types of yachts brands

A Complete Guide to Yacht Types and Sizes

by yachtman
August 28, 2023 June 22, 2024

Yachts, symbols of luxury and leisure, provide a stunning escape. From motor yachts to sailing yachts, the world of yachting is both diverse and captivating. Journey with us as we explore the different types and sizes of yachts, uncovering their secrets.

Climb onboard a superyacht , the queen of the seas. These floating palaces boast remarkable dimensions, with amenities such as swimming pools, helipads, and even submarines. Ideal for those seeking indulgence, superyachts are the epitome of yachting excellence.

For a more intimate experience, try a luxury motor yacht . With powerful engines, they let you visit multiple destinations quickly. Enjoy the lap of luxury as you cruise across the sea, appreciating every moment on board these vessels.

Sailing lovers will appreciate classic sailing yachts . Watch their silhouettes gracefully cut through the waves, powered by wind. Feel the passion for sailing, and the freedom, on an adventure akin to ancient seafarers. Uncover your inner explorer while savoring unparalleled serenity.

Catamarans are ideal for sailing with precision and finesse. With twin hulls offering stability and space, catamarans offer great comfort. Enjoy vibrant sunsets to tranquil anchorages, and bliss on water, with these versatile vessels.

For those keen on exploration, expedition yachts are perfect. Built tough and with advanced tech, they are designed for explorations to remote areas. Discover untouched landscapes, encounter wildlife, and make memories in the far-flung corners of the world.

Types of Yachts

Sailboats to mega-yachts – there’s a large choice of yachts. Let’s delve into the types and sizes that meet different needs.

Take a gander at the table below for an overview of yachts:

Type	Size Range
Sailing Yacht	20-100+ feet
Motor Yacht	35-200+ feet
Catamaran	30-80+ feet
Trawler Yacht	40-100+ feet
Expedition Yacht	70-400+ feet
Flybridge Yacht	50-150+ feet
Sports Fisher Yacht	30-70+ feet

A guide to yacht anchor types and sizes is vital for understanding the different types and sizes available in the yacht industry. For more information, check out a guide to yacht tenders .

Sailing yachts are graceful and use wind power. Motor yachts are speedy and powered by engines.

Catamarans stand out with their steadiness and roominess – great for a leisurely cruise. Trawler yachts are great for long-distance trips because they’re fuel-efficient and have comfy living areas.

Adventurous souls should check out expedition yachts . Flybridge yachts have an extra deck level for entertainment and relaxation.

Sports fisher yachts are designed for fishing, with special gear and amenities.

Don’t miss out on your dream yacht – find the perfect one and go on amazing sea experiences. Start your journey now!

Sizes of Yachts

Yachts come in plenty of sizes, each with its own unique features and capabilities. To discover the perfect yacht for your needs, let us explore the sizes of yachts via a table showcasing their specifications.

Here’s what the table looks like:

Size	Length	Capacity	Features
Tenders	Up to 30 ft	Up to 10 guests	Short trips and transportation to shore
Day Boats	30-60 ft	Up to 12 guests	Day trips, water sports, and entertaining
Cruisers	60-130 ft	Accommodates 8 Guests	Long journeys and luxury living
Superyachts	Over 130 ft	Large groups of guests	Swimming pools, helipads, and decks

Moreover, take into account that certain yachts have stability systems, others prioritize speed, and some are customized. I once met a yacht owner who wanted a retractable roof! With the help of creative builders, his dream was fulfilled and he got to enjoy a unique experience on the open seas.

Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Yacht

Making the right yacht choice involves many key points to think about. These include size, type, budget, use and preferences, like amenities . To decide wisely, assess each factor and see how important they are. Here’s a table of the main considerations when choosing a yacht:

Factors	Description
Size	Think about how many guests you’ll have and if you want a larger or smaller yacht.
Type	Pick between motor, sail, catamaran or mega yachts based on your cruise plans and activities.
Budget	Establish a realistic budget that covers purchase costs, upkeep, crew wages, insurance fees and mooring.
Intended Use	Decide if you’ll mostly cruise or if you have special activities in mind like fishing or water sports.
Amenities and Features	Figure out what features and amenities are essential for your comfort onboard, such as cabins, entertainment systems, water toys or a jacuzzi.

In addition, there are unique details you should consider, like if you plan to charter your yacht when not in use, go for a popular model. If privacy is important, choose a yacht with separate crew quarters. So, here are some tips for making the right choice:

Get expert advice from experienced yacht brokers or naval architects.
Choose respected brands that hold their value in case you resell.
Visit boat shows and yacht exhibitions to explore different models and talk to professionals.

By taking all factors into account and following these suggestions, you can find the perfect yacht that fits your needs. Whether for leisure or adventure, the right yacht will give you amazing memories on the sea.

So many options! In this guide, we explore yacht types and sizes, helping you find the perfect vessel. From sailing yachts to motor yachts , each one offers a unique experience. Plus, you can customize your yacht for a truly special journey.

Let me tell you about James . He dreamed of a yacht that matched his adventurous spirit. So, he found a builder who specialized in customization. The result was amazing – a sleek motor yacht with state-of-the-art diving gear, space for fishing equipment, and luxurious comforts. On his customized vessel, James cruised beautiful coastlines and made memories that will last forever.

When you search for your yacht, remember that customization is key. You can have a tranquil sailing experience or a thrilling adventure. Dive into the ocean of possibilities – your imagination is the only limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: What are the different types of yachts?

There are various types of yachts, including motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans, trimarans, superyachts, and expedition yachts. Each type offers unique features and advantages.

FAQ 2: What is the difference between a motor yacht and a sailing yacht?

A motor yacht, as the name suggests, is powered by an engine and offers more speed and convenience. On the other hand, a sailing yacht relies on wind power and provides a traditional sailing experience with a slower pace.

FAQ 3: What is a superyacht?

A superyacht is a luxury yacht with high-end amenities and extravagant features. These yachts often offer spacious cabins, multiple decks, swimming pools, helipads, and other luxurious facilities.

FAQ 4: What is the average size of a yacht?

Yachts can vary greatly in size. The average size of a yacht ranges from 30 to 60 feet. However, larger yachts, known as superyachts, can measure over 100 feet in length.

FAQ 5: What is the advantage of a catamaran or trimaran?

Catamarans and trimarans provide more stability due to their dual or triple hull design. They offer spacious interiors, increased deck space, and enhanced fuel efficiency compared to traditional monohull yachts.

FAQ 6: What is an expedition yacht?

An expedition yacht is designed for long-range cruising and exploring remote destinations. These yachts feature robust construction, advanced navigation systems, and ample storage for supplies and equipment.

The Most Popular Yacht Brands

By Robert Bowman | Posted On Feb 21, 2022 Updated On May 18, 2022

After walking around the Miami Boat Show this week, I had the opportunity to speak with several excited future owners, as well as representatives from many of the shipyards in the 40-foot to 100-foot range. While none of this will come as a surprise to anyone who has been following the trends in yacht sales, there were mixed emotions from everyone as inventory shortages continue and demand remains incredibly strong. As you can imagine, even the most popular yacht brands have not been spared from equipment troubles, material shortages, and shipping delays.

(Keep scrolling down to get to the most popular boat brands by number of sold boats.)

The love and passion for boating that has grown this amazing recreation continues to thrive, while the need for relaxation is more important than ever before. What better way to unwind than on your own personal yacht, enjoying the sun and ocean with your favorite guests! I listened to one couple's plans to take on the Great Loop and had brought with them a list of bridge heights, along with requirements they wanted in a boat for their adventure. They planned on spending over a year on the Loop, taking their time along the way to enjoy each stop. Another gentleman perused over a 58-foot motor yacht with future plans of putting it into a yacht charter program in the Bahamas during season and off the New England Coast in the Summer.

The boating dreams and aspirations were generally the same as previous boat shows, but the sales climate was noticeably different. In some new boat displays, 'SOLD' signs could be seen on every single model on display.

Manufacturers, yacht dealers, and boaters alike all complained about the lack of available inventory - both new and used - with many wait times for new builds 18 months out or more. Fueled by shortages in materials and microchips, along with the incredible uptick in boat sales in the U.S., the current climate is one of quick decisions and fast action. Buyers using a professional yacht broker are more likely to be successful in finding the perfect boat as they can not only watch the market for what becomes available, but they also have knowledge of boats not yet currently advertised.

And for sellers, if there ever were a perfect time to sell your yacht quickly and for potentially over-asking price, it's right now!

Consider these facts for a moment :

Total U.S. pre-owned sales increased 10% from 2019 to 2021 while the total value increased 57%
Sales in the 46' to 55' category grew 34%, while the 56' to 79' category grew 38%
Yacht Sales for the 80'+ category grew 61%
United Yacht Sales also saw growth of 29% in 2021 , after increasing sales by 31% in 2020 .
The average boat value, across both power and sail, has increased 40% since pre-pandemic conditions.

A 10% increase in sales is a tremendous surge for an industry that sees nearly $40 billion in sales each year. According to a 2021 market index report from Boats Group, cruising yachts were the most popular type of yacht searched for on the brokerage market. Coming in second place were center-console boats , followed by motor yachts.

"It makes sense that cruisers are the most popular searched for boat," said Captain Jeff Palmer, UYS co-President. "Not only are there more cruising-style boat builders, but the versatility of this design keeps them relevant. People love to go on trips, whether it's to the islands or up the coastline, and the comfortable accommodations they provide are important to the owners." Our team can assist you in determining how much you should spend on a yacht .

( Seen below: A Pershing 62HT is a perfect example of an express cruiser . )

While not a representation of every single boat sold in the marketplace, the below list outlines what boat brands were the most purchased on the brokerage market in 2021 in the United States. If you're looking to sell your boat, whether it's on this list or not, give our main office a call at 1-772-463-3131 to be connected to an expert on the current market.

Here are the most popular boat brands in 2021 *

1. Sea Ray Boats

2. Boston Whaler

3. Grady-White

4. Regal Boats

5. Carver Yachts

*Criteria: U.S. sales only, pre-owned only. Data: Soldboats.com

(Seen below: An excellent example of a pre-owned Sea Ray yacht that is currently listed with United Yacht Sales.)

The brands listed above really come as no surprise as there were simply many more of these vessels built in the 90's and 2000's that continually become available for sale on the brokerage market each year. If we move the criteria to 50-feet and up, the top 5 brands change drastically.

Here are the most popular yacht brands over 50-feet:

2. Hatteras Yachts

3. Viking Yachts

4. Azimut Yachts

5. Prestige Yachts

I would also like to note that Carver Yachts and Ocean Alexander would have been included if we excluded the sportfishing brands. Although Hatteras and Viking both build motor yachts, the bulk of their sales continue to be in the fishing category.

Here are the top sportfishing yacht brands in 2021 : (production builders)

1. Viking Yachts

3. Tiara Yachts

5. Bertram Yachts

There are simply more cruising boat builders than sportfishing boats, making it important to break this category out by itself. Even drilling down further would require separating pre-owned custom sportfishing boats out from the production boats since so few of them are built each year.

(Seen below: This Merritt Yachts 58' is an exciting example of a custom sportfish listed with United Yacht Sales.)

The second most sought after category, center-console boats, always seems to be a dominant segment of the industry thanks to their relative affordability when compared to much larger yachts. The ease of handling and maintenance, normally due to having outboard engines, makes this a popular choice for many boat owners.

Here are the most popular center-console brands on the pre-owned market :

1. Boston Whaler

2. Grady-White

4. Edgewater

5. Intrepid

Please note that many boats in this category are sold 'For Sale By Owner' so exact numbers can be hard to quantify. This data represents pre-owned center-consoles sold through brokers and noted in soldboats.com. Both Contender Boats and were close behind Intrepid in terms of number of boats sold.

(Seen below: This Boston Whaler 38 Realm is a great example of a higher-end center-console on the brokerage market.)

No matter what type or brand of boat you own, whether it's considered popular or not, the United Yacht Sales will team will provide the right market analysis for you, a clear plan of action on how to sell it, will follow up with every inquiry promptly, keep you informed on its progress, and continue providing assistance through closing. United Yacht Sales has over 250 yacht brokers worldwide with one of the top support teams in the industry. Our network of boat buyers and sellers is the largest there is and we will put it to work for you whether selling your current boat or on the search for a new one. To get started with UYS, call our main office at 1-772-463-3131 or fill out our What's My Boat Worth form to get a quick pricing analysis.

Interesting Boating Links

Worldwide yacht sales.

Yachts For Sale Washington
Solar Powered Yacht
New York Yacht Brokers
Million Dollar Boat
40 Million Dollar Yacht
Used Boats For Sale in VA
Used Boats For Sale in Maryland
Yacht For Sale NJ
Boat Brokers Near Me
Sailboats For Sale Mexico

Luxury Boats & Yachts

Rybovich Yachts
Yachts For Sale Near Me
Used Viking Boats For Sale
Used Trawlers For Sale
Center Consol Boats For Sale
200000 Boat
50 Foot Boat
2 Million Yacht
$300000 Boat
Broward Yachts
2 Million Dollar Boat
Yachts For Sale by Price
Yacht Broker

Popular Builders & Models

Used Pilothouse Yachts For Sale
Expedition Boat
Pursuit For Sale
Aquila Boats
Powercat For Sale
Viking Convertible
Sea Ray L650
Sport Cruiser Boat
Boston Whaler 350 Outrage For Sale
55 Viking For Sale

Trending Brands & Types

Jupiter 25 Bay For Sale
Used Intrepid Boats For Sale
Ranger Tug Boats
Leopard Yachts
Hcb 65 Estrella Price
Nordhavn Boats For Sale
Silverton Yachts
Used Regal Boats For Sale
Downeast Boats For Sale By Owner
Used Boston Whaler

SEND UYS A MESSAGE

Types of Yachts: An Overview

17th feb 2023 by carrie reed.

From small yachts to superyachts, many luxurious vessels are available for purchase on the market today. Each type of yacht has unique features that set it apart from the other types, so a certain yacht style might suit you better than another. To make sure that you are looking at the right one for you, you will need to know how to distinguish the different types of yachts from each other.

While there is no set definition that specifically sets yachts apart from other vessels, they are generally understood to be larger than average (at least 40 feet long or bigger) with a galley, a head, and cabins with sleeping quarters. Yachts usually have powerful diesel motors that can handle cruising, runs to distant fishing grounds, and watersports. Yachts can also be classified by numerous factors, including size, amenities, and method of propulsion.

Types of Yachts

There are four main categories of yachts: motor yachts, sailing yachts, motor sailers, and cruisers. Let's take a look at each one.

Motor yachts

A motor yacht is propelled with the use of a motor or, more commonly, multiple motors. As the most common type of yacht available today, motor yachts are built for entertainment with spacious social interaction areas and luxurious accommodations. Buyers often choose motor yachts because of their suitability for extended cruising ventures, entertaining large groups of guests, and charter trips.

Sailing yachts

A sailing yacht uses sails as its primary means of propulsion. While these yachts also have motors on board, they’re usually used only when there is not enough wind to propel the craft, when docking, or when operating in heavily trafficked harbors or channels. Sailing yachts are appealing because of the quiet and environmentally friendly way they operate, as well as their essentially unlimited range. Sailing yachts generally have a lower profile and due the the shape of the hull, less onboard space than other types of yachts.

Motor sailers

Motor Sailers are a hybrid between a motor yacht and a sailing yacht. They generally use a motor as the primary form of propulsion, but also have sails that can be used when the weather conditions are right. Though less popular than the other types of yachts there are subcategories of motor sailers such as the gulet (for information see What is a Gulet? What is it like to charter one? ), and there are also some catamaran motor sailers.

Cruiser yachts

Yacht styles that do not quite fit into the previous categories are often called cruiser yachts or express cruisers. These yachts are generally modern looking, with sleek, streamlined hulls and open cockpit areas. They are on the smaller side for yachts, typically no more than 60 or 70 feet long, and are usually powered by twin diesel engines.

Types of Luxury Yachts

A luxury yacht is generally understood to be a yacht that is built with the latest in modern technology and features high-end finishes and materials. The word "luxury" can be used with any type of yacht that is exceptionally well-appointed, but some types of yachts are considered to be more luxurious than others. Let's take a look at what they are.

Classic luxury yachts

Today's classic luxury yachts are designed to emulate the grace and style of the classic yachts of yesteryear while incorporating the latest technology in a non-intrusive way. These yachts tend to have large private cabins with full baths and Jacuzzis, spacious social areas that can accommodate many guests, and lavish accommodations featuring air conditioning, high-speed internet access, and expansive entertainment systems.

Mega luxury yachts

Mega luxury yachts are private yachts that can be hundreds of feet long and are crafted specifically to carry large numbers of family and friends in lush accommodations. They feature vast open areas for sunning and socializing, multi-level entertainment and relaxation options, and VIP staterooms with private en suite heads. Many have additional special features, such as saunas, gymnasiums, and spas.

Types of Small Yachts

Small yachts, also called sport yachts, are vessels that are less than 60 feet long and are designed to accommodate no more than a dozen people at a time. These yachts often have sleek designs and may be used for fishing trips, offshore excursions, and water sports. Like the term "luxury," the word "sport" can be applied to just about any style of yacht, but some types seem to fit the category better than others. More information: Small Luxury Boats with a Difference .

Yacht Sizes

You can find yachts in three size categories: yachts, superyachts , and mega yachts. While you can find some variation in how these terms are used, yachts are generally classified as being up to 100 feet long. Superyachts are between 100 feet and 200 feet long. Mega yacht is the term used for any yacht that is more than 200 feet long.

Yacht Categories

Yachts are often categorized by their notable features, with the terms "sport" or "luxury" added to describe their level of opulence. Here are some of the most popular yacht categories.

Catamaran yachts

This type of yacht is often made of fiberglass and has two hulls with an open space in the middle for greater stability and a smoother ride. They are available in both sailing and power varieties.

Flybridge yachts

Flybridge yachts are built with a spacious deck and living space atop the main cabin, called the flying bridge or flybridge. The layout of the flybridge may be open or fully enclosed with climate control. They also typically have a hardtop and a sizable seating and/or lounge area.

Sportfish yachts

Also known as sport fishing yachts , these yachts are built for speed and durability, making them great for fishing trips and sport fishing tournaments. They typically have a large cockpit and ample storage space to accommodate anglers on the water for long periods of time. Sportfish yachts may come equipped with outriggers, fishboxes, fighting chairs, and other fishing features.

Expedition yachts

Expedition yachts are designed for adventure, with a deep displacement hull to enhance stability and comfort during long trips. They are designed for passengers to remain safe and comfortable through long oceanic voyages, and tend to have extended range and plenty of accommodations.

Written By: Carrie Reed

Top Performance-Boat Brands, Where There’s Something For Everyone

28th Jun 2024

Best Center Console Boats: The Best Brands Across the Spectrum

23rd Jun 2024

Small Sailboat Types: Sail Smaller and Savor It All

22nd Jun 2024

The Best Wake Boat Brands, a Complete Guide

Explore Rightboat
Boats for Sale
Boating Articles
Buyers Guide
About RightBoat
Sell Your Boat
Boat Selling Advice
All manufacturers
All categories

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

Set up tailored alerts
Personalise your experience
Download full specifications and broker details
Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

Yacht Brands
Sailboat Brands
Luxury Hotels
Swiss Watch Brands
Luxury Fashion
Luxury Jewelry
Designer Sunglasses
Italian Apparel
Diamond Brands
Tuxedo Brands
Cashmere Brands
Leather Pants

The Best Yacht Brands

List of yacht brands that include the most reliable models available. For this list of yacht companies, all types of yachts including sailing and motor yachts are included. Major yacht manufacturers include Sunseeker, Cruiser, Beneteau and more. While yachts were first developed to serve a specific need (to be used in the Navy to pursue pirates and other criminals), yachts are now widely seen as luxury recreational watercrafts that are used for leisure rather than work.

This complete list of popular yacht brands includes companies that sell sailing yachts, weekender yachts, cruising yachts, luxury sailing yachts, racing yachts, day cruiser yachts, sport fishing yachts and luxury yachts. Like all of the best boat brands , the best type of yacht will have to do with your budget, desired function for the boat and the relative size and type of hull and cabin space you desire.

Use this complete yacht companies list to discover the best sailing and motor yachts for your budget and purpose. Just as the top yacht manufacturers are diverse, so too are the price points and features of yachts. So what are the best yacht brands? Users looking for a new yacht will want to research a variety of different brands to find the one that best suits their needs.

Princess Yachts

Pershing yachts.

Hatteras Yachts

Viking Yachts

Tiara Yachts

Carver Yachts

Cruisers Yachts

Prestige Yachts

Sea Ray Boats, Inc

Trinity Yachts

Grand Banks Yachts Ltd.

Marquis Yachts

Sabre Yachts

Riviera Yachts Australia

Riviera Yachts Australia is a proudly Australian owned company that both designs and constructs the best yachts in Australia and the South Pacific region. Yachts ranging from 36-70ft, in three different designs- Sport Yacht, Flybridge and the newly introduced SUV class, it is a must see.

Meridian Yachts

Monterey Boats

Aegean Yacht

HanseYachts

Bavaria Yachtbau

Baltic Shipyard

Cabo Yachts

Catalina Yachts

S&S Swan Association

Element Yachts

Axis Group Yacht Design

Farr Yacht Design

Jutson Yacht design

Jefferson Yachts

Zeelander yachts.

Pearson Yachts

Marlow Hunter

Dufour Yachts

Bristol Yachts

Island Packet Yachts

Elsemarie (Yacht)

Ericson Yachts

Charley Morgan

Poncin Yachts

Calonia (Yacht)

Santa Cruz Yachts

Cape Dory Yachts

Columbia Yachts

Mengi yay yachts.

Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

By Brody Patterson

Updated on January 14, 2023

The superyacht industry is a world that offers you luxurious adventures around the globe, from the United States, all the way to the UK, Netherlands, Germany, or the beautiful Italian coast. From the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, these stunning yachts are built by highly skilled professionals, who provide you with nothing but the best craftsmanship.

As a potential yacht owner, you can get inspiration from any of these companies and choose what is best suited to your needs. There is so much to take into consideration, hence we compiled a detailed list of the 25 best yacht building companies in the world to help you out.

For example, you need to figure out first what size yacht you want, as they range from 30-50 feet vessels, all the way to the larger than 260 feet superyachts, and everything in between. Are Eco-friendly details important to you, or is cutting-edge technology and speed an absolute must to you?

We will do our best to cover all these points and more, so let’s start looking at the best yacht brands in the world right now.

One of the best yacht brands in the 30-50’ range, Wally is an Italian company that specializes in fast motor yachts, but they’re also buiding gorgeous sailing vessels. For those of you who enjoy speed, you will be happy to hear that most of their yachts are made out of angular carbon composite and fiberglass, which enables you to blast through the waves.

Not so much for leisurely cruising, their 36-meter superyacht has luxurious accommodations for up to six guests and six crew members. Its prowess is due to the three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, which have a total power output of 16,800 hp. With its 60 knots top speed, it is one of the fastest yachts in the world.

Founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo of Italy, Riva quickly became a racing yacht legend, and it has upheld its reputation since. One of the best cruising yachts in the world in the 30-50 feet category, Riva offers sleek looks and impressive performance.

Solid stainless steel bow rails, an 800 hp engine, a 13-foot beam, and a 3-foot draft along a non-skid deck make this a very desirable vessel. Customizable to your tastes, you can cruise the waters in style.

Aesthetic appeal along with classic Italian design makes this company one of the most sought after. The Italian shipyard develops innovative solutions like crafting hybrid engines and using nanotechnologies, which make the long-lasting coatings on their vessels have a lower impact on marine life.

Equipped with options such as Twin Gens, Twin Watermakers, Stabilizers, Bow Thrusters and powered by DDEC 12V92’s with Ulstein forward-facing drives, the Grande 35 Metri reaches 25.5-knot max speeds. A stylish, yet competitive yacht.

22. Dynamiq

An Italian superyacht brand located on the Tuscan coast, with yachts engineered to the highest standards set by naval architects in the Netherlands. Designed in Monaco, Dynamiq’s vessels will surely meet the needs of the forward thinkers in the yacht building industry. Some of the options available are hybrid technology, with chic and efficient features that are easy to customize.

Ranging from 90 to 165 feet, you can build your own vessel according to your needs. Not only do they look impressive with their cool design, but they also offer you great performance. Impressive specs such as the aluminum hull, with a range that varies from 900nm at 15 knots all the way up to 5000nm at 10 knots and two engines Man at 882 kW.

21. Sunreef

Leading the world of catamaran yacht brands, the company produces its signature models, 60 to 100 feet vessels, along with the supreme models and the 150-210 feet power trimarans superyachts. Their shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland, a seafaring city rich in naval building traditions.

They are also known for building eco-friendly electric engines that are great for the environment with their innovative propulsion solutions. Their sustainable materials feature basalt and linen-based structures in the production of their hulls, superstructures, and yacht manufacturing.

20. Ferretti

Another famed Italian shipyard is innovative with its human interface, which makes their vessels super easy to use. Ferretti’s fleet varies from the 500 to the 1000 projects, but they are all designed with your wellbeing and comfort in mind. You can choose from different mood palettes for your interiors, such as classic or contemporary.

Their MTU engine, with a cruising speed of 20 knots and a max speed of 24 knots, along with many other impressive specs, makes this brand an experience that embodies luxurious style and performance in one.

19. Fincantieri

Fincantieri has a network of 18 shipyards across four continents, two design centers, and a research center, and throughout their 230-year history they have built more than 7,000 vessels. If that is not impressive enough, they will surely convince you with their luxury yachts, designed to your pleasure.

High-tech, high quality, and high performance – these would be the features they stand for, and their unique designs are complemented by state-of-the-art technology. Aesthetic perfection along with the best technological expertise in the industry will deliver the luxury you crave.

18. Nautor’s Swan

Nautor’s Swan ClubSwan 125 Sailing Yacht

A Finnish yacht brand founded by Pekka Koskenkyla back in 1966, they specialize in high-performance sailing yachts . Beautiful wood interiors are their signature touch, and their high-tech amenities are up-to-date in order to keep up with a very competitive industry.

Their fiberglass material has brought them to the top in the racing sailboats category, along with the ingenuity of Sparkman & Stephens. They eventually partnered with German Frers Design, who is responsible for many of their Swan designs.

17. Sanlorenzo

Ranked in the top three over 80-feet yachts builders in their category, Sanlorenzo has introduced a variety of new yachts in the last couple of years. Their signature light-blue steel hull is predominant in all their models, such as the SL102 Asymmetric yacht, or their 171-foot custom Seven Sins.

Among other designs worth mentioning are their new additions SX112, 164-foot 500EXP Ocean Dreamwalker lll, or the 210-foot 64Steel. One thing they all have in common is that they cater to the American lifestyle.

16. Rossinavi

Rossinavi Enrico Gobbi Alfa 50 Yacht Concept

Rossinavi has worked with some of the world’s best designers available to come up with unique and futuristic designs. Some of their most popular superyachts in the last few years have got to be 160-foot Endeavour ll and the 161-foot Aurora. Achille Salvagni is responsible for both designs, but they are quite different from one another.

The Alfa 50, with its sleek modern look, was designed by Enrico Gobbi. Pininfarina, who has put their signature touch on Ferrari, has unveiled some of Rossinavi’s new concepts, which make them stand out from other brands.

15. Baglietto

Another Italian company, they have been around since 1840, when Pietro Baglietto started building wooden fishing ships in his backyard. He expanded his company by manufacturing boats for kings and popes, and in 1906 built his first combustion engine.

Eventually, the company was saved from bankruptcy by the Gavio Group and they got a facelift with the introduction of their new model line, which ranges from 43 to 230 feet yachts. Their Silver Fox, which was launched in 2018, is designed by Francesco Paszkowski and it could easily be considered a true work of art.

14. Mangusta

The company is owned by the Balducci family and it was started in 1985. They specialize in luxury sports yachts and voyage superyachts, all of which you can customize to your personal tastes. They have built more than 300 yachts in their 34 year career, and they are still going strong.

The Mangusta Oceano, for example, is one of their long-range yachts with ranges up to 5,000 miles. The Mangusta Maxi Open series offers speed, stability and quietness. And their GranSports is a fast-displacement series that covers long distances.

13. Princess Yachts

Established in 1965, this British company has grown into a conglomerate with multiple production sites over the years. They build contemporary yachts in seven classes, ranging from open boats to megayachts. Their flagship Imperial Princess, a 131-foot 40M superyacht, has a large interior and lots of natural light.

It is built on the South Yard, which was formerly a 17th century naval yard. Their R35, one of their most innovative models, is built with a foil system which reduces drag and can revolutionize yachting, and was designed by Pininfarina, the same acclaimed design studio that works with Rossinavi as well.

The crown jewel of the Ferretti group, CRN is famous for their landmark Chopi Chopi, a 262-foot megayacht. The different ranges of the military style 180-foot Atlante, the sleek hull of the 239-foot Yalla, or even the high-tech Cloud 9 yacht show the different customizable possibilities from CRN Yachts.

Ferretti invested lots of money into their Ancona Yard, and their tri-deck motor yacht, as well as the Superconero are just some of the upgraded versions of the staples that brought them on the map in the first place.

11. Sunseeker

One of the UK’s most important shipyards, Sunseeker manufactures most of its vessels in Poole, Dorset. Their place in the yachting world is secured with four superyacht models ranging from 116 to 161-foot, and their 76 to 100-foot motor yachts. They also manufacture high performance boats, alongside sports and 52 to 744-foot cruise yachts.

It used to only build out of composite, but has since expanded to aluminum with its 161 Yachts. Their ICON expertise, design and market savvy is keeping them competitive in the yachting world.

10. Royal Huisman

One of the oldest shipyards from Holland, they have been around since 1884. They have three large facilities, one in Vollenhove, one in Amsterdam, and a third in Emden, where they can build large yachts up to 266 feet. Their fleet is well known for their sailing superyachts Gliss, Antares and Sea Eagle among many others.

The Ngoni, a 190-foot is built with an eclectic interior, and the 184-foot classic Aquarius are some of their popular models. Project Phi is their newest addition to an already solid fleet and the Apex 850 concept will be probably turned into reality too.

9. Perini Navi

Two yards in Italy and a third in Turkey are the places where the newest additions to their line up are being built right now. Restructuring of the company’s management in 2017 resulted in a major refresh of their fleet too. New lines such as the E-volution Yacht series, the Argonaut, Heritage and Voyager are going to be the new focus for Perini Navi.

Sometimes a change is needed, and their new innovations have proven successful. Their hybrid-powered models such as the Eco-tender are built to keep up with the changes necessary for the environment.

8. Nobiskrug

Located in Northern Germany, Nobiskrug operates from two facilities which build vessels ranging from 197 to 1,398 feet. The 115 year old company is a pioneer in the superyacht division with their 2000 Tatoosh model. They employ more than 1,000 professionals who excel in the business.

The 262 foot Artefact was launched only last year, and at 2999 GT it is the largest superyacht by volume in the world. It is also the first in the world to meet IMO Tier lll emissions regulations. In-house production of everything from hull construction to mechanical work makes them one of the most diverse and eco-friendly companies in their category.

7. Feadship

The famous Dutch company comprises De Vooght Naval Architects, De Vries and Van Lent family yards, with locations in Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Kaag, and Makkum. Responsible for dozens of custom launches over the last seven decades, they are considered Holland’s powerhouse.

Symphony, a 333-foot pioneer to cross the 100-meter mark, and the 312-foot Faith has its own helicopter pad with hangar on the foredeck, and on the aft deck a glass floor swimming pool. They are just some of their more famous models, they have many others you can research if interested.

One of the best superyacht builders in the world, this Dutch company is based in Vlissingen. Operating for more than 100 years, they offer the Full Custom and Limited Editions, ranging from 108 to 272 foot LOA. The facilities are used for both military and commercial vessels, and they employ the most skilled workers in the industry.

Their most noteworthy launches in the last couple of years are the 243-foot Universe, the 205-foot Sea & US, along the 189-foot Volpini 2. The potential owners are able to customize both interiors and exteriors according to their taste.

One of the oldest and largest superyacht builders in the world, Benetti has been making custom and semi custom builds since 1875. They currently have 97 yachts under build larger than 78 feet. The Ironman, Metis and Spectre are some of their newest additions. The FB277 351-foot gigayacht is currently being under construction at the Livorno yard.

Their Luminosity is believed to be valued at more than 200 million EUR and became one of the top 10 largest Superyachts delivered in 2019. Pretty amazing!

Founded in 1978, this Dutch superyacht brand specializes in custom-made builds. Therefore, their fleet is limited, so there are three different ways to own a Heesen boat. Through the Pure Custom program the buyer can order a unique individual design and engineering.

The Platform Concept program offers custom exterior design but standard engineering, and the third option is to buy a brand new custom superyacht as soon as it is made available for purchase. The Galactica Super Nova is their largest built at 230 feet, and their Maximus, with an open cockpit and a swimming pool with a waterfall is a special yacht someone will surely enjoy.

A fairly young company, this Dutch company based in Alblasserdam has been around since 1987. They specialize in custom expedition yachts ranging from 262 to 459 feet. The builder launched Project Bravo in 2018, which is a fuel efficient and eco-friendly innovative design. Their green technologies are predominant in their newest addition to their fleet.

Their most famous superyachts are the 311-foot Indian Empress and the 300-foot Equanimity. Their Black Pearl, a 350-foot technically advanced designed sailing superyacht stands on its own.

2. Abeking & Rasmussen

Successful in setting new technological standards, this family business is located across the river from Lurssen in Germany. They have been the best in the making of naval vessels since 1917, and they also specialize in coast guard and patrol vessels, as well as custom yachts. German engineering at its best, A & R has been an innovative company who is not scared of change.

They are developing a hybrid fuel cell powered by methanol that emits only clean steam, the first hydrocarbon emission free in the world. The Aviva, a 321-foot flagship has its own paddle-tennis court on the premises.

Lürssen is a family business who believes in producing the best quality yachts in the world. Focused on excellence, this German company is another leader in the luxury yachting world. Their eight shipyards located in the northern part of the country have been responsible for building more than 13.000 vessels since 1875.

They do everything from building new yachts, as well as refitting, repairing and providing maintenance services on the premises. The iconic Azzam, the largest superyacht in the world is 590 feet long , is designed with the best quality woodwork and custom furniture inside a high-tech hull.

One thing is certain if you’re in the market for a luxury yacht, you have so many options available right now. The biggest problem will be choosing only one brand to work with when designing your dream yacht.

We hope you got all the inspiration you needed from our list, so happy sailing.

About Brody Patterson

Brody has worked as a full time staff writer for Luxatic for over five years, covering luxury news, product releases and in-depth reviews, and specializing in verticals on the website alongside the tech & leisure section, as well as men's fashion, watches and travel. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

1 thought on “Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts”

Have you researched Yacht brands that build solar/electric yachts besides Silent Yachts?

20 Best Electric Motorboats You Will Surely Love

By Thom Esveld

The 20 Fastest SuperYachts in the World

By Alex Holmes

The 15 Best Small Planes That You Can Buy Right Now

By Adrian Prisca

20 Largest Explorer Yachts in the World

The 20 Best Airlines in the World Right Now

The 15 Best Personal Submarines For Superyacht Owners

By Victor Baker

The 15 Biggest Planes in the World

The 10 Longest Range Private Jets in the World in 2023

These are The 15 Fastest Planes of All Time

Sailing in Style: The World’s Most Beautiful Yacht Charter Destinations

24 Incredible Celebrity Yachts You Will Surely Love

These Are The 25 Biggest Yachts in the World!

MBC Yachts - Management | Brokerage | Charter
+971 4 440 3038
+971 50 890 5500
[email protected]

Types of Yachts and their Pros and cons

Whether you’re on the market for a yacht or looking to charter one, the plenty of options out there will leave you overwhelmed. Finding a yacht that suits your lifestyle can be a tough nut to crack with so many different options of yacht categories, features, and brands. Below, we’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular categories of yachts to help you make an informed decision.

A Catamaran is a sail or engine-powered boat with two hulls in parallel, joined by a structure; a distinguishing feature that sets it apart. It is a geometry-stabilized craft, deriving its stability from its wide beam, making it perfect for providing a smooth experience and comfort for those prone to motion sickness. Often crafted from fiberglass, catamarans are suitable for use in shallow waters.

Guaranteed smooth running (even in choppy seas), thanks to its high stability and symmetrical body
Spacious deck areas mean more comfort onboard
Highly secure and unsinkable, with low risk of mechanical damage
Low fuel consumption
Limited windage
Not preferable for high latitudes
Inhibited maneuverability

Super yachts

A superyacht is a large, luxurious, professionally crewed motor or sailing pleasure vessel that measures at least 78 feet in length. Most super yachts are divided in three distinct zones; The helm is separated from the guest area in the front of the boat, while the back section comprises a large teak swim and boarding platform, while the large covered section in the middle lends itself to unbridled luxury. The finest superyachts are custom-made, with craftsmen addressing every single detail for the tastes of the world’s rich and elite. Normally owned or chartered by people who are looking for the ultimate in luxury, these yachts can accommodate 6 to 12 guests.

Equipped with an array of water toys
A team of professional crew is tasked with the running and maintenance of the yacht
Epitome of Luxury
Exorbitantly priced
High maintenance

Classic Yacht

If you have a taste for the vintage, Classic yachts are older restored and retrofitted vessels that are being used as recreational vessels in the modern era, or newly built ones designed in a way similar to yachts that were built in the past. These yachts give connoisseurs the feeling of having traveled back in time. Most even crafted from wood or aluminum, sporting beautiful, classic lines and fine craftsmanship that embody a sense of nostalgia and seamanship unsurpassed by other styles of luxury yachts. If you want to experience yachting from the past, then chartering or owning a classic yacht can be a very intriguing experience.

Reminiscent of the past
Elegant head turners
Carry an air of romanticism
Low fuel costs
Require more varnishing
Expensive restoration costs
Only run near shallow waters
Less deck spaces

Sportfish yachts

Sportfish yachts are a dream come true for fishing aficionados looking to experience a fantastic charter vacation centered around their favorite hobby. These yachts boast large cockpits that can house fishers and rods, bait, tackle and the catch of the day. Built with gamefish in mind, they are often equipped with towers, outriggers, aerated live wells, freezers, fighting chairs, and more. Performance-wise, these yachts are durable and can pick up speed quickly and handle rough seas and large waves, so you do not need to worry about your vessel capsizing during high tides or storms. They often have semi-displacement or planing configurations. They can stay idle or operate at low speeds during fishing activities and during pleasure, they may be operated at high speeds. With this yacht, you can venture into deep waters without any worry. Not only this, most crewed sport fisher yachts offer a range of comforts and amenities to suit the needs of your charter party.

Built to accommodate different types of water and environments
Access to a relaxing hobby outdoors
Built with fishing features and gear in mind
Affordable, durable, and versatile
Capable of traveling to deep ocean waters
Value functionality over luxury

Gulet Yacht

A Gulet is a hybrid yacht that employs both sails and motors for propulsion. While in the past, these seaworthy vessels were used to keep cargo safe from harm during transport, they are now used for pleasure excursion. Gulet yachts are especially sought-after because of their beautiful and ornate wooden hulls. Performance-wise, a Gulet yacht is durable and sturdy, promising to take you to your destination safely using only the wind in its sails. While its exteriors exude a style of timeless elegance, its impeccable design ensures impressive performance and ocean-going abilities. Gulets are also designed to have several cabins and common areas without skimping on space.

Large vessels, safe, stable, and sturdy
Large deck spaces
Smooth sailing under any condition
Comfortable accommodations
More expensive than motor boats

Cruisers are smaller yachts that are designed to take a small group out for recreational trips, out at sea. At typically 30-feet to 60-feet long, a cruiser is larger than a ‘walkaround,’ but smaller than a full-blown ‘yacht.’ Unlike some of the incredibly large yachts listed above, cruisers have a smaller interior layout. You should think about owning or chartering a cruiser if you want to go out on the water to have some fun with your closest friends. The most redeeming feature of a cruiser is that you can always access the water, making them perfect for those that want to go out fishing or even swimming in the ocean. Most cruisers are sleekier and sportier-looking, with open cockpits that intertwine indoor and outdoor living, and 2-3 staterooms. Some even come with Bimini tops that are extended via a hydraulic system should you need some shade during your travels.

Sleek and stylish
Cost-effective
Greater life expectancy
Speedy—cruising 25-30 knots or more
Higher fuel consumption
Less amenities due to space constraints
Difficult to maintain
Less storage areas
Not suitable for long-distance cruising, especially in inclement weather

At MBC Yachts. we provide complete guided assistance in the buying or selling process as well as an exclusive after-sales service for all kinds of yachts whether it is mega yachts, superyacht, Large motor yachts, performance motor yachts, Modern sailing yachts, Classic sailing yachts or a Catamaran. MBC YACHTS provides the best yachting experience by taking care of all the specified requirements of the customers. Our team works diligently to make the charter a lifetime experience. The company also assists the clients in the process of new yacht construction or refit till the sea trial and final delivery. By being in touch with the world’s leading builders, designers, naval architects, captains and suppliers. Ready for your yachting experience? Contact us now for any inquiries that you might have.

Press Release – Cannes & Monaco Boat show

Breathtaking Sunseeker 116 Charter

A Day Out On Mega Yacht Lotus

10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2023 Edition

Table of Contents

Last Updated on July 12, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

There are countless boat manufacturers and brands, each building unique models. Big ones, small ones, boats with one hull , boats with two or three hulls, boats with pontoons, boats for fishing, boats for cruising, boats for wakeboarding, and more. When you first start looking at boats, this can overwhelm you. You don’t have to search alone; we’ll guide you! Let’s look at 10 of the leading boat manufacturers and brands up-to-date together:

Cruisers Yachts
Sea Ray
Azimut
Monterey
Chaparral
Leopard
Everglades
Grady White
Bennington
Malibu

Rent, Charter, Share— Only at Boatsetter

Cruisers Yachts

Wisconsin-based Cruisers Yachts has been building boats since 1904. It currently has Cantius and GTS lines, with 15 different models between them. The boats range in length overall from 34 feet to 60 feet and can come with everything from open tops to closed tops to flybridges. Generally speaking, Cruisers makes boats for cruising with friends and family. ou can find these boats on the nation’s coasts and on larger lakes.

Sea Ray is based in Tennessee and has been building boats since 1959. Its Sundancer line is one of the most ubiquitous on America’s waterways; the company also has an SLX series of luxury cruisers, an SDX series for family day-boating, and an SPX series of sport boats that you can sometimes rent with things like wakeboarding towers built-in. You could rent multiple Sea Ray boats on Boatsetter and have a different boating experience every single time.

Azimut is an Italian boatbuilder that was founded in 1969, and today is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group of shipyards and other companies. Azimut itself has six lines of boats: Fly, S, Grande, Magellano, Verve, and Atlantis. Within those lines, multiple sizes offer increasingly larger versions with more and more features. Overall, Azimut builds boats intended for higher-speed family cruising with chic Italian style.

Florida’s Monterey Boats got its start in 1985. It has four models currently available: Super Sports, Outboard, M Series (which come with lots of options, so there are lots of versions of them on the waterways), and Sport Boats. When you combine all the lines and sizes within the lines, about 30 different Monterey boats are available—which means many rental opportunities.

Georgia-based Chaparral boats have been in business since 1965. It makes five lines of boats: SSI Sport Boats, SSI Outboards, SSX Luxury Bowriders, OSX Luxury Outboard Sport Boats , and the Surf line of wakesports boats. Quite a few of Chaparral’s models can be trailered to and from different locations, and the various models can be outfitted with features for cruising, fishing, and water sports.

Leopard Catamarans builds its boats in Cape Town, South Africa. As the company’s name states, these are cats, not monohulls, which means they have two hulls instead of one. Leopard cats come in power and sail varieties, from about 40 to 53 feet in length overall. Because they’re catamarans , boats with these lengths are much wider than monohulls, giving people more room to stretch out on board.

Florida’s Everglades is a favorite brand among boaters who like to catch fish. The company builds center consoles, dual consoles, and bay boats, and some of its models are regularly seen hunting for big game during professional-angler tournaments in the offshore canyons. On these boats, expect to find things like rod holders, outriggers, bait stations, and other features that are intended to make a day of fishing even more fun.

Grady-White

Grady-White , based in North Carolina, has been building boats since 1959. It has long been known for its coastal fishing boats, with five lines available today: Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Coastal Explorers, Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins. Many of these boats can be ordered with features that make them equally great for family cruising and fishing, so check the Boatsetter listings for specifics when deciding which one to rent.

Indiana’s Bennington is a leading brand name in pontoon boats, which are often available for rent on lakes and other inland waterways. These are wide, stable boats that can be used for family cruising. Parents with small children tend to like pontoon boats because of the higher sides all around. Bennington makes four lines: the customizable Q Line, the sporty R Bowrider line, the higher-end LX Sport line, and the more traditional SX line.

Malibu Boats in Tennessee is a brand that’s synonymous with wakeboarding and other tow sports. It makes a dozen different styles of boats that are shaped and outfitted in ways that produce fun-to-ride wakes, step-up features to make it easier to get in and out of the water, seating that lets passengers look forward or aft (at the wakeboarders in the water) and soft-grip flooring so there’s less of a chance of wet feet slipping. The premium sound systems are pretty darn cool, too.

One of the great things about learning through Boatsetter is that you can book a different builder, and even a different model from that builder, every time you head out on the water. Boatsetter rentals are a terrific way to learn which brands and styles of boats are ideally suited to the type of fun you want to have on board.

About Boatsetter

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .

Put your boat to work. Earn an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines.

Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.

Browse by experience

Explore articles

8 Ways to Soak in the Last Bit of Summer Sun

5 Tips to Choose the Best Fishing Rod

Hilton Head Island, SC Boating Guide

5 Best West Palm Beach Restaurants on the Water to Get to By Boat

(954) 633-4878
[email protected]

Compass Articles

February 5, 2024

What Are the Most Trusted Yacht Brands?

Fly Yachts - Fly Yachts Yachts For Sale - Fly Yachts Yachts For Charter - Fly Yachts Aircraft For Sale - Fly Yachts Yacht Brokerage -

If you’re thinking about buying a yacht, you want to make sure you’re choosing from the best of the best. There are lots of yacht brands out there, but some stand out because of their quality, great design, and awesome customer service. This article will help you understand which yacht brands have earned a top spot and why people trust them so much.

What Makes a Yacht Brand Top-Notch?

Before we jump into which brands are the best, let’s talk about what makes a brand really stand out. The best yacht brands usually have:

Cool Design and Tech: They’re always coming up with new ideas and using the latest tech to make their yachts look good and work well.
Solid Quality: They use the best materials and pay attention to every little detail.
Great Customer Service: They help you out even after you buy the yacht, showing they really care.
A Good Reputation: Brands that have been around for a while and always get good reviews are usually trusted more.

The Brands Everyone Trusts

Azimut yachts.

Azimut is all about luxury and has a big focus on using the latest tech. They’re known for making yachts that not only look sleek but also offer a ton of comfort.

What’s to Like: They use cool materials like carbon fiber to make their yachts lighter and roomier.
Also Cool: Their interiors are super luxurious, all about giving you that high-end Italian style.

Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti mixes style and comfort perfectly, making yachts that are a dream to drive. They’re known for being at the forefront of yacht engineering.

Quality Matters: Every yacht they make is top-notch, with a lot of attention to detail.
Big on Innovation: They’re always coming up with new systems to make their yachts easier to handle.

Benetti Yachts

Benetti is known for custom-made luxury yachts. They blend traditional craftsmanship with modern tech to create something really special.

Custom Creations: They can pretty much make your dream yacht a reality.
Rich History: They’ve been around for over 100 years, so they know what they’re doing.

Sunseeker Yachts

Sunseeker stands out because of its bold designs and high-performance yachts. They offer the perfect mix of speed and luxury.

Design Kings: Their yachts have a very recognizable, cool look.
Fast and Luxurious: Even though these yachts go fast, they still offer a super smooth and comfortable ride.

Finding Your Perfect Yacht

Picking a yacht brand that fits what you’re looking for, whether it’s cutting-edge design, top-quality construction, or a mix of both, is super important. Don’t forget to check out reviews and talk to other yacht owners to see what they recommend.

When it comes time to make your dream of owning a yacht a reality, the team at Fly Yachts is here to help. We’re all about making sure you find a yacht that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Reach out to us today and let’s make it happen.

Fly Yachts is the go-to place if you’re keen on anything related to deluxe boats and planes. Their homepage displays a wide array of options they provide, like the yachts for sale page, where you can find your dream yacht. Those in the market for an aircraft can check out the top-notch selections on the aircraft for sale page. Tailor a vessel to your taste by visiting Build a Yacht . Get to know more about the company on About Us , which underscores their deep knowledge and exceptional service. For a dreamy yacht trip, the charter destinations page has plenty of location options. If it’s time to sell your yacht, Sell Your Yacht can guide you through the process. To rent a yacht for a luxury experience, simply visit the Yachts Charter page. Gulfstream News keeps you updated with the freshest happenings in the yachting and aviation world. Have a question? Reach out through the Contact page for personalized help. And for engaging articles about your maritime interests, be sure to explore Compass Articles .

About FLY Yachts

Unmatched Industry Knowledge, Paired With Brokers Who Care Equals Yachting You Love.

The Luxurious Nautical World of the 12 Types of Yachts

Yachting around the world seems to be something only for the top 10% of the rich and famous. But the types of yachts aren’t as far off a dream as you might think.

In fact, there are 12 types of yachts you could hop on board and take a look around (or even charter for a weekend getaway with the important people in your life).

Yachting around the world on a luxury personal watercraft is a hobby for nautical enthusiasts. So, that’s why the team here at The Hobby Kraze are bringing you the introduction to the 12 types of yachts!

First thing’s first, it’s important to understand what exactly makes a yacht and why it’s different from just a boat or ship. A boat is any water vessel under 197 feet (60 meters) and a ship is any water vessel over this. A yacht is any luxury personal watercraft over the length of 30 feet (9 meters). So, depending on the size, a yacht can be either a boat or a ship!

As well as this, before we head onto the 12 different yachts, we’ll quickly go over the 5 yacht classifications set by the Recreational Craft Directive in the UK and Europe.

Essentially, ‘A Class’ yachts can exceed wind forces of 8-40 knots and 13-foot waves in ocean passages. ‘B Class’ yachts can withstand less than the above while ‘C Class’ yachts are fit for wind forces of 6-27 knots and 6.6-foot waves in coastal waters. ‘D Class’ yachts are fit for wind forces of 4-16 knots and 1.6-foot waves in coastal waters. Finally, ‘LY2 Class’ yachts are large vessels exceeding 24 meters used for sport or pleasure with a professional crew.

It’s worth pointing out that the types of yachts can often fall into many different classes depending on the size and specification. So, check with the manufacturer about your yacht classification. Now then, let’s see where the winds hit the sails of this article:

Table of Contents

1 The Express Cruiser Yacht
2 The Aft Cabin Motor Yacht
3 Flybridge Motor Yacht
4 The Classic Wooden Motor Yacht
5 The Trawler Yacht
6 The Lobster Yacht (A.K.A. Downeast Boat)
7 The Pilothouse Yacht
8 The Sport Fisher Yacht
9 The Power Catamaran Yacht
10 The Super Yacht (and the Mega Yacht)
11 The Gulet Yacht
12 The Expedition Yacht (A.K.A. Research Vessel)
13 Conclusion

The Express Cruiser Yacht

Going fast into the list, we’ve first got the water vessel commonly known in the yachting community as the sports car of the sea. It’s the express cruiser yacht.

This is because they are built to be high-performing and fast vessels with powerful motors that help them tackle waves off-shore.

However, that’s not to be confused with the high-performance yacht which is a modified version of the express cruiser allowing it to become the race car of the yachting world.

I.e., these luxury personal watercraft vessels are made to do a little more than bob along the water’s surface for a quiet day under the sun.

In terms of general features, when you charter a yacht of this type, you’ll typically see it has a planar (or deep vee) hull to help with speed and balance. As well as this, it’s unlikely you’ll see a swim-step.

When choosing an express cruiser, you’ll be met with a few options in terms of the top. This is because, atop the express cruiser (which doesn’t have a roof and closely resembles a large speed boat ), there are hard-top express cruisers and fully enclosed express cruisers.

The difference being that the hard top express cruiser features a hard top roof and spoiler that is separated from the windshield. All while the fully enclosed express cruiser – you may have guessed – is built with a hard top roof and spoiler that does connect to the windshield.

Some of the most popular brands of express cruiser types of yachts are:

Riva Yachts
Regal Boats
Cruisers Yachts
Tiara Yachts
Pershing Yachts
Princess Yachts

The Aft Cabin Motor Yacht

The aft cabin motor yacht is the perfect smaller addition to any floating fleet.

Especially when you’re new to yachting around the world, want ease of parking and are happy to have a smooth floating boat that allows you to jump right into the great big blue around you.

In terms of visual features, the aft cabin motor yacht almost looks like it has had its aft cut-away and there is no cockpit. However, the cockpit is situated inside these types of yachts for comfortable sailing.

Instead, the majority of the aft cabin motor yacht classification make-ups have a swim-step right at the aft to make it easy to get in and out of the water. Meaning, this is also the perfect vessel to charter a yacht for weekends in the sun with family and friends.

However, one thing to note is that – depending on where you go yachting around the world – boats with swim-steps may need to reinforce the entry way.

For example, leaving weighted buckets on the swim-step. This makes sure that water pests like sealions don’t decide to board and take a nap or attract other sea life onto the vessel.

If you’re ready with your swim-step barricades in-check, then you can have a look at some of the most popular manufacturers of the aft cabin types of yachts:

Meridian Yachts
Carver Yachts
Silverton Family
Haines Marine
Johnson Yachts

Flybridge Motor Yacht

Yes, the flybridge is one of the types of yachts you can buy or charter. It doesn’t only refer to a level on your boat. However, that is the determining factor in this yacht classification.

The flybridge yacht is a medium-sized yacht featuring an upper helm station (also known as a second floor above the main deck). A quick tip for when you’re yachting around the world: these types of yachts are actually known as a flying bridge in the US.

Of course, here in the UK and Europe, this helm station is called a flybridge and can feature on other types of yachts, too. However, for the purpose of the flybridge yacht, it serves the role of being a spacious lounge area in the place of a hard top.

But just like the express cruiser, the flybridge has a couple of sub-categories to set them apart. The first is the sport bridge yacht and the second is the enclosed flybridge

The sport bridge is much more compact. It’s also more likely to have a planar hull to help with speed and agility through each wave. One way to quickly identify a sport bridge is the smaller helm station; instead of having a lounging area, its yacht classification means it can only hold around two chairs (one for the captain and one for the first mate).

The enclosed bridge, on the other hand, is your go-to when you’re wanting to charter a yacht in the colder and windier weather as it features an enclosed super structure interior. In other words, the roof of the upper helm meets the windshield to provide more of an air-conditioned sky lounge.

Whether you want a classic flybridge, a sport bridge or an enclosed bridge yacht, these are the brands you’ll want to go to when you charter a yacht or even buy new:

Burger Boat Company
Nord Star Yachting
Cantiere Delle Marche
Fairline Yachts
Prestige Yachts
Viking Yachts
Ocean Alexander

The Classic Wooden Motor Yacht

The classic wooden motor yacht is exactly that: a classic and wooden motor yacht. They’re typically a vintage and antique vessel design for yachting around the world in large parties.

In terms of specifications, they generally feature the traditional marine timber Opepe wood (which is also known around the yachting world as Bilinga and Aloma wood). It has excellent water resistance, durability and flexibility to account for the waves. As well as this, it can range from a bright golden sheen to a deep mahogany touch.

They are a long and thin luxury personal watercraft reminiscent of a traditional and authentic classical ship deck. They feature a spacious interior and outer walkway from port to starboard and from stern to aft.

However, as these are quite the marvel on the eyes for any yachting enthusiast, when you want to charter a yacht of this calibre, it’ll cost you a pretty penny. Either way, it still helps to know some of the heritage brands that brought these ships to the sea.

To get your hands on a stunning vessel of Opepe wood, you’ll want to consider these brands:

Fairlie Yachts
Forster and Partners
Silvers of Rosneath
Brooke Marine
Hillyard Yachts
Stirling and Son
Morgan Yachts

The Trawler Yacht

The trawler types of yachts (A.K.A. the cruising trawler yachts) are a type of luxury personal watercraft made specifically for sailing with a purpose.

They feature powerful engines designed to cruise for long journeys at high knot speeds. With this, they’ve actually become more of a popular choice for those in Europe and the US looking to either charter a yacht or buy through a broker.

They feature very fuel-efficient engines while providing a lot of living space under the main deck.

Generally speaking, these types of yacht have full-displacement hulls to help with both the carrying of big loads, and with speed control. That said, more of the modern models of the trawler types of yachts are being manufactured with a semi-displacement hull, instead.

Another interesting thing to note about this yacht classification is that, while their structure and cruising abilities are somewhat similar to other power yachts, their engine use and average knots from the power system are quite minimal. For example, these types of yachts will glide across the water’s surface at around 7-9 knots through a single diesel engine rather than a dual engine.

Although, while they do make use of the one main engine, they do also have a slightly lower powered auxiliary engine that helps to increase fuel efficiency and cruising range. And if these are the factors you sail towards in your yachting around the world adventures, here are some manufacturers that create beautiful trawler types of yachts:

Beneteau Yachts
Alm Jachtbouw
Cranchi Yachts
Absolute Yachts
Northern Marine

While we’ve added the Nordhavn brand to the list, it’s worth knowing that the yacht classification for their trawler yacht becomes the explorer yacht.

The Lobster Yacht (A.K.A. Downeast Boat)

Also known widely as the downeast boat, the lobster types of yachts were initially manufactured as more of a commercial vessel. Which also awarded it the nickname of “the pick-up truck of the coast”.

They are manufactured with the specifications of a naturally higher bow to aid in climbing the rougher seas. As well as this, they feature a semi-displacement hull and pronounced keel for both heavy load carrying and smooth sailing through rougher winds at slower speeds.

They’re generally a smaller yacht classification that doesn’t incorporate grandeur interiors despite being a luxury personal watercraft. It’ll have the sun lounge and a cockpit at the front but doesn’t have a flyboard or even a tuna tower.

That said, they’re not the most popular types of yachts out there in the marina despite seeing a lot of changes to make them into the more luxurious water vessels we’d see when we think of a yacht.

Here’s are some of the most popular brands of lobster types of yachts in case you’re wondering where you could charter a yacht with these specifications. Although, we’d recommend going for a sport fisher, instead:

Zeelander Yachts
Grand Banks
Sabre Yachts
Mochi Craft
Young Brothers Boats

The Pilothouse Yacht

The pilothouse yacht is a very big yacht classification often seen to be a three-tier yacht due to the raised mid-level (and flyboard on top).

This raised mid-level is to allow for a fully enclosed pilot’s house (hence the name) while also providing an extra living quarter within the helm of the vessel. Most of these types of yachts will also come with a flybridge to allow for some lounging in the sun!

However, it’s not all just about the pilothouse as it stands, or should we say floats? There is a sub-yacht classification for the pilothouse called the wheelhouse motor yacht.

The difference being that this yacht features a wheel within the pilothouse to become an area where the ship is controlled by the ship’s captain without being in a separate cockpit on the aft.

With that, this enclosed feature makes it easy for the entire crew (depending on the size of your party) to easily see the waves and route on the sea without having to be on or above the main deck.

This makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to venture out into the great big blue without wanting to burn up-top or have to store any foul weather gear.

So, if you’re looking for a life on the sea in a luxury personal watercraft with an enclosed steering structure, you might want to consider some of these popular brands making the pilothouse types of yachts:

Offshore Yachts
Flaming Yachts
Navigator Yachts
Shannon Yachts

The Sport Fisher Yacht

A sport fisher yacht is another of those types of yachts that pretty much sums up the purpose in the name.

This particular yacht classification is any vessel that is designed, built and geared towards luxury fishing . Of course, it still needs to be in the general size specifications of over 30 feet in order to classify as a yacht and not a general fishing tugboat.

This means it’ll probably have a large cockpit, a bay tank, a designated rod storage area, space for tackle, catch-of-the-day zones and more. These features, however, are a customisable option and – when you charter a yacht or buy second hand – there’s not always the option you’ll get all of them.

Another thing to note would be that these types of yachts have a planar hull to cut through the waves at fast speeds. The idea being to get you to and from your fishing spot as quickly as possible so more time can be spent catching dinner.

When it comes down to the build, there are three alternative models of the sport fisher yacht: the express sport fisher, the flybridge sport fisher and the convertible sport fisher.

The express sport fisher will generally have an additional deck, to make two, while also featuring a tuna tower (i.e., not a flybridge but a small space to sit with one or two control features).

The flybridge fisher yacht has – you guessed it – a flybridge as well (making a total of four deck levels when you add the tuna tower).

Finally, the convertible is often a term heard in the sport fishing boat community. However, it’s not a convertible yacht in the sense that we’d think, it’s just a hybrid boat incorporating features of both a motor yacht and a sports fisher. Meaning, it’s able to convert between fishing and cruising where necessary. Often, these types of yachts feature an enclosed flybridge.

As this is a popular yacht classification, it’s probable you’ll want to know some of the main manufacturing brands of the sports fisher:

Lindell Yachts
Carolina Yachts
Camper and Nicholson’s

The Power Catamaran Yacht

The power catamaran is our favourite of the types of yachts here at The Hobby Kraze. While we’ve only had minimal experience with our sea legs on the great big blue, we’ve had enough exposure to the marina to be able to love the catamaran.

Classic in looks, their hull is the two-pronged catamaran hull for high speeds, wind grasp and powerful steering capacity.

That said, there are actually two types of catamaran as a luxury personal watercraft. And it all revolves around the hull. The first is the one that we’ve mentioned: it features a catamaran hull.

The second is a catamaran designed with a different hull which allows it to be slightly more powerful and efficient at the same time. In other words, you have the catamaran as we all know and love and a catamaran hybrid cruiser.

Of course, there are other similar styles of yacht classification that use the catamaran hull. For example, any other multi-hull boat like the trimaran.

If you like the wind and the speed with a hint of competition, we have some popular brands for you to have a look at:

Sunreef Yachts
Cata-Lagoon
Horizon Yachts
Fountaine Pajot
Aquila Boats
Leopard Catamaran

The Super Yacht (and the Mega Yacht)

A super yacht is any yacht that has been supersized. In terms of the yacht classification, they’re a water vessel over 79 feet (24 meters) which can be considered luxurious.

In the same light, a mega yacht is the supersize of the supersize. Whereby yachting around the world involves embarking on a cruise ship that is over 164 feet (50 meters) and considered luxurious.

One quick way to find out if you’re looking at a mega yacht is to look for the mast light. This is because any luxury personal watercraft (or any water vessel for that matter) over the size of 50 meters is under regulation to have a second forward mast light.

So, there’ll be a light on the top of the main mast and there’ll be a pole in front (generally located on the stern of the main deck) which has another light on the top. However, there are some manufacturers who create these second forward mast lights with a sneaky retractable pole.

In fact, here are some of the most popular brands and manufacturers of these super and mega types of yachts:

Amels Hollans
Heesen Yachts

The Gulet Yacht

The gulet yacht is a little different from the rest in this list. It features authentic traditional design with a wooden interior, luxury sky lounge, full-displacement hull and two or more sails to take you wherever the wind blows.

It is a yacht classification of Turkish origin with a history of being a tourist and goods carrier around the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

While we’d normally direct you in the way of a manufacturer of the gullet yacht, these types of yachts are actually only produced by Gulet. However, there are many well-known distributors of the Gulet yacht around the world. For example, WonderGulets.com, GuletYacht.co.uk, GuletGroup.com and more.

The Expedition Yacht (A.K.A. Research Vessel)

The final of our 12 types of yachts is the expedition yacht. It is also known in the nautical world as a research vessel depending on where it’s going, which crew is on board and how it’s kitted-out for the adventure.

However, there are some general specifications that relate to the entire fleet.

For example, when it comes to the expedition yacht, they’re another form of super yacht but are designed to be the sturdiest and safest cruisers of them all.

This is because they’re aimed at those wanting to be yachting around the world to cruise and experience everything. Plus, a research vessel features work and learning that takes place all across the globe with an innumerable number of machinery tools to do the job. So, it needs to withstand all-weather cruising across the seas while protecting the cargo.

A great example of a research and expedition yacht making good pace for science and the environment is the REV Ocean.

To top it off, these yacht designs feature a flat hull and considerably sized fuel tanks that allow them to stay out at sea for months on end.

So, for a true expedition of the planet’s blue oceans, you’ll want to charter a yacht or even buy from one of these shipbuilders:

All Ocean Yachts
Damen Yachting
Kingship Marine

And that hoists up everything there is to know about the 12 types of yachts you could board for an adventure of yachting around the world.

Actually, we have missed one thing off this list. It’s the houseboat (and no, we don’t mean the canal boats and narrow boats we get here in the UK). What we’re talking about are those angular floating containers you see moored up at large marinas.

Sometimes they’re single storey and other times you can see them stacked up to create three-storey houses simply floating next to generic-looking yachts.

Well, they’re in a bit of a grey area in terms of yacht classification. While you can’t exactly charter a yacht such as these, they do meet the standards of a yacht. I.e., they’re floating, they’re longer than 30 feet and they’re certainly classed as luxurious when they’re kitted out to live in.

So, that could technically make 13 types of yachts depending on the way you look at it.

If you enjoyed reading this article as much as we loved to make it here at The Hobby Kraze, then you should probably get to know your sailing terms and boat terms. Here are some other water-related hobbies you might find interesting from the team:

The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Sailing and Rafting
The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Sculling and Rowing
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Kayaking
The Ultimate Guide to Stand-Up Paddle Boarding for Beginners
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Underwater Photography
17 Different Types of Resort and Finding the Holiday to Suit You

Sharing is caring!

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

March 27, 2022
No Comments

The 16 different types of roller coaster & where the drop will take you, 19 different types of beaches around the world for your bucket list, ultimate review of the best costco beach chairs in 2023, the 16 best types of luggage you should know for your trip, ultimate review of the best beach towels in 2023.

Subscribe To Our NewsLetter!

FINANCIAL & MEDICAL DISCLOSURE

The HobbyKraze is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As their Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The information written on this website is not medical advice, nor has it been endorsed by medical health professional(s). All content on this site is for informational purposes only.

We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own

453, S Spring Street, Ste 400 PMB1061

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Accounts Dept : [email protected]

General Enquiries: [email protected]

Publishers Relations: [email protected]

Tel: +1 (213) 457-3776

Explore The World, Unleash Smart Hobbies & Increase The Zest For Life In You!

Site Structure EarthlyChirp

Boat Brands and Manufacturers

Boat Brands and Boat Manufacturers

All-Purpose Fishing Boats

Aluminum Fishing Boats

Bay Boats/Flats Boats

Cabin Cruisers

Center Consoles

Cuddy Cabins

Fish-and-Ski

High Performance Boats

Inflatables

Motor Yachts/Power Cruisers

Multi-Hull Power Boats

Personal Watercraft

Pontoon Boats

Ski Boats/Wake Boats

Sportfishing Yachts

Walkarounds

Built for versatility, these boats can be used in both salt water and freshwater. They are designed to navigate many different types of waterways so you can pursue many different species of fish.

EXPLORE NOW

Small lightweight and, durable trailer boats made of aluminum are most often used for freshwater fishing. Generally very simple craft, featuring riveted or welded aluminum hulls and bench seating, they can be operated in fish-friendly places - shallow water, coves, inlets - not many other boats can reach. Powered primarily by outboard engines, this type of boat offers both tiller and remote steering options.

Bass boats have low, sleek profiles and are built to fish with two or three anglers on board. The minimum length of bass boats starts with 16 feet and can go up to 26 feet.

These boats are popular in coastal areas where sea trout and redfish live. They can float and run in water less than two feet deep and are ideal for fishing with two to three people on board.

These family boats are the most popular in the runabout/spotboat category and are equipped with extra seats and forward access to the bow, a convenient spot to relax and sun.

Recreational by nature, Cabin Cruisers are generally equipped with cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities and are ideal for those who want to feel the sun above and the ocean below.

These open fishing boats are built to take rough offshore waters in pursuit of ocean fish. Rod holders, outriggers and other gear are common fittings onboard.

Cuddy cabins are ideal for day cruising, watersports, and other on-the-water activities such as fishing and swimming.

Deck boats have wide deck to carry 8 to 12 or more passengers (like pontoons) but look and perform more like runabouts. They are powerful, too, making them excellent boats for skiing, tubing and wakeboarding.

Dinghies are small, easy-to-transport craft, most often used as companion boats for larger vessels.

This craft allows boaters to enjoy the two most popular on-water activities; fishing and skiing. This family fishing and recreational boat has enough power to pull a skier or two, and to get to the fishing spot in short order.

High performance boats are the sleek sports cars of the boating world, offering high speeds and precise handling to boaters who prefer their thrills full throttle. Marrying big horsepower with sleek hulls results in boats that are equally at home slicing through ocean swells or tearing up inland lakes. Cranking offshore or simply relaxing in a cove, performance boats deliver lots of smiles per hour.

Inflatable boats range in size from 8-foot dinghies for tenders to 30-foot high performance boats. These boats are suitable for saltwater and freshwater fishing, watersports and more.

Like bowriders and deckboats, they offer comfortable seating and sunning areas, plus a speedy and exciting ride. They are distinguished from runabouts by their propulsion system, which is enclosed inside the hull.

Large boats equipped with powerful single or twin engines, these craft are ideal for ocean cruising, navigating large rivers or the Great Lakes, as well as entertaining at the dock, and can stay on the water for days.

Featuring two or three hulls, rather than the more common single hull, multi-hull powerboats include designs for hardcore freshwater and saltwater fishing, as well as recreational and cruising, complete with expected amenities.

Personal watercrafts (PWCs), often known by their brand names of "Jet Ski" or "WaveRunner," have evolved overtime into a broad market now characterized by craft more similar to a snowmobile, featuring a saddle and handlebars and capable of hauling one-to-three passengers.

Pontoon boats give families with younger boaters a secure place to enjoy the ride or toddle about when at anchor, thanks to wide decks and "play pen-like" side rails and gates. When equipped with larger engines they can be as quick as runabouts.

Sailboats differ from other types of boats in that they are propelled partly or entirely by wind; they use sails to transform the power of the wind into power that moves the boat through the water. The term sailboat covers a wide variety of sailing craft, each with its own characteristics and styles.

Carve the morning glass on skis, soar over the wakes on a wakeboard, or surf an endless wave…ski/wake/surf boats are your gateway to fun!

These boats are great for pursuing large fish. Often equipped with sleeping berths, a galley for cooking and plumbing for convenience, they have the capacity to stay on the water for days.

Facilities for sleeping, cooking and plumbing provide boating fun for weekends on the water with family and friends. They can handle big rivers, lakes and oceans on moderate days.

These boats may be the ultimate family fishing boats and are most popular in coastal waters, large bays and the Great Lakes where anglers pursue salmon or offshore ocean species. They are equipped with rod holders, livewells and steps to the forward deck to make it easy to follow a big fish around the boat.

Why Should You Buy a Certified Boat?

Buying a certified boat means that you're buying a level of confidence that can’t be matched in any other way. So, what exactly is a certified boat, and how exactly do you identify one?

Buying Your First Boat Guide

So you’re ready to take the plunge and buy a boat. Download our step-by-step beginner’s guide to get up to speed on all the basics.

Join Our Newsletter!

Get community news, buying bargains, and how-to guides at your fingertips.

Subscribe Now
Digital Editions

Best boat brands: Your essential introduction to the boatbuilders of the world

Do you know your Sunseekers from your Sea Rays? Our essential guide explains the best boat brands in the world right now and what makes them different…

The world of boat brands can be baffling at first, with so many names on the market it’s hard to know which are the best boat brands worth investing your hard earned money in.

That’s where MBY comes in – we’ve reviewed thousands of motorboats over more than a century, so we can help you understand what’s hot and what’s not.

If it’s a RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) that you’re after, check out our essential RIB guide instead, while our sister title Yachting World is the place to go to learn all about the best bluewater sailboats .

However, if you want to know about fully-fledged motorboats, read on for our guide to the best boat brands on the market today, including their history, current ranges and star features…

Jump to the best boat brands from the UK

Jump to the best boat brands from mainland Europe

Jump to the best boat brands from Scandinavia

Best boat brands from the USA

The American Tug 485 is the flagship of the range

American Tug

Renowned builders of full displacement trawlers, American Tug was founded in 1999. Based in La Conner, WA, the yard traces its heritage back to the fishing industry.

They build a focussed range of 36-48ft boats, available in either one-cabin or two-cabin layouts. The majority are fitted with single Cummins engines, with the exception of the entry-level American Tug 362, which comes with a 320hp Volvo D4 engine.

Each model has a cruising range in excess of 1,000nm, and that has been put to good use in cruising grounds as diverse as the Bahamas and the Bering Sea. You can expect to find American Tug boats on both coasts of the US, as well as the Great Lakes and far beyond.

Yacht definitions: What is a yacht? And does it need to have sails?

Electric boats: a-z of the 37 best all-electric models.

Founded in 1957, since 1986 Bayliner has been part of the Brunswick Corporation, one of the world’s largest boatbuilders and the manufacturers of Mercury outboard engines.

Bayliner currently has a very focussed collection of 18-23ft boats, but don’t let the size range fool you, they cover a wide range of styles from watersports boats to fishing boats and from deck boats to overnight cruising boats.

Their international dealer network is supported by a wide range of production facilities – Bayliner boats are built in the USA, Mexico, Brazil and Portugal.

Boston Whaler

With the tagline ‘the unsinkable legend’, Boston Whaler is clearly not messing around – they even boast that you could cut a Boston Whaler in half and drive away in the half that’s got the engine!

The Boston half of their name relates to their 1950s origins in Massachusetts, but since 1996 the Boston Whaler range has been built in Edgewater, Florida by the Brunswick Corporation.

Their current range includes 28 fiberglass models, ranging in size from the 13ft 130 Super Sport, all the way up to the 42ft 420 Outrage center console.

Chris-Craft

One of the oldest and most revered boat brands in the USA, Chris-Craft can trace its history back more than 140 years, when it was known as Chris Smith & Sons Boat Co before adopting its now iconic moniker 15 years later.

These days Chris-Craft boats are built in Sarasota, Florida, and their 24-35ft range is characterized by teak decks, deep-vee hulls, reverse-sloping transoms and stainless steel detailing.

Grand Banks

Another global brand, Grand Banks Yachts was founded in Hong Kong by an American who later moved operations to Singapore and then Malaysia.

Their range of fiberglass-hulled cruising boats spans from 44ft to 85ft and the vast majority of the components are built in-house to ensure they have a firm grip on quality control.

Best boat brands from the UK

Fairline was founded in Oundle, Northamptonshire in 1963 and got its name from a fair line of minerals found in a nearby quarry.

The current range starts with the entry-level F-33 weekender , which was styled by Italian superyacht designer Alberto Mancini.

Fairline is arguably most famous for its Targa sportscruisers (45-65ft) and Squadron flybridge models (50-68ft), with plans afoot to launch a 65ft sportsbridge yacht that is claimed to offer the best of both worlds.

Best boat brands from mainland Europe

Based in Piacenza, a town in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, roughly 150km north-east of Genoa, Absolute Yachts has been an independent boatbuilder since 2002.

Founded by Marcello Bè and Sergio Maggi, the yard’s range of 48-73ft Navetta, Flybridge and sport yachts is internationally renowned and it has a prominent presence at all of the world’s leading boat shows.

Its name and motto (Reaching for the Absolute) reflects its desire to achieve the finest standards in both build quality and seakeeping.

Fountaine Pajot

Founded in 1976 by Jean François Fountaine, Yves Pajot and Daniel Givon, Fountaine Pajot is a French yard based in Poitou-Charentes.

Its catamaran collection includes both sailing yachts and, since 1998, powercats. The latter range spans from the 36ft entry-level MY4S to the recently launched 67ft flagship .

A lot of yards speak boldly about sustainability and alternative energy sources, but Fountaine Pajot is rare in that it has set an ambitious target of being carbon neutral by 2030.

Read more about Fountaine Pajot powercats

Since 1982, Galeon Yachts has been building luxury motorboats in Straszyn, Poland.

Today its range of 30-80ft models is exported worldwide by a network of 15 dealers. Galeon also builds the entry-level Galia range of 15-25ft leisure boats.

In recent years, Galeon has pioneered the use of fold-out platforms, which massively increase the available deck space when resting at anchor.

Best boat brands from Scandinavia

One of the newer boat brands on our list, but also one of the most successful, Axopar has reinvented the market for outboard-powered dayboats, with a comprehensive range of stylish, practical and attractively priced cabin, open and T-top models, sparking a string of imitators.

Axopar was founded in 2014 by a select group of Finnish entrepreneurs and is now headed up by Jan-Erik Viitala, who brought together everything he had learned from working on Aquador , XO and Paragon , hence the name.

The current Axopar range runs from 22ft-37ft and more than 3,500 boats have been built at its production facilities in Poland over the past 8 years.

Key partnerships include Jobe Watersports and German tuning house Brabus, who have produced the Brabus Shadow range of high-performance outboard boats.

Death, taxes and diesel bug, three of life’s certainties

Best riva boats: 10 stunning boats from the famous italian builder, buying a used nimbus commuter 9 motor boat, latest videos, bluegame bgm75 sea trial: the €6.8m powercat that thinks its a monohull, cormate chase 32 tour: fast, stylish and practical weekender, axopar 29 sea trial: sun top vs cross cabin – which is best, sunseeker ocean 182 – see how this compact superyacht copes in a wet and windy sea trial.

COMMENTS

Future of Luxury Yachting: The 25 Best Yacht Brands
2019 Sunseeker motor yacht, 131′ (40.2 m), (US$22,650,789). View the listing. One of the largest UK yacht builders, Sunseeker mainly manufactures its vessels in Poole, Dorset. Four superyacht models (ranging from 116-161 ft.) secure Sunseeker's place in the niche of large and extravagant vessels.
A Complete Guide to Yacht Types and Sizes
40-100+ feet. Expedition Yacht. 70-400+ feet. Flybridge Yacht. 50-150+ feet. Sports Fisher Yacht. 30-70+ feet. A guide to yacht anchor types and sizes is vital for understanding the different types and sizes available in the yacht industry. For more information, check out a guide to yacht tenders.
Exploring Different Types Of Yachts: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover the various types of yachts, their classifications, and how to choose the right one for your needs in this comprehensive guide. Contact Us Today: 786-621-3010 / +1 844 262 8284 ... Yachts from reputable builders and brands often retain their value better over time. Research the market and consult with experts to understand which types ...
Boat Manufacturers and Brands
Explore boat manufacturers, brands and discover which ones best suit your boating activities with a selection of popular brands and boat types. Find your boat with our explore section, wide range of editorial content and guides with thousands of boats available. Start your journey with boats.com!
The Most Popular Yacht Brands
Hatteras Yachts. 3. Viking Yachts. 4. Azimut Yachts. 5. Prestige Yachts. I would also like to note that Carver Yachts and Ocean Alexander would have been included if we excluded the sportfishing brands. Although Hatteras and Viking both build motor yachts, the bulk of their sales continue to be in the fishing category.
Best Yacht Brands by Type
Beneteau Swift. Ranger Tugs. Nordic Tugs. American Tug. Pro Tip: Yachts are one of the most popular boats, and boat-sharing makes it possible for anyone to get on one for a fraction of the cost. If you own a yacht, this is good business for you! List your yacht and start making an extra income by renting it out.
Different Types of Yachts Explained
Notable motor yacht brands in this category include Princess Yachts, Prestige Yachts, Sunseeker, and Azimut Yachts. How much is a motor yacht? Based on the 2023 US Boats Group market index , the average price for a yacht measuring between 46-55 feet was $491,606.
10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers for 2024
Godfrey Pontoon Boats are a good option for anyone wanting to try before they buy, because this boat brand can help you experience different types of boating in the same overall length of pontoon boat. Explore All Pontoon Boat Rentals. 7. Bayliner. Category: Best Day Cruising Boat Brand. Bayliner is another boat brand that is part
Best Yacht Brands: Discovering the Top Choices Today
The best in one category might not make it onto the best in another, purely because of the style of yachts they produce. So here we have listed - in no particular order - the Top 10 best yacht brands in the United States by their popularity and quantities of yachts sold. More information: An Overview of the Many Types of Yachts
Types of Boats
Featured Brands: Yamaha WaveRunner , Kawasaki Jet Ski , Sea-Doo. Find boat types and classes by activity to discover which ones are right for you with the manufacturers and brands for each to make it easier. Use our explore section, wide range of editorial content and guides, to find your boat. Start your journey with boats.com!
Types of Yachts: An Overview
You can find yachts in three size categories: yachts, superyachts, and mega yachts. While you can find some variation in how these terms are used, yachts are generally classified as being up to 100 feet long. Superyachts are between 100 feet and 200 feet long. Mega yacht is the term used for any yacht that is more than 200 feet long.
Best Yacht Brands
List of yacht brands that include the most reliable models available. For this list of yacht companies, all types of yachts including sailing and motor yachts are included. Major yacht manufacturers include Sunseeker, Cruiser, Beneteau and more. While yachts were first developed to serve a...
Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best ...
21. Sunreef. Sunreef 49m Power. Leading the world of catamaran yacht brands, the company produces its signature models, 60 to 100 feet vessels, along with the supreme models and the 150-210 feet power trimarans superyachts. Their shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland, a seafaring city rich in naval building traditions.
A guide to Yachting
Types of Yachts and their Pros and cons. Whether you're on the market for a yacht or looking to charter one, the plenty of options out there will leave you overwhelmed. Finding a yacht that suits your lifestyle can be a tough nut to crack with so many different options of yacht categories, features, and brands. Below, we've discussed the ...
The 10 best brands of yachts to buy
Lürssen. Building some of the largest and most innovative German yachts in the world, Lürssen creates extraordinary vessels from 50m/164' to 180m/590' in length and has on its fleet some of the most respected yachts on the water today. With more yachts among the world's top 20 largest yachts than any other shipyard, Lürssen's portfolio includes 180.6M/592' AZZAM, 160M/524' BLUE, 156M ...
10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2023 Edition
Last Updated on July 12, 2023 by Boatsetter Team. There are countless boat manufacturers and brands, each building unique models. Big ones, small ones, boats with one hull, boats with two or three hulls, boats with pontoons, boats for fishing, boats for cruising, boats for wakeboarding, and more.When you first start looking at boats, this can overwhelm you.
Yacht Types Guide
IYC'S GUIDE TO YACHT TYPES. Having decided to purchase or charter a yacht, the wealth of choice of different yacht types is huge. The good news is that such a big range of different yacht sizes, styles, performance capabilities, and purposes mean that there truly is a yacht for everyone. When narrowing your choices, there are two main yacht ...
What Are the Most Trusted Yacht Brands?
Discovering which yacht brands are most trusted doesn't have to be a deep mystery. We've compiled a list of top yacht manufacturers known for their quality, performance, and innovative designs. Understand what sets brands like Sunseeker, Azimut, and Benetti apart from the competition. Whether you're looking for luxury, reliability, or cutting-edge technology, our guide will help you navigate ...
The Luxurious Nautical World of the 12 Types of Yachts
Essentially, 'A Class' yachts can exceed wind forces of 8-40 knots and 13-foot waves in ocean passages. 'B Class' yachts can withstand less than the above while 'C Class' yachts are fit for wind forces of 6-27 knots and 6.6-foot waves in coastal waters. 'D Class' yachts are fit for wind forces of 4-16 knots and 1.6-foot waves in ...
Types of Boats by Manufacturer & Brand
Top brands for each boat type will be listed, along with the manufacturers' company website, which you can visit for more info to learn about pricing and specific boat models offered. ... Sailboats differ from other types of boats in that they are propelled partly or entirely by wind; they use sails to transform the power of the wind into power ...
Best boat brands: Your essential introduction to the boatbuilders of
Bavaria. Founded in 1978 as a sailboat builder, Bavaria Yachtbau is the largest yacht manufacturer in Germany with its headquarters in Giebelstadt. Since 2001 the firm has also built motorboats and the current range includes open boats, sportscruisers and flybridges, ranging in size from 28ft to 55ft.
Boat Brands Guide 2024
Boat Brands By Boat Types Best Motorboat Brands. The best motor brand will depend on your own personal preference. However, a few certain motor boat brands we have discussed already today tend to be very popular on both the new and used market - Azimut Yachts, Boston Whaler, and Sea Ray. Search used motor boats for sale here. Best Deck Boat ...
Best Boat Brands
Boston Whaler is unquestionably among the best-loved boat brands on the water today. Photo by Boston Whaler. 2. Boston Whaler. Boston Whaler makes fishing and luxury boats from 13' to 42' in 28 different models (as of August 2023), in all. For many years, Boston Whaler boats have been celebrated as "unsinkable".

A Complete Guide to Yacht Types and Sizes

Types of Yachts

Sizes of Yachts

Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Yacht

Frequently Asked Questions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

The Most Popular Yacht Brands

Interesting Boating Links

Luxury Boats & Yachts

Popular Builders & Models

Trending Brands & Types

SEND UYS A MESSAGE

Types of Yachts: An Overview

Types of Yachts

Motor yachts

Sailing yachts

Motor sailers

Cruiser yachts

Types of Luxury Yachts

Classic luxury yachts

Mega luxury yachts

Types of Small Yachts

Yacht Sizes

Yacht Categories

Catamaran yachts

Flybridge yachts

Sportfish yachts

Expedition yachts

Related Articles and Guides

Top Performance-Boat Brands, Where There’s Something For Everyone

Best Center Console Boats: The Best Brands Across the Spectrum

Small Sailboat Types: Sail Smaller and Savor It All

The Best Wake Boat Brands, a Complete Guide

Join for free

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Save this search

The Best Yacht Brands

Princess Yachts

Hatteras Yachts

Viking Yachts

Tiara Yachts

Carver Yachts

Cruisers Yachts

Prestige Yachts

Sea Ray Boats, Inc

Trinity Yachts

Grand Banks Yachts Ltd.

Marquis Yachts

Sabre Yachts

Riviera Yachts Australia

Meridian Yachts

Monterey Boats

Aegean Yacht

HanseYachts

Bavaria Yachtbau

Baltic Shipyard

Cabo Yachts

Catalina Yachts

S&S Swan Association

Element Yachts

Axis Group Yacht Design

Farr Yacht Design

Jutson Yacht design

Jefferson Yachts

Pearson Yachts

Marlow Hunter

Dufour Yachts

Bristol Yachts

Island Packet Yachts

Elsemarie (Yacht)

Ericson Yachts

Charley Morgan

Poncin Yachts

Calonia (Yacht)

Santa Cruz Yachts

Cape Dory Yachts

Columbia Yachts

Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

About Brody Patterson

1 thought on “Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts”