Yacht Buoy — Maritime Intelligence for People Who Love These Boats
Welcome. Whether you are seriously considering a vessel acquisition or you simply love the world of explorer, trawler and expedition yachts, you are in the right place.
Every week, Yacht Buoy publishes the intelligence behind the lifestyle: new launches, market finds, forensic vessel audits, and the operational realities that exist beyond the listing highlights.
Who is behind this?
My name is John. You may know me from my YouTube channel (126,000+ subscribers), where I tour some of the world's most capable explorer, trawler, coastal and expedition yachts.
Before that, I joined the Royal Navy at 16 as an Intelligence Analyst and Electronic Warfare Specialist, serving aboard HMS Sheffield, HMS Invincible, HMS Norfolk and USS Klakring. My job was to analyse complex data under pressure, cut through the noise, and find the truth.
After leaving the military, I built and sold a successful personal lines insurance broking business; another industry where the devil is firmly in the details.
I now apply that same analytical discipline to the yacht market. Yacht Buoy exists because buying a vessel is often the second-largest financial commitment of a person’s life, and the information most people rely on comes directly from people trying to sell them one.
I am independent. I am not a broker.
What You Get — Free
Every week, free subscribers receive the Yacht Buoy Weekly Dispatch:
New explorer yacht launches and notable market finds
Forensic vessel audits covering build quality, sea-keeping capability, and real-world operational realities
Curated best buys based on what is currently on the market
General market intelligence and trend analysis
Free subscribers also get access to The Wardroom — our private community where enthusiasts, owners, and serious buyers discuss these vessels away from the public feeds. It has become one of the most knowledgeable corners of the explorer yacht world.
Paid Subscribers — The Captain’s Log
For those who want to go deeper:
Technical deep dives covering fuel burn analysis, real-world range calculations, and maintenance accessibility checks
Market value analysis that looks beyond asking price to identify undervalued vessels and shifting market trends
Vessel vetting reports: objective, data-backed assessments of build quality and design trade-offs
The Admiral Tier — For the Serious Buyer
Everything above, plus:
Off-market radar: tell me your criteria and I will track vessels using my proprietary network, often before they hit the major portals
Direct access: a private WhatsApp line for quick second opinions when it matters most
Strategy consultation: a 1-on-1 session to match your mission to the right vessel. I am an adviser, not a broker
If you sign up for my Admiral Tier, just ping me over an email and we will get things set up!
The Mission
Whether you are looking for a pocket trawler or an ocean crosser (or you simply love these boats and want to understand them better) Yacht Buoy is here to give you the full picture.
Fair winds, John Founder, Yacht Buoy
