motor yacht around the world

Subscribe Now
Digital Editions

Around the world in a 24m boat: Part one – How Iain Macneil found MV Astra

Top stories

In the first of a new six-part series, MBY reader Iain Macneil explains what drove him to plan a circumnavigation via five southern Capes in a sub-24m motoryacht…

Growing up on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, there are only two solid career options – sheep or ships!

With my father, grandfather and uncles having all gone to sea, it was fairly easy to see the direction I would head, even though we lived on a croft with about 200 sheep!

I was what might be described as a challenging school pupil, investing more time in my lucrative lobster fishing business and tending the family’s sheep than on my studies.

Article continues below…

delta-marine-38m-superyacht-tour-aquaholic-video

Delta Marine 38M superyacht tour: Inside a round-the-world adventure ship

converted-lifeboat-cruising-norway-video

Stødig: The converted lifeboat that’s cruising the West Coast of Norway

Chance discovery

With that in mind, when the September 2017 issue of MBY magazine dropped on my desk featuring an article about an owner who had just completed a refit of a 16m motor yacht called Silver Dee , I was more than a little interested, particularly when he mentioned that the vessel was now for sale in Antibes.

We flew out to see her in late August 2017, made an offer and completed the purchase in October. Although Silver Dee was of GRP construction, she had an RNLI Arun 16 hull (but had never served as a lifeboat).

Constructed in 1974-76 and based on a GL Watson design, the hull moulding was 1/2in thick and showed no signs of osmosis after 40 years.

She had recently had £350k spent on her, with two new John Deere engines, Sleipner stabilisers , thrusters and a new generator giving her an estimated range of 850nm at 9 knots.

As part of the purchase survey the John Deere representative created performance curves for the engines and I assessed the accuracy of that data on a 500nm shakedown voyage from Antibes to Barcelona via Corsica.

I found that at an economical speed of 6.3 knots, Silver Dee could increase her range to 2,200nm. I then cruised her from Barcelona to Troon on the west coast of Scotland via the Bay of Biscay in June 2018.

Over the following three years we completed approximately 6,000nm, cruising from the South of France to Scotland and then thoroughly exploring the west coast of Scotland from the Clyde to Cape Wrath and then from Skye to the rugged landscapes of Saint Kilda.

Across this period I spent a further £100k on safety and navigational electronics for Silver Dee and used what I learned to more accurately determine the specification requirements for a 24m steel-built boat that would be capable of long distance ocean passages and perhaps even a full circumnavigation of the globe.

This was when the divergence on that proof of concept idea started to set in. While Kat was looking at the beautiful designs of the Dutch expedition yachts, dreaming of time spent on the coasts of Norway and trips to the Caribbean, I had started to form the basis of my big challenge, circumnavigating the globe via the southern oceans – and a very different type of ship would be required to complete it.

The adventure takes shape

Luckily, with the understanding Kat has achieved during more than 15 years of reading and proofing on both a grammatical and technical level, she quickly came to the conclusion that if I were mad enough to want to take on a challenge of that magnitude in a 24m vessel, it was going to be on a very specific type of boat and one that she was highly unlikely to wish to spend time on. She was proved correct in both assumptions!

My experience of cruising aboard Silver Dee had given me a good idea of what I was looking for, but at the time I only had a vague outline of the route I wanted to take.

The more I looked into it, the more enticing it became because the perceived wisdom seemed to be that it was impossible to achieve in a sub-24m motor boat.

But there are motor boats and there are motor boats, and if I could find the right one anything seemed possible. With this in mind I drew up a list of requirements:

Watertight integrity – Essential for any challenge that takes in the southern oceans. I drew the conclusion that the chosen vessel should be constructed to ship classification requirements or built to EU design category ‘A’ (ie with no restrictions).

The hull should be steel and reasonably new with no repair work. This would need to be verified during the survey.

Shape of the stern and bow – With a route that would involve a substantial period in the southern oceans, I didn’t want a transom stern that following seas would push against, continually nudging the vessel off course while straining the steering gear and the autopilot.

I was looking for a finer wine glass-shape stern or canoe stern to allow the waves to cut through, rather than push against, the stern.

A good flared bow, similar to a fishing boat, would minimise green water on deck.

Length versus breadth – A beamier boat would be required as I anticipated the need to carry additional fuel on deck.

Rudder and steering gear – The largest rudder area was desirable to get as much of the propeller flow as possible for steering.

Rather than a system with visible hydraulic rams, the preference was for a keyed rudder with rotary vane, more commonly found on larger merchant vessels that operate in heavier seas.

Autopilot – I knew that full redundancy of the main equipment was vital for long passage lengths, so a back-up autopilot system would be required, even with a full crew.

Propulsion and engines – The efficiency of a single propeller was desirable, although that creates its own challenges in managing any loss of the main engine.

I also had no appetite to replace the main engine and wanted an economical medium/slow speed engine rather than a high-speed one.

Engine room and related spaces – They could not be cramped and needed to provide plenty of room to work in.

Range/endurance – There should be as much capacity for fuel storage and/or additional fuel storage as possible!

Desirable auxiliary equipment – This would include numerous sources of power generation and UPS/battery back-ups, fresh water maker, air-conditioning, stabilisers, bow thruster (hydraulic rather than electric).

Wheelhouse/bridge – The bridge should not be located too far forward or aft and be as close to the longitudinal centre of the vessel as possible.

This is the tipping point around which a ship will pitch and it reduces watchkeeper fatigue. The bridge also needed to be as large as possible to accommodate all the required equipment and their back-ups.

Aft mast – We would need significant navigation and communication equipment, so a vessel that already had a substantial communication mast was also top of the list.

Beginning the search

Armed with this checklist, we began looking in earnest and a lot of profiling of potential vessels was undertaken. We viewed one possible boat in Maine in late 2019 and then three further vessels just before lockdown in March 2020.

Of these, a boat called MV Astra quickly became our favourite. She is a retired Swedish search and rescue vessel (24m/175 tonnes) and she ticked every box and then some!

After a short negotiation, made more difficult by the strictures of the global pandemic, a price was agreed.

MV Astra in its original role as a Swedish search and rescue vessel. Photo: Ships for sale Sweden

MV Astra is a 24m full displacement steel boat and weighs in at a hefty 175 tonnes. Her maximum speed is determined by her waterline length rather than engine size, which in her case equates to 11.88 knots.

The challenge now was choosing a route that followed the rules of the circumnavigation and fitting out MV Astra so she could carry sufficient fuel, stores and equipment while still leaving enough space for me and the crew to live and work.

Unsurprisingly, at this stage Kat decided to focus on running the business and undertaking the activities of DPA (Designated Person Ashore), while I started researching where and how to get the refit work carried out.

MV Astra as she looked when Iain bought it. Photo:

After careful consideration of a number of shipyards, we moved Astra 650nm from her berth in Gibraltar to Lanzarote and the real work could begin on what was soon to become my home for the next 12 months.

Next month: Refitting MV Astra begins and Iain commences preparations for his global circumnavigation…

You can follow Iain’s live location during his round-the-world adventure at: mv-astra.com

If you enjoyed this…

Be first to all the latest boats, gadgets, cruising ideas, buying advice and readers’ adventures with a subscription to Motor Boat & Yachting . Available in both print and digital formats, our monthly magazine will be sent directly to your home or device at a substantial discount to the usual cover price. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Iain’s wife Kat Heathcote is taking care of onshore operations during the voyage

Astra’s businesslike engineroom, as she now looks ready for circling the globe, iain on the bridge of mv astra shortly before departure, new nordkapp 830 coupé: stylish with deep walk-around decks, new sunseeker ocean 156: impressive interior with luxurious spaces, how to handle a single shaftdrive boat, latest videos, the boat even drug-runners are scared of: marell m17 hybrid yacht tour, sunseeker predator 55 exclusive tour: full tour of this entry-level sportscruiser, watch: makai m37 sea trial – £720k cruising cat like nothing you’ve seen before, pearl 82 tour: must-see £6m ‘mini superyacht’.

Motor Yacht
Motor Yachts

The Best Motor Yachts by Length in 2024

The motor yachts assembled here are ordered by length (LOA) and include a range from super cabin cruisers to superyachts.

This is a guide to the 15 most impressive motor yachts in different sizes and categories.

This review of motor yachts is a celebration of design in both form and function. Brands, model and size of motor yacht. These water vessels give individuals unlimited freedom and access to all the oceans, and lakes of the earth.

Motor yachts today are both rugged and highly sophisticated. They are large watercraft with impressive levels of functionality that provide safety, comfort, and privacy. They are the ideal haven to chill and unwind, especially if you love being on the water like we do.

We’ve been going to boat shows and hitching rides when possible to make this list.

Here are 15 of the best motor yacht brands to make it easy.

They are shown in order of size, increasing to the super yachts that require a large crew to run.

We have removed some models owned by associates of the Russian regime. The Lurssen Nord is just one example.

Top 5 Best Motor Yachts in 2024

All the motor yachts we've tested, tecnomar lamborghini 63 yacht.

Where to buy:

Where to buy tecnomar lamborghini 63 yacht:.

Lamborghini has big plans to commemorate the brand’s 60th anniversary. The iconic Italian automaker started manufacturing in 1963. Building 63 limited edition supercars, dubbed the Siàn, wasn’t enough. The carmaker also has teamed up with Tecnomar, part of the Italian Sea Group shipyards, to build 63 limited-edition yachts.

The result is the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63. It’s 63 feet long and will do 63 knots flat out. That puts it on a short list of the world’s fastest motor yachts. To achieve such a feat, twin V12 MAN diesel engines are paired with a state-of-the-art hull design. The ride is fast but also smooth, comfortable, and sporty. It’s a nautical experience that is becoming of the Lamborghini name.

Length: 63 feet (19.2 meters)
Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters)
Dry displacement: 52,910 pounds (24 tonnes)
Engines: 2x MAN V12-2000 twin-turbo, 24.24 liter, common-rail marine diesels
Total power: 4,000 hp (2,942 kW)
Total torque: 9,388 lb-ft (13,000 Nm)
Max Speed: 63 knots (73 mph, 117 kph)
Cruising Speed: 41 knots (46 mph, 74 kph)
Fuel consumption (max): 212 gph (800 l/h)
Fuel consumption (cruising) : 132 gph (500 l/h)
Fuel tankage: 951 gal (3,600 liters)
Water tankage: 159 gal (600 liters)
CE Category: B-16

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

Jeanneau US

Jeanneau Worldwide

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295

Where to Book:

Where to book jeanneau merry fisher 1295:.

All new for 2023, Jeanneau has introduced the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly, also called the NC Weekender 1295 Fly. At just over 40 feet, this true three-level yacht boasts three staterooms, two heads, tons of comfortable seating and lounge space, and enough storage to bring all your stuff with you.

Beyond helm features for easier docking, this cabin cruiser is designed to carry you and your family comfortably. There’s not really another 40-foot flybridge that offers as much as the 1295 for the same price point.

The spacious salon level features sliding glass doors that open onto the aft cockpit. The aft galley is fully appointed and allows for the perfect flow for socialization during meals and hanging out. The cockpit features a walkthrough boarding door to port and a large fold-down swim terrace to starboard.

Finally, the staterooms and heads are large and comfortable, with plenty of storage and headroom below.

Length: (Overall/Hull) 41 feet, 2 inches/12.56 meters; 39 feet, 1 inch/11.92 meters
Beam: 12 feet, 6 inches/3.80 meters
Draft: 2 feet, 6 inches/0.76 meters
Hull Weight: 18,031 pounds/8,181 kilograms
Bridge Clearance: 16 feet, 5 inches/5.0 meters
Fuel Capacity: 310 gallons/1,174 liters
Engines: 3x 300 horsepower Yamaha outboards
CE Category: B10/C12

Fleming Yachts

Where to buy Fleming 55:

The Fleming 55 motor yacht is stylish and designed for comfortable long range cruising and boasts a huge storage capacity with a total area of over 250 sq ft. The nautical design displacement hull has a range of 2,000 nm with an environmentally friendly low fuel burn of just over 10 gph.

The yacht is fitted with an aquadrive anti-vibration drive system for smooth cruising. The Fleming 55 aft deck is large and spacious and extends into the salon with loads of room for deck chairs and water gear. Interior has beautiful mood lighting.

It consists of 3 good size cabins so can overnight 6 – 8 adults in comfort, and it has 3 separate heads and a beautiful raised pilot house for the skipper or captain. The master cabin is set forward as a queen berth and the bed is remote and can retract. The aft bulkhead can be used as a remote work office. The salon has an L-settee, fitted icemaker, bar, cute coffee table and TV lift area and there is room for added entertainment system components.

Another awesome added feature is the fitted “dumbwaiter” that assists in getting refreshments up from the galley. The galley is fitted with a side-by-side fridge freezer set and an under-mount double stainless steel sink with a waste disposer. This yacht is a classic and is worth viewing.

Length: 55’9"
Dry Weight: 67,801 lbs
Capacity: 6 - 8 people
Motor: 2 x 500HP Cummins QSC Engines

Grand Trawler 62

Where to buy Grand Trawler 62:

The Grand Trawler 62 from Beneteau hits the mark all round and is super comfortable for both live aboard and long-distance cruises. Designed to overnight 6 to 8 adults on board this gorgeous motor yacht showcases one the largest flybridges on the market for its hull length. The crisp clean interior design reflects the superior quality and workmanship that sets Beneteau’s unmistakable brand apart from the rest.

Beneteau has absolutely hit the mark with the design on this motor yacht. It features an open flowing galley, huge lounge salon and raised cockpit. The transom has a unique sea terrace area, and the master cabin layout is private and beautiful and boasts a full size double bed. It provides soft smooth comfort on board if planning long range cruising with a gyro-stabilizer and the auto-glide trim tabs.

Length: 62’
Beam: 17’10"
Dry Weight: 29,500 lbs
Motor: MANi6 730 2 x 730 HPDiesel (2x537kW)

Leopard Catamarans

Leopard 46 Powercat

Where to buy Leopard 46 Powercat:

If you are seeking extra space for entertaining and separate private berths for the crew on long passages, then the Leopard 46 is a great alternative motor yacht option to consider when deciding on a brand. Awesome for cruising, docking and anchoring, the top deck offers a great 360-degree view for sundowners. The advantage of a cat-style motor yacht is the low hull depth it has making it easy to cruise, dock or anchor in low depth ocean waters.

The exterior and interior spaces flow into each other, so the use of space is maximized, giving great volume. There is a spacious 3 or 4 cabin en-suite configuration for this hull length, perfect for guests where privacy matters. Loads of deck space for everyone to spread out and enjoy. It is streamlined and neat in terms of layout, practical use of space, giving you a nice feeling of relaxation and a home away from home feel. Awesome size U-shaped settee caters for 8 guests to dine in comfort, so perfect for entertaining or unforgettable candle-light evenings.

Length: 46’4"
Beam: 24’1"
Dry Weight: 36,945 lbs
Capacity: 8 - 12 people
Motor: 2 x Yanmar 52 HP

Back Cove Yachts

Back Cove 41

Where to buy Back Cove 41:

The Back Cove 41 is designed and constructed in Maine, USA. The 41 is the flagship of the Back Cove motor yacht range. The motor yacht is a perfect combination of traditional and modern in terms of its design. It is a very economical and comfortable classic for long range excursions.

The yacht is fitted with an efficient single diesel engine and straight shaft, thrusters, a generator set, and reverse cycle heat and air conditioning systems for more extreme weather conditions. With no fly bridge it is easy to captain and maneuver singlehanded and it can overnight up to 6 adults.

This elegant yet practical motor boat consists of two state cabins, two heads and a well-thought-out saloon. The interior is balanced and sensible with a dual stainless steel refrigerator & freezer set, a simple ceramic cooktop surface and a fitted convection microwave and a groovy U-shaped settee that converts into a dinette. Comfortable, stately and classic cruising yacht for all purposes.

Length: 46’6”
Capacity: 6 people
Motor: Cummins QSC8.3 marine diesel engine

Nordic Tugs

Nordic Tug 54

Where to buy Nordic Tug 54:

These sturdy ocean vessels are made in the US in the original classic tugboat style, rugged from the outside and the best kept secret is that they are incredibly beautiful and comfortable on the inside. A perfect floating home away from home for a live-aboard adventure and capable of exploring and facing all types of oceans that may have more adverse weather systems.

This tug style motor yacht has both a pilothouse and lower deck, and then an open flow from the salon into the aft deck. The hull is made from solid knitted fiberglass reinforced plastic and fitted with solid stainless steel handrails. The design offers safety and absolute comfort and they are built to last for many years. For long range expeditions, it has 1,300 gallon fuel capacity in a dual set of tanks and 300 gallon water holding capacity and large black water holding tank at 130 gallon capacity.

This cruising motor yacht boasts classic teak interiors, a classic chart drawer and there is every attention to detail on the cabinets and draws throughout. It has 2 comfortable queen size berths below. Day – night shaded solid fitted windows are in the salon. The galley is beautiful and features a functional and spacious U-shaped solid surface countertop. Viewing this motor yacht interior is worth it. Solid lasting stainless steel finishes throughout and a functional extra stainless steel basin fitted in the aft deck. Split air heating and cooling system installed so perfect for all extreme weather conditions.

Length: 56’1"
Beam: 16’1"
Dry Weight: 68,000 lbs
Capacity: 4 - 6 people
Motor: Volvo Penta – D11 – 670 HP Diesel

Bertram Yachts

Bertram 61 Convertible

Where to buy Bertram 61 Convertible:

The Bertrams 61 is a sporty bluewater fishing cruiser and is a perfect man cave that is fit for a king and perfect for a 6 person cruising or fishing adventure. Every attention to solid long lasting detail on layout, fittings and the hull design. The expansive 188 ft cockpit has a barbeque and has huge customized fish boxes.

The classic Amtico teak and maple wood interior is unreal and the saloon has a 360 degree view with large windows. It has 2 cabins, the master has a queen size double bed, and the second has 2 single beds (bunk bed option). The galley doubles up into a bar with shellacked wood stools. Well worth viewing in person, and definitely wet weather gear required with this one!

Length: 61’1"
Beam: 18’3"
Motor: Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesels

Azimut Yachts

Azimut Magellano 66

Where to buy Azimut Magellano 66:

The Azimut Magellano 66 has a striking visual appeal. The innovative dual-mode hull on this motor yacht decreases the use of horsepower making this vessel super fuel efficient for long range distances.

This 66 foot motor yacht has a near 2,000 mile range, so all those secret hideaway coves and overnight destinations will be well within your reach. The progressive interior space allows for 6 – 8 adults to be in total comfort for cruising, docking or adventures on anchor.

Aesthetically balanced, this motor yacht interior is streamlined and contemporary with attention to every detail. The fly bridge is fitted with a barbecue for entertainment, and an outdoor shower for fresh water splashes after an early morning swim. The saloon offers a beautiful indoor entertainment space. The entire motor yacht is fitted with customised innovative cabinets for storage and neatness. Below deck are three spacious private staterooms. Well worth viewing the Azimut 66 in person, this is a very sought after motor yacht design.

Length: 66’1"
Dry Weight: 46,400 lbs
Capacity: 6 - 10 people
Motor: 425-hp Cummins QSB 5.9s

Prestige Yachts

Prestige X70

Where to buy Prestige X70:

Prestige Yachts X70 launches the unique compact motor superyacht that dreams are made of. Captains, owners and skippers are going to love the infinite cockpit area, it is super comfortable and spacious. A new feature is that the upper fly deck layout has a walk area on each side for ease of access. The maritime-angled window gives the classic yacht exterior shape a more çheeky sporty feel.

A refreshing spacious open plan layout that flows right throughout the yacht allows you to add small elements of comfort to match your personal taste. This motor yacht can accommodate 6 – 10 adults in total comfort for cruising, docking or vacations. The engine room workmanship and layout are worth a special mention and the yacht is driven by dual Volvo Penta 900-hp diesel engines.

The main deck is light and has a very open plan feel with comfortable seating couches that keep you close to the water. The galley is open plan and centrally positioned for serving meals and refreshments, and can be closed off for privacy. Below deck it has 3 ensuite cabins, and the master suite boasts a full size bed with en-suite and has it’s own private access portside. The aft swim platform is on the transom and it has a fitted retractable couch so this space can also be enjoyed. Definitely worth viewing this motor yacht in person.

Length: 71’7"
Beam: 17’6"
Dry Weight: 73,634 lbs
Motor: 2 x 1200 or 1350 hp Volvo Penta D13

Viking Yachts

Where to buy Viking 82:

Viking 82 is utter luxury and excellence combined. Modern with clean space and awesome layout. It is also compact, rugged and versatile for fishing or water sport activities. The motor yacht command station has full weather protection and is outfitted with custom designed navigation and entertainment systems.

Below deck are 4 ensuite cabins with walk-in showers and generous windows, the master suite has a king size bed, and enhanced lighting. The open bridge layout is spacious and has a full size dinette and electric grill and the galley has stone counters.

There’s a beautiful sun pad and lounge area and it comes with a wet bar. World class walnut cabinets throughout. The huge transom fish box can double up as stowage to fit extra water gear. This motor yacht offers the owner control and access to absolutely everything the ocean has to offer.

Length: 84’9”
Beam: 20’6"
Dry Weight: 158,850 lbs
Motor: MAN / V12 15500CRM 1550 MHP

Sunreef Yachts Eco

Sunreef 100 Eco

Where to buy Sunreef 100 Eco:

This twin-hull rose-gold superyacht with its beautiful grey metallic hull is a special one to look at. Sunreef yachts’ green-powered catamarans are next generation in ethical and responsible boating.

Green propulsion is the way to go, fitted with wind turbines, eco-aware materials, and solar skin lighting system this vessel is setting stage for the future of motor yacht design. If you are passionate about the environment and conservation then this motor yacht brand is leading the way with enlightened future sustainability.

The 42,65 ft beam gives you incredible space aboard. It can be customised and you can select decor for the vast relaxation areas. It has a full-beam bow terrace with a sunken lounge, huge flybridge, spa pool, gym area and of course a bar. Layout plan includes a huge aft storage locker that fits 2 jet skis and has a fitted hydraulic platform. There is super comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests.

The Sunreef Eco 100 motor yacht gives the discerning and progressive owner exceptional comfort and peace of mind. The perfect blend of luxury and sustainability make this brand stand out. Hybrid green yachts are the progressive next step.

Length: 100’
Beam: 42’65"
Capacity: 10 - 14 people
Motor : 2 x 1300 HP engines [2 x 180kW - 2 x 360kW]

Conrad Shipyard

Conrad C144S

Where to buy Conrad C144S:

The Conrad C144S is just above and beyond. Already took the top place at the 2019 World Superyacht Award ‘Viatoris’. This superyacht is just above and beyond. So far there are only 2 of these babies on the water so far. Whether or not this yacht is within your reach, it is worth taking a sneak preview at this timeless and prestigious straight hull design. Go big or go home.

4 VIP ensuite guest cabins, 4 crew cabins, beach club, 4 lounge zones, 2 beautiful bar areas, 2 dining spaces, full cinema – you can probably modify this space into a gym or remote office, the world is your absolute oyster here. Best you get cracking and sign off on your order today as this timeless superyacht needs at least 24 months pre-production time.

Length: 145’
Beam: 29’2"
Dry Weight: 472 ton
Capacity: 16 + people
Motor: 2 x CAT C18 ACERT

Related Reviews

Read full review

The World of Motor Yachts: Luxury, Performance, and Freedom

Motor yachts offer a unique combination of power, comfort, and freedom on the water. Designed primarily for pleasure cruising or racing, these impressive vessels put the world at your fingertips.

A Spectrum of Sizes: Finding Your Perfect Motor Yacht

Motor yachts come in different sizes, catering to every desire. From compact and maneuverable models around 33 feet (10 meters) to sprawling luxury palaces exceeding 131 feet (40 meters), there’s a perfect fit for every dream.

Pricing Considerations:

Smaller motor yachts (33ft – 50ft) typically range from $500,000 to $3 million.
Mid-size yachts (50ft – 80ft) can fall between $3 million and $15 million.
Superyachts (over 80ft) enter a whole new pricing category, reaching into the hundreds of millions and beyond, depending on size, customization, and features.

Power and Maneuverability: Taking Control on the Water

Motor yachts usually have two or more motors. This has several advantages:

Better Maneuverability: Two engines allow captains to better deal with challenging weather conditions. Thanks to vessel control software systems, it also provides some advantages when docking.
Fuel Efficiency and Range: With dual engines and customized fuel tanks, extended cruises at constant speeds with lower fuel consumption are possible. This is where the explorer yacht, designed to roam, even cross the Atlantic, thrives.
Shallow Water Access: Unlike deep-keel sailboats, motor yachts have a shallower draft, allowing them to explore beautiful coves and hidden bays inaccessible to other vessels.

The Flybridge Advantage: Elevated Yachting Experience

Many motor yachts, particularly larger models, will also have a flybridge. This offers captains better visibility for navigation, docking, and it provides passengers with higher vistas. Flybridge boats, like the smaller Merry Fisher , have that additional social space, featuring seating areas, wet bars, and sundecks.

Beyond Ownership: Exploring the Charter Option

Chartering offers a fantastic alternative for those seeking a taste of the motor yacht lifestyle without the full commitment of ownership. Chartering allows owners to offset some of the cost of their boats.

In 2020, an estimated 15,000 yachts were exceeding 79 feet available for charter worldwide.

Charter yachts often involve annual maintenance costs of around 15% of the yacht’s value. For vessels valued over $3 million, that’s almost a half million a year!

Our boating editors recently checked out the Miami boat show to understand this decadent market. We found many owners who don’t even get to use their yachts as much as they’d like, so the chartering world makes sense for everyone.

Entering the Realm of Superyachts: Luxury Redefined

The “Commercial Yacht Code” categorizes motor yachts exceeding 79 feet (24 meters) as superyachts and those surpassing 131 feet (40 meters) as mega-yachts. These behemoths represent the pinnacle of luxury yachting, with meticulously crafted interiors, advanced technological marvels, and crew quarters to cater to the owner’s every need. Naturally, these vessels come with exceptionally high construction standards and price tags.

Buying a Motor Yacht

Once you have made a decision to purchase a motor yacht, the next step is to determine exactly what make of motor yacht will best fit your requirements. There are so many different motor yachts, give yourself time to find the right one and ask yourself this.

Budget capacity?
New or used?
What type of user experience do you want out of the vessel?
What hull size of motor yacht is best?

Once you have created a shortlist, you can then refine your search. Take time out to go and view in person. Book yourself an experience aboard and head over to your closest marina and speak to owners. Consider these points before purchasing a motor yacht.

Pre-book buyer’s sea trials for your shortlist
Select the perfect motor yacht
Used – get a certified hull survey, safety comes first
Get annual insurance quotes
Calculate dockage – purchase or rent a slip or dock
Calculate monthly upkeep and maintenance
Calculate extra costs like navigational devices & fittings
Draft your own checklist
Draft & sign off sale & purchase contracts
Draft & sign off a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
Ensure satisfied 100%
Execute payment and take transfer of ownership
Register and insure the motor yacht

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Yachts

These 5 questions give you some clarity on what to consider when purchasing a motor yacht.

How many guests and crew (combined) are you comfortable with aboard? Privately registered motor yachts can carry no more than 12 passengers, so often this will define the length of the vessel.
Then consider functionality and lifestyle. Decide upfront what you want out of the motor yacht, are you planning to use it for charter, private cruising, sport, remote office, family vacations or entertainment or all of the above?
Do you plan to use it on inland water systems or oceans or both?
Do you want to captain and skipper yourself or would you prefer a crew, so you have time to enjoy the experience? Set a limit to your budget both in terms of purchase and then beyond that one has to consider the long term upkeep, storage, and monthly maintenance costs
What is the best length for a Motor Yacht?

If you plan on becoming your own captain, the best hull size on average for a single-handed skipper would be between 32ft to 42ft.

The best motor yacht length is defined by both the objective and purpose of the vessel. Added to this one should consider both the budget and upkeep costs, including dockage fees, as these are most often calculated at a per foot rate. The next factor would be to select a good for the number of passengers you wish to have aboard (family, guests, crew), as the number of sleeping berths are limited on smaller hull sizes. As you increase your hull size, you need to consider that this will then add an extra headcount because you have to factor in additional space for crew.

They say the old golden unwritten nautical rule is that boat length is always defined by a person’s age. Whatever your age, double it, and that gives you a perfect hull length in feet (for example, if you are 40 years of age you should consider an 80ft hull length).

They can cost anywhere between $100,000- $10,000,000. The sky’s the absolute limit when it comes to what you can spend on a motor yacht. Used or new, the cost is often defined by the design, size and year of manufacture. Quality motor yachts are built to last and most often retain market related value if they are properly maintained and have an accident free history.

Motor yachts are generally between 33ft – 79 feet, super yachts are generally over 79 feet in hull length, and mega yachts are over 100 feet.

If you purchase a globally recognized brand, it makes selling the boat in the future much easier. The established global motor yacht brands offer a range of existing designs that can be customized to suit any individual requirement. These approved motor yacht designs are often updated with the latest technology and modifications over the years. A tip is that reputable international brands retain market value over the years so are considered a valuable investment.

There is never one best hull type for a motor yacht, there is rather a series or collection of yachts or vessels that are released and they often use the exact same hull design for different lengths in a series. There is a huge selection and variation of hull designs, and this is exactly what defines a yacht. Motor boat hulls are specifically designed to cut through water with the least possible resistance while remaining balanced in all types of weather and water conditions. Each year hull designs improve and often a new hull release is about using the latest carbon fiber molding techniques for structural strength, rather than a modification to the actual shape of the design.

Super yachts are power driven water vessels specially designed by yacht engineers and shipbuilders and are normally 71 – 99 feet in length. Super yachts that exceed 100ft in length are classified as mega yachts.