BOAT vs VYM
SonicShares Global Shipping ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BOAT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BOAT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $86M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.35% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +60.44% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +71.43% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.04% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +26.28% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Lucania Investments LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 3, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BOAT vs VYM Performance
SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) is a ETF from Lucania Investments LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOAT returned +71.43% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, BOAT is up 60.44% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, BOAT compounded at +32.04% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +26.28% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BOAT has the edge at +27.45% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BOAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.3% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.9% for BOAT and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOAT charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOAT currently yields 6.35% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BOAT and VYM share 2 holdings out of 653 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOAT or VYM?
BOAT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOAT or VYM?
Over the past year BOAT returned +71.43% vs +23.48% for VYM, so BOAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BOAT annualized +27.45% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOAT or VYM?
BOAT has been the more volatile fund at 27.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BOAT -33.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BOAT and VYM?
BOAT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BOAT and VYM?
BOAT and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOAT or VYM?
BOAT yields 6.35% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BOAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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