Catamaran Guru

What Catamaran Guru does

Catamaran Guru is a brand-independent catamaran and multihull brokerage and advisory firm founded in 1994 and headquartered in Hollywood, Florida (mailing address in Aventura, FL). The company operates as a one-stop shop for affluent catamaran buyers and owners, offering new yacht sales (authorized dealer for Lagoon, Bali, Fountaine Pajot, Catana, Xquisite Yachts, and GranOcean power catamarans), pre-owned brokerage, charter management program placement, and tax-advantaged ownership structuring through its proprietary "Boat As A Business" program that leverages Section 179 deductions, bonus depreciation, and active-business LLC structuring. Complementary offerings include the Catamaran Guru Sailing Academy (ASA and RYA-certified courses), two-day live-aboard ownership seminars priced at $1,400 per couple, and The Yacht Exchange — a subscription platform enabling charter-boat owners to swap owner usage weeks across 15,000+ boats worldwide.

The business model is commission and fee-based. Revenue is generated from yacht-sale brokerage commissions, referral fees from charter management partners (Dream Yacht Charter, Virgin Islands Yacht Charters, Cruise Abaco, Dream Caribbean Blue), tuition from sailing academy and seminar programs, advisory fees for tax and ownership structuring, and subscription fees from The Yacht Exchange. Distribution is multi-channel: direct field sales through eight physical offices in the US (Hollywood FL, Annapolis, Key West, Honolulu, St Thomas), the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and London; presence at nine-plus major international boat shows annually (Cannes, Fort Lauderdale, Annapolis, Miami, Palm Beach, Seattle, St Petersburg, Sarasota, La Grande Motte); and community engagement through the annual All-Catamaran Rendezvous in the Abacos, Bahamas. Customer segments span primary affluent yacht buyers, charter investment buyers seeking tax offset, sailing education seekers, career-change buyers pursuing owner-operator arrangements, and experienced cruisers seeking reciprocal worldwide access.

The company's core competitive asset is co-founder expertise — Stephen and Estelle Cockcroft bring 30+ years of catamaran experience with Estelle logging over 70,000 nautical miles sailed — combined with deep relationships across nine-plus yacht brands, boutique charter operators, and marine finance partners (Essex Credit / Shore Premier Finance). The firm employs 1-10 people, has never raised external funding, and operates as a privately held lifestyle-scaled boutique business with no disclosed revenue.

Name

Catamaran Guru

Legal name

Catamaran Guru

Website

https://catamaranguru.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Catamaran Guru is a brand-independent catamaran brokerage and advisory firm (founded 1994, headquartered in Hollywood, FL) that helps affluent buyers purchase, finance, and place catamarans into charter management programs across 35+ worldwide bases. It also operates a sailing academy, live-aboard seminars, and The Yacht Exchange reciprocal boating platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Yacht Brokerage

NAICS

Boat Dealers (441222), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Yacht & Luxury Boat Charters (With Crew) (THAJALAE)

Keywords

• Yacht brokerage
• Catamaran sales
• Charter management
• Sailing education
• Marine finance

Headquarters

HQ city

Aventura

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Yacht Sales Brokerage: Catamaran Guru earns commissions on new and pre-owned catamaran sales. They act as authorized dealers for major catamaran brands and provide brokerage services for used yachts, guiding buyers through the entire acquisition process including specification selection, negotiation, financing, and delivery.
2. Charter Management Program Referrals: Through partnerships with charter management companies like Dream Yacht Charter, Virgin Islands Yacht Charters, and Cruise Abaco, Catamaran Guru earns referral fees and commissions when placing client yachts into charter management programs that help offset ownership costs.
3. Sailing Academy and Education: Catamaran Guru operates a sailing academy offering ASA and RYA-certified courses, live-aboard seminars, and educational programs. They host ownership seminars priced at $1,400/couple that include accommodations, meals, and hands-on training aboard their personal Lagoon 450S.
4. Tax and Ownership Advisory Services: Consulting services helping US taxpayers structure yacht purchases through business entities to qualify for tax deductions including Section 179, bonus depreciation, and active business expense write-offs. Services include comprehensive consultations, 5-year projections, tax schedules, and business plans.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Catamaran Guru is a brand-independent catamaran and yacht brokerage that sells new and pre-owned sailing and power catamarans from major manufacturers (Lagoon, Bali, Fountaine Pajot, Catana, Xquisite Yachts, GranOcean). It also provides charter management programs that offset ownership costs, a Boat As A Business tax-advantaged ownership program, sailing academy education (ASA/RYA), live-aboard ownership seminars, and The Yacht Exchange platform for swapping owner usage weeks globally.

Product overview

Catamaran Guru is a brand-independent catamaran and yacht brokerage offering a comprehensive portfolio of services for yacht buyers and owners. The core offerings include new yacht sales (partnering with manufacturers like Bali, Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, Catana, and Xquisite Yachts), brokerage services for pre-owned vessels, and charter management programs that enable owners to offset ownership costs. The Boat As A Business Program is a key differentiator, providing tax-advantaged ownership structures through LLC entities that qualify for Section 179 deductions and depreciation benefits. Education is delivered through the Catamaran Guru Sailing Academy (RYA/ASA certified courses) and live-aboard ownership seminars. Community engagement is fostered through the annual Catamaran Guru Rendezvous & Regatta event. The company also operates The Yacht Exchange, an online platform enabling yacht owners to swap usage weeks globally. Charter management programs include Guaranteed Income (hassle-free, ~9% annual return), Performance (65% income share), Crewed Yacht, and Dream Easy options, offering various levels of owner involvement and financial returns.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• New Yacht Sales Sourcing and selling new sailing and power catamarans from authorized brand relationships with major manufacturers, providing specification guidance, factory deals, and full-service acquisition support for individual buyers.
• Brokerage Services Brokerage services for buying and selling pre-owned catamarans and yachts, including listings management, purchase assistance, negotiation, and selling consultation for individual boat owners and prospective buyers.
• Charter Management Programs Programs allowing yacht owners to offset ownership costs by placing vessels into charter service, including Guaranteed Income (up to 9% annually), Performance/Income Sharing (65% owner split), Dream Easy, and Crewed Yacht programs across 35+ worldwide base locations.
• Boat As A Business Program Tax-advantaged yacht ownership program allowing owners to place catamarans into corporate entities (LLCs) and operate as active businesses, qualifying for Section 179 deductions (up to $2,500,000 for 2025), 100% bonus depreciation, and expense write-offs, with comprehensive consultations, 5-year projections, tax schedules, and business plans.
• Catamaran Guru Sailing Academy Sailing education program offering courses through partnerships with ASA and RYA certifications, including live-aboard training experiences aboard the company's own catamarans for individuals and couples seeking sailing skills and certifications.
• Live-Aboard Catamaran Ownership Seminars Weekend live-aboard seminars priced at $1,400 per couple that include 2 days/2 nights accommodations aboard a Lagoon 450S, all meals, and comprehensive education covering catamaran boat selection, financing, ownership options, charter management, and exit strategies. Full refund offered if purchasing a boat through Catamaran Guru.
• The Yacht Exchange Online subscription platform enabling charter boat owners to exchange owner usage weeks across 15,000+ charter boats in different global locations, allowing owners to sail worldwide on different vessels through reciprocal arrangements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 9% annual return on yacht purchase price through Guaranteed Income program
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Suntex Marina at HollywoodminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Marina sponsor for All-Catamaran Rendezvous flotilla departure, hosting send-off party and breakfast workshop. Located in Hollywood, Florida as departure point for Bahamas crossings.
• Multitech MarineminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2019Marine services sponsor providing first aid and passage planning workshops during All-Catamaran Rendezvous. Offers marine technical services for rally participants.
• Maz OceanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Marine equipment sponsor contributing raffle prizes for Hope Town Youth Sailing Club donation during annual Rendezvous events.
• Hanham Insurance AgencyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Insurance sponsor for All-Catamaran Rendezvous regatta, providing coverage options for catamaran owners and event participants.
• Dream Yacht ChartercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary charter management partner providing guaranteed income and performance programs for catamaran owners. Manages yacht placement in 35+ worldwide locations with reciprocal owner exchange privileges. Previously affiliated as Dream Yacht Sales before brand separation.
• Virgin Islands Yacht CharterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoutique charter company partner offering crewed yacht management services in the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands for Catamaran Guru clients seeking Caribbean charter operations.
• Cruise AbacocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharter management partner specializing in Bahamas operations, enabling Catamaran Guru clients to place yachts in the Exumas and Abacos cruising grounds.
• Dream Caribbean BluecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoutique charter management company founded by Catamaran Guru clients Greg and Christina (Belle Vie owners). Manages 44ft to 54ft crewed boats in USVI, offering comprehensive yacht management services for Catamaran Guru owners.
• Lagoon CatamaranscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor catamaran brand partnership offering new yacht sales across multiple models including Lagoon 52, Lagoon 450S, Lagoon 42, and larger Lagoon 77. Sponsors All-Catamaran Rendezvous events.
• Bali CatamaranscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBrand partnership for Bali catamaran sales including Bali 4.8, Bali 5.4, Bali 4.6 models. Featured brand in charter programs with solid foredeck innovation. Sponsors All-Catamaran Rendezvous.
• Fountaine PajotcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBrand partnership offering Fountaine Pajot catamarans including Helia 44, Lucia 40, and other models for charter and private ownership programs.
• CatanacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPerformance catamaran brand partnership offering Catana Ocean Class (OC) and OC² models for performance cruising and charter programs. Company uses Catana OC50 'Mithril' for sailing academy courses.
• Xquisite YachtsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLuxury catamaran brand available through Catamaran Guru for discerning buyers seeking premium construction and customization options.
• GranOcean YachtscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial US dealer for GranOcean Yachts power catamarans including W-72 and W-60 models. Hosts exclusive VIP showcases and debuted W-72 at Palm Beach Boat Show.
• Loggerhead MarinaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarina location for Catamaran Guru headquarters in Hollywood, Florida. Provides full-service marina amenities for company operations and sailing academy.
• Port Annapolis MarinaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarina location for Catamaran Guru Annapolis office, serving as base for Chesapeake Bay seminars and sailing education programs.
• International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional association membership providing credibility and networking for Catamaran Guru as a yacht brokerage firm.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• The Moorings: Large global yacht charter company operating sailing catamarans in the same charter destinations where Catamaran Guru places clients. Adjacent rather than directly competitive, but intersects at the yacht ownership-vs-charter decision for buyers.

Broad incumbents

• Burgess Yachts: Global superyacht brokerage and charter company with extensive catamaran coverage at the high end of the market. Comparable in advisory + charter placement model but operates at a significantly larger ticket size and global scale.
• Northrop & Johnson: International yacht brokerage and charter firm with extensive multihull listings. Comparable as a full-service brokerage + charter advisory but primarily focused on larger yachts and a different buyer segment.

Emerging players

• SailTime: Fractional sailing membership and ownership platform with marina locations across the US. Comparable as an alternative path to catamaran access for HNW buyers evaluating ownership vs. fractional use.
• Dream Yacht Charter: Catamaran Guru's largest charter management partner and the operator behind many of its referral programs. Comparable on the charter-ownership side and a partial competitor for yacht buyers choosing between bareboat charter purchases and ownership placements.

Direct peers

• HMY Yacht Sales: Established yacht brokerage and dealer with significant catamaran and sailboat presence, multiple offices, and brand partnerships. Comparable on brokerage model and charter management placement, though broader in vessel category.
• Worth Avenue Yachts: Luxury yacht brokerage with offices in Palm Beach and other key US yachting hubs, serving HNW buyers with both sail and power yachts. Comparable on boutique high-touch advisory model and HNW buyer segment.
• Galati Yacht Sales: Long-standing yacht brokerage and authorized dealer for multiple premium brands including catamarans, with locations across Florida and the Gulf Coast. Comparable as a multi-brand, multi-office yacht brokerage serving the same HNW buyer base.
• Denison Yachting: Large yacht brokerage and new-boat dealer with multiple US offices, sailboat and catamaran sales, and charter management partnerships. Comparable in business model (brokerage + charter referrals + new-boat dealer relationships) though broader in vessel scope.
• The Multihull Company: Specialist catamaran and trimaran brokerage with deep multihull expertise and a similar brand-independent advisory positioning. Most directly comparable to Catamaran Guru on the brokerage and catamaran-only focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CatamaranGuru/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/catamaranguru
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/catamaran-guru
• Instagraminstagram.com/catamaranguru
• Xx.com/CatamaranGurus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Catamaran Guru