m Lynx Yachts Photo

Lynx Yachts

Playa

27.4m YXT 24

Finalist

Best New Production Yacht Design

Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2019

Damen Yachting

YS 53

53m

Nomination

Superyachts 40-60m

Yacht Style Awards 2025

support vessel FAQ

We're committed to making yacht buying easier, so if you can't find what you're looking for just ask.

  • A support vessel can be run by relatively few crew, but may offer cabin space for many more, as overspill for the mothership.

    The number required depends on the vessel's size, certification and operations. Buyers should check minimum safe-manning requirements and whether specialist equipment, such as large tenders or helicopter facilities, calls for extra crew.

  • Not every vessel is suitable. A support vessel should offer good storage and deck space, with excellent access from the sea or dock. It must be capable of operating in the conditions it is expected to face and offer suitable crew accommodation. Speed is another factor, particularly if the vessel needs to keep up with the mothership or press on ahead.

    Former commercial vessels can make good conversions, but hull condition, stability, deck loads and refit costs need careful assessment. There is also the question of style and condition. Would you be happy for your support vessel to anchor alongside if it was a rusting hulk?

  • A commercial helideck and hangar, with refuelling, is a serious and heavily regulated undertaking. It will be more straightforward, from an engineering point of view, on a new-build support vessel, but otherwise the same scrutiny will apply to any yacht.

    The whole point of a support vessel is to accommodate these serious, hard-edged pieces of engineering, leaving the mothership free to focus on luxuries. When buying an existing support yacht, check whether its aviation facilities are approved for the aircraft and operations you have in mind.