Buying a Boat in Malta with Busuttil Marine
Malta’s stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and rich maritime heritage make it one of Europe’s premier boating destinations. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, deep-water harbours, and the sheltered beauty of Gozo and Comino nearby, Malta offers an unmatched setting for boat owners. The proximity to Sicily further expands the horizon for exciting voyages and discovery. At Busuttil Marine, we specialise exclusively in premium new boats from the celebrated Aquador and Flipper brands. We offer an exceptional level of service, professional advice, and end-to-end support, whether you are buying for leisure, family adventures, or commercial opportunities. This guide explains everything you need to know about owning a boat in Malta — from choosing the right vessel to financing, financial incentives, charter possibilities, and beyond.
Boat Ownership Benefits
Sailing Destinations
Malta offers a rich variety of boating experiences within a short cruising distance — explore beautiful beaches such as Il-Bajja tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay), Il-Bajja ta' Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera), and Bajjet l-Armier (Armier Bay) on the main island, anchor in the crystal waters of Bejn il-Kmiemen (Blue Lagoon) or Il-Laguna tal-Kristall (Crystal Lagoon) around Comino, or enjoy the peaceful coves and sandy shores of Gozo like Ir-Ramla l-Ħamra (Ramla Bay), San Blas, and Ħondoq ir-Rummien. For those seeking longer voyages, Sicily is within easy reach — offering the possibility of a week-long adventure where your boat serves as your floating hotel, letting you explore charming coastal towns, indulge in Sicilian cuisine, and anchor in stunning bays while travelling around the island at your leisure.
Maritime Infrastructure
Malta’s strong maritime tradition ensures excellent facilities for boat owners — with numerous marinas and dry docking services available in both Marsamxett (Marsamxett Harbour) and Il-Port il-Kbir (Grand Harbour). The island’s marine sector is supported by highly trained technical teams and a straightforward legal framework, providing an efficient and reliable environment for private and commercial operators alike. Boat registration procedures in Malta are among the most respected worldwide, offering favourable terms and international recognition, ensuring a smooth process for owners.
Lifestyle Enhancement
Owning a boat enriches everyday life by creating opportunities for relaxation, sport, travel, and social engagement. From spontaneous day trips to longer voyages, boating offers unforgettable weekends and new adventures with family and friends, providing a level of freedom, enjoyment, and connection with the sea that few other leisure activities can match.
Boat Selection
New Boats
Busuttil Marine offers premium new boats from two leading Nordic brands — Aquador, focused on luxurious safety and cruising comfort, and Flipper, known for high-performance designs and innovative, sporty layouts. An Aquador boat is the ideal choice for those seeking practical luxury, combining secure hull designs with spacious living areas. Meanwhile, Flipper models deliver thrilling speed, sleek profiles, and versatile layouts that are perfect for Malta’s varied coastal conditions. Purchasing a new boat ensures peace of mind, with full manufacturer warranties, cutting-edge marine technologies, and bespoke options to tailor your vessel to your preferences.
Used Boats
For clients seeking pre-owned vessels, Busuttil Marine offers assistance in sourcing premium Aquador and Flipper models through our trusted European dealer network. Every boat is subject to stringent quality checks to ensure structural integrity, mechanical soundness, and cosmetic excellence before it is recommended. Our brokerage services also include help with logistics, importation, and registration, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for clients who prefer the advantages of a quality used boat.
Ownership Models
Outright Ownership
Outright ownership provides complete freedom and flexibility for those who prefer exclusive control over their vessel. Owners can decide how often to use the boat, where to moor it, how to equip it, and how to plan future upgrades or resales. Owning your boat outright also enables you to enjoy spontaneous trips without needing to coordinate with co-owners or manage usage calendars — your boat is ready when you are, offering unmatched independence and privacy.
Fractional Ownership
Fractional ownership is an innovative solution for clients who desire all the pleasures of boating with a lower financial commitment. By sharing purchase costs, mooring fees, insurance, and maintenance expenses with a small group of co-owners, you significantly reduce the annual costs of boat ownership. Structured usage agreements ensure that each party enjoys fair access to the boat, allowing multiple families or business partners to benefit from the maritime lifestyle without the full burden of individual ownership.
Chartering Opportunities
Revenue Generation
Boats registered for chartering offer owners the opportunity to generate a return on investment by renting the vessel to clients during periods of non-use. With Malta’s booming tourism sector, attractive weather, and year-round visitor traffic, there is strong market demand for private yacht charters, making it a viable way to subsidise ownership costs while retaining the flexibility to enjoy personal use.
Charter Management
Professional charter management services are available to handle the operational side of your boat’s charter activities. From promoting the vessel to managing bookings, maintenance, cleaning, and ensuring compliance with legal and safety requirements, every aspect is professionally organised by us. Busuttil Marine also assists in sourcing and coordinating qualified captains for charters — ensuring guests enjoy a safe, expertly managed experience while preserving the vessel’s condition and reputation. This hands-off model is ideal for owners who prefer to focus on enjoying their boat while still benefiting from commercial returns.
Market Demand
Demand for charter vessels in Malta is consistently high, especially during peak months between May and October. Private day charters around Malta, Gozo, and Comino remain highly popular, while longer charters that include a journey to Sicily appeal to visitors seeking extended adventures. Having a well-equipped, licensed, and maintained boat in this market offers excellent prospects for occupancy rates and revenue generation.
Financial Incentives
VAT
When purchasing a boat for commercial use, buyers have two options regarding VAT. They may pay VAT at the time of sale and reclaim it through the next VAT return, with the possibility of applying for an immediate refund from the CfR. Alternatively, the sale can be conducted in international waters, 12 nautical miles offshore under customs supervision, resulting in a transaction that is VAT-exempt from the outset. Both approaches are established practices under Maltese maritime regulations and offer flexibility depending on the buyer’s operational strategy. Choosing the most appropriate method can significantly reduce the effective acquisition cost of the vessel, making commercial ownership even more attractive for charter operators and professional users planning to operate within or beyond the Maltese archipelago.
Cash Rebates
In addition to VAT advantages, companies investing in boats as plant and machinery may be eligible for government cash rebates. These incentives are designed to support the maritime sector but do require full payment upfront, with rebates issued at a later stage, meaning careful cashflow planning is necessary. Taking advantage of these schemes can enhance the long-term value of your investment when structured appropriately and aligned with operational business plans.
Financing Packages
Financing Solutions
Financing can make boat ownership more accessible, with many buyers choosing to finance part of the purchase price rather than paying the full amount upfront. At Busuttil Marine, we work closely with established banks in Malta to assist clients in securing marine financing solutions tailored to their needs. While we do not offer financing directly, our close relationships with lending institutions ensure that clients receive the right support and guidance throughout the process. Typically, banks finance a portion of the boat's value, with the remaining balance covered by the purchaser. This approach allows owners to manage their financial resources more effectively while enjoying the benefits of their new boat sooner.
Client Support
Securing the right financing is an important step, and Busuttil Marine is committed to assisting clients every step of the way. Our team helps coordinate the necessary documentation, introduces clients to trusted banking contacts, and supports them in navigating the application process smoothly and professionally. By working closely with reputable banks, we ensure that clients experience a straightforward and efficient financing journey, leaving them free to focus on the excitement of their new maritime investment.
Boat Maintenance Services
Preventive Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your boat safe, reliable, and ready for adventure. At Busuttil Marine, we coordinate preventive maintenance services through a network of trusted marine specialists. Routine engine servicing, electronics inspections, hull cleaning, and battery checks are arranged to ensure your vessel remains in peak operating condition. By relying on experienced professionals, we help ensure that preventive work is carried out to the highest standards, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and preserving the boat’s long-term value.
Aesthetic Upkeep
The appearance of your boat plays an important role in both your personal enjoyment and the vessel’s market appeal. Busuttil Marine arranges cosmetic services such as hull polishing, waxing, anti-fouling treatments, stainless steel restoration, upholstery care, and teak protection. These services are carried out while the boat is securely berthed or stored on land, ensuring that your vessel is presented in the best possible condition at all times.
Seasonal Storage
Protecting your boat during the off-season is critical for maintaining performance and appearance year after year. We assist in coordinating secure winter storage solutions, including mechanical winterisation, shrink-wrapping, and land-based storage, ensuring that your vessel is properly safeguarded until the start of the next season. By working closely with reputable providers, Busuttil Marine ensures that your investment receives the best care available throughout the year.
Resale Value
Brand Strength
Aquador and Flipper boats command strong loyalty and high resale demand thanks to their renowned construction quality, aesthetic appeal, and excellent sea-handling capabilities. Choosing a premium brand from the start positions owners for better resale performance when the time comes.
Brokerage Support
When you decide to sell your boat, professional brokerage services ensure maximum exposure and the best achievable market price. Busuttil Marine manages valuation, marketing, viewings, negotiations, and paperwork, offering a smooth, efficient sales process.
Value Retention
To retain value, owners should maintain a complete service history, stay on top of cosmetic upkeep, invest in necessary upgrades, and present the boat professionally during resale. These steps can make a substantial difference in achieving premium resale prices.
Busuttil Marine Advantages
Premium Brands
We exclusively offer new Aquador and Flipper boats — delivering the finest Nordic craftsmanship, durability, and seaworthiness suited to Mediterranean conditions.
Expert Support
Clients receive professional advice tailored to their circumstances, from ownership planning and financing options to operational management and future resale strategies.
Complete Service
Busuttil Marine provides a full-service experience — guiding you from initial consultation through boat selection, purchase, chartering, aftersales maintenance, and resale assistance, ensuring peace of mind at every step.
More Information
Whether you seek relaxed cruising around Malta’s bays, island-hopping adventures to Gozo and Comino, or scenic crossings to Sicily, Busuttil Marine stands ready to support your journey. Explore our premium selection of Aquador and Flipper boats and experience the Mediterranean in true comfort and style.