BIC Shipyards Yachts for Sale
BIC Shipyards is a boutique Italian yard specialising in long-range explorer motor yachts between 14 and 30 metres, built in aluminium and composite. Its Glacier 48 flagship combines commercial-grade seakeeping with luxury owner accommodation, ice-capable plating and transoceanic tankage. Divo Yacht represents BIC on the European brokerage market and supports owners with expedition-programme planning, crew placement for high-latitude cruising, and spare-parts logistics.
BIC Shipyards Model Range and Design Philosophy
The Glacier 48 represents the pinnacle of BIC Shipyards' design language, though the yard's portfolio extends across multiple lengths within the 14 to 30-metre range. Each model shares the same fundamental naval architecture principles: robust aluminium construction for the hull and superstructure, with composite elements strategically deployed for weight optimisation. The shipyard's design brief prioritises seakeeping ability over pure speed, resulting in displacement hulls with generous beam and substantial fuel capacity for genuine transoceanic range.
BIC's notable builds demonstrate the yard's commitment to expedition-grade systems integration. Ice-capable plating comes as standard across the range, whilst tankage calculations assume extended periods between fuel stops. The construction material choice reflects practical considerations for owners planning high-latitude itineraries, where aluminium repairs can be executed in remote locations with welding equipment. This approach distinguishes BIC from Mediterranean builders focused on charter compliance rather than exploration capability.
- Displacement hull forms optimised for fuel efficiency and stability in challenging sea states
- Commercial-grade propulsion systems with redundant backup for critical components
- Oversized fuel and water tankage for extended range without compromise to living space
- Reinforced bow sections and hull plating certified for ice encounters
- Modular accommodation layouts allowing conversion between owner and charter configuration
- Advanced navigation and communication arrays suitable for polar and remote ocean cruising
Ownership Experience and Cruising Grounds
BIC owners typically pursue ambitious cruising programmes that extend well beyond the traditional explorer yacht circuit. The yard's vessels regularly transit to Patagonia, the Northwest Passage, and Antarctic Peninsula, where their robust construction and extended range prove essential. The owner community remains relatively exclusive, with many clients commissioning subsequent builds once they experience the yard's attention to expedition-specific details.
During the summer Mediterranean season, BIC yachts often serve as staging platforms for longer passages rather than remaining within traditional charter grounds. The winter refit period frequently involves upgrades to expedition equipment and systems, reflecting the demanding nature of owners' cruising ambitions. Divo Yacht coordinates these refit programmes through established relationships with specialist yards familiar with the unique requirements of long-range exploration vessels.
New Build Process and Pre-Owned Market
A new build slot with BIC Shipyards typically requires 18 to 24 months from contract signature to delivery, depending on customisation requirements and yard schedule. The relatively small scale of production ensures personalised attention throughout the build process, with owners frequently visiting the yard during key construction milestones. Central agency arrangements are common for new builds, given the specialised nature of the target market and the importance of proper positioning to qualified buyers.
The pre-owned inventory for BIC yachts remains limited, reflecting both the recent launch year of most builds and owners' tendency to retain vessels for extended periods. When pre-owned examples do reach the market, resale value has proven resilient due to the yard's reputation for quality construction and the growing interest in genuine expedition capability. Yacht acquisition in this segment requires specialist knowledge of expedition systems and construction standards.
- Comprehensive sea trials in challenging conditions to validate seakeeping performance
- Detailed survey of expedition-specific systems and ice-reinforcement integrity
- Documentation review covering polar classification and regulatory compliance
- Crew training programmes for high-latitude navigation and emergency procedures
Technical Support and Aftersales Services
BIC Shipyards maintains comprehensive aftersales support through a network of approved service centres, with particular strength in Northern European and North American locations frequented by expedition yacht owners. Warranty coverage extends beyond standard components to include the specialised systems essential for long-range cruising, reflecting the yard's confidence in their engineering choices. Technical support includes remote diagnostics capability, crucial for owners operating in areas with limited shore-side assistance.
Spare parts logistics represent a critical consideration for any expedition yacht, and BIC addresses this through strategic inventory placement and expedited shipping arrangements. The yard's technical team provides ongoing consultation for route planning, weather routing, and equipment specification as owners develop their cruising programmes. This level of support distinguishes BIC from larger production yards where individual attention becomes diluted across higher volume operations.
What is the typical price range for BIC Shipyards yachts?
New BIC yachts typically range from €3 million to €8 million depending on length and specification level. The Glacier 48 flagship model represents the upper end of this range when fully equipped for expedition cruising. Pre-owned examples occasionally appear at 10-15% below new build pricing.
How does BIC construction compare to other Italian expedition yacht builders?
BIC focuses exclusively on aluminium construction with ice-capable reinforcement, whilst many Italian yards prioritise fibreglass for Mediterranean use. The yard's commercial-grade systems and extended range capability position it closer to Northern European expedition specialists than traditional Italian motor yacht manufacturers.
What crew requirements are typical for BIC expedition yachts?
Most BIC yachts operate with 2-4 professional crew depending on itinerary complexity. The yard designs accommodation and systems for relatively small crews, recognising that expedition programmes often preclude frequent crew changes. Additional specialist crew may join for specific high-latitude transits.
Are BIC yachts suitable for charter operations?
Whilst BIC yachts meet relevant safety standards, their design priorities favour private use over charter efficiency. The focus on range and seakeeping rather than entertainment space makes them less competitive in traditional motor yacht charter markets, though they excel for expedition charter programmes.
What warranty and support does BIC provide for international owners?
BIC offers comprehensive warranty coverage through approved service centres in key cruising regions. Technical support includes remote diagnostics and 24-hour consultation for owners in remote locations. Parts logistics and emergency technical support are coordinated through the yard's international service network.
How long is the typical delivery timeline for a new BIC yacht?
Current delivery timelines range from 18-24 months depending on model and customisation requirements. The yard's boutique scale ensures personalised attention but limits production capacity. Detailed specification finalisation and regular progress meetings help maintain schedule adherence throughout the build process.
What financing options are available for BIC yacht purchases?
Divo Yacht coordinates yacht financing through established marine lending relationships familiar with expedition yacht valuations. The specialised nature of BIC yachts requires lenders experienced with this market segment. Our services include comprehensive support throughout the financing and acquisition process.