Jimmy Buffett left behind more than just timeless music.
The late singer’s personal treasures are now hitting the market.
And Jimmy Buffett fans got the surprise of their lives when they learned about this legendary auction.
Jimmy Buffett’s 90-foot yacht heads to auction with amazing backstory
The legendary Jimmy Buffett may have sailed away to that great Margaritaville in the sky.
But his spirit lives on in the most unexpected way.
This fall, fans of the beloved American troubadour will get the chance to own a piece of music history.
Buffett’s former 90-foot explorer yacht goes under the gavel.
The vessel – now called Doubleyou but originally known as Continental Drifter II during Buffett’s ownership – will be auctioned off by G3 Auctions on September 4.
The starting bid is just $1.2 million.¹
That’s right.
For less than the price of a fancy house in some neighborhoods, someone could own the same boat where Jimmy Buffett used to lounge in the crow’s nest.
Writing the songs that defined the soundtrack of American summer.
Built in 1999 by the Chinese yard Cheoy Lee and designed by American yacht designer Tom Fexas, this isn’t just any old boat.
This 158-gross-ton cruiser carries the soul of one of America’s most cherished entertainers.
The current owner, who prefers to remain anonymous, has kept the vessel in pristine condition.
"The teak deck is being redone this week," they told the auction house.²
The boat where American music history was made
What makes this auction truly special isn’t just the luxury.
It’s the legacy.
The yacht’s crow’s nest holds particular significance as the spot where Buffett would retreat to write some of his most memorable songs.
Picture the man who gave us "Margaritaville" and "Come Monday" sitting up there with his guitar.
Watching the ocean roll by as melodies came to life.
The current owner understands the magic of this floating piece of Americana.
They specifically chose this yacht because, as they explained, "beyond its size, one would typically need a full crew to operate (and drive) the vessel."³
But this beauty allows for personal piloting.
Just like Buffett preferred.
The boat’s design reflects the laid-back lifestyle that made Buffett a household name across America.
The revamped interior features a neutral palette with white timber paneling and relaxed furnishings.
Comfort over pretension.
The interior spaces tell the story of comfort and entertainment.
There’s a bright main salon featuring a spacious dining area for hosting friends.
A galley with eating nook.
An upper-level lounge complete with built-in bar.
Plus four staterooms with sleeping for up to nine people.
Broker Cassidy Woods of breezeYachting gets what makes this auction special.
"The fact that it was owned and loved by none other than Jimmy Buffett adds a special draw for me personally as I am a big fan," Woods explained.⁴
But Woods has it "on good authority that many celebrities have graced its decks over the years."⁵
Though she’s staying tight-lipped about who they were.
Just imagine the stories those deck boards could tell.
A piece of American music history at a bargain price
At 90 feet long with a distinctive navy blue hull and cream superstructure, this isn’t some gaudy showboat.
The traditional exterior design speaks to classic American taste.
The kind of understated elegance that real money appreciates.
This explorer yacht delivers serious cruising capability.
She can travel more than 4,000 nautical miles between fuel stops.
Carries water toys and small boats on her forward deck.
And features a crane system for easy launching.
This is a boat designed for real sailing, not just sitting at dock looking pretty.
The pilot house deserves special mention.
It was built as a social gathering space.
Which anyone who knew Buffett would recognize as perfectly fitting his personality.
Originally listed at $2.7 million, the yacht could sell for substantially more or less at auction.
"That’s the beauty of auctions," notes Guy Masters of G3 Auctions.⁶
For Jimmy Buffett fans, this represents more than just buying a yacht.
It’s owning a piece of the American dream that Buffett embodied for decades.
The man who taught us all to "waste away in Margaritaville" spent countless hours aboard this vessel.
And now someone else will get the chance to create their own memories on the same decks where American music history was made.
The September 4 auction date is approaching fast.
There’s no telling how high the bidding might go once Parrotheads and yacht enthusiasts realize what’s at stake.
After all, you can’t put a price on owning the boat where one of America’s most beloved storytellers used to sit and dream up the songs that became the soundtrack to so many American summers.
¹ Rob Report, "Jimmy Buffett’s Former 90-Foot Explorer Yacht Is Heading to Auction This Fall," Rob Report, July 23, 2025.
² Ibid.
³ Ibid.
⁴ Ibid.
⁵ Ibid.
⁶ Ibid.
