Yachting guide: buying a motor yacht
There is a popular saying that in a yachtsman’s life, there are two happiest days: the day they buy a yacht and the day they sell it. Everyone decides for themselves how true that is. Buying a yacht is a step toward adventure. Whether it’s a good or not-so-good adventure depends on how you approach the process. Buying a yacht is not the same as buying a car or a house, even though a yacht combines the characteristics of both. Many people think yachts are only for those with large or very large budgets. However, this isn’t always the case — a quality vessel can be purchased at a reasonable price if you approach it wisely.
What questions should you answer before buying a yacht?
- How will the yacht be used — for long cruises or short trips, for leisurely sailing or high-speed adventures, for personal use or for charter? This will determine the type of yacht that suits you.
- How many people will be on board? The number of cabins you need affects the yacht’s size, and the yacht’s size determines whether you’ll need a captain and crew.
- Where will the yacht be used? Conditions for leisure on the Mediterranean differ greatly from cruising along the Norwegian fjords or exploring coastal waterways. Different yachts are suited to different regions.
- What is the sailing area? Yachts and small vessels are categorized by their seaworthiness. Depending on their design and performance, yachts are classified to indicate the types of waters, wave heights, and distances from shore they can handle.
According to CE standards, motor yachts are divided into four categories:
- Category A: Ocean-class yachts. These can handle wind gusts over Force 8 on the Beaufort scale and waves up to 4 meters high.
- Category B: Offshore yachts. These are designed for sea cruises, moderate storms, and multi-day trips in open water.
- Category C: Coastal yachts. These are suitable for cruising in coastal areas, rivers, and canals, with waves up to 2 meters and winds up to Force 6.
- Category D: Inland water yachts. These lightweight vessels are designed for calm lakes, rivers, and other enclosed waters. Some models can handle short trips near the coast in good weather with waves no higher than 0.5 meters.
The buyer’s status also matters: Are you purchasing the yacht as an individual or a company? For larger yachts registered under a company, the flag under which the yacht will sail is important. Certain countries’ flags offer significant tax advantages.
Types of yachts
Yachts and superyachts
In terms of size, yachts can be classified as yachts, superyachts, and megayachts. This classification is informal and somewhat arbitrary, but traditionally, superyachts are vessels over 24 meters in length, while megayachts start at 60–70 meters and go up to infinity. With more yachts exceeding 100 meters in length and some even surpassing 200 meters, there is talk of introducing the term "gigayacht," though it hasn’t gained widespread use yet.
Yachts can also be divided into production yachts, semi-custom yachts, and custom-designed yachts. Production yachts are not mass-produced like cars but are built based on pre-designed models where buyers can select from a limited set of options. Semi-custom yachts use a pre-designed technical platform (including the hull and main technical systems) but allow for significant customization in layout and interior design. Fully custom yachts are created from scratch, with the design limited only by the client’s budget, classification standards, and the shipyard’s capabilities.
Some of the most well-known production yacht brands include:
- AB Yachts
- Absolute
- Ferretti Yachts
- Apreamare
- Pershing
- Custom Line
- Mangusta
- Riva
- Arcadia
- Azimut
- Mulder
- Linssen
- Bavaria
- Beneteau
- Princess
- Sunseeker
- Sanlorenzo
- Fairline
- Windy
- Prestige
Sailing and motor yachts
Functionally, yachts are divided into two main types: motor yachts and sailing yachts. Both types can be single-hulled or multi-hulled, such as catamarans or, less commonly, trimarans. Multihull yachts offer better stability and more spacious interiors, but they can be more expensive to dock due to their size.
Sailing yachts are further categorized by their rigging, with the most common types being sloops, ketches, and schooners.
Types of motor yachts
Motor yachts come in a variety of types, including:
- Open yachts
- Hardtop yachts
- Flybridge yachts
- Displacement yachts
- Planing yachts
- Semi-displacement yachts
- Expedition yachts (explorers)
- Sportfishers (for deep-sea fishing)
- River cruisers
- Lobster boats
- Gozzo boats
- Houseboats
Open yachts
Open motor yachts are designed for speed and sunbathing. With powerful engines and planing hulls, you can visit multiple scenic harbors in a single day. However, these yachts are not ideal for bad weather and lack privacy.
Notable examples: Riva Dolceriva, Itama, Fiart Mare Genius 42.
Hardtop yachts
Hardtop yachts are among the most popular types. Their enclosed cabins offer protection from weather and privacy while providing space for navigation equipment.
Notable examples: Pershing 8X, Zeelander 8.
Flybridge yachts
Flybridge yachts feature an additional open deck with a helm station, often equipped with lounging areas and bars. The elevated helm provides excellent visibility, especially during docking.
Notable examples: Ferretti 720, Sunseeker Manhattan 73.
Displacement yachts
These yachts move at slower speeds and are designed for long-distance cruising with lower fuel consumption. They are stable, spacious, and ideal for extended journeys.
Planing yachts
Planing yachts glide across the water at high speeds, making them perfect for quick trips. However, they consume more fuel and are less stable in rough seas.
Notable examples: Ferretti 580, Custom Line 106.
Semi-displacement yachts
Combining the features of displacement and planing yachts, semi-displacement yachts offer speed, comfort, and versatility.
Notable examples: Custom Line Navetta 33.
Expedition yachts (Explorers)
Built for long-distance exploration, these yachts feature robust steel hulls and are designed for extreme conditions, including polar regions.
Notable examples: Legend, La Datcha.
Sportfishers
Designed for deep-sea fishing, sportfishers come equipped with powerful engines, fishing gear storage, and live wells.
Notable examples: Boston Whaler.
River cruisers
River cruisers are ideal for inland waterways, featuring low profiles for passing under bridges and navigating narrow canals.
Notable examples: Linssen.
Lobster boats
Originating as fishing vessels, lobster boats combine retro design with seaworthy performance and luxurious interiors.
Notable examples: Austin Parker 52 Ibiza.
Gozzo boats
Traditional Mediterranean boats, Gozzo vessels are known for their distinctive design and functionality.
Notable examples: Apreamare 11.
Houseboats
Houseboats are designed for living on the water, offering spacious interiors and home-like comfort. However, they are less suitable for rough seas.
New or used?
Buying a new yacht comes with clear advantages:
- No concerns about previous use or hidden damage, as you’ll be the first owner.
- You are free to customize the yacht to your exact preferences.
- Benefit from the latest technology and design trends.
- Manufacturer or dealer warranties provide peace of mind.
However, there are compelling reasons to consider a used yacht:
- Significant cost savings compared to new yachts.
- Avoid the steep depreciation that occurs in the first few years of ownership.
- Lower insurance premiums.
- A broader selection of models and styles.
- Immediate availability — no waiting for production or delivery.
Age matters
The age of a boat is a critical factor when deciding whether to purchase. It affects the vessel’s condition, maintenance history, and potential lifespan.- 3–5 years: Boats in this age range have already undergone initial depreciation and remain in excellent condition. They often look almost new but are significantly cheaper than brand-new models.
- 10 years: These boats offer even greater savings while retaining modern designs. However, they require more meticulous care and maintenance.
- 20 years: At this age, balancing the price and maintenance costs becomes particularly important. If the vessel has been regularly serviced, it can still be an excellent choice.
- 30 years or older: Boats of this age can often be a great bargain, especially if they were built by reputable shipyards and have been well-maintained. However, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect the engine and review the maintenance history.
Where to buy a yacht
In 2025, the logical starting point for searching for a boat or yacht is the internet. Numerous websites of yacht companies, dealers, brokers, and classifieds aggregate listings for new and used boats and yachts. Some of the most popular platforms include:yachtworld.com, yachtbuyer.com, boat24.com, yatco.com, boats.com, and many others.
A great way to explore the market is by attending boat shows and yacht exhibitions. Dozens of boat shows are held worldwide each year, with some of the largest being Boot Düsseldorf, Cannes Yachting Festival, Genoa International Boat Show, and others. At these exhibitions, you can see and thoroughly inspect the latest global premieres as well as best-selling models, compare offerings from competing brands, get detailed information from manufacturers, and configure your dream boat. Test drives are often available as well.
Some shipyards organize private client days—exclusive showcases of their model ranges in a relaxed and intimate setting. For example, the Ferretti Group hosts its annual Private Preview for clients just before the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Why it’s better to call instead of browsing websites
The simplest, most reliable, and most practical way to buy a yacht in 2025 is to contact a dealer or yacht broker. All you need to do is submit a purchase request and wait for a call. Whether you’re looking for a new or used yacht, it’s best to trust a specialist.Why avoid browsing websites?
- Publicly available information on websites may differ from reality—for instance, the yacht you selected may no longer be available.
- Search results online are increasingly cluttered by artificial intelligence, which may compile characteristics from three or four entirely different yachts or provide outdated information.
- The deeper you dive into your search, the more confusing and contradictory your criteria may become. You might even decide to postpone your purchase, and by the time you revisit the idea, prices may have risen.
- If you’re torn between several similar models, an experienced manager can guide you, helping distinguish truly important features from marketing gimmicks that don’t impact performance.
- In some cases, you may be offered an unexpected option you hadn’t considered, but one that perfectly meets your requirements.
Dealers and brokers typically provide comprehensive services, including not only yacht selection based on your needs but also transaction processing, lease options, vessel registration, insurance, installation of additional equipment, delivery to your location, and more. As a bonus, they may offer favorable terms for docking and maintenance. You can also negotiate trade-in options for your old boat or yacht.
Of course, buying a yacht without professional assistance is possible. However, this approach requires you to independently research the market, visit marinas, and analyze the pros and cons of various options. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and exhausting, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be completely satisfied with your purchase in the end.
Whether new or used, a careful and informed approach will ensure your yacht becomes a source of joy for years to come.
