Anyone who has spent a Saturday morning scrolling through DoneDeal looking for a boat knows the feeling: a thousand listings, but no easy way to tell which platform actually has what you need. Ireland’s boat market is spread across mass-market classifieds, specialist yacht sites, and occasional repo auctions, and the difference between a good deal and a money pit often comes down to knowing where to look.

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Boats listed on DoneDeal: 1,133+ ·
Top marketplace platforms: DoneDeal, Apollo Duck, boats.com ·
Typical price range: €1,000 – €1,000,000+ ·
Most common boat type: Motorboats and jet skis ·
New vs used ratio: Majority used (estimated >80%)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • DoneDeal is the largest marketplace with over 2,000 total boat ads in Ireland (DoneDeal)
  • Apollo Duck lists boats in multiple Irish locations with prices from €6,950 to €795,000 (Apollo Duck)
  • Private sales on DoneDeal often cost 10-20% less than dealer listings (estimated) (DoneDeal)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of boat listings across all platforms combined
  • Average boat price in Ireland (no single authoritative source)
  • Inventory of bank repossessed boats is sporadic and not centrally tracked
3Timeline signal
  • Snapshot count of 2,868 boat ads on DoneDeal shows current inventory level (DoneDeal)
  • Apollo Duck Ireland listings updated frequently, with mixed euro/sterling pricing (Apollo Duck)
4What’s next
  • Spring and summer months typically see the highest number of new listings
  • Bank repossessions may increase if economic conditions tighten

Four key metrics summarise the current state of the Irish boat market across the main platforms.

Label Value
Number of listings on DoneDeal 1,133+
Average price of a used boat €15,000 – €30,000 (estimated)
Most popular boat type Motorboat / speedboat
Main listing platforms DoneDeal, Apollo Duck, boats.com, Afloat.ie

Where can I find used boats for sale in Ireland?

Top platforms for used boats Ireland

DoneDeal dominates the Irish boat market with a dedicated Boats & Jet Skis category that shows 668 ads in one snapshot, and as many as 2,868 ads across all sections when searching for “boats” (DoneDeal). It is the first stop for most buyers because of sheer volume.

Apollo Duck offers a more curated experience. Its Ireland country page lists boats from Greystones to Malahide, with prices ranging from €6,950 for an 8.42m boat at Waterford City Marina to €795,000 for a yacht in Waterford (Apollo Duck). The site carries a prominent warning: “Caveat Emptor. Verify before you buy.”

The trade-off

DoneDeal gives you volume and speed; Apollo Duck gives you curation and higher-end listings. A buyer looking for a budget motorboat under €10,000 should start on DoneDeal, while someone after a liveaboard yacht should head to Apollo Duck.

Private sales vs dealer listings

Private sales on DoneDeal and Apollo Duck typically carry no dealer markup, which can mean savings of 10-20% compared to dealer prices. However, the buyer assumes all risk. Apollo Duck’s “Caveat Emptor” warning is a reminder that private listings may not include a survey or warranty. For a used boat, a pre-purchase survey by a marine surveyor (Afloat.ie) is strongly recommended.

The pattern: DoneDeal gives you the largest pool, but Apollo Duck gives you better quality listings and geographic diversity. The choice depends on whether you prioritise choice or confidence.

What are bank repossessed boats for sale in Ireland?

How bank repossessions work

When a boat owner defaults on a loan, the lender may repossess and sell the vessel. These sales are less common than private or dealer listings but can offer steep discounts. In Ireland, bank repossessed boats are typically sold through auction houses or specialist sites like Afloat.ie.

Where to find repo listings

There is no central repository for repossessed boats in Ireland. Checking Afloat.ie’s classifieds and following auction announcements from firms like Wilson’s Auctions can yield occasional deals. The research notes indicate that inventory is “sporadic and not centrally tracked,” so patience is key.

The upshot

Bank repossessions are a niche opportunity, not a reliable source. For a buyer willing to wait and monitor auction sites, savings of 30-50% below market value are possible, but the vessel’s condition is often unknown.

How to find cheap boats for sale in Ireland by owner?

Tips for buying direct from owner

Private sales on DoneDeal are the most common source of cheap boats. For example, DoneDeal’s “boats” search shows 2,868 ads, many listed by owners (DoneDeal). Prices on Apollo Duck also include owner listings: a 30-foot boat in Bangor at £4,000, a 35-foot boat in Carrick-on-Suir at €16,000 (Apollo Duck).

When buying from an owner, always arrange a sea trial and a marine survey. The Irish Times has reported that boat buyers often skip surveys, leading to costly repairs.

Price negotiation strategies

Because private sellers have no overhead, they are often willing to negotiate. A typical discount of 10-15% off the asking price is reasonable, especially if the boat has been listed for more than 30 days. Use DoneDeal’s “date listed” filter to see stale inventory.

The catch: cheap boats from owners come with no warranty. A good rule of thumb is to budget 10% of the purchase price for immediate repairs and upgrades.

What types of fishing boats are for sale in Ireland?

Small fishing boats and dinghies

DoneDeal’s search for “fishing boats” shows 340 ads in Ireland (DoneDeal). These range from small inflatable dinghies for €500 to rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) up to €15,000. Popular brands include Ribcraft, Brig, and Quicksilver, often listed on both platforms.

Offshore and sea fishing vessels

For larger sea fishing vessels, Apollo Duck lists cabin cruisers and offshore boats. A typical example: a 37-foot boat in Ireland for €67,500 (Apollo Duck). These are usually equipped with diesel engines and navigation electronics, and prices reflect the added complexity.

What this means: for a weekend angler, a small RIB from DoneDeal is the most cost-effective entry point. For serious offshore fishing, a larger vessel from Apollo Duck or a dealer is advisable, but the budget jumps to €50,000+.

Are there small boats for sale in Ireland?

Small motorboats and speedboats

Boats under 20 feet are widely available. DoneDeal’s “rib” search shows 219 ads (DoneDeal), and Apollo Duck lists small boats like an 8.42m motorboat at Waterford City Marina for €6,950. Prices for small boats start at around €1,000 for a used outboard-powered dinghy and go up to €20,000 for a well-maintained speedboat.

Tenders and jet skis

Jet skis are often listed under the “Boats & Jet Skis” category on DoneDeal. While not boats in the traditional sense, they are popular for recreational use and can be found for as little as €2,000. The same purchase considerations apply: check for service history, compression test, and trailer condition.

The implication: small boats are the most accessible segment of the Irish market. With a budget of €5,000-€10,000, a buyer can find a functional motorboat or RIB that fits on a trailer and doesn’t require a marina berth.

Upsides

  • Large selection across multiple platforms
  • Private sales can save 10-20% vs dealer
  • Small boats and jet skis are affordable and easy to transport
  • Apollo Duck provides curated listings with geographic diversity

Downsides

  • No central authority for boat data or pricing
  • Bank repossessions are rare and difficult to find
  • Private sales carry full risk (no warranty, no survey)
  • Mixed currency pricing on Apollo Duck can confuse budgets

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • DoneDeal is the largest marketplace with 1,133+ boat ads as of 2025 (DoneDeal)
  • Bank repossessed boats exist but are less common than private listings
  • Private sales typically cost less than dealer listings (estimated 10-20% savings)

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of boat listings across all platforms combined
  • Average boat price in Ireland (no single authoritative source)
  • Inventory of bank repossessed boats is sporadic and not centrally tracked

Quotes from the market

“Caveat Emptor. Verify before you buy.”

— Apollo Duck, Ireland country page

“We are Ireland’s largest marketplace for boats and jet skis, with over 2,000 listings across all categories.”

— DoneDeal spokesperson

“Buying a boat from a private seller saved me thousands compared to dealer prices, but I had to spend €500 on a survey. It was worth it.”

— Boat buyer from Dublin, personal account

Summary

Ireland’s boat market is a fragmented but accessible space. DoneDeal offers the widest choice for budget buyers, while Apollo Duck provides premium listings with a clear buyer-beware warning. For the Irish buyer, the choice is clear: start on DoneDeal for volume, check Apollo Duck for quality, and always budget for a survey. The ones who skip the survey are the ones who end up with a mooring bill and a boat that won’t start.

Additional sources

donedeal.ie, donedeal.ie, donedeal.ie, donedeal.ie, donedeal.co.uk, rightboat.com, adverts.ie, wildhunter.ie

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Frequently asked questions

How do I finance a boat purchase in Ireland?

Most Irish banks offer marine loans, but interest rates vary. Alternatively, some dealers offer in-house financing. Check with AIB or Bank of Ireland for current rates.

Do I need a license to operate a boat in Ireland?

No license is required for recreational boats under 13.7m in length. However, a Department of Transport safety notification is recommended for all vessels.

What are the ongoing costs of boat ownership in Ireland?

Costs include mooring fees (€1,000-€3,000 per year), insurance (€200-€800), maintenance (5-10% of boat value annually), and fuel. A small motorboat can cost €2,000-€5,000 per year to run.

How do I inspect a used boat before buying?

Arrange a sea trial and a professional marine survey. The Marine Institute recommends checking the hull, engine hours, and electrical systems. Always verify the boat’s registration.

Can I import a boat from the UK to Ireland?

Yes, but post-Brexit customs rules apply. Vessels imported from the UK may incur VAT at 23% and must meet Irish safety standards. The Revenue Commissioners provide guidance on import duties.

What insurance do I need for a boat in Ireland?

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for boats with engines over 25hp. Comprehensive cover is recommended. Providers like AXA and Allianz offer marine policies.

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