WHY REFIT IS THE NATURAL RESPONSE TO THE GROWING SECOND-HAND MARKET
- Adrien Jousset
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
New boat sales are stagnating.The reasons are multiple — macroeconomic, geopolitical, and above all, a growing economic awareness among yacht owners.
Refit has now emerged as a concrete response to environmental challenges, extending the lifespan of existing yachts while reducing the carbon footprint linked to new production.
More and more sailors prefer to keep and upgrade their boats rather than buy new ones, or to restore proven vessels. This trend is far from trivial: it reflects a real change in mindset.The pleasure of sailing is no longer tied to novelty, but to usability, reliability, and customization.
REFIT: EXTENDING LIFE, REDEFINING VALUE
In this context, refit stands out as a strategic and sustainable choice.Far beyond a simple cosmetic refresh, modern refit is a comprehensive process of modernization, including:
Technical upgrades (electrical systems, rigging, engines, electronics, hydraulics)
Comfort optimization (air conditioning, lighting, soundproofing, upholstery, interior layouts)
Environmental enhancement (energy-saving solutions, eco-friendly antifouling, smart onboard systems)
This repositioning of refit as a value-creation tool changes the game:a well-maintained, upgraded, and documented vessel sells faster, better — and often above the market average.
THE ECONOMIC WISDOM OF REFIT
The logic is simple: investing in your yacht means preserving your capital.While a new build loses 20–30 % of its value in the first few years, a successful refit allows you to:
Cut the cost of an equivalent new project by up to half,
Increase resale value by 10–40 %,
Extend the yacht’s lifespan by 10–15 years.
In other words, refit is no longer an expense — it’s a smart, passion-driven investment, balancing reason and emotion.
A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO OVERPRODUCTION
Beyond economics, refit aligns with a broader eco-responsible vision.Every renovation prevents the construction of a new hull — avoiding tons of plastic waste and major energy consumption.
Canet Premium Services integrates this approach through responsible processes and materials:
Vacuum infusion to limit gas emissions and optimize mechanical performance, reducing material usage
Low-emission or bio-based paints, resins, and solvents (IBIOTEC)
Low-consumption lighting solutions (ASTEL Marine)
Nanotechnological surface protection against UV, scratches, and water (SEALS), extending surface lifespan and reducing energy and water use
Artificial intelligence tools for safety, monitoring, and predictive maintenance (SEA AI, YACHT CONCEPT, MADINTEC)
These innovations make it possible to combine performance, durability, and responsibility — serving a more sustainable fleet.
CANET PREMIUM SERVICES: TECHNICAL EXPERTISE FOR TAILOR-MADE REFIT
At Canet Premium Services, each refit is treated as a full-scale engineering project.Our in-house design office designs, simulates, and plans every intervention by combining design, technical expertise, and reliability.
Our goal: help every owner project their yacht into a new lifecycle, while keeping control over quality and cost.
Our team operates mainly on catamarans from 15 to 30 meters, combining skills in composites, engineering, carpentry, electronics, rigging, upholstery, and project coordination.Whether for a partial or full refit, every project is designed to give new meaning and long-term value to the owner’s investment.
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