Kathleen Mullen, Regency Yacht Vacations
A lot of charter clients believe the age of a boat is the most important thing, but in reality, it’s not usually the most important factor in finding a great charter vacation. Age is just a number. It’s the condition of the boat that is important.
    Boats, like everything else, have new technology all the time. If you’re talking about a large powerboat and you’re worried about comfort and want zero-speed stabilizers, you are probably going to be a newer boat as opposed to an older one, because that technology is being built into new boats now. Newer boats are built with more elbow room, too. So if that’s important to you, a newer boat will probably be the right choice.
    With that said, there are a lot of fabulous boats out there for charter that are anywhere from 10 to 50 years old. It might be a really well-maintained classic, which is part of history and can be really wonderful if that’s the experience you want. Just because a boat was launched in 1980 doesn’t mean it’s not a great charter yacht. It might have a fantastic crew and offer a lot of traditional details that you can’t find in newer boats—and at a far lower price.
    

Patty Wilson, International Yacht Charter Group
It depends on the charter client’s individual taste. Personally, it’s not all that important. But to some it’s essential.  
    What some people don’t realize is that the majority of these yachts have had extensive refits—interior and exterior, with the latest technologies, add-ons like Jacuzzis, zero-speed stabilizers, and extensions of the yacht itself. Take the 143-foot Van Mill motoryacht Starship, for example. It is a 1988 build, but several years ago it was completely gutted and redone from bow to stern. Bulkheads (walls) were removed to add spaciousness, and everything on the yacht was new. It looks and feels like a new yacht. However, when I get a request for a newer vessel I have a hard time selling a yacht such as this.  I do get a lot of inquiries for newer yachts, and there are many out there, and we can certainly handle those requests.
    An experienced broker keeps current as to vessels’ condition as well as crew by attending industry boat shows. I ask my clients to be a little flexible, especially if they’re budget conscious, because they can get an “older,” totally refit yacht for a much better price than a brand-new yacht.
    The main thing you should ask a broker is not when the yacht was built, but when and to what extent it was refit.  Some refits only include painting the yacht’s hull or replacing the carpets. Other refits include major engine room work, all new furniture, linens, towels, bedding, countertops, entertainment systems, new artwork, and more.
    If what you’re really looking for is a yacht in excellent condition that has been continually maintained, then don’t focus too much on the age.  Focus more on the crew and the yacht’s reputation. That is what makes a successful charter.  

Michael Sawyer, Infinity Yacht Charters
A crewed yacht’s age is not particularly important, which is a major paradigm shift from some other rental markets!  
    One conservative, “old school” view is that the first year on a new yacht should be reserved for owner use while any issues with new systems, even “behind the scenes” systems that charterers may never notice, are sorted out. While improvements in build quality have made this less of an issue, the nearly irresistible allure of a brand-new yacht should be balanced with some consideration of the potential for minor glitches along the way. Professional crew can relentlessly refine yacht features and continually add conveniences and improvements, and they become more at home with elaborate systems, so the charter experience can actually improve over time.  
    Many crewed yachts are maintained to a pristine “like new” level, which can be challenging for new charterers whose contrary experience from the bareboat or used boat markets make them focused on the build year.  I can usually give a charterer an accurate assessment based on a recent personal inspection.  
    Finally, the “new boat premium” remains in charter pricing, and I can often offer clients an alternative that they may perceive as a superior value in a slightly older yacht with an established crew.