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The used boat market now accounts for the majority of sales in the recreational boating industry. In response to this trend, the Fountaine Pajot Group is launching Vélite, a division dedicated to international brokerage. This new division draws on the sales network of the Fountaine Pajot and Dufour brands to facilitate the sale and purchase of used boats of all makes.
A brokerage business integrated into the group
With Vélite, Fountaine Pajot is no longer positioning itself solely as a manufacturer. The group is now active in the resale market, building a network of brokers and distributors spread across more than 150 sales locations worldwide.
The stated goal is to standardize practices among the various participants in the network, whether in terms of posting listings, tracking transactions, or providing support to buyers and sellers.
This activity applies to both monohull sailboats and catamarans, with no brand restrictions for some of the offers available.
A secondhand market that has become the dominant one
The launch of Vélite comes at a time when the pre-owned market plays a dominant role in the boating industry. According to figures released by the group, 87% of transactions in France involve pre-owned boats, representing approximately 6.5 pre-owned boats sold for every new boat. Globally, several million recreational boaters trade in their boats each year, while more than 30 million recreational boats are currently on the water.
This trend is leading several manufacturers to develop services related to the lifecycle of their boats, going beyond simply selling them as new.
Four Levels of Support
Vélite offers four charter packages depending on the boat?s profile. The Nextsail Premium and Nextsail Integral packages are reserved for Fountaine Pajot and Dufour sailboats and catamarans that are less than seven years old. The first option is for boats that have never been used for charter, with a 12-month warranty. The second option is for boats that have been used for charter and includes a 6-month warranty.
For other brands, Vélite offers two packages. The Comfort package is based on an exclusive listing agreement that includes, among other things, an independent appraisal, a 360° virtual tour, and a professional photo shoot. The Essential package is based on a non-exclusive listing agreement.
Nextsail, a label exclusive to the two brands
Alongside its brokerage business, Vélite is launching Nextsail, a brand dedicated exclusively to Fountaine Pajot and Dufour boats.
To obtain this certification, vessels must meet several eligibility criteria, including an age limit of seven years. Each vessel is then inspected by an independent expert before being covered by a specific warranty.
The group thus aims to establish a uniform set of standards across its entire international network, so that audit and certification procedures are applied consistently, regardless of the country in which the transaction takes place.
With this new line of business, Fountaine Pajot is expanding its scope to cover the entire lifecycle of a boat, from its initial sale to its resale.
The manufacturer is relying on its international network to expand this business, while maintaining the role of local distributors and brokers in providing support to boat owners. Vélite is available in French, English, Spanish, and Italian. This launch reflects a trend observed among several players in the recreational boating industry, who are now developing services centered on the used boat market to support owners beyond the purchase of a new boat.
