How Smart Yacht Owners Build a Life That Pays Itself

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:20:50 +0000

What does it actually take to own a yacht as a business in 2026? Estelle and Stephen Cockcroft of Catamaran Gurus break down the real strategy behind smart yacht ownership: how the IRS sees your charter operation, how 100% bonus depreciation works after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and why most "guaranteed income" programs disqualify owners from the very tax advantages they're being sold.

In Episode 01 of The Catamaran Gurus Podcast, two yacht ownership experts pull apart the truth behind charter management, IRS audit risk, and the tax strategy that actually works for high-earning yacht buyers.

What you'll learn in this episode:
- The three legs every legitimate yacht business must stand on
- Why "guaranteed monthly income" programs fail under IRS scrutiny
- How 100% bonus depreciation works after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025
- The 100-hour and 500-hour active participation rules
- What recapture really costs at exit, and how the like-kind exchange defers it
- Why the goal isn't profit, it's covering 80-100% of the cost of ownership

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:45 What do you want from yacht ownership?
1:56 What is yacht ownership as a business?
2:28 The three pillars of a real business
3:57 What is active participation?
4:15 A deduction is nothing without a defense
5:32 Choosing your partner is a five-year marriage
6:46 What the structure actually looks like
9:03 The Exit strategy and recapture
11:06 100% bonus depreciation explained
12:33 Does it have to be in U.S. waters?
13:28 What the Catamaran Gurus do for owners
14:39 Three audit stories from 30 years of experience
19:01 The three-legged revenue stool & business structure
22:53 Why it's the "worst investment" you'll love making

Learn more about the Yacht as a Business Program:
https://catamaranguru.com/charter-management/yacht-as-a-business-program/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_term=YOAB

More resources from Catamaran Gurus:
- The Truth About the Guaranteed Income Pitch: https://catamaranguru.com/the-truth-about-the-guaranteed-income-boat-as-a-business-pitch-passive-or-active/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_term=YOAB&utm_content=guaranteedincome
- FAQ on Yacht as a Business Ownership and Tax Advantages: https://catamaranguru.com/faq-s-about-yacht-as-a-business-ownership-and-tax-advantages/
- How to Set Up Your Yacht Business: https://catamaranguru.com/how-to-set-up-your-yacht-business/
- Section 179 Deduction Explained: https://catamaranguru.com/section-179-deduction-explained/

About The Catamaran Gurus Podcast:
A conversation series about smart yacht ownership. We help yacht owners navigate charter management, tax strategy, ownership structure, sailing performance, and the realities of life on the water. Catamaran Gurus has been at the forefront of developing and operating the Yacht as a Business concept for over 30 years.

Talk to a Yacht Ownership Advisor:
Free consultation: 1-804-815-5054
Website: https://catamaranguru.com
Contact: https://catamaranguru.com/contact/

Get the Catamaran Gurus newsletter:
https://catamaranguru.com/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/

Disclaimer: Catamaran Gurus is not a licensed tax attorney or CPA. The information in this podcast is general in nature, and yacht buyers are encouraged to seek experienced legal and tax counsel in yacht acquisition planning and implementation.

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Catamaran Gurus is your safe harbor for yacht sales, yacht ownership, liveaboard lifestyle and sailing education, and charter management. Visit our website for insider details on how to own and operate a yacht for less than you think! Get expert yacht buyer assistance to ensure your buy the right boat for you and your dream.