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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.

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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

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 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 .

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Comprehensive List of 193 Superyacht Brands

Superyacht brands. 193 best yacht builders .

It might seem surprising, but there are around 200 superyacht brands and builders worldwide!

Many shipyards have decades of experience in superyacht building and deliver boats of finest quality and top-notch design.

With such a plenty of options, how do you know which brand and model of yacht to choose? 

Aboard your yacht you will spend time with your loved ones or enjoy solitude, surrounded by the feel of luxury, speed and freedom. 

Your yacht will be part of your life for several years. It will hopefully become a platform for some of the best memories of your life.

Hence, it is important to choose yacht brand, technical specifications and inner finishings carefully.

Yachtowner.co prepared a comprehensive list of 193 best superyacht builders for you.

Enjoy browsing through it, and contact us if you need any advice!

World’s 193 superyacht brands in alphabetical order:

• AB Yachts , Italy
• Abeking and Rasmussen , Germany
• Acico Yachts (formerly Dutch Yacht Builders) , Netherlands
• Ada Yacht Works , Turkey
• Adler Yacht , Italy
• Admiral Yachts , Italy
• ADMShipyards (formerly Abu Dhabi Mar), Germany 
• Aegean Yacht Builders , Turkey
• Aganlar, Turkey
• Akyacht , Turkey
• Alia Yachts , Turkey
• Alloy Yachts (permanently closed) , New Zealand
• Amels , Netherlands
• Arcadia Yachts , Italy
• Astondoa , Spain
• autor’s Swan, Finland
• AvA Yachts , Turkey
• Azimut , Italy
• Azzura Yachts , Australia
• Baglietto La Spezia , Italy
• Baia Yachts (permanently closed), Italy
• Balk Shipyard , Netherlands
• Baltic Yachts , Finland
• Bavaria Yachts , Germany
• Beneteau , France
• Benetti Viareggio , Italy
• Bering Yachts , Turkey/China
• Bilgin Yachts , Turkey
• Bloemsma Yachts , Netherlands
• Blohm + Voss , Germany
• Blue Coast Yachts , France
• Brooklin Boat Yard , USA
• Broward Yachts, USA
• Burger Boat Company , USA
• Camper & Nicholsons Yachting , Italy
• Canados , Italy
• Cantiere delle Marche , Italy
• Cantieri di Pisa , Italy
• CBI Navi , Italy
• CCN (formerly Cerri Cantieri Navali) , Italy
• Cheoy Lee Shipyards , China
• Christensen , USA
• Cigarette Racing , USA
• Citadel Yachts , USA
• Cizgi Shipyard , Turkey
• Claasen Shipyards , Netherlands
• CMN (Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie) , France
• CNB , France
• Codecasa, Italy
• Conrad, Poland
• Contest Yachts , Netherlands
• Couach Yachts , France
• Crescent Custom Yachts , Canada
• CRN, part of Ferretti Group , Italy
• Curvelle , Turkey
• Custom Line , Italy
• Cyrus Yachts , Turkey
• Danish Yachts , Denmark
• De Birs , Egypt
• Delta Marine , USA
• Delta Powerboats , Sweden
• Derecktor , USA
• DL Yachts Dreamline , Italy
• Dominator Yachts , Italy
• Dörries Yachts , Germany
• Dream Ship Victory , Turkey
•   Drettmann Yachts, Germany
• Dunya Yachts , Turkey
• Dynamiq Yachts , Italy
• Echo Yachts , Australia
• Esenyacht , Turkey
• Eurocraft , Italy
• Falcon Yachts , Italy
• Fassmer , Germany
• FB Design Annone Brianza , Italy
• Feadship , Netherlands
• Ferguson Brothers , UK
• Ferretti Group Italy
• Filippetti Yacht, Italy
• Fincantieri , Italy
• Fountaine-Pajot, France
• Freire Shipyard, Spain
• Front Street Shipyard, USA
• Ghost Yachts, Netherlands
• Global Explorer Yachts, Brazil
• Gulf Craft, UAE
• Hakvoort Shipyard, Netherlands
• Hargrave Custom Yachts, USA
• Hartman Yachts, Netherlands
• Heesen Yachts, Netherlands
• Hodgdon Yachts, USA
• Holland Jachtbouw (formerly HJB), Netherlands
• Horizon, Taiwan
• IAG Yachts, China
• Icon Yachts , Netherlands
• Inace Yachts, Brazil
• ISA Yachts, Italy
• JFA Shipyard, France
• Jongert, Netherlands
• Kingship Marine, China
• Kleven Verft, Norway
• Kusch, Germany
• LeClercq Marine Construction, USA
• Leopard Yachts, Italy
• Lürssen, Germany
• Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, USA
• Lynx Yachts, Netherlands
• Magnum Marine, USA
• Maiora, Italy
• Majesty, UAE
• Mangusta, Italy
• Mariotti Yachts, Italy
• Marquis, USA
• McConaghy Boats, Australia
• McMullen & Wing,   New Zealand
• MCP Yachts , Brazil
• McQueen Yachts, Canada
• Med Yacht, France
• Mengi Yay Yachts, Turkey
• Mondomarine, Italy
• Monte Carlo Yachts, Italy
• Moonen Shipyards, Netherlands
• Mulder Shipyard, Netherlands
• Ned Ship Group, Turkey
• Neorion, Greece
• New Zealand Yachts, New Zealand
• Newcastle Shipyards, USA
• NISI Yachts, China
• Nobiskrug, Germany
• Nordhavn, USA/China
• Nordlund Boat Company, USA
• Numarine, Turkey
• Ocea, France
• Ocean Survey Services, Turkey
• OceAnco, Netherlands
• Oceanfast, Australia
• Otam, Italy
• Outer Reef Yachts, USA
• Overmarine (parent company of Mangusta), Italy
• Oyster Marine, UK
• Palmer Johnson, USA
• Palumbo Shipyard (parent company of Columbus Yachts), Italy
• Pearl Yachts,   UK
• Pendennis Shipyard, UK
• Performance Yachts, UK
• Perini Navi  (including Picchiotti Yachts), Italy
• Permare Group (parent company of Amer Yachts) , Italy
• Pershing, Italy
• Pride Mega Yachts, China
• Princess Yachts, UK
• Rayburn Yachts, Canada
• Richmond Yachts, Canada
• Riva, Italy
• Riza Tansu, Turkey
• Rizzardi, Italy
• RMK Marine, Turkey
• Rodriquez Yachts, Italy
• Rosetti Superyachts, Italy
• Rossinavi, Italy
• Royal Denship , Netherlands
• Royal Huisman, Netherlands
• San Lorenzo , Italy
• Sarp Yachts, Turkey
• Schaefer Yachts, Brazil
• Selene Yachts, China
• Silver Yachts , Australia
• Soraya Yachts, Turkey
• Southern Wind Shipyard, South Africa
• Spirit Yachts, UK
• Sterling Yachts, Brazil
• Strand Craft, Sweden
• Sunreef Yachts, Poland
• Sunrise Yachts,Turkey
• Sunseeker, UK
• Tankoa Yachts, Italy
• Tarrab Yachts, Argentina
• The Italian Sea Group (formerly Admiral Tecnomar), Italy
• The Megayacht Group, China
• Trinity Yachts (acquired by Harvey Gulf), USA
• Turquoise, Turkey
• Van der Valk Continental Yachts, Netherlands
• Vanquish Yachts, Netherlands
• Vector Marine, USA
• Vicem Yachts, Turkey
• Vitters Shipyard, Netherlands
• VSY – Viareggio Superyachts, Italy
• Wally, Monaco
• Warren Yachts, Australia
• Westport, USA
• Wider Yachts, Italy
• Wim Van der Valk, Netherlands
• Yachting Developments, New Zealand
• Zeelander Yachts, Netherlands

Which of superyacht brands is the best?

If you want to buy a yacht and struggle to choose shipyard, you are not alone.

There are so many yacht brands globally that the choice can be daunting.

A yacht is a large investment which you will most likely hold for several years.

How to not get lost on your journey to buy the best superyacht?

Following steps will help you narrow down your options:

1. Choose yacht type

Do you like motor yachts, sailing yachts, or catamarans most? Yacht builders typically specialise in one of these yacht types. By choosing the yacht type you will narrow down yacht brand options considerably.

2. Choose yacht size

Some shipyards focus on large superyachts, while others master the smaller and medium size segment .  Narrow down your list again by leaving only brands with proven delivery history in the particular yacht size segment that you are after.

3. Choose your favorite feel and look

Browse through websites of yacht builders that we provided in this Comprehensive List of Yacht Brands, and bookmark your favorites. Which brands look most appealing to you by design and style?

4. Contact shipyards or brokers

There is nothing better then trying out yachts yourself and testing them live! Make appointments with shipyards, contact an experienced broker , or book a similar yacht for charter . Ideally you want to get some practical experience with yachts of your brand of choice, before you buy one.

More Articles

Where to Buy a Yacht

Step by Step Guide to Yacht Charter

Superyacht Tenders and Toys in 2023

How to Buy a Yacht

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

The best luxury yachts

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 – arcona 50.

When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.

The on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance – particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.

While I doubt it’ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.

As chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: “The boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below – there simply isn’t anything to fault.”

Contest 50CS

The Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner’s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS . We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.

As the 50CS proved, this Judel/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.

And the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.

Both Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt’s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.

The XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.

That may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.

It’s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20° each way.

If the deck saloon style looks didn’t sell this model to all – this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X – the jury were converted once they’d taken the helm. ‘Quirky’ became ‘muscular and bold’. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.

While I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Meanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.

What helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner’s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.

It certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.

I used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there’s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table – plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.

The penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it’s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.

Best luxury yacht 2023

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

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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.

Sabre Yachts

Marquis 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

Bavaria Yachtbau

HanseYachts

Baltic Shipyard

Cabo Yachts

Catalina Yachts

Element Yachts

S&S Swan Association

Axis Group Yacht Design

List of 50 Popular Sailboat Brands (With Examples)

Every industry has its allstars - showbusiness, sports, cars, clothing brands… This article talks about 50 of the most popular sailboat brands. Feast your eyes!

So what are the most popular sailboat brands?

Nautor's swan, baltic yachts, hallberg-rassy, sparkman & stephens, island packet yachts, c&c yachts, pacific seacraft, tartan yachts, hans christian yachts, amel yachts, marlow-hunter, alloy yachts, bowman yachts, ericson yachts, melges performance, oyster yachts, mirage yachts, aloha yachts, dragonfly trimarans, aegean yachts, alsberg brothers, bristol yachts, cavalier yachts, jensen marine, grampian marine, pearson yachts, tanzer industries, jeremy rogers, holland jachtbouw, seacamper / if, have a look at what we've got for you.

Already I hear the screams of those whose favorite brand I have not listed. I plead for mercy - if I made such a list of cars, it would be the same. Boat preferences are such a personal matter that although I think this list is a crowd-pleaser, I still expect a few stones being thrown my way.

This list goes in no particular order - although I have reserved the first ten places to the most popular brands around. That being said, keep in mind I sail mostly in Europe. Thus a certain bias is to be expected. For instance, in the Adriatic sea, the most popular brand is Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau and such, whereas I haven't seen a single Catalina so far.

Anyway, let's get into it.

Oh Wally. Subjectively the most beautiful sailboat designs out there. Each custom made, each a unique, gorgeous concept. Their sailboat Angel's Share, built in 2009 will take your breath away with the deck couch design alone. The rest is just as good.

Sailing made the Finnish way. The idea here is to offer both luxury and performance. They've been successful at that so far, if you ask me. If you spot one, count yourself lucky. Since 1966 only 2000 have been made.

Finns again. Similar idea to Nautor's Swan, though they do specialize in bigger sizes, starting at 50ft, all the way up to almost 200. And when it comes to the luxury to performance ratio, Baltic yachts kind of lean towards speed.

The Bavaria is the mainstream king. They are good at making affordable midsize cruisers of reasonable quality. Though a dedicated sailor would find plenty to criticize, as moderately priced holiday cruisers they do a fantastic job. Their Bavaria 46 is among the most sought after models.

Great quality mainstream - a step up from Bavaria. Though both of these brands are oftentimes considered by soon-to-be sailboat owners, since they are somewhat in the same area, Hanse offers more in terms of build quality and performance.

Beneteau sits at the same table as Bavaria, Hanse and the no.7 - Jeanneau. Beneteau has a few lines, the First focusing on racing, Sense being semi-luxury cruisers and Oceanis, the everyday cruiser. They are among the oldest brands, being established in the 1800s.

Feel free to mistake Beneteau for Jeanneau, as many do - they are essentially the same thing, as they are manufactured by the same company. They differ in their design team, that's about it. But it could be argued that Jeanneau is a bit more sporty.

Dufour is a French brand that has a better reputation than Beneteau and Jeanneau (both French too), but if one looks under the skirt of these, one finds that they are all owned by the same company. Dufour is a bit more expensive but not significantly better or worse.

Let's get back to the Baltic region with the Danish X-Yachts . They produce three lines of sailboats, cruisers, racers and performance cruisers. They were nominated for the European yacht of the year award, so if you decide to buy or charter one of those, you will be in good hands.

Considering that Slovenians have only 29 miles of coastline, their sailboat producer Elan has a respectable place in the sailing world. You will spot this brand in many European marinas as it offers good quality considering its relatively low price.

Back to Europe. Scandinavians know how to make good quality bluewater boats, given their geographical position they kind of have to. Owned by the Rassy family, Hallberg-Rassy does exactly that.

If it is true that people with large boats compensate for something, then the Perini Navi builders … well, let's just say they seem to have a penchant for enormous boats. Their most famous one is none other than one of the world's most recognized sailboats, the Maltese Falcon.

Simple, affordable, good. Catalina is a U.S. based behemoth that has produced tens of thousands of boats. It is similar to Bavaria, sometimes dubbed its overseas counterpart. Though they aren't the prettiest, they do the job.

Hinckley produces beautiful, stylish sloops. Not one is like the other since both the interior and exterior is built in a way so that it is customizable by the owner. They resemble classical designs and are for the true connoisseurs of elegance.

Sparkman & Stephens is a naval architecture firm that has its fingers in many famous designs. These designs have brought them quite a few victories in sailing cups. By the way, they were involved in military activities, designing amphibious jeeps, for instance.

Hylas yachts are set on their center cockpit designs with wooden lining and huge space in the aft. Oddly enough, they claim their boats are, thanks to the use of a special kind of fiber material, bulletproof. Make of it what you will.

The Floridians are extra in every way, including their own Island Packet Yachts . Easily recognizable by their signature Full Foil Keel, a modern take on traditional designs, which provides enormously spacious accommodation units.

When an ambitious project designing a fighter jet failed, two Canadians named George became unemployed. So they formed C & C Yachts and soon gained a reputation thanks to their success in racing. No wonder plenty of C&C's sail the oceans of the world.

Though famous for luxurious motor yachts, Sabre , an American company, made its name building recreational sailboats. Taking their motor yachts know-how to sailing, I gotta admit they know a thing or two about comfort.

The beautifully named Pacific Seacraft make seaworthy cruisers that are a bit … overbuilt. Their noticeable overhanging stern makes it obvious that relaxation and pleasure is the name of the game for them.

Tartan Yachts make classically looking fiberglass monohulls. If you feel like getting transported a few decades back in style when sailing, this brand is for you.

Heavy, slow, comfortable, solid. Hans Christian Yachts . If you are looking for a boat to live on, this would be easily made into a home. Their goal is to make 'ultimate cruising sailboats,' and if they aren't already there, they are on a good path.

Najad specializes in boats that can go anywhere and are operational with a two-person crew. Calling their boats 'mini superyachts' they want to put the name bluewater, or seaworthy, to the test.

Let's stay in Europe for a while and look at the French Amel Yachts , who make bluewater fiberglass ketches. Modern looking, notable for their raised bridge, they focus on bigger size boats around 50 feet.

Marlow-Hunter sailboats have a minimalist, distinct design. They make sailboats in the 30-foot range. You will recognize them by their signature steel cockpit arch. This one is definitely a looker.

Alloy Yachts are a famous manufacturer of superyachts. As long as 67 meters, their products catch your eye no matter if you want it or not. And yes, they are made of aluminum.

This is an interesting one. Cal Yachts specialized in fiberglass monohulls aimed at performance, and although they are out of business since 1989, their boats are still racing to this day. Way to keep the name alive.

The first Brits on the list! Bowman Yachts produces high-end sailboats. Nothing unusual so far - but they do it by hand. Handcrafted, old school looking, fully customizable by the owner who determines the layout.

Columbia sailboats are produced in sunny California. This company was once the largest fiberglass sailboat producer in the world. One of its leaders then left to form the aforementioned Catalina shipyard.

Remember Hanse? No. 29., Dehler , is owned by them. Germans make great cars and good boats, Dehler is no exception. Dehler focuses on performance cruisers, and although these words are oftentimes just a phrase, in case of Dehler it actually makes sense.

So you know how I mentioned fiberglass boats a couple of times? Ericson Yachts was among the first to use this technology and helped to pave the way for the rest of the world. They are no longer in business, but their designs are still the foundation of boats of other shipyards.

Well, you probably won't sleep on any boat made by Melges Performance since they are made purely for racing. They were founded by the father of the former Olympic sailor Buddy Melges and the racing genes clearly show in the company.

Vanguard sailboats are mostly known for their small (around 20 ft) performance dinghies. The Vanguard 15 is their iconic model oftentimes used in sailing schools or as a leisure sailboat great to learn on.

This is a big one. Oyster Yachts are luxury superyachts. This British icon is a name recognized anywhere in the sailing world in the big boys league. And by the way - deck saloon is their invention. Without Oyster, today's sailboats would likely look quite different.

Mirage Yachts was founded by a salesman of the aforementioned C & C Yachts. He didn't like that C & C doesn't offer anything below 27 feet so he created his own company that filled that gap. Though they were doing great in sales, it was a company based on business, not a passion for boats, and so as soon as the owner sold the firm, they went out of business within a year.

Aloha Yachts is one of many sailboat companies that didn't survive the 1980s crisis and went out of business. But before it did, it became a love brand for its owners and is a sought after brand for prospective buyers up to this very day.

At least one spot should be dedicated to a trimaran builder. Dragonfly Trimarans make boats that can operate as a triple hull sailboat and thanks to their patented SwingWing, they can shrink to a monohull so that it is marina friendly. Talk about the best of both worlds.

Huge, double or triple mast behemoths the biggest of which is over 160 ft long. That's Aegean yachts. This Turkish boat manufacturer prides itself in custom designs so whatever the buyer dreams of is possible.

The Alsberg Brothers were in it for the speed from the very beginning. They founded their company just to make one racer with their revolutionary vacuum bagging building process. People liked what they saw, and so a shipyard was born.

The fact that Bristol Yachts was one of the first companies to produce fiberglass sailboats with commercial success and still went out of business eventually just goes to show how tricky these ventures are. They had a great thirty-year run though, producing cutaway full keel and keel centerboard boats for the mass market.

Cavalier Yachts, a New Zealand born company, was once the largest production boat builder in the southern hemisphere. Their Conquero won the 200 miles half-ton South Pacific Trophy ocean race. It's a pity a new tax surcharge policy of New Zealand rendered the company bankrupt eventually.

Although Jensen Marine sailboats are out there, enjoyed by many seaworthy humans, make no mistake, it is actually the same company as Cal Yachts, or rather it's the original name it got after it's founder Jack Jensen.

Grampian Marine was a successful fiberglass monohull producer with boats ranging from dinghy sized to 30 feet. It refused many offers for mergers and acquisitions but eventually went out of business due to competitive pressures.

Nauticat , born in Finland, produces traditional designs built in a way so that they can withstand a trip to any destination. Though they were famed for their great quality builds, they went out of business in 2018.

Starting as a garage company making dinghies in the founder's backyard, Pearson Yachts made a 28-foot long boat literally in their garage, borrowed money to transport it to the New York Boat Show and returned home with seventeen orders. Talk about a rocket start.

Tanzer Industries was a Canadian manufacturer, building 8000 boats over its lifespan. Ranging from 16 to 31 feet, their fleet was quite impressive. The model Tanzer 22 was the most popular one and many of them still sail to this day.

Another Dutch star here - with boats in sizes from 66 to 160 feet, Jongert makes luxurious, custom sailboats. You won't find fiberglass here. These beasts are mostly made of aluminum or steel. Though they have been through some financial issues for many years, to this day they are still operational.

Jeremy Rogers is a boat manufacturer from Britain, making handmade, seaworthy designs. Their most famous creation is the Contessa 32, the most successful one-design cruiser and racer ever, which is known for its ability to withstand cruel weather.

Holland Jachtbouw go big and beautiful. Though this Dutch producer dipped their toes in a smaller 46 ft model, they usually stay within the 100 ft range and make modern, great looking designs. This one is a true eye-candy.

Let's close this list with custom boats. There are many sailboat designers who operate without a shipyard behind them and this flexibility gives birth to fantastic designs oftentimes. Let's list the Young Yacht Design here as an example. Look at those beauties.

Saffier is a Dutch Yacht Builder that designs beautiful classic boats that handle really well.

In Conclusion

Many of the names mentioned here went bankrupt eventually. Selling boats is a tough cookie and it is impressive for a brand to stay alive for more than a couple of decades. Competition is tough, price pressures high, new innovations can render a whole company obsolete within a year. Even the mighty Bavaria came close to demise. Luckily, boats last for a long time. So even if the name is not in the business registry anymore, the offsprings still cruise the seas of the world for many years after.

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10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2022 Edition

Table of Contents

A key advantage of booking through Boatsetter is that you can try before you buy with all kinds of boat sizes, boat styles and boat brands.

At first, though, the sheer quantity of brands may feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to boating and just learning about all the different boat manufacturers. A good place to start is with some of the top-selling, well-established boat brands that have been around for a while, so you can get a feel for the wide variety of boats and models that exist.

Here’s a look at 10 of the best boat brands and manufacturers to get you started ( listed in no particular order, and selected by category ).

Browse All Boat Brands Available for Rent Near You

10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2023 Edition is now available!

1. Beneteau

Category: Best Sailboat Boat Brand

Beneteau is a boat brand that got its start way back in 1884, in France. Today, Beneteau builds powerboats and sailboats alike, with six lines and close to 20 models of sailboats alone. Sailboats that Beneteau calls its heritage models—meaning they are no longer available new—are often available for bookings. Many owners keep their Beneteau sailboats for years or decades, because the boat brand is a proven pedigree that includes smart, comfortable features for sailing.

Explore All Beneteau Boats Available for Rent

2. Nautique Boats

Category: Best Watersports Boat Brand

Nautique , which is well known for building the line of Super Air Nautique models, specializes in boats for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, water skiing and other tow sports. A Super Air Nautique boat, in particular, will have different styling and features than other boats the same size, to create things like better behind-the-boat wakes, and to make sure everybody on board has a good view of the action. The Nautique boat brand is also a leader in electric-boat design , with its new Super Air Nautique GS22E that just hit the market.

You’ll find a few of the Super Air Nautique models listed within our Electric Boats page.

3. Pro-Line Boats

Category: Best Saltwater Fishing Boat Brand

Pro-Line Boats is a North Carolina boat manufacturer that got its start in 1968, building boats for local fishing guides . Today, Boatsetter customers can often find Pro-Line Express and Sport models that owners have decked out for whatever kind of fishing is best in their local waters. Features can include lighted baitwells, insulated fishboxes, out-of-the-way stowage for fishing rods, casting decks and more. Some also have booming sound systems for rock ’n’ rolling your way to and from the fishing grounds.

Explore All Available Saltwater Fishing Boat Rentals

4. Tracker Boats

Category: Best Freshwater Fishing Boat Brand

The manufacturer Tracker Boats is based in Missouri, where it builds numerous types of boats, with a specialty in aluminum fishing boats. Its Bass Tracker is—as you might guess from the name—all about fishing. The Bass Tracker has a trolling motor , which is quieter than a traditional outboard motor, so there’s less chance of scaring away the fish. These motors also tilt, which means the boat can follow fish into the shallower areas , and the motors can help a boat stay put without needing to drop an anchor.

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Category: Best Yacht Brand

Sea Ray is a boat brand that is part of Brunswick Corp., which owns more than a dozen boat manufacturers as well as companies that make boat engines, parts and accessories. The company builds many different boat models, but its Sundancer series is so popular that it dates back more than 40 years. Sea Ray Sundancers come in various sizes, and are outfitted for family fun on the water, with safely enclosed seating up front for the kids and protection from the sun when needed.

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6. Godfrey Pontoon Boats

Category: Best Pontoon Boat Brand

Godfrey Pontoon Boats has been in business for more than 60 years. It builds a half dozen styles of pontoon boats . These boats can be found with quite a few types of layouts, with some better for lounging, others better for onboard dining, and still others better for fishing or entertaining. 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.

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7. Bayliner

Category: Best Day Cruising Boat Brand

Bayliner is another boat brand that is part of Brunswick Corp. Bayliner builds deck boats, center consoles and runabouts—which are different styles of boats that families tend to choose for a day of cruising with a little bit of watersports fun or fishing mixed in. Unlike specialty fishing or wakesports boats, Bayliner boats are more versatile, for people who want to try a bit of everything. These boats can be fully open to the sun or (in the case of center consoles) have hardtops that provide some shade.

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Category: Best Personal Watercraft (PWC) Brand

Sea-Doo was one of the first-ever personal watercraft (PWC) brands to be mass-manufactured, and it is still a leading manufacturer of personal watercraft today. Various versions of Sea-Doos are made for all kinds of fun on the water: basic touring with one or more riders, fishing and even performing stand-up tricks. Sea-Doos can have sound systems on board, as well as space to pack a cooler. Some Sea-Doos are known as “muscle craft” and can achieve speeds of 60 mph.

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9. Duffy Boats

Category: Best Electric Boat Brand

Duffy is a boat manufacturer whose name is synonymous with electric boats. The company has built them since 1970 for people who want to enjoy shorter-distance, slower-speed, near-silent cruising in a relaxed way with friends and family. There are numerous Duffy models—some a little bigger, some a little smaller, and all of them with a canopy or hardtop to provide some shade from the elements. Duffy boats can have regular seating as well as onboard dining, depending on how they are outfitted.

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10. Chaparral

Category: Best Speedboat Brand

Chaparral is a boat manufacturer that has been building family boats since 1965, with a home base in Georgia since 1976. Over the years, numerous boating magazines have reviewed the various models that Chaparral sells, and the reviewers often have made note of the boats’ impressive speed at wide-open throttle (which is when a boat is moving as fast as it can go). Chaparral calls “high-octane pleasure” one of its standard features, with the option for quick acceleration built right into the boat’s design.

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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.

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The top 10 most popular superyacht names

Choosing your superyacht’s name is a great opportunity to express your individuality, but with so many yachts on the water, there's a high chance of doubling (or tripling) up. Using data from our superyacht directory , we’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular yacht names.

Our list starts with Spirit , the name given to the 35 metre catamaran superyacht  (pictured above) as well as four other yachts over 24 metres.

As many as eight yachts have been named Aurora, with a few others sporting a variation of the name. Perhaps inspired by the aurora borealis or northern lights, this moniker was chosen by the owners of both the 74 metre Lürssen and the 49.9 metre from Rossinavi , which were both launched in the same year.

Photo: Tom Van Oossanen

More about this yacht

Another highly popular superyacht name is Escape — a fitting title for the place where many owners go to get away from the stresses of the modern world. At least eight yachts bear this exact name and many more use variations on the theme, such as Sweet Escape and Magnificent Escape .

One of the larger examples is 47.6 metre My Escape , pictured above, which hit the water in 2015 boasting interiors by Cyrille Bieri .

Whether you prefer the Frank Sinatra original or the Sex Pistols cover, there is no denying the cultural impact of this classic tune. There are 10 superyachts named My Way in our directory, including this 29.8 metre Sunseeker that was launched by the British yard in 2010.

Some believe that they were always fated to own a yacht, and that certainly seems to be the case with this 37.3 metre Heesen . Her name, Her Destiny , is a variant of one of the most popular superyacht names, with 10 other yachts in our database going by a similar name.

Currently offered for charter with Burgess, Destiny was launched in 2007 as part of the yard's Heesen 3700 semi-custom series. She accommodate up to 12 guests and is capable of 28 knots flat-out.

Since Italy is one of the biggest yacht building nations on earth, it’s only fitting that our list has an Italian name on it (in case you didn’t know, Andiamo means “let’s go” in Italian).  Our records contain 11 superyachts registered as Andiamo , including this 36 metre Benetti Classic 120 (pictured above) that was launched in 2006 and the more recent 48 metre from Baglietto .

Another Italian moniker, Dolce Vita is a truly fitting name for a yacht, since it is used as a byword for the good life of relaxation, sunshine and luxurious living. The phrase dates back to Federico Fellini's 1960 film and has now spread all around the world to grace the transoms of more than 10 yachts built as far afield as America, the Netherlands and Turkey - as is the case for the Numarine 105HT yacht Dolce Vita (pictured above).

A fitting Latin motto for a decisive owner who always seizes the day, Carpe Diem is one of the most popular superyacht names. There are 10 yachts with this moniker in our database, including this 58.22 metre Trinity yacht Carpe Diem , which was launched in 2011.

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Peace and quiet is a key commodity on board superyachts, and this is reflected by the sheer popularity of the name Serenity. Our database lists 10 superyachts named Serenity, with an additonal nine carrying a similar name.

The 40.53 metre IAG yacht  Serenity is one particularly notable example. Launched in 2016, she features several fixed balconies and a shallow wading pool on the upper deck.

Photo: Thierry Dehove

At the top of our list, and surely a strong contender for the world’s most popular superyacht name, is Freedom . There are 17 entries in the superyacht directory for this name, which is hardly surprising as that is exactly what many owners crave from their yachting experience. The largest superyacht called Freedom is a 70 metre built by Italian yard Benetti , pictured above.

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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.

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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.

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10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 20, 2023

‍ There's no denying that sailors are certainly a passionate bunch. We’re so passionate about our boats that we always try going for the best sailboats. To make it a lot easier for you, here are the best sailboat brands.

Owning a sailboat is an indulgence that many of us only dream about but very few ever have the privilege of sailing the seas in what they can actually call their own.

While there's nothing wrong with renting a sailboat, the honor of owning one is certain what many sailors dream of.

With a perfectly crafted sailboat as company, gliding through the water, waves, and wind brings some sort of unmatched comfort and peace.

Add this to the fact that sailing takes you far away from the daily hustles and bustles that we've become accustomed to in our daily lives and you'll see why the life of sailing is very appealing to the masses.

But without a proper sailboat, all this fun and the good life of sailing are thrown out of the window.

Contrary to the widespread opinion, owning a sailboat isn't beyond anyone's reach. It's something that we can all achieve. But before getting into that, it's important to know some of the best sailboat brands.

The best sailboat brands will make your life as a sailor a lot easier and more fun. The best sailboat brands have, for decades if not centuries, mastered the art of woodworking. They've dedicated their skills and immense amount of their time to designing and manufacturing nothing but the best quality of sailboats in the industry.

So if you've been looking for the best sailboat brands from all over the world, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss the best of the best, something that will give you a perfect getaway from your normal life.

Table of contents

‍ Must-Have Features for Your Sailboat

Before highlighting the best sailboat brands, it would be appropriate to jog your mind a little with some of the features that must be available in your sailboat.

Choosing a sailboat can sometimes be a matter of compromises. In other words, it's sometimes sensible to accept that a sailboat cannot have all the features that you desire.

As such, it's all about going with a sailboat that has the features that matter to you most.

For this reason, let's look at the most basic features that can make the difference in both safety and comfort while improving your sailing experience.

A Safe and Comfortable Sailing Cockpit

You'll most definitely be spending a huge amount of time in the cockpit. Whether you're keeping watch, trimming sails , helming, or just enjoying the scenery, there's no better place to do all these than from the cockpit. That being said, a good cockpit should have the following.

• Have a good depth for safety reasons and adequate drainage
• Should give you a quick and easy access to jammers, cleats, and other important parts of the winch system
• Should have a seat or seats that are about 35 cm high, 50 to 55 cm wide to provide ideal support
• The seats should be adjustable to offer maximum comfort and allow you to change your position

GPS Chartplotter

Use a GPS Chartplotter once and your sailing will never be the same without it. It not only allows you to map a course but is also a great way of ensuring that your sailboat exactly follows that course. It also gives you constant updates on ocean conditions, weather conditions , and potential hazards such as deadly currents and sandbars.

A GPS Chartplotter is also an important safety device that can help you in some very critical situations while out there on the water.

For instance, it has a man-overboard button that is essentially meant to allow you to receive coordinates of the exact location should someone fall off your boat.

Electric Winch System

This is an amazing addition to any sailboat. It allows you to sheet a jib even in high and strong winds with a simple press of a button. It also gives you the chance of trimming a mainsail easily while still carry out other essential tasks in the sailboat.

An electric winch system can be of great importance, especially if you're short on crew. This is because it can free up some crew members to carry other important tasks. In other words, it can make duties that would otherwise require more crew members a lot easier.

More importantly, an electric winch system can maintain safety even in the roughest of conditions, thereby preventing you and your crew from getting injured. In essence, an electric winch system will make your sailing a lot safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

Reverse Osmosis Watermaker

This is a very valuable accessory, especially if you're going on long sea voyages. You can spend days on end without drinking clean and safe water.

As the name suggests, you can use this accessory to turn seawater into purified drinking water. It uses the reverse osmosis method that's essential not only in removing bacteria and parasites from the water but also in turning the water into purified and safe drinking water.

Even though this device is pricey, it's a great way to mitigate the over-reliance on huge water tanks. All you have to do is to ensure that it's properly maintained and you'll have an endless streak of safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Wide and Clutter-free Deck

While the deck is often an overlooked feature of a sailboat, it can be the difference between a great sailing experience and a stressful one. In essence, the deck of a sailboat should be wide enough and clutter-free.

This is significant as it can enable you to quickly access different parts of your sailboat with hindrance or getting tangled. As you can see, this is particularly important in improving safety and reducing stress.

With that in mind, make sure that the deck is organized in such a way that you can have easy access to sails, masts, and winches.

You should, therefore, avoid sailboats with decks that are designed in such a way that you have to climb on top of the cabin just to access these features. Needless to say, this can be quite unstable and very dangerous especially when conditions are rough.

The Best Sailboat Brands and Why

1. hallberg-rassy.

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish yacht maker that's very well-known in the blue water cruising circles for making some of the highest quality and sturdiest sailboats. For many sailors, this is the number one sailboat brand as it offers absolute comfort, utmost safety, and good and easy handling.

This brand is not only synonymous with sturdy construction but you won't worry getting soaking wet while out there on the water. This is because it has a well-protected deck and cockpit, finished with nice woodwork, and has a powerful engine with a big tankage just to ensure that you can go on long voyages.

When designing its sailboats, this brand has made it a norm to add some features that stand out from the rest. For instance, the bowsprit is an integral feature that makes sailing a Hallberg-Rassy quite easy and much enjoyable. This is because it grants easy access to and from the deck. Its electric anchor winches facilitate smooth maneuvering. Even more, its large steering wheels makes it much easier to control the boat even in the roughest of conditions. In essence, this brand has features that provide good control and an extra sense of safety.

Although this brand has evolved over the years, you'll easily recognize it even from a distance. And why is this? A Hallberg-Rassy never goes out of style. This is a unique sailboat brand that has always stayed true to its principles and concept. No matter which part of the world you go, Hallberg-Rassy will remain the undisputed king of blue water cruising.

2. Nautor's Swan

For over 50 years, Nautor's Swan has endlessly raised the sailing levels by designing and manufacturing new sailboat models that not only push the boundaries but also meet that many requirements and demands of sailors across the world. Thanks to its wide range of seaworthy, timeless, elegant, and highly-performing sailboats, the Nautor's Swan remains one of the best if not the best sailboat makers in the world.

Based in Jakobstad, Finland, this brand has severally set the industry standard with its speedy and sleek models such as the Swan 48, Swan 65, Swan 98, Swan 78, and Swan 120. These models have one thing in common: they never compromise on safety. As a brand that puts safety first, it ensures that its models are made of foam-cored glass fiber and reinforced both with carbon-fiber and epoxy. In essence, Nautor's Swan is widely revered for its unmatched seafaring and safety records.

Additionally, Nautor's Swan models are incredibly responsive. You can easily tell this just by the feel of the wheel. This brand has models that will gracefully slice through the biggest of waves with ease. That's not all; the interior of these models that are very comfortable even when the going gets tough. This is, without a doubt, a brand that strives to create self-contained worlds with each model.

3. Beneteau

This is perhaps the most selling sailboat brand in the world. For over a century now, this brand has based its models in a combination of simplicity and performance. This is a brand that will serve you just right across all latitudes and in all circumstances. Whether you prefer the Oceanis Yacht 62 or the Figaro Beneteau 3, this brand will never let you down on all fronts.

This brand revolves around a simple concept of creating a link around the world. From the deck space to its design and light, this brand does everything possible not just to uniformly transform life at sea but also to open doors to new horizons in a very luxurious yet practical way. Its models are designed with clear deck plans, stable hulls, simplified maneuvering and interior materials and equipment that can be easily personalized.

Whether you're looking for a racing sailboat or something that's designed to explore and enjoy the world in the company of friends and family, Beneteau is a true combination of sensations and simplicity. This is a brand that brings to the seas fun, simplicity, smartness, toughness, safety, intuitiveness, as well as dazzling reinvention.

4. Amel Yachts

Based on the ethos of designing and manufacturing comfortable, robust, and easy-to-handle boats, this French brand has, for over five decades, offered sailors and other sailing enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to explore the seas with the utmost quality, comfort, and more importantly, safety.

Using 100% French know-how, this brand has brought to the sailing world some of the best boats such as the Santorini, the Mango, the Super Maramu, and the Maramu. We would be doing this brand total injustice if we said that they're distinctive. Truth be told, there's nothing comparable to an Amel model. Well Amel was and still is, the ultimate standard by which other sailboat models are measured.

From items such as electric winches and furling, to generators, Watermaker , and washing machine down to the simplest of items such as towels. Spare filters, bathrobes, deck brush, and a boat safe, the Amel is in reality with what the real life of a sailor is and should be.

Although some may say that Amel still has room for improvement in terms of specifications and personalization, it cannot be denied that the Amel is a serious brand that designs and manufactures complete boats. With this brand, you'll be guaranteed of a higher degree of reliability, safety, and an edge of fun while out there on the water.

5. Hinckley Yachts

Based in Maine, United States, Hinckley Yachts is a brand that has been building robust, luxury, and safe sailboats for more than 90 years now. In its sailboat class, you'll find several sailboats that have classic shapes, inner strength, dramatic lines, and features that are absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of the North Atlantic.

This brand has been successful in integrating impeccable craftsmanship with new technologies to ensure that their models always stand out while articulating advanced sailing practices, timeless aesthetic, robust construction, and the utmost safety. Whether you choose the Bermuda 50, the Sou'wester 53 or any model for that matter, you'll never be short of advanced performance based on the best design and technology.

In terms of features, this brand provides sailboat models with modern performance hulls. These hulls are constructed with inner layers of carbon, outer layers of Kevlar, and are aligned with computer-designed load paths. Every feature is designed without compromising comfort.

To this end, this brand offers you a perfect combination of both fun and sail. This brand offers more than just sailing. Instead, it offers a unique sailing experience that's combined with the pure joys of sailing in the blue waters with an ease of ownership and maneuverability.

6. Oyster Yachts

If you've been looking for luxury more than anything else, Oyster Yachts provides you with numerous solutions. This British brand is widely known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury cruising sailing yachts. Its sailboats are among the finest in the world and are immensely capable of taking you to some of the far-flung places in the world without having to worry about high winds and hellish waves.

Whether you choose the iconic Oyster 565 or the immense Oyster 595 you never fall short of experiencing the new world like never before. These are models that will enable you to own your adventure, choose your destination, set your courses, pick your anchorage, and stay safe at all times. If you want to hold the wheel and pull the sail while feeling the tang of salt spray on your face, Oyster Yachts is the way to go.

This is, unquestionably, a brand that's meant for you if you want to explore the seas in comfort, luxury and utmost safety. From craftsmanship, sailboat design, to hull, deck, and keel configurations, everything is designed to allow you to circumnavigate the world in comfort, elegance, and style.

7. Tartan Yachts

Based in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, there's arguably no better to begin your sailing adventures than with a sailboat designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts. With several award-winning designs and construction, this brand is widely known for providing easy handling, great performance, and an ultimately stable platform.

This brand always strives to deliver a unique and the best possible experience to every sailor. As a brand, Tartan fully understands that every sailor has his/her unique sailing needs. As such every component of their models is designed with engineering levels that guarantee optimum performance, excellent on-deck visibility, and luxurious interior.

From the Tartan 5300, the Tartan 4300, the Tartan 345 to the New 365 and the Fantail, this brand makes it a priority to ensure that its models are among the strongest, lightest, and more importantly, the safest in the sailing industry. In essence, this brand can be ideal if you appreciate performance. It has rewarding sailing features both in narrow water lines and wider passages. Add this to its easy handling and you'll have a top-notch performer in virtually every condition.

8. Catalina Yachts

As one of the most popular boat manufacturers in the world, this American brand is widely revered for building the sturdiest boats that can hold up perfectly well in real-world conditions. These are generally family-oriented boats that are intelligently designed to ensure that your entire family can have fun out there on the water.

Some of the models include the cruiser series such as the Catalina 315, the Catalina 385, the Catalina 425 while the sport series include the Catalina 12.5 Expo, the Catalina 16.5, and the Catalina 14.2 Expo. As the current winner of the "Boat of the Year" Cruising World, you'll rarely go wrong with a Catalina model.

It offers a wide range of sailboat sizes that suits your lifestyle. This brand makes it a priority to ensure that all their models are not only safe but offer the best ownership and sailing experience. If anything, this brand is widely known to have one of the most excellent resale values in the sailing industry.

9. Island Packet Yachts

From the IP 525, the IP 439 to the IP 379, the Island Packet Yachts is a brand that encourages its customers not to keep the world waiting. This brand is meant for sailors who want to explore the world in utmost comfort and safety.

The first thing you'll notice in an IP sailboat is its large aft deck. This is not only perfect for sunbathing but can also serve you well if you want an impromptu dinner with friends and family while out there on the water. The living space is also large enough to carry most of your belongings, which is an added advantage especially if you've been planning to spend longer periods in the seas.

With modern evolution and refinement, as well as proven features, this brand is known to offer sailors maximum comfort, luxury, and safety. You'll have better access to the cockpit, have enough space, and are excellently designed to provide superior seafaring and the best features to enable you to spend extended periods when cruising.

10. Sparkman & Stephens

For more than 90 years, Sparkman & Stephens has been at the forefront of the belief that sailboat excellence goes beyond hull lines and deck plans. Instead, this brand believes in excellent naval architecture, innovation, sophistication, and beauty. This is a brand that has laid the foundation of sailboat as a sport not just in America but all over the world.

These models have graced the world for decades and bring immense pleasure to their owners in terms of innovation, performance, and excellence. Though rooted in tradition, the brand has pushed sophistication, technology, and sailing experience to a whole new level. You'll be a proud owner of the Sparkman & Stephens model.

There you have it; these are the best sailboat brands in the world. Although there are several other sailboat brands to choose from, the-above described brands stand shoulder above others in terms of quality, safety, performances and luxury.

Hopefully, you're at a much better place when it comes to choosing a sailboat that suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget .

Happy sailing!

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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300 Cool And Catchy Yacht Brand Name Ideas

May 14, 2022

By Editorial

When deciding on a name for your yacht brand, you will need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each possible option. Length and uniqueness can be two main factors when figuring out a yacht brand name.

For many entrepreneurs, naming a brand is the point at which it becomes real.

Choosing a good brand name is an important part of establishing your company’s identity within the market. You’ll want to consider how easy it will be for people to find your company online, as well as how appealing it sounds to customers. Here I share some great yacht brand name ideas for you to get inspiration from.

Yacht Brand Names

• Natural Sailing
• That Boat’s Expensive
• Dolphin Yacht Charters
• Family and Group
• Luxury Sails
• Serenity Yachts
• Open Water Adventures
• The Ultimate Yacht
• Lone Star Yachts
• Crystal Yachts
• Abracadabra Yachts
• Luxury Offshore boats
• Crusty Crab Cruises
• Yacht Harbour Cruises
• Windy City Yachts
• Sun Catamaran
• Bluewater Cruises
• Scorpio Yacht Brokers

Analyze similar products, services, or marketing material within your industry, and think about what makes other brands memorable. Then, use that same lens to think about what will make your brand unique and stand out from the others.

What are some great yacht brand name ideas?

• Yacht Harbour
• Northern Star Yachts
• Wind in the Sails
• The Blue Lagoon
• Island Yacht Club
• The Cruising Club
• The Coastal Cruise
• Sail Away Adventures
• Adirondack Yacht
• Seaworthy Yachts
• Silver Wave Yachts
• Adonis Yachts
• The Future Sailing
• For Eternity Yachts
• Sea Swag Yachts
• The Blue Canoe
• The Wind Wing
• Bespoke Yachts
• Amundsen Yachts
• Merchant Marine Yachts
• Cygnus Marine
• Aubergine Yachts
• H2O Buoyant Yachts
• Vacation Getaways
• Cresta Waterways

Yacht Brand Names Ideas

• The Sea Tyrant
• Sailing through History
• Able Yachts
• Tropical Breeze Yacht
• Bahama Blue Yacht Tours
• First Class Cruise Lines
• Seaside Limousines
• Artistic Yachting
• Sirocco Fishing Charters
• Sunset Yacht Charters
• Allure Yachts
• Destination Yachts
• Fathom Yachts
• Angel Boat and Tours
• Sea Wolf Yacht Company
• South Seas Yachts
• Ocean Breeze Yacht
• Odyssey Charters
• Blue Waves Sailing
• Sunset Sailing
• Nautilus Yacht Services
• Easy Does It Cruises
• Advantage Yachts
• Ocean Cruiser Group
• Sun, Fun, and Sailing
• Good Times Unlimited
• Figaro Yacht Charters
• Acrobatic Charters
• The Global Yacht Tours
• Adventure Yacht

Related Links:

• Clever and Cool CPR Business Names
• Catchy Staging Business Names Ideas
• Fine Pastry Business Names Ideas

How to Name Your Yacht brand

It’s hard to believe, but naming your brand is probably one of the most important tasks you’ll ever undertake as an entrepreneur. The name of your brand will represent everything that you and your team have worked on for months or years. It will also be the first thing people see when they visit your website and the first words on your company’s letterhead. Here I will give some pointers on how to choose a name for your yacht brand.

1.      Think about what you want the name to convey.

Your branding is a big part of your brand, which is why it makes sense to think about it from the start. What message does the name have to convey about your brand? If you are considering a name that is based on a word that you can’t really be sure what it means you should probably avoid it.

Convey something meaningful and positive related to your brand such as core value of your brand.

• Charter Your Dream Abroad
• The Black Pearl
• CaribbSailing Experience
• Voyage Keepers
• Horizon Cruises
• The Climate Yacht
• The White Party Pontoon
• Seafaring Yachts
• Captain of The Sea Yacht
• Yacht Weekend Getaways
• Blue Waterways
• Southern Cross
• The Crown Yacht
• Droids on Deck
• Coastal Sightseeing Tours
• Atlantic Cruise Lines
• The Big World Yacht
• Sail O’Clock Boating
• Magnum Yachts
• Red Ship Luxury Yachts

2.      Brainstorm some possible yacht brand names.

Don’t just jump straight into a name. You need to have some cool yacht brand name ideas in your pocket before you go any further. If you don’t have any ideas, then you can do a Google search to find some examples that you like. Once you have some initial ideas then you can make notes on them, and you can start coming up with some more ideas.

Here are some best possible yacht brand name ideas:

•  Alcatraz Yachts
• Breakwater Yachts
• Authority Boats
• Touring Yacht Rentals
• The Cruise Fever
• The Sun Boat Company
• Authentic Yachts
• Find your Island
• The Amphibious Yacht
• Paradise Maxi Yacht

3.      Pick a memorable name.

You’ll want to consider how easy it is for people to remember your yacht brand name. Having said that, it is always a good idea to choose a name that is easy to spell and pronounce. If your customers don’t know how to pronounce the name, they will be less likely to remember it. Won’t it be free marketing if your customers easily remember your brand name and can suggest it to their friends and family members?

The companies you admire typically have names that are short, simple, easy to write and easy to remember — Apple, Tesla, Virgin.

• Sea Dream Yachts
• Beach Party Yacht
• High-End Luxury Yachts
• Coastal Sightseeing
• The Blue Journey Yachts
• Music and Tropical Yacht
• Unity Yachts
• Ripples Galore Yachts
• At the Water’s Edge
• Splendid Yacht Tours
• Atlantis Yachting
• Utopia Yachts
• Brand me Nautically
• Sand Dollar Yacht Company
• The Sea Guard
• Sultans of the Sea
• Sailing Dreams
• Thunderbolt Yachts
• Marine Empire
• Sea Fresh Yacht Services

4.      Choose a name that can grow with your brand.

You want to choose a name that won’t be outdated in a few years. It should also be able to grow with your brand. If you know that you will be offering more products and services in the future, your name should be able to expand and contract as your brand does.

Picking too narrow of a name may cause you problems down the road. Imagine if Jeff Bezos had picked the name “OnlineBooks” instead of “Yacht.”

• The Deep-Sea Cruising
• Sea Horse Yachts
• The Ship Shape
• Southern Yachting Company
• Epic Watching Cruises
• Stingray Yachts
• Vespucci Charters
• Oceanic Wave Sailing Crews
• Acrobatic Yacht Charters
• One Way Yachts
• Breeze Boats
• The Starboard Yachts
• The Sea Harvesters
• Family and Group Cruises
• Go Nautical! Yachts
• Luxury Yacht Rentals
• The Sailing Empire
• Boom Family Charters
• Sea Eagle Cruise Lines
• Seas the Day Yachts

5.      Make sure your yacht name does not sound too similar to existing brands.

Your brand name must be unique. If it is too similar to an existing brand name, it could be hard for your customers to differentiate. It might also get you into legal troubles.

•  Blue Marine
• Luxury Yachts
• Land Rover Yachts
• Encore Sailing
• Pacific Yachts
• Pacific Yachting
• Coral Reef Sailing
• The Spartan Yacht
• Seaspray Yachts
• Noah’s Ark Yacht

6.      Avoid using acronyms.

Don’t use acronyms as your company name. This will make it harder for you to put your brand in customers’ minds. So, most of your efforts will be in vain.

•  The Storm Surfers
• The Floating Palace
• Star Sail Yacht
• Aspire Yachts
• Star Wave Yachts
• The Royal Cruise
• Sunrise Yacht Charters
• Bay Breeze Sailing
• Get Ready to Sail
• Balboa Yacht Club

7.      Leave your name out of your brand.

It isn’t practical to use your name as a brand name. Your name is used for your personal identity. Use a different name for your brand.

Your name doesn’t communicate anything about your brand and won’t mean much to potential customers. This may even cause problems if you ever want to sell your brand in future or even if you wish to expand.

• Serenity at Sea Yachts
• Sail Away Charters
• Aquanaut Yachts
• The Nautical Yachts Enterprise
• Ocean Spirit Yachts
• The Wave Rider
• Sun Beach Yachts
• Blue Bay Yacht Company
• Heaven Water Charters
• Boaty McBoatface
• One-of-a-Kind Yachts
• Breeze Boats Company
• Luxury Offshore Charter
• Wind Fish Charters
• Luxury Sailing Yachts
• Private Island Yacht
• Rising of God Yacht
• Exciting Yacht Tours
• Nirvana Yachts
• Silver Fox Cruise Escorts
• The Sea Dog Yacht
• Blue Water Yacht Builders

8.      Be sure your yacht brand name is not too long.

If the name is too long it will be difficult for people to remember. Some people have trouble remembering the names of their friends. So, if it is too long it might not be easy to remember. Think about how your customers will see your yacht name in the marketplace.

• Wind-Maker Sail Cruises
• Reef Yachts and Crew
• Premium Yachts
• Atlantic Group of Yacht
• Ocean’s Newest Yachts
• Argo Catamarans
• Trance Pontoon Boats
• The Dream Yacht Tours
• Dream Cruises
• Evening Dinner Cruises

9.      Your brand name must sound professional and modern.

The name of your brand must be of high quality, but it’s not always simple to find a name that is good enough. This means that you are to work hard in figuring out a yacht brand name that is modern yet professional.

• Fast as a Shark
• Minks of the Sea
• Escape Cruise Lines
• Sun Cruisers
• Mid-Ship Fleet
• Nauti and Fabulous
• Infinite World Yachts
• The Nimble Boating
• Bright Sails Company
• Aquarius Yacht Charter

10. Make sure your brand name is not trademarked or reserved by someone else.

It’s possible that your brand name is already trademarked or reserved by someone else and this is why you’re not allowed to use it. You want to avoid confusion among your customers.

• Sea Breeze Yacht Club
• Fantasy Sailing
• Firefly Yacht Charters
• The Party Boat
• Mermaid Cruises
• Omega Yachts
• Sea Villa Yacht Tours
• The Speedy Yacht Company
• Propellant Ventures
• Bermuda Breeze Yacht Lines
• Seahorse Yacht Charters
• Coral Yacht Charters
• The Grand Yacht
• The Sea Link
• Boats for the Homeless
• Sand Dollar Yacht
• Starfish Boats
• The Yacht Pro Shop
• Anchored Down
• Sand Dancer Yachts

11. Take Your Time

It can take some time to find a name that feels right. And if you find a catchy name, it can be hard to let go of the name. Don’t let this stop you. You should keep looking … It may take you a few tries to find the best one. So, I suggest you take your time and find a fabulous yacht brand name.

• Affliction Cruise Ships
• Rainbow Cruises
• Old Sailing
• Feel the Ocean Breeze
• Brimstone Charters
• Clarion Marine
• Coasting Waves
• Tropical Cruisers
• Bullseye Boating
• Pacific Travel Yachts

Additional Resources

• Unique Sweet Business Names Ideas
• Catchy and Cool Microblading Business Names
• Fine Pastry Business Names Idea

Middle East latest: Israeli military say more than 200 drones and missiles launched by Iran in unprecedented attack

The IDF have said that a girl, 10, was injured during the Iranian attack. Meanwhile, Joe Biden is speaking to Benjamin Netanyahu following the launch of drones and missiles by Iran.

Sunday 14 April 2024 03:54, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Iran launches drones at Israel, says IDF
• Iran says it has also launched missiles as it retaliates for attack on Iranian consulate in Syria
• Sunak condemns Iran's 'reckless attack' in the 'strongest terms'
• Watch : Alistair Bunkall explains what this could mean for Middle East
• Mark Stone analysis : This is unprecedented
• Alex Rossi analysis : An extraordinarily dangerous moment
• Iran seizes Israeli-linked cargo ship with 25 crew on board
• Watch: Revolutionary Guards board vessel by helicopter
• Explained: Why is Iran attacking Israel? 
• Live reporting by Jess Sharp  and Lauren Russell

Following his conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden has said that he condemns the attack on Israel by Iran in the "strongest possible terms".

The Iranian foreign ministry has just released a full statement over the launch of missiles and drones on Israel.

It begins by saying the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces carried out a "series of military strikes on Israeli's military bases".

It said the strike was "in response to, and in exercise of its inherent right of self-defence" after the attack on the consulate in Damascus, Syria on 1 April - which it blamed on Israel. 

The statement continued to say that the country's actions demonstrate its "responsible approach toward regional and international peace and security" at the same time Israel is conducting a "relentless genocidal campaign against Palestinian people" and "repeated military aggressions against neighbouring states".

The foreign ministry ends by saying Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary action to protect its interest against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force. 

In addition to Britain and the US, other international leaders have condemned Iran's attack on Israel: 

The French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne said in a statement last night that in "taking such an unprecedented action, Iran has crossed a new threshold with regard to its destabilising activities and is risking a potential military escalation".

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the attack was "unjustifiable and highly irresponsible".

He said Germany stands by Israel and will discuss the situation with allies. 

Justin Trudeau, Canadian prime minister, said his nation "unequivocally condemns Iran's airborne attacks against Israel". 

He said the country supports Israel's right to defend itself and its people.

Following the attack on Israel, Argentinian President Javier Milei said he would cancel a trip to Denmark and return to Buenos Aires.

A statement from spokesperson Manuel Adorni said Mr Milei was flying home to form a "crisis committee in light of the latest events in Israel, to take charge of the situation and coordinate actions with the presidents of the Western world".

 President Joe Biden is now speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It comes after Mr Netanyahu convened his war cabinet earlier today and the US president cut a weekend trip short to return to Washington for a meeting with national security advisers. 

Israeli media shared a photo of Mr Netanyahu during the conversation with Mr Biden.

Israel's defence secretary Yoav Gallant also posted on X saying he has spoken with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin.

He said they discussed Israel's defensive operations in the face of Iran's attack, and went on to thank Mr Austin for "standing boldly with Israel". 

Shortly after Iran confirmed that it had launched missiles and drones on Israel, numerous countries - including Israel - closed their airspace. 

Jordan and Iraq also temporarily stopped all air traffic while the attack was ongoing. 

Real-time aircraft flight tracking information from Flightradar around the time of the attack shows planes avoiding countries surrounding Israel. 

The Israeli military has said a "small number" of targets were hit in the Iranian attack, including an IDF base in southern Israel.

It said the base suffered minor damage to its infrastructure. 

The IDF said the majority of missiles were intercepted outside Israel's borders and were defended by the IDF aerial defence array before they crossed into Israeli territory.

Israel has requested that the United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting to condemn Iran's attack.

Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, wrote on X that the drone and missile launch was a "serious threat to global peace and security".

He urged the security council to "use every means to take concrete action against Iran" and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a "terror organisation". 

According to a UN diplomat, the council is aiming to hold a meeting later today. 

Earlier, United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres, called for an immediate cessation of the hostilities. 

He said he strongly condemns the attack by Iran on Israel.

The Israeli government has released footage of what it says are defence systems shooting down Iranian missiles over Jerusalem.

Earlier, the Israeli military said that more than 200 drones and missiles have been launched by Iran since last night.

A senior Israeli military official was quoted by Israeli state media that there would be a "significant response" to the Iranian attack - despite calls from the United Nations and Egypt to restrain from retaliation. 

So how possible is an Israeli attack on Iran?

Harley Lippman, from the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, told Sky News earlier that a "red line" between the two countries has now gone, paving the way for an Israeli attack on Iran.

"Since Israel was attacked and since there are no more red lines, Israel can attack Iran," he said.

"They may be surprised by the Iranian attack and they might not launch a major attack, but Israel has a lot of options.

"One is to do something immediately to show deterrence, some predict they will hit back ten times as hard or the window of opportunity to attack Iran's nuclear facilities is now open.

"I suspect that this is something that will be discussed in Israel. If I was living in an Iranian nuclear facility, I would be wearing a hard hat right now.

"I think Israel has to respond in a strong manner and they will."

There has been no official statement from the Israeli military regarding a response.

Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden are expected to speak shortly, according to Israeli media. 

It comes after Israel's prime minister convened his war cabinet earlier today and the US president cut a weekend trip short to return to Washington for a meeting with national security advisers. 

We'll bring you more on this as soon as we get it... 

The United Nations secretary general has said he "strongly condemns" the "serious escalation" represented by the attack launched in Israel by Iran. 

Posting a statement on X, Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cessation of the hostilities. 

He also urged "maximum restraint" from all parties after the attack, which the Israeli military said involved more than 200 drones and missiles. 

"I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war," Mr Guterres said.

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