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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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Best Yachts – Top 15 Picks for 2024

Carver 52 Command Bridge

Hatteras M75 Panacera

Sabre 58 Salon Express

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a yacht? Probably those huge luxury cruisers reserved for the high society folks, right? Well, that’s true, but those are a special group of ships referred to as luxury yachts.

The questions you need to be asking are – What is a yacht? At what point is a yacht regarded as a ship? And, what exactly makes a yacht a yacht? Here’s a little boating lesson for you.

A yacht is any fast cruising watercraft used for pleasure or sport. Yachts can be classified into cruisers, superyachts, and mega yachts. The difference between them all boils down to their respective sizes.

Luxury vessels that are less than 12 meters long fall in the class of cabin cruiser yachts – or simply, cruisers. Those that measure more than 24 meters are classified as superyachts. Anything that’s 50+ meters long is a mega yacht. Anything larger than a mega yacht is generally referred to as a ship and generally describes a working vessel as opposed to something recreational.

So, as you can see, you don’t necessarily have to be swimming in a ton of money to become a yacht owner. The only difference will be in the size of the craft you get. Clear enough?

Without further ado, here are the 15 best yachts, as well as a few useful tips on how to choose the best one.

Top on our list of best yachts is the Carver 52 Command Bridge. Its unique design, spacious salon, expansive foredeck seating area, and well-thought-out amenities make this one the best yachts bar-none.

It comes with a master head, a spacious stall shower, and a full-beam master stateroom that even has its own private entrance. It doesn’t get any better than that.

 Carver  →

● Designed for long-range cruising ● Ample living space ● Comes with loads of convenience amenities

● Not ideal for use in icy waters

The Hatteras M75 Panacera yacht is the perfect embodiment of superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance. One look at it, and you can tell that it was built with impeccable attention to detail.

Everything from the galley layout and the open-concept deckhouse salon to the 360-degree panoramic windows and state-of-the-art amenities adds a completely new dimension to luxury yachting.

 Hatteras  →

● Ample space ● Exquisite interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

● High maintenance

Yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, the term “budget” yacht might be a bit of a stretch when referring to the price. Nonetheless, if you’re shopping for a watercraft that delivers excellent value for money, the Sabre 58 Salon Express is a great option to consider.

It has an open yacht design that seamlessly merges the interior with the exterior and has large windows that flood the interior spaces with lots of natural light. The Sabre also has three en-suite cabins, abundant storage, and several other great features that make it stand out from other boats in its class.

 Sabre Yachts  →

● Great value for money ● Spacious interior ● Ample storage

● Not ideal for use in the high seas

Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe

The Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe is the perfect family watercraft. It is designed for indoor and outdoor living. The bridge deck space and salon offer breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean. It also has comfortable living quarters below deck that are guaranteed to give the entire family an exceptional cruising experience.

 Tiara  →

● Great for making memories ● Comfortable living quarters ● Offers panoramic views all round

● High maintenance costs

The 60 Cantius from Cruiser was built for long-distance passages. It has spacious living quarters both above and below deck, as well as lots of comfort and convenience amenities that allow you to spend extended periods out on the water.

You’ll particularly enjoy the retractable sunroof that allows you to bask in the sun while enjoying breathtaking panoramic ocean views as you cruise along.

 Cruisers Yachts  →

● Ideal for long-distance passages ● Beautiful, elegant design ● Spacious living areas above and below deck

● Pricier than other boats in its class

93 Motor Yacht

If you’re looking for a watercraft that can go the distance, it doesn’t get any better than the 93 Motor Yacht from Viking Yachts. First impressions: It is gorgeous.

Its beauty isn’t skin-deep either. The 93MY was built to navigate the rough, choppy waters of the high seas, making it the perfect vessel for anyone who wants to go on an ocean-crossing adventure of a lifetime.

 Viking Yachts  →

● Stunning exterior and interior design ● Built to navigate rough water conditions ● It is pretty massive

● Requires a small crew to operate it

Jeanneau NC 37

The Jeanneau NC 37 is an excellent beginner boat. Its fluid layout and ergonomic design make movement in this yacht a breeze. It comes with large panoramic windows with an open sunroof that bathe the living space in lots of natural light.

There’s an owner’s cabin, as well as a guest cabin that both offer ample standing headroom. Its well-proportioned interior alongside the multitude of comfort and convenience amenities it comes with makes it one of the best beginner yachts in the market today.

 Jeanneau  →

● Ample living space and storage ● Great value for money ● Open ergonomic layout

● Not ideal for ocean crossing

Regal 36 XO

If you’re looking for a yacht that combines both comfort and functionality, the Regal 36 XO delivers on both fronts. This beauty is powered by two outboard engines and offers multi-bow seating that also doubles up as casting decks.

It has a spacious cabin, open-air salon, seamless galley that integrates the aft seating area with the roomy saloon, and a windshield walk-through that provides easy access to the bow.

 Regal  →

● Versatile ● Spacious interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

Back Cove 390

If you thought yachts were reserved for ocean-use only, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several models specially designed for lakes. The Back Cove 390 yacht is the perfect example.

Its smaller size makes it ideal for lake cruising. It has a fully-enclosed helm, as well as an owner and guest cabin below-deck, making it perfect for overnight stay.

 Back Cove Yachts  →

● Perfect size for lakes ● Ideal for entertaining ● Delivers optimal handling and maneuverability

● May not be ideal for a long extended stay

Formula 45 Yacht

The Formula 45 Yacht is the perfect liveaboard watercraft. It has all the comfort and convenience amenities you would expect to find in any standard land-based home. It is spacious with a well-thought-out practical layout that makes movement on the yacht easy. It has enough room to comfortably accommodate a small family of four.

 Formula  →

● Best yacht for the money ● Spacious interior ● Comes with lots of convenience amenities

Ocean Alexander 36L

If you’re thinking of venturing out into the rough seas, you’re going to need a yacht that can hold its own in the sloppiest of weather conditions. The Ocean Alexander 36L is built to do just that.

Beyond its stunning exterior and interiors, this yacht’s overall rugged construction is focused on giving passengers the smoothest ride possible regardless of the water conditions outside. Its deep V-hull design and its 324,500 lbs. displacement capacity are largely responsible for the exceptional stability it displays when cruising through the high seas.

 Ocean Alexander  →

● Exceptionally stable ● Packed with loads of comfort and convenience amenities ● Expansive interior and exterior

● Needs a crew to run it

Westport 112 Motor Yacht

As far as luxury yachts go, the Westport 112 Motor Yacht is in a class of its own. This 111 ft. 8 in. long watercraft is built to deliver extraordinary performance inside and out.

It has four en-suite staterooms that sleep eight individuals and can accommodate up to five crew members, including the captain. The interior oozes luxury, sophistication, and a timeless elegance that’s hard to come by these days.

 Westport Yachts  →

● Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas ● Exquisite interiors ● Suitable for cruising the high seas

● Expensive

Beneteau Oceanis 60

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 is by far the best sailing yacht we’ve come across. It is built on a hull that guarantees safety and unmatched performance at every turn.

This luxury sailing yacht has a unique deck plan that allows for single-handed maneuvering across the water. The glossy woodwork, cozy upholstery, and the spacious living quarters below-deck make it the perfect sailing yacht for your ocean getaway.

 Beneteau  →

● Exceptional fuel economy ● Spacious living areas ● Ideal for single-handed sailing

● May not be as fast as other non-sailboat yachts

Having a crew is great and all, but it’s also nice to have a yacht that you can operate on your own for that measure of added privacy when you need it. The Antares 9 is the perfect owner operator yacht.

It is modern, stylish, and compact, allowing you to run it on your own and discreetly slip away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life anytime you need to.

● Elegant design ● Can be operated solo ● Comfortable and safe navigation

● Not ideal for the rough, choppy waters of the high seas

Prestige 690

Let’s get to what yachts are best known for – hosting memorable parties. The Prestige 690 has everything you need to keep the party going all day and all night.

Its open design layout and its expansive deck make it the perfect yacht for entertaining. The elegant, timeless design of its exterior, alongside the breathtaking finishing, are just a few of the 690’s attributes that add to its appeal.

 Prestige  →

● Massive open deck ● Comes with lots of comfort and convenience features ● Sleeps up to 10 people

How to Choose the Best Yachts – Buyer’s Guide

A yacht is a pretty big purchase. So, you need to know what to look for when choosing the right one for your needs. Here are a couple of pointers that might come in handy.

Type of Yacht

The type of yacht you buy depends in large part on your intended use for it. Most yachts tend to fall into one of three categories – For water sports like wakeboarding , fishing motor yachts, or the overnight cruising variety. Once you know what kind of recreational activities you plan on engaging in, that should help narrow down your choices.

Next, you need to consider what size of yacht you should get. Do you have a young family that you intend to expand in the coming years? Do you plan to use the vessel for day cruising, or do you intend to spend a couple of nights on board from time to time?

Will the yacht be just for you and your significant other, or do you plan to frequently entertain several guests on board? This will advise whether you should buy a cabin cruiser yacht, a superyacht, or a mega yacht.

In a perfect world, you would have all the money you need to buy any kind of watercraft you want. Sadly, that’s not the reality we live in. Keep in mind that yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, even if you’re planning to purchase a small yacht, you’ll still need to spend quite a bit of cash to get it.

The best thing to do would be to set a budget and compare the different models on offer from different manufacturers . Aside from the boat’s purchase price, you also need to think about the costs associated with owning a yacht. These include insurance, repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and the vessel’s general servicing.

Figure out what kind of comfort and convenience features are a must-have for you. How many cabins should it have? Do you need it to have a summer grill up top? Or will the one in the mini kitchen below-deck suffice? Ensure that the yacht you get has all the amenities you need.

Last but not least, before you sign any purchase contract, ensure that you schedule a sea trial with the dealer. That way, you get a true feel for the boat before you buy it.

Look Before You Leap

If you’re in the market for a shiny new yacht, any of the 15 vessels we’ve detailed in this guide will make an excellent choice. Do your homework beforehand, and make sure your desired craft has all the features and amenities you seek.

Use the tips we’ve outlined in this guide to help you choose the best yachts from all the different options that are hot on the market right now. Happy yachting!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for the best aluminum fishing boat , we’ve got you covered. Check out our review for our top picks.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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Top 15 Trawlers for 2023

• By Patrick Sciacca
• October 13, 2023

For every shoe, there’s a foot, and for every boating enthusiast, there’s a yacht. For those individuals who like to cruise their yachts across blue water, spend months on board or voyage to remote beaches and quiet coves, a trawler yacht is the go-to vessel choice. But even within this yacht genre, there are many options. For example, there are some mighty midsize trawlers that are easily capable of transatlantic crossings for an adventurous couple, and then there are megayacht-size craft with next-level amenities that require extra crew. Some trawler-yacht builders offer significant customization and others work from a fixed options list. There are single-engine trawlers and twin-engine trawlers. One thing that is common is that these trawler yachts are designed from the ground up for yachtsmen with wanderlust in their hearts.

Top Trawlers 

The following 15 trawlers are all vessels we’ve written about. They are listed in no particular order.

• Nordhavn 96 : Built for an owner who desired to self-sufficiently while cruising the world, literally.
• Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 : This trawler can travel nonstop for 1,000 nautical miles.
• Kadey-Krogen 52 : This twin-engine-capable, all-oceans trawler is a solid fit for voyaging cruising couples.
• Bering Yachts B76 : The B76 is the builder’s first fully custom trawler in this size range.
• Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge : This vessel is equally comfortable at a 7-knot stroll or an 18-knot jog.
• Beneteau 48 Swift Trawler : Based on the builder’s Swift Trawler 47, this yacht has a resin-infused fiberglass hull.
• Kadey-Krogen 50 Open : The 50 Open can cruise at 6 knots nonstop for 5,000 nautical miles.
• Outer Reef 620 Trident : It has a three-stateroom layout and optional 600 hp Cummins diesels.
• Grand Banks 60 Skylounge : This yacht is efficient across a variety of cruising speeds.
• Krogen Express 52 : Headroom to spare, two staterooms, a chef-ready galley and long range define this trawler yacht.
• Grand Banks 85 Skylounge : Grand Banks’ V-warp hull form makes for a level running attitude, seakindliness and long range.
• Vicem Yachts 82 Classic : Construction is in cold-molded, strip-planked mahogany with epoxy.
• Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht : Power on this Outer Reef is a pair of 500 hp John Deere 6090 diesels.
• Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot : Did someone say this is a 20-knot Nordhavn?
• Marlow 58E : A high level of customization and admirable performance are at the heart of the Marlow 58E.

Nordhavn 96

The Nordhavn 96 is the yacht builder’s second-largest yacht its 17-model fleet, which ranges from 41 to 120 feet length overall. (There is a new 112 on the drawing table.) The builder says the N96 is based on its earlier 86-footer with a 10-foot cockpit extension, which increases both main-deck, skylounge and below-deck volume. The N96 we reviewed was built by an owner who previously had an 86-foot Nordhavn, but with his plans for extended cruises to remote destinations, the 96 was the right size for his voyaging plans. In fact, since the owner took delivery of the boat, it has been on a continuous circumnavigation.

Quick Specifications

Beneteau Grand Trawler 62

Beneteau’s Grand Trawler 62 has 1,000-plus-mile range and 20-knot speed with twin 730 hp i6 MAN diesels . The Grand Trawler 62 is the builder’s flagship in its Trawler series, which also includes the Swift Trawler 35 , Swift Trawler 41 Sedan ,  Swift Trawler 41 Fly and Swift Trawler 48 . Small touches set the Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 apart. They include sea rails on all lockers to keep stowed food and gear in place, leather-wrapped interior handrails for security in a seaway, and leather drawer pulls like those found on larger yachts. Long-range cruising accommodations include a full-beam master stateroom aft, a forepeak VIP and twin-berth guest stateroom. A Quick X3 gyrostabilizer helps mitigate any potential rocking and rolling on rough days.

Kadey-Krogen 52

The Kadey-Krogen 52 is the trawler-yacht builder’s smallest offering in its raised-pilothouse series, complete with a Portuguese Bridge. Owners can choose from either a two- or three-stateroom layout, and between a single-diesel engine or twin-diesel engines, for owners seeking redundancy. The standard engine is a 231 hp John Deere diesel. With the single-engine setup, draft is 5’5” and with twins it’s a shallower 4’6”. At 6 knots, range is an ocean-crossing 4,850 nautical miles. At 7 knots, it’s 3,300 nm. At 9 knots, it 1,700 nm. The builder states, “The entire Krogen 52 is built from only three molded pieces for maximized structural integrity. There are no additional secondary bonds or caulk joints that can inevitably cause issues. All deck and superstructures are cored and vacuum-bagged to maximize strength while minimizing weight.” Additionally, six longitudinal stringers enhance overall strength.

Bering Yachts B76

Lemanja  is the first custom boat that Bering has built in this size range. The yacht is notable for its steel hull and aluminum superstructure, and for its 4,000-nautical-mile-plus range with its twin 404 hp Cummins QSL9 diesel engines. As rugged as the Bering 76 is built on the outside, it also offers homelike comforts in its skylounge inside, offering panoramic views out large windows surrounding the space. Sole-to-ceiling glass offers similar views in the open-plan salon. Accommodations are fox six guests in three staterooms with a master stateroom and two guest staterooms, plus crew accommodations. In addition to its traditional diesel engines, the B76 has a solar-rechargeable battery bank for hybrid propulsion.

Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge

The Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge is a long-distance cruiser with creature comforts. Our expert found the R-43 Command Bridge to be a solid candidate to cruise The Great Loop . We agree. Twin Volvo Penta IPS450 pod drives give the boat efficient low and high cruise speeds at 7 and 18 knots, respectively. For those that have work during their cruise, the R-43 Command bridge’s master stateroom is set up with an office with a desk. Long trips require extra stowage and a way to clean salty clothes, so on the R-43 Command Bridge there is a washer, dryer, auxiliary refrigerator/freezer and stowage under the dinette, which rises on electric rams. Voyagers who buy a R-43 Commander Bridge can opt for a Factory Delivery Experience, which is three days of instruction on Puget Sound, and includes in boat systems, handling and maintenance.

Beneteau Swift Trawler 48

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 48 has a 1,300-nautical-mile range at 8 knots, but can also speed away at 26 knots if the weather goes south in a hurry. Based on the builder’s 47-footer , the three-stateroom, two-head Swift Trawler 48 has a resin-infused fiberglass hull. Power is a pair of 425 hp Cummins diesels. The main-deck layout includes a galley aft setup, which is accessible to the cockpit. There, the seating and dining area can be fully enclosed, with tracks in place for side curtains. The helmsman is kept comfortable on long passages with a bolstered, pedestal bucket-style seat with a flip-up footrest. The Swift Trawler 48 we reviewed had upgraded 12-inch Raymarine HybridTouch displays (9-inch screens are standard).

Kadey-Krogen 50 Open

Designed for serious extended cruising,  Kadey-Krogen Yachts 50 Open provides owners with amenities that will enhance those longer passages. The galley is fitted with a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, a four-burner Wolf range, a microwave and an optional dishwasher. Unlike in many trawlers and their traditional pilothouse design, the galley is located on the same level as the helm and salon. Belowdecks is the master stateroom amidships with two hanging lockers, 12 cabinets, additional drawers for stowage and an en suite head, shower and two sinks. Forward of the master is an office. The 50 Open’s hull has soft chines and a curved after end, much like the characteristics of a sailboat built for cruising. The result is an efficient hull form that provides a gentle landing into troughs when the sea gets a temper. This trawler can cruise at 6 knots for 5,000 nautical miles; 7 knots for 3,000 nautical miles; 8 knots for 2,100 nautical miles; and 9 knots for 1,200 nautical miles.

Outer Reef 620 Trident

Outer Reef Yachts 620 Trident delivers a three-stateroom layout and optional 600 hp Cummins diesels that allow this vessel to approach a top hop of 21 knots. Cruising speed is a little over 16 knots, burning about 34 gallons of fuel per hour at 2,750 rpm. The amidships master stateroom has 6-foot-8-inch headroom, a walk-in closet and a shower enclosed in smoked glass. In the forepeak VIP stateroom, there are seven drawers, a hanging locker, a 31-inch Samsung TV and 7-foot headroom. The portside guest stateroom can convert to an office, too. The aft galley has a U-shape countertop, a three-burner electric cooktop, a Bosch microwave and a Vitrifrigo refrigerator and freezer. Cherry, walnut and oak are the available wood options.

Grand Banks 60 Skylounge

It’s obvious after a quick peek inside the Grand Banks 60 Skylounge that the  Grand Banks Yachts  trademark external DNA is retained. The deck, cabin house and skylounge are all composed of infused carbon fiber, reducing weight aloft and creating a lower center of gravity. With twin 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels , the 60 Skylounge can accelerate to 31 knots and cruise at about 25 knots. The 60 Skylounge can also travel up to 2,000 nautical miles at 10 knots on a 1,530-gallon fuel tank. Twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS1200s are also available.

Krogen Express 52

The Krogen Express 52 runs on twin 440 hp Yanmar diesels and can cruise at 8 knots for 1,680 nautical miles or at 16 knots for 500 nautical miles. Top hop:  22 knots. In the interior,  Krogen Express  has outfitted the 52 with a master stateroom and a guest stateroom. The former has a queen island berth, more than 7-foot headroom, hanging lockers and smaller cubbies to port and to starboard, and an en suite head with a molded fiberglass shower stall with a seat, a VacuFlush toilet and a granite countertop. A power lift elevates the berth and grants access to more stowage underneath. The Krogen Express 52’s salon has a 26-inch HD LED TV and a home-theater system, leather Stressless chairs to port and a built-in, L-shape settee to starboard. The galley boasts granite countertops, a three-burner Force 10 propane range with an oven, a refrigerator, a GE microwave oven, a deep Elkay sink and a pullout sprayer faucet. There is a Buff Ultraleather Stidd helm seat for extra comfort during long runs.

Grand Banks 85 Skylounge

The Grand Banks 85 Skylounge comes in at more than 87 feet length overall and displaces 108,000 pounds, with a 22-plus-foot beam and an air draft of just under 26 feet. Owners can choose either a three- or four-stateroom layout. The standard motors are twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS diesels, twin 1,300 hp MAN straight-shaft diesels are optional. With the larger engines, owners can also choose an optional stern thruster, in addition to the standard bow thruster. With the IPS diesels, top speed is 26.5 knots and fuel burn is 100 gallons per hour, resulting in a range of 699 nautical miles. At a 21-knot cruise speed, fuel consumption drops to 57 gph, and range climbs to 972 nm. At a 9-knot jog, fuel burn falls to 9 gph, and the Grand Banks 85 Skylounge can cruise nonstop for about 2,500 nautical miles.

Vicem 82 Classic Flybridge

The Vicem 82 Classic is a flybridge model built in cold-molded mahogany, which creates a stout hull form with reduced weight. The yacht is notable for its timeless Downeast lines and strong joiner work. For cruising enthusiasts, the Classic 82 Flybridge is powered with twin 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels . The yacht has a top-end speed of 17.8 knots, and the cruising speed is 15 knots. At 9 knots, and considering a 10-percent fuel reserve, range is reportedly 1,100 nautical miles.  Accommodations three en-suite-equipped staterooms. The master stateroom is full-beam and amidships with a king-size berth is on centerline. The starboard-side guest stateroom and a forepeak VIP each have queen-size berths.

Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht

Built for an enthusiastic cruising couple after a three-year boat search, the Outer Reef Yachts 610 Motoryacht (part of the builder’s Classic series ), was customized with a fore-and-aft berth in the owners’ stateroom (as in, not athwartships), and berths rather than bunks in the smaller of two guest staterooms. This Outer Reef 610 was designed to be used as a liveaboard vessel, so the salon is not set up for dining (there are tables in the pilothouse, on the aft deck and on the bridge). A pair of swivel chairs in the salon face the built-in couch and the pop-up TV to port. The 610 is built with hand-laid fiberglass, PVC coring above the waterline, resin infusion and a vinylester barrier coat against osmosis. Power is twin 500 hp John Deere 6090 diesels turning ZF transmissions . The 610 tops out at about 13.5 knots with full tanks and 21 people aboard. The engines burn 20 gph at 1,800 rpm for 11 knots at 45 percent engine load. Those numbers should allow it to cross oceans without shortening engine life.

Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot

Nordhavn has long been known for its stout circumnavigation -capable craft, and the Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot carries on the the tradition of a beefy build with addition of…speed. Twenty-knots-plus, actually. Twin 715 hp Cummins diesel inboards and a new semidisplacement hull form  are said to be key to the performance equation. The Nordhavn 59CP has a 777-nautical-mile range at a 9.3-knot cruise, and a 255-nm range at its 20.3-knot top-end. Construction is a solid fiberglass hull bottom supported by full-length longitudinal stringers and a series of transversal supports for added backbone. High freeboard should keep the decks dry in a seaway, while rails keep the crew secure during transits. Nordhavn says the 59CP has a “CE category A unlimited offshore rating, ensuring the vessel has the seakeeping and strength capabilities to take on most serious coastal cruises up to 1,000 miles.”

Marlow Yachts 58E

Following on the successful Marlow 57 , the Marlow 58E was started from scratch on a blank sheet of paper. The essence of the 58E is that it has better performance and more internal and external volume than her predecessor. The centerline length grew 10 inches over the 57, but the waterline length increased 16 inches and the beam widened 4 inches. If you were to examine the two boats out of the water, you would see more bell-shaped forward sections making for a soft impact with the vee’d portion. Power options start with twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels, but the 58E we got aboard had beefier twin 1,015 hp Caterpillar C18 diesels. Top speed: 27.9 knots. At 8 knots, the Marlow 58E can cruise nonstop for 1,400 nautical miles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a trawler yacht?

A true trawler typically has a full-displacement hull form and robust construction to handle open-water operation, and it’s designed to operate self-sufficiently for long periods of time. They are slow-cruising vessels, but over the years, hybrid yachts called fast trawlers have emerged to offer displacement-speed operation as well as the ability to run at planing speeds when desired.

What is a full-displacement hull form?

A displacement-hull form is known is for its rounded nature and deep draft. Full-displacement vessels do not plane on the water, but rather push through the water. This hull design makes displacement-hull vessels incredibly seakindly, but it also makes them relatively slow (think 5, 6, 7, 8 knots) when compared to semidisplacement- and planning-hull designs.

Is a long-range cruiser the same as a trawler?

While all trawlers are certainly long-range cruisers, not all long-range cruisers are trawlers. True trawlers will have full-displacement hull designs and not all long-range cruisers have them.

• More: Beneteau , Bering Yachts , Grand Banks , Kadey-Krogen , Krogen Express , Marlow , Nordhavn , Outer Reef , Ranger Tugs , Trawlers , Vicem , Yachts
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Best Yacht Brands: Discovering the Top Choices Today

3rd mar 2023 by samantha wilson.

Yachting is big business, and reports state that in the United States alone the recreational boating industry is worth approximately $170 billion. With boating on the rise all across the world, we take a look at the best boat brands in several different categories. 

Top 10 Yacht Brands

The boating world spans one of the greatest ranges of any industry, with everything from the tiniest of skiffs up to the largest of luxury superyachts in its repertoire. Yet terminology and classification is often a gray area, with lots of overlap. A yacht could be a sailing yacht or a motor yacht , and from there further sub-categorized into superyachts, trawler yachts, sport fishing yachts, and so many more. When we look at the top 10 best yacht brands on the market, it’s easy to end up comparing apples and oranges. The best in one category might not make it onto the best in another, purely because of the style of yachts they produce. So here we have listed – in no particular order - the Top 10 best yacht brands in the United States by their popularity and quantities of yachts sold. More information:  An Overview of the Many Types of Yachts

Photo credit: Boston Whaler

• Boston Whaler : There isn’t a marina in the US that doesn’t have a Boston Whaler in it, such is the huge popularity of this American born manufacturer. With a big inventory of fishing and cruising yachts, and an impressive safety record, Boston Whaler’s are in high demand both new and used. 
• Grady-White : Established in 1959 in the US, Grady-White are pioneers in the sportfishing and walkaround yacht category, specializing in dual and center console saltwater fishing boats. Renowned for being reliable, safe, elegant and offering high performance, they provide long-term value in both the new and used markets.
• Sea Ray Boats : Sea Ray have been building some of the best sport cruiser yachts in the US since their founding in 1959. Today they remain one of the most popular, with a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction, as well as attention to detail. 
• Regal Boats : Orlando-based Regal Boats have been manufacturing high quality sport cruiser yachts, bowriders, watersports boats and express cruisers since 1969, and in 1995 launched their revolutionary FasTrac hull which set industry standards and won many awards. Today it continues to form the backbone of their designs. 
• Carver Yachts : Another all-American company with roots in the 1950s, Carver Yachts specialized in spacious, highly functional, and dependable world-class cruising yachts which stand the tests of time. While they closed their doors in 2021, their yachts, which range from 34 to 50 feet, are highly sought after on the used market. 
• Bayliner : The super popular Bayliner brand produces some of the smallest boats on this list with their range of luxurious deck, fishing and center console models, but with state of the art engineering and elegant profiles, they are always sought after whether new or used. 
• Viking Yachts : Based in New Jersey, USA, Viking are a legendary American yacht brand best known for their sportfishing yachts and motor boats in the 37-92 ft. range. For over six decades they have made a name for themselves as world leaders in luxurious, high performance cruising yachts. 
• Chris-Craft Boats : Chris-Craft is an American cultural icon with nearly 150 years of heritage in creating recreational boats. Today they continue their legacy with their ranges of day boats, overnight cruisers and center consoles which offer timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship. 
• Westport Yachts : The largest yacht builder in North America, Westport have been leading the industry since 1964. They specialize in the production of large motor yachts, and were pioneers in the use of composite material in boats. 
• Ocean Alexander : Originally based in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander operates out of its home base in Merritt Island, Florida and has been one of the world’s best loved yacht brands since 1977. Their inventory ranges from the 45 foot Divergence Coupe, a yacht crossed with a sport boat, all the way up to some of the most acclaimed superyachts ever built. 

Luxury Yacht Brands

The superyacht industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the boating world, and the number of superyachts gracing our oceans has more than doubled in the last 10 years. Categorized as yachts (both motor and sail) over 78 feet, they are the largest and most luxurious vessels in the world costing millions of dollars. The heart of the superyacht manufacturing industry is in Europe, with many of the world’s top superyacht brands based in Italy, France, the Netherlands and Germany, but with builders in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia also making big waves. Superyachts set the bar for the entire boating industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and engineering. Here we list (in no particular order) some of the top superyacht manufacturers in the world.

• Princess Yachts
• Royal Huisman
• Ocean Alexander

Difference Between a Superyacht and a Megayacht

Trawler Yacht Brands

The slow, sturdy trawler has had one of the most impressive make overs of any vessel. Once considered a workhorse of a fishing boat, today they are one of the most sought-after long-distance cruising yachts on the market. These impressive ocean-going yachts offer luxury, comfort, space, speed and fuel-efficiency in one highly capable and attractive package. Where they once would have been left in the wake of sportfishers or motoryachts, today’s trawler yachts are differentiated only by their iconic silhouette resembling a mini superyacht. 

Photo credit: Nordic Tugs

• Nordic Tugs : These American-built trawler yachts are the epitome of what today’s trawlers can be: luxurious, long-range and jaw-droppingly spacious. They are anything but a tug boat, and built with meticulous attention to detail creating reliable, adventure-bound cruisers that offer a real home on the water. 
• Grand Banks : One of the pioneers of the cruising trawler, Grand Banks have brought these hugely popular yachts to superyacht levels in a compact package. They have six decades of boat building under their belt, offering reliability, customer service and forward-thinking ideas. 
• Beneteau : Beneteau’s Swift series saw the slow trawler turn into a mini superyacht, and with over 1,300 sales to date, it is one of the most popular brands on the market. Beneteau are world leaders in creating large superyachts, and they have put all of that expertise into this smaller range which culminates in the Grand Trawler 62. 
• Ranger Tugs : American-born Ranger Tugs brought their expertise of building small cruisers and designed a series of trawlers. And forget pocket yachts, these are full-scale trawlers which promise adventure and long-range exploration. With their CB range, they created a unique flybridge which is home to an upper helm, galley and dinette and pushes conventional trawler design. 
• Nordhavn : Nordhavn produces well-engineered, high performance trawler yachts ranging from 41 foot pocket cruisers to 120 foot superyachts. Yet each one always retains its trawler image, Nordhavn’s signature look for several decades. 

Affordable Yacht Brands

Yachts are a luxury asset, and where we talk about affordability it ultimately comes down to a buyer’s personal budget. Of course, buying a used boat is always going to be more cost effective than a brand new one, but there are yacht brands which focus on offering quality, affordable yachts including: 

Photo credit: Chris-Craft

• Carver : Carver Yachts have long been known for their affordability, and even though the company closed in 2021 their used yachts make boating accessible to a wide range of American families. They offer spacious, highly functional, and dependable world-class cruising yachts which stand the tests of time. 
• SeaRay Boats : Sea Ray have been building some of the best sport cruiser yachts in the US since their founding in 1959. Today they remain one of the most popular, with a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction, as well as attention to detail. While new SeaRays don’t come cheap, their popularity means there are plenty on the used market which can be bought very affordably. 
• Chris-Craft : Chris-Craft’s center console yachts offer excellent value for money, as well as high performance and plenty of extras. In fact, since the beginning of the 1900’s, Chris-Craft have dedicated themselves to offering boats for the everyday family, whether it was a small skiff or something more luxurious. 
• Cutwater Boats : Functional, reliable, fun and affordable, Cutwater Boats offer an impressive range of trawler-style cruising boats which do it all, whether that’s cruising off-grid, fishing with friends or spending a day on the water with family. 
• Ranger Tugs : Ranger Tugs are one of the most affordable yacht brands of 2023, with a great choice of family-friendly pocket yachts and long distance cruisers and trawlers. The R-23 in particular has been built with price at the forefront and allows buyers to purchase an excellent trawler boat at well under the price of most competitors. 

Sport Fishing Yacht Brands

The United States leads the way when it comes to sportfishing yachts , and their popularity is only gaining. Whether you’re looking to buy used or new, there are some top brands out there producing boats designed for serious fishing pros. Sportfishing yachts need to be fast and reliable, offer plenty of fishing amenities and extras, offer comfort and a great driving experience, and look downright cool in the process. There are many brands out there to choose from, with major players including Grady-White, Boston Whaler and Viking, but here are some of the other top contenders: 

Photo credit: Hatteras Yachts

• Huckins Yachts : Huckins pride themselves on creating some serious mean machines, and they were one of the first manufacturers to use fiberglass composites for their hulls. Today they produce a unique range of sportfishing boats that are ultra-sleek and ultra-fast. 
• Hatteras Yachts : Hatteras Yachts focus on what they do extremely well, and that is making some of the best sportfishing convertible boats in the world. With just four models in their current range (but others on the used market) they have fine-tuned every aspect of their boats to suit the serious angler. 
• Tiara Yachts : Another major player in the sportfishing yacht sector are Tiara Yachts, who manage to combine a serious fishing vessel with a luxury yacht. The results are a range of mid-sized motor yachts which are modern, beautiful and at the forefront of engineering. 
• Luhrs Boats : While no longer in production, no sportfishing yacht list would be complete without Luhrs Boats on it. With plenty of models to be found on the used market they offer an affordable and reliable vessel with all the fishing bells and whistles you could need. 
• Bertram Yachts : If you’re looking for a versatile, reliable and powerful sportfishing yacht then look no further than Bertram Yachts. While they take inspiration from traditional fishing boats, they offer a range of rugged sportfishing and flybridge yachts which can tackle any conditions. 

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World

With build times of around four years, it pays to know which shipbuilder is best for your dream superyacht.

By Kim Ayling

The superyacht industry has refound its mojo. Following the turbulence of the pandemic, yacht builders have resumed business as usual. Following recent growth in the UHNW population, order books remain full. New superyachts are rolling off the production line at an impressive rate of knots. If you’re considering a new superyacht now, you’ll be waiting over three years to take delivery of a ground-up build. Go with one of the leading yacht builders in the world, though, and it’ll be worth the wait.

This list of luxury yacht builders not only looks at what they have done in the past but also celebrates the stellar efforts they are making to reduce the environmental impact of their products. From lighter materials and onboard energy solutions to hybrid motors and marine conservation funding, these luxury yacht builders are not only leading the superyacht industry’s future but also protecting the oceans.

[See also: The Best Tenders to Pair with Your Superyacht]

Recognized as a world leader in building pure custom yachts, Feadship has been in pursuit of building the perfect ship since its inception in 1949 – although the brand can trace its roots back another 100 years. With each new ship that Feadship builds, its team employs the most cutting-edge methods and materials available, which when paired with its unpromising attitude toward fulfilling its clients’ desires, promises to deliver some of the most technically advanced yachts in the world – including Project 817 , which has now been delivered as Viva.

Viva remains a groundbreaking yacht build, with Feadship revealing ambitious aims to keep her environmental impact as low as possible. The 308-ft eco-friendly yacht features an advanced hybrid propulsion system that allows the yacht to travel at 12 knots on diesel-electric power. The ship’s hull has been designed with efficiency as a priority to reduce the energy needed to travel through the water.

The Dutch company has locations throughout The Netherlands, with its headquarters and design and engineering center found in the northern city of Haarlem.

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feadship.nl

Dutch yacht building outfit Oceanco was initially founded in 1987 – but it was only in 2002 (when Oceanco found itself in the hands of new owners) that the switch was made to focusing on 260-foot plus superyachts, drawing on old-world Dutch craftsmanship to build the yachts of the future. The award-winning company prides itself on its design-led builds, and in addition to employing its own forward-thinking design team, works with industry-leader designers such as Andrew Winch, Terence Disdale and Sam Sorgiovanni.

Environmental awareness is core to each Oceanco project, with the aim of not only meeting but surpassing environmental legislation with each build. Even its largest yacht to date – the 394-foot Redentore, which is still under construction – is impressively efficient thanks to her hybrid propulsions system, which keeps fuel consumption to a minimum. Other noteworthy Oceanco’s builds are the striking three-masted Black Pearl , which is powered by a combination of wind power and electric propulsion motors, and one of its latest concepts, Esquel  – an advanced expedition vessel.

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Most notably, Oceanco delivered the world’s largest sailing yacht, Koru , to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The colossal 417-ft vessel cost a rumored $500m to build and was delivered in 2023. It has since been spotted in Italy, Florida and the South of France. Perhaps more impressive than the yacht itself is the support vessel (built by Damen Yachting), a 250-ft superyacht-in-its-own-right capable of carrying a wealth of billionaire toys including submersibles, helicopters and cars.

oceancoyacht.com

[See also: Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]

Dutch luxury shipbuilder Heesen has received worldwide recognition for its engineering and design prowess since launching in 1978. Heesen proudly pioneers the use of aluminum, which is widely regarded as the premium yacht-building material thanks to its lightness owing to better efficiency. As well as full custom builds, Heesen offers a platform concept that features semi-custom yachts already under construction in order to dramatically cut down delivery waits, without compromising on quality.

One of Heesen’s most notable yachts is Alive, which was the first to feature the revolutionary Hull Vane technology (underwater foil) for greater efficiency and speed, resulting in up to 30% less fuel consumption than a regular yacht. Other celebrated Heesen’s builds are Home and Electra , delivered in 2017 and 2020 respectively, both of which were in the award-winning 5000 FHDF aluminum hybrid class and came as a result of Heesen’s strive to limit the environmental impact of yachting.

heesenyachts.com

Part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, Benetti Yachts can trace its shipbuilding heritage all the way back to 1873 when the Fratelli Benetti shipyard was founded in the Tuscan city of Viareggio – the center of classic Italian shipbuilding. While much has changed in Benetti’s near 150-year lifetime, its focus on building state-of-the-art yachts to impeccably high standards has not, cementing its status as one of the best luxury yacht builders in the world.

As concerns on the environmental impact of private yachts have grown over time, Benetti has adapted its methods accordingly, utilizing hybrid technology to ensure its ships are at the forefront of sustainability. For example, when the Luminosity was first delivered in 2019 she was hailed as one of the greenest superyachts on the sea. The 352-foot yacht features advanced diesel-electric hybrid power, with her powerful battery providing up to 12 silent and emission-free hours at anchor.

Of course, sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of style: the Luminosity features a stunningly designed interior courtesy of Zaniz Jakubowski, with full-length windows drawing the outside in, and tasteful nods to contemporary artists creating a true home away from home.

benettiyachts.it

[See also: Superyacht Builders Heesen on Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic]

Europe rules the roost when it comes to the top yacht builders in the world – the fifth in our list hails from Germany, with eight yards dotted throughout the country including main sites in Bremen, Hamburg and Rensburg. As with most yacht building companies, Lürssen is family run having been first founded in 1870 by Friedrick Lürssen. Since then the company has developed an esteemed reputation as one of the best in the world, breaking many records along the way, including the longest yacht in the world with Azza in 2015, which measures 592 feet, and Flying Fox which is the largest superyacht available for charter.

Lürssen’s latest superyacht is the sizeable 465.5-foot Nord (previously called Project Opus). Nord transcends the typical design of a superyacht thanks to the work of Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard, which was responsible for the yacht’s striking interior and exterior.

As is becoming standard for leading yacht builders, Lürssen is acutely aware of the negative environmental impact of both building and owning yachts. It is taking appropriate action to help mitigate this damage, including providing significant funding to marine life charities and conservation projects and implementing pioneering technologies such as onboard compact silencers and hybrid motor concepts.

lurssen.com

Royal Huisman

With a history that dates back to 1884, Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman proudly stakes a claim as one of the oldest yacht builders in the world. While the company was originally founded to build modest wooden fishing boats, its operations have deftly grown with the times, and Royal Huisman is now responsible for some of the finest and most luxurious yachts cruising the ocean today.

Although best known for its stunning sailing yachts ( Sea Eagle II, Ethereal  and  Aquarius  are particular knock-outs) Royal Huisman has also successfully branched out into the world of motor yachts. Its most recent build is the 192-ft Phi,  which was delivered in 2021. This super-slick aluminum yacht has space for up to 12 guests and since her maiden voyage, has been seen cruising on the Thames through London’s financial district. An apt setting for a yacht of this caliber.

royalhuisman.com

Damen Yachting

Damen Yachting, which falls under the umbrella of the wider Damen Shipyards Group, is another Dutch yacht builder dominating the world stage. Operating as Damen’s building division, Damen Yachting was only formed in its existing state in 2019 and is now responsible for the building of the famous Amels yachts, as well as the SeaXplorer expedition ships and yacht support vessels. Since moving its Amels building operations to Vlissingen in 2003, Damen Shipyards proudly boasts the largest superyacht facility in the Netherlands.

As a company of this magnitude, Damen Yachting naturally has some impressive builds under its belt, including the newest in the Limited Editions semi-custom range: the Amels 60 . Currently under construction with an estimated delivery of 2022, the 197-foot Amels 60  uses a fuel-efficient hybrid propulsions system to slash emissions, cut noise pollution and minimize fuel and maintenance costs.

damenyachting.com

Italian-born Sanlorenzo is continuously regarded as being among the best in class when it comes to yacht builders and has been the recipient of numerous awards in its near-65 year lifetime. Despite Sanlorenzo’s longevity and established status, it remains a truly boutique luxury yacht builder at heart. To ensure the attention to detail and high quality for which it is famous for, as well as securing exclusivity for its clients, Sanlorenzo is committed to working with a limited number of customers each year.

In true Italian style, the superyachts that leave Sanlorenzo’s main La Spezia shipyard transcend trends; instead, they exude classic style and authentic craftsmanship. Combined, this guarantees a truly timeless finish – of which the current flagship Attila is a perfect example. Sanlorenzo specializes in fiberglass, steel and aluminum, ensuring that each owner can select a material to befit their needs.

sanlorenzoyacht.com

Despite dating back over a hundred years, German luxury yacht builder Nobiskrug always has one eye on the future with a steadfast commitment to innovation. Nobiskrug offers fully custom yacht builds, working directly with owners to fulfill their unique vision, as well as working on ship refits. The company operates out of world-class yacht-building facilities in the city of Rendsburg, which include a climate-controlled superyacht hall.

The need to strive for innovation extends to Nobiskrug’s environmental commitments, where it applies advanced technologies in order to limit the impact of its builds. For example, Artefact – which was first delivered in 2020 – was one of the first superyachts to be built in line with the IMO Tier III regulations (which focus on reducing emissions). Artefact uses onboard solar panels and a battery storage system to allow for a limited period of engineless operation, as well as adopting a waste-water recycling system.

nobiskrug.com

[See also: Discovering the World’s Most Exciting Superyacht Concepts]

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• Digital Edition

Best performance yachts: Our pick of the top options

• Toby Hodges
• March 10, 2023

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the performance yachts 2022 category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The European Yacht of the Year awards is the most thorough and impartial awards programme – the winners here are widely considered the best yachts of the year . As such the boats nominated by the jury in the performance yachts category can be considered the best of the best.

This year’s shortlist had the full range. From the more conventional definitive style of performance cruiser to the contemporary French interpretation of a lightweight planing cruiser – and even a new brand of sports  catamarans  for the thrill seekers.

Three Italian pure performance yachts and two very different yachts built in Slovenia made for a varied and exciting Performance Yachts category.

Best performance yachts

Winner best performance yachts 2023 – beneteau first 36.

Where once we could assume a cruiser-racer was a fairly standard format design, over the last decade it’s been much more the sexy, perormance yachts the Italian yards specialise in. But as French yards like Pogo and JPK have proven, there’s growing enthusiasm for lightweight planing yachts – and the First 36 is the first real production yacht in that spirit.

Here’s a yacht that puts the focus firmly back into sailing. The First 36 has been kept inviting and approachable – unlike many yachts that can plane, the look is modest, not aggressive. It’s uncomplicated, unfussy and the result is a pleasure for all to sail. It’s more about what you can’t see, the design and engineering, which should ensure longterm demand.

The small, fiddly heads compartment and lack of tiller options are perhaps the only real detraction from an otherwise brilliant collaboration by Seascape and Beneteau, from concept to build quality.

It was their goal to keep this area of the market relevant and prove a mainstream brand can do it, rather than only niche specialist yards. To create a mass produced yacht at this weight and to this foam-cored quality and one that can bring so much fun is a feather in the cap of the First brand.

Grand Soleil 40

The Grand Soleil 40 is an archetypal Med cruiser-racer, and an absolute delight to sail – a feature I’ve learned that Matteo Polli designs tend to share (he also drew the Ecoracer). We sailed the race set up with ORC keel (an IRC version is available too) and six winches, an extended bowsprit and a taller mast. It was one of my most memorable trials of the season in 10-12 knots, with the deep and forward positioned rudder giving plenty of control and lovely direct steering.

The three cabin interior can have one or two heads and different galley options, the cabins are a good size with modest stowage, and it’s all tastefully styled by masters Nauta.

Italia yachts 12.98

At 5ft longer and from the board of Cossutti (who Polli once worked under), the Italia Yachts 12.98 is another cruiser-racer in the same grain as the GS40, but with a markedly different looking white interior. We sailed the ‘Bellissima’ cruising version, which 80% of customers have opted for.

Italia’s yard is now in Fano and its one-shot infused vinylester build looks impressive. However, the deck lacks some refinement and practical stowage, while the three cabin interior isn’t voluminous by today’s standards.

This is a slippery yacht that has a lovely, light feel on the single rudder – the interior styling will be the deal breaker for most.

Solaris Yachts on the other hand has perfected its recipe, tripling its yard size to cater to demand for its sexy Acebal-designed performance yachts.

The Solaris 50 we tested in 2015 and which won this award was arguably the turning point that propelled the brand’s popularity. The owner of the new 50 we tested previously had the original 50 and a 58 and confirms this replacement has nearly the same space as the 58, yet is faster, more powerful and stable than its predecessor (we easily matched 7-8 knot winds under gennaker).

It heels onto its chine and accelerates well, while twin rudders provide ample control. The design prioritises helming experience but the yard needs to come up with a better helm seat option. The interior is well executed, especially the spacious forward owner’s cabin.

The Elan E6 is a big 47-footer, high and beamy and one that leans more towards spirited cruising with generous accommodation over racing. That said, extensive options allow you to tailor it either way, including foam cored furniture and a taller carbon mast for those looking for extra oomph.

It’s a fine collaboration between Humphreys Yacht Design, Gurit, Pininfarina and Elan, while an impressive standard spec includes a carbon sprit and six winches.

The E6 is fun to sail at various angles and gives a nice, sporty feel on the helm – it likes to heel but has plenty of grip and tracks well.

The cockpit is deep and comfortable, with good optional protection and there’s ample deck stowage. A really smart three (or four) cabin interior shows a high standard of construction, finish and styling. It is bulky and you pay for the size in weight, but it looks good and Elan knows how to build a great boat for the price.

Best performance yachts 2022

Winner best performance yachts 2022 – jpk 39fc.

Along with fellow Brittany yard Pogo, JPK has redefined the modern performance cruiser: stiff, stable and efficient to the max. For the keen sailor who wants to get the utmost enjoyment out of hands-on cruising, the JPK 39 is a superb design (and to my eye, an appealing one too), while the yard has done a nice job with the vacuum-infused construction and interior fit-out. The two-cabin version we sailed had plenty of stowage too.

It looks different, behaves beautifully and stands up to its canvas, is designed to sail efficiently with a loaded displacement, and has a deck set-up to encourage you to trim it to your heart’s content. My only slight negative is the unnerving mess the cockpit can become as there are so many control lines.

This lightweight blast will best suit experienced sailors and those comfortable with short-handed sailing. And it guarantees smiles.

Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/European Yacht of the Year

One such sports catamaran is the IC36, an exciting first offering from a new Czech brand that’s packed with fresh thinking. The first turbo version of this cruising catamaran (Independence) is built using a carbon fibre crossbeam, bowsprit, boards and rudders, epoxy hulls, plus a custom Pauger rotating mast, which all serve to keep weight below three tonnes.

It provided some spirited sailing, particularly when fetching at a measured pace of 10-13.5 knots with the code 0. The direct feel of tiller steering while seated in the low rotating bucket seats was a highlight.

The finish quality in the hulls is first class and there is somehow space for up to eight berths. The coachroof features a retractable bimini and removable vinyl side panels and solar panels, while the cockpit table, which includes an exterior galley, is also removable.

In fact the IC36 can be dismantled to 2.55m beam to make it legally trailable. It has so many options and ideas – too many perhaps – all reflected in the price.

Monohull enthusiasts will share our congratulations to J-Boats for its elegant new flagship. The J/45 won the hearts of the jury and made for a long drawn out decision against the JPK. In the end the two yachts will appeal to different sailors and tastes.

J has stayed true to its roots, yet still managed to bring a current, classy new offering. The unmistakable Alan Johnstone lines have been paired with a contemporary, warm European interior designed by Isabelle Racopeau, while much focus has been paid to the joinerwork and the invisible quality. We saw the two cabin version, which has an excellent technical cabin in place of the second aft cabin.

The J/45 is designed to still perform when loaded with cruising gear. True to J’s reputation, it was a witch upwind and could outpoint anything else during our trials. The compromise is that it won’t plane easily like a JPK or Pogo.

The Solaris 40 is another looker from Soto Acebal and the blue steel metallic hull colour of the test boat made the powerful hull shape really stand out.

We liked the recessed traveller, direct steering to the twin rudders, neat folding helm seats, clutches integrated into the coamings and the easy access to the side decks. However, the jury found the cockpit with its short benches and deck design a little too flat and minimalist.

The interior is smart and contemporary, again offered with two or three cabins with two heads it makes good use of the space.

One of the yachts I was looking forward to sailing most was the Pogo 44, and the only one shortlisted that I didn’t manage to! A collision with the photographer’s RIB shortly before my scheduled trial put it out of action.

However, my colleague Rupert Holmes did a full Pogo 44 test and report on it for Yachting World and describes the 44 as designed to thrill and unlike any other pure cruising yacht of its size. The stability from the beamy hull and deep lifting keel combines brilliantly with the ability to sail fast easily and in comfort. However some jury members didn’t like having to rely on an autopilot to use winches.

The interior is like a loft apartment, with so much natural light – it’s minimalist yet comfortable, spacious and practical for cruising.

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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.

Marquis Yachts

Sabre Yachts

Riviera Yachts Australia

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

Meridian Yachts

Monterey Boats

Aegean Yacht

HanseYachts

Bavaria Yachtbau

Baltic Shipyard

Cabo Yachts

Catalina Yachts

S&S Swan Association

Element Yachts

Axis Group Yacht Design

Farr Yacht Design

Jutson Yacht design

Jefferson Yachts

Zeelander yachts.

Pearson Yachts

Marlow Hunter

Dufour Yachts

Bristol Yachts

Island Packet Yachts

Elsemarie (Yacht)

Ericson Yachts

Charley Morgan

Poncin Yachts

Calonia (Yacht)

Santa Cruz Yachts

Cape Dory Yachts

Columbia Yachts

Mengi yay yachts.

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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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The Most Reliable Yacht, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the yacht you think is the most reliable!

What Is the Most Reliable Yacht?

• Model Range: 41 to 120 feet
• Specialty: Long-range cruisers

Princess Yachts

• Founded: 1965
• Notable Feature: Innovative design
• Founded: 1964
• Notable Models: Sportfish and Motor Yachts

Azimut Grande

• Length: Up to 120 feet
• Notable Feature: Carbon-Tech Generation

Grand Banks

• Heritage: Since 1956
• Signature Design: Trawler-style yachts

• Headquarters: Poole, England
• Famous Model: Predator series

• Founded: 1884
• Product Range: Sailing yachts, motorboats

Ocean Alexander

• Range: 45 to 155 feet
• Key Feature: Advanced engineering
• Average Length: 55 to 85 feet
• Design Philosophy: Ultimate cruising comfort
• Founded: 1959
• Known For: Sportfish yachts and luxury motor yachts

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10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2024 Edition

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

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 French boat brand that got its start way back in 1884. Today, Beneteau builds powerboats and sailboats alike, with six lines and 19 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, and other watersports , and they also have Ski Nautique models for water skiing. 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 creating “sculpted” wakes for surfing, with ballast , wave plates, and digital controls that work together to allow individuals to choose the shape and size of the wakes they ride.

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

3. Boston Whaler Boats

Category: Best Saltwater Fishing Boat Brand

Boston Whaler is a Florida boat manufacturer that got its start building boats over 60 years ago, often for local fishing guides as well as family anglers. Today, Boatsetter customers can often find Boston Whaler 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. Best of all, these boats are known for being completely unsinkable thanks to a fiberglass-foam-fiberglass construction method. That adds some serious peace of mind when you take the kids out for a day of fishing.

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 modified-V, deep-V, and Jon boat style aluminum fishing boats. Its Bass Tracker is—as you might guess from the name—all about fishing. Most Bass Trackers are equipped with an electric trolling motor , which is quieter than a traditional outboard motor so there’s less chance of scaring away the fish. These boats also usually come with features like fishfinders, pedestal fishing seats, and livewells, which makes them some of the best freshwater fishing boats around.

Explore All Bass Boat Rentals

Category: Best Yacht Brand

Sea Ray is one of the most popular boat brands on the water and is part of Brunswick Corporation, 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 ranging from runabouts to yachts, but its Sundancer series is so popular that it dates back more than 40 years. Sea Ray Sundancers come in various sizes and both outboard and stern drive versions, and are outfitted for family fun on the water, with safely enclosed seating up front for the kids, comfortable cabins, and protection from the sun when needed.

Explore All Sea Ray Boat Brands for Rent

6. Godfrey Pontoon Boats

Category: Best Pontoon Boat Brand

Godfrey Pontoon Boats has been in business for more than 60 years. It builds seven different styles of pontoon boats which account for more than two dozen models in all. 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.

Explore All Pontoon Boat Rentals

7. Bayliner

Category: Best Day Cruising Boat Brand

Bayliner is another boat brand that is part of Brunswick Corporation. 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.

Explore All Bayliner Boats for Rent

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, performing jumps and tricks, and they even have a line with three models designed for fishing. Sea-Doos can have sound systems on board, as well as space to pack a cooler. The ride they provide is thrilling, and many models can achieve speeds of over 60 mph.

Explore All Personal Watercraft, Jet Ski & WaveRunner Rentals

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 cruises, slower speed (top-end in this case is six mph), and near-silent boating in a relaxed way with friends and family. There are four Duffy models from 18’ to 22’, and all of them offer a canopy or hardtop to provide some shade from the elements. Duffy boats have lots of seating as well as tables for onboard dining, depending on how they are outfitted.

Explore All Electric Boat Rentals

Category: Best Speedboat Brand

Yamaha boats could easily be the top pick for the Best Jet Boat as well as Best Speedboat, since every model in their huge lineup (with over 30 different choices) is powered by high-pressure waterjets. These are incredibly popular boats and you’ll see a wide range of Yamaha boats for rent on Boatsetter , from 19 to 27 feet. All offer sporty performance, fast top-end speeds, and make great boats for watersports as well as just zipping across the lake or bay. Added bonus: with jet drives there’s no propeller in the water, so you can let the kids jump off the back and swim worry-free.

Explore All Speedboat Rentals

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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5 Great Values In Used Boats

If you don't want to pay full price for a new boat but want something modern and reliable, these five picks are good starting points..

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There are plenty of classics out there and countless old used boats in need of a rehab. But what if you'd like to get one new enough that its tech isn't ancient and its systems aren't all worn out? It certainly can be done, and whether you're in the market for a runabout, cruiser, center-console, watersports boat, or sailboat, there's almost certainly one out there with less than a decade of service that costs about half as much as buying new.

Used boat values can vary radically due to location and condition, so there's no hard and fast rule as to just how much a boat will devalue over time. That said, most boats depreciate quite a bit when first sold, then devalue less year by year until, at some point, prices more or less stabilize. Find a boat of this vintage in good shape, and you could pay not much more than you would for the same model with additional years of use on it. In this used-boat sweet spot, we find the following five boats particularly attractive and include some other gems in case you want to cast a wider net.

Runabout | 2011 Sea Ray 210 SLX

This Sea Ray 210 SLX may be a decade old, but it retains a modern look and significant savings over a newer model.

The 2011 Sea Ray stands out as a find in the world of used bowriders. With modern looks, it was initially equipped with niceties like a stereo with AM/FM/CD (sorry folks, but these do predate today's widespread availability of Bluetooth), snap-in carpet, and the vast majority of the 210 SLX models you find on the used market come with a matching tandem-axel trailer. Standard power for this boat is a 5.0L MerCruiser sterndrive with an Alpha I drive — an extremely popular package intimately familiar to most competent marine mechanics. You may also see the 210 SLX with optional power including the MerCruiser 350 MAG (which produces 300 horsepower) and Bravo III drives.

The 210 SLX has a straightforward layout with bow cockpit seating, helm and passenger's pedestal chairs, and aft seating to either side of the engine box. As is the norm for bowriders of this style, the engine box does double duty as a sun lounge with cushions that flip up for easy transom boarding and extend to either gunwale. There's also a small drink cooler integrated into the passenger's side console. To most people, however, the highlight of the model is a huge extended swim platform (with a flip-down telescopic swim ladder), which stretches the full beam of the boat.

Find a 2011 210 SLX and you'll see numbers in the mid to upper $20,000 price range, with the NADA guides pegging $25,550 as the average price. Sea Ray no longer produces the 210 SLX, but as a point of comparison, the 21-foot bowrider it currently builds, the SPX 210, carries a base MSRP of $47,332 with included tandem-axel trailer and a 200-hp MerCruiser 4.5L with an Alpha I drive. Opting up to 250 horses brings that cost up to just over $51,000. So finding a boat just under 10 years old may, in this case, literally halve your initial purchase cost.

Don't miss these gems! The roomy and sporty Chaparral 244 Sunesta is no longer in production, but a 2008 to 2010 vintage currently runs about half the price of a new 237 SSX. A Four Winns H200 Bowrider is another good choice, and at age 10 can be found for less than half of a new Four Winns Horizon 210, even when well-equipped.

Cruiser | 2012 Regal 35 Sport Coupe

The 2012 Regal 35 Sport Coupe, looks virtually identical to later models.

Look at a 2012 Regal 35 Sport Coupe alongside a new model, and you may be surprised at just how similar the boats seem to be. The exterior styling is virtually identical. Both model years have a bridgedeck with a large convertible lounger to port and a wet bar behind the helm seat to starboard. And both feature a main cabin with a head and galley, a large L-shaped settee, a forward queen berth, and a mid-cabin aft of the entry. It's quite unusual to find two boats from any manufacturer that have model years separated by this long a time span without any major changes — and that's because the styling and design of the 35 Sport Cruiser have proved so popular over the years.

There is, however, one big difference between buying a new 35 Sport Coupe and buying one that's eight years old: price. You can find 2012s from right around $150,000 to just under $200,000. This is a relatively large vessel with relatively complex systems, so you have to expect prices to vary quite a bit from boat to boat. But, by any measure, this represents a huge savings compared to buying new because today's 35 Sport Coupe runs closer to $300,000, and this number can grow depending on the options you choose.

Don't miss these gems! The Cruisers Yachts 330 Express also represents good bang-for-the-buck when stacked up against Cruisers Yacht's modern express cruiser, the 35 (currently the only 33 is an outboard-powered bowrider). There's a lot of price variability from hull to hull, particularly between boats kept in freshwater versus saltwater.

Center-Console | 2017 Boston Whaler 210 Montauk

Boston Whalers tend to retain their value, but you can still knock almost a quarter off the price of buying new by looking at one that’s a few years old.

It's true that, like automobiles, the moment a boat gets sold is when its value takes the biggest hit. And with just four years of use on it, the 2017 Boston Whaler Montauk provides an excellent example of a center-console you can buy almost new while taking advantage of this phenomenon to save some on initial expense. While the brand-new model lists at $63,884 with a single 150-hp Mercury outboard, finding a used Montauk just three or four years old can knock around $15,000, or about 23%, off the bill.

But Boston Whalers are a rather unusual case; they tend to retain value better than average, and this shows just how variable different makes and models can devalue over time. Look for a 210 Montauk with an additional five or six years of age, for example, and it's likely to be in the $40,000 range. In other words, while most other boats will be nearing the point at which they retain about half their original value, the Whaler 210 Montauk is still likely to command more like 60% of its as-new cost.

Just how different will the Montauk models be, setting aside the issues of wear and tear and maintenance? Boston Whaler does tend to make numerous incremental changes to its models year by year, so while the major parts of the boat won't differ, you will see changes from boat to boat. Items like leaning posts, console design, the presence (on newer models) or absence (older models) of bow seating backrests.

Don't miss these gems! The Pro-Line 23 Sport center-console was an incredibly popular boat just prior to the Great Recession, and there's a wide selection on the used market today, which generally run well under half the cost of a new boat, often with an included trailer. The Robalo R222 also had a great run in its day, and while most on the market are a bit newer (in the 2014–2015 range) and still retain a little more than half their original value, the savings are quite substantial compared to new models. Looking for a bit more LOA? Consider the Grady-White Canyon 306 . In the nine- to 10-year-old range you'll not only spend half as much, but Grady-Whites tend to maintain good resale values through time, so are likely to see slow devaluation moving forward.

Watersports Boat | 2014 Super Air Nautique 210

Even older water­sports boats can be pricey.

In 2014 Ski Nautique redesigned its existing 21-foot multiwatersports platform, the Super Air Nautique, to offer both wake and surf watersports abilities in a package with contemporary styling. Included with the boat are modern features like ballast tanks (so you can make those big surfing waves) and a hull designed to work in conjunction with Nautique's NSS Surf System, allowing the operator to modify wave shape and size as desired for different watersports activities and skill levels.

Sure, there have been advancements and changes in both the tech and the boat since then, but models like this allow you to get in on very modern watersports engineering while paying used boat prices. Just how big a savings does this make for? Most 2014 Super Air Nautique 210s can be found in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. While that sounds like a lot for a 21-footer, remember that high-tech watersports command top dollar — the new version carries a base MSRP of $104,830. don't miss these gems! The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV is one of the most popular boats of its kind, and you'll see plenty of listings for used models, which tend to drop below the 50%-of-new mark right around 2012 or 2011. Also of interest may be the Tige Z3, recently refreshed and substantially different in a seven- or eight-year-old model, but has the price drop to match.

Don't miss these gems! The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV is one of the most popular boats of its kind, and you'll see plenty of listings for used models, which tend to drop below the 50%-of-new mark right around 2012 or 2011. Also of interest may be the Tige Z3, recently refreshed and substantially different in a seven- or eight-year-old model, but has the price drop to match.

Sailboat | Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 343

When it comes to buying a sailboat, don’t be afraid to look at one that’s 12 to 14 years old – or even older.

As even nonsailors know, sailboats are a different animal than powerboats, not only in how they're designed, built, and perform, but also in their resale values. Often built with fewer complex systems and less dependence on advanced propulsion systems designed for high-speed use, they do tend to age better than powerboats. The expression, "live fast and die young" would seem to apply to boats as well as people. And as a result, many sailboats do enjoy a slower depreciation in value.

That does not mean, however, that you can't save a good deal of expense by looking on the used market, especially if you look at boats with just a bit more age on them. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 343 provides a great example of a sailboat that, even with 12 to 14 years under the keel, can still be found in excellent condition and provide the kind of new boat reliability sailors want. Because the boat was produced with a single direct-drive inboard diesel power plant (in most cases you'll find a 29-hp Yanmar 3YM30), engine issues are far less likely than they would be with planing powerboats half the age but outfitted with gasoline engines. The two stateroom/single head layout works well for families and entertaining and proves ideal for both daysailing and weekending. Asking price for most older 343s on the market today is in the $80,000 to $90,000 range.

While the 343 is not currently built by Beneteau, the model closest in size being built at this time is the Oceanis 35.1. This new model has the option for a similar two stateroom/one head layout, or the aft cabin can be split into two smaller private rooms. Like the 343, it has a small Yanmar diesel (30-hp with a Sail Drive) for power. List price is $147,700. So while buying used doesn't quite get you to half the price in this case, it comes close.

Don't miss these gems! Though there aren't many on the used market, both the Catalina 22 and Catalina 275 Sport can be found with significant price reductions just seven or eight years back from new. Cruisers looking for a bigger sailboat might want to see the Lagoon 410 , which 10-plus years after being built runs less than half of the new 42, the current model closest in size.

Bottom Line

Assuming the previous owner took good care of the boat you may be looking at, in all of these cases there are several things in common: The models are new enough to be reliable, look good, and offer a reasonably modern level of technology. They're also all old enough to have already gone through the period of rapid depreciation that bothers some price-conscious buyers and are likely to depreciate at a much slower pace on your watch. And while we all may wish we could buy new, if that's not an option, these boats represent a great way to save on the initial investment while getting an almost-new boat with which you can fall completely in love.

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Lenny Rudow

New Boats, Fishing & Electronics Editor, BoatUS Magazine

Top tech writer and accomplished sports fisherman, BoatUS Magazine Contributing Editor Lenny Rudow has written seven practical boating books, won 30 awards from Boating Writers International — many for his marine electronics articles – and two for excellence from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. He judges the NMMA Innovation Awards, and is Angler in Chief at FishTalk, his own Chesapeake-based publication. A great teacher and inspirational writer, Lenny hosts many of BoatUS Magazine’s very-popular how-to videos, which can be found on the BoatUS YouTube channel, or at BoatUS.com

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Hi. I would greatly appreciate advice on the following: Which motor yacht builder is reputed to produce the most mechanically reliable motor yachts between 50 and 75 ft ( excluding sportfish models) up to 10 years old that can be operated by just one person? Any price. And if anyone out there has experience of installing solar panels on a yacht to power its electrical appliances, lighting etc. Could you please advise me on installing solar panels that would provide a maximum of 900 watts and at least 600+ watts (to provide equiv electrical power to that normally provided by the yacht's generator) Thanks KRS

olderboater Senior Member

To assist us in answering can you please provide a little additional information as all we know now is you're a musician. What is your boating experience? Is it enough to prepare you to operate this boat? What do you intend to operate with the solar system? How long will you be away from shore at a time? Is this year round? In what area do you intend to boat? Will you need air conditioning or heat or both?

ranger58sb Senior member

KRS said: ↑ Which motor yacht builder is reputed to produce the most mechanically reliable motor yachts between 50 and 75 ft ( excluding sportfish models) up to 10 years old that can be operated by just one person? Any price. Click to expand...

Pascal Senior Member

You are tying to compare boats to cars and it doesn’t really work in part because boats used mostly off the shelf components, not made by the builders. Things like engines, generators, pumps, air con, watermakers, fixtures, electronics etc are not made by the builder. yes they are installed and wired and plumbed by the boat builder and some do it better than others but it is hard to say brand A is more reliable than brand B. the most critical part is accessibility for maintenance. Engine room layout and system access will make maintenance a breeze or a nightmare and greatly affect costs and reliability that said we all have our preferences. I prefer Cat or cummins engines, northern lights generators, non Italian electrical systems, Flagship air con, As to your solar question, you said 600w of power to provide equivalent power to a gen. The average gen on a boat between 50 and 70 will be 15 to 20 KW....

Danvilletim Senior Member

The newest one

rtrafford Senior Member

Danvilletim said: ↑ The newest one Click to expand...

olderboater said: ↑ What is your boating experience? Is it enough to prepare you to operate this boat? What do you intend to operate with the solar system? How long will you be away from shore at a time? Is this year round? In what area do you intend to boat? Will you need air conditioning or heat or both? Click to expand...

Pascal said: ↑ You are tying to compare boats to cars Click to expand...

ranger58sb said: ↑ Maybe imagine a list, somewhere between 20 and 100 (?) builders of "mostly reliable" motor yachts. -Chris Click to expand...

Nowadays with leds lights have become a non issue power wise. your biggest draw will be refrigeration (fridge freezer and ice maker) as well as air con. On average a 60 footer will use 5 to 7 kw of power water from the gen or shore power. Where do you get this idea that 900W of solar will run 5 to 7kw of loads?

And you've still said nothing about your boating experience. As Pascal has indicated you will not be able to operate all you plan on solar alone. 900 watts of solar will require at least 45 square feet which you won't have on the roof of such a boat, but even so will not be enough for the refrigeration and the air conditioning. Once you add air conditioning, you require a generator. As to being able to single hand it, we don't yet know you're trained and experienced to handle any size.

KRS said: ↑ With regards to the gen output. I want to use solar panel power to run the yacht's appliances, lighting and air con, instead of running them with the normal gen, but the output of the solar panels doesn't have to be as high as the gen's output, as long as it's adequate to run the appliances, lighting and air con. I'm looking to achieve the yacht equivalent of powering the electrics of a house with solar power instead of mains power. I believe 900 watts max would be sufficient power to run the electrical appliances, lighting and air con on a yacht. Click to expand...

bernd1972 Senior Member

No way to have a boat self-sufficient with aircon running without a big genset. That's even beyond unrealustic fantasy. Of course you gain independence from aditinal electrics power e.g. generated by an adult-sized generator If you trade in some conviniences. However, If you want to run greedy appliances you'll have to feed them.

Pascal said: ↑ Where do you get this idea that 900W of solar will run 5 to 7kw of loads? Click to expand...

ranger58sb said: ↑ Our boat needs a 21.5kW generator to handle the 5 air conditioners, water heater, fridges and freezer, electric galley, battery chargers, and a few other light-load odds and ends. Replacing all of that with solar will be a challenge. -Chris​ Click to expand...

KRS said: ↑ The 900 watts idea is from solar panel installer sites that shown the watts of power required for various applications of solar panel power systems. They gave 900 watts as the power needed for powering a yacht's electrics. From what your saying 900 watts is inaccurate. Click to expand...

I would olderboater said: ↑ 900 watts of solar will require at least 45 square feet which you won't have on the roof of such a boat, Click to expand...

ranger58sb said: ↑ They may have been using "yacht" in the British sense, where every sailboat over about 10' long (?) is called a "yacht." It could well be true that 900 W of solar may power a 25' sailboat's electrical systems... which might be limited to mostly 12VDC nav equipment. -Chris Click to expand...

chesapeake46 Senior Member

KRS said: ↑ . I have not previously had such instruction because I never had the money to buy this size of yacht until recently. Now I have and I'm buying the yacht and berthing it and getting the best instruction that money can buy how to operate it Click to expand...

cleanslate Senior Member

Your beautiful yacht will be completely be covered in solar panels. Not aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. what happen when a storm sets in for a couple of days and the sunshine is no more for three or four days straight? What about high winds that could pose a problem to ripping off and damaging panels. you’re gonna need some sort of generator for back up. If you want to live on the yacht like you’re camping you could probably do just solar panels. if you want to live on a yacht with all the comforts and then some of home you’re gonna need a generator. All this solar power I would assume it’s going to require a boatload of batteries in the bilge. Then some sort of huge inverter to convert DC power to AC power… I guess it’s possible if you choose not to have any air conditioning or hot water heater you might be able to do it with just solar panels. DC Refrigeration, led lights throughout, gas or alcohol stove, water heated up by the sun etc… What kind of battery charger would you use to make sure the batteries stay up fully charged not sure if they make a DC solar powered battery charger. then there’s Maintenance on a yacht what happens when you start getting leaks on the cabin top on the deck etc. you had to remove the solar panels to get to the deck and the problem to fix? All boats, yachts, love to leak. Especially above the water line. your post is intriguing and is something to definitely consider just not sure how it can be done.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Best marine diesel engines: a buyer’s guide

• Sam Fortescue
• September 24, 2021

Modern marine diesel engines may look very similar to the large, noisy, oily chunks of iron of yesteryear, but a lot has changed under the bonnet, says Sam Fortescue

An inboard engine is a critical part of any boat, whether you're a purist who only motors when safety demands, or if you'd rather get into harbour in time for last orders. The chances are you also rely on the engine for battery charging. Credit: WorldFoto/Alamy Stock Photo

Best marine diesel engines: the new tech making inboard engines cleaner, more efficient, lighter and more reliable

Once referred to as the ‘auxiliary’ engine , your boat’s inboard diesel is now so much more than just a helping hand.

Not only is it central to your boat’s ability to manoeuvre safely into tight marina berths, it also allows you to keep up average speeds and make the tidal gate before it closes, charges the batteries that run the ever-expanding suite of entertainment and navigational tools aboard, and keeps the beers cold and showers warm.

Despite visual similarities to the noisy models of yesteryear, modern marine diesel engines are cleaner and more efficient, lighter and more reliable. And they are increasingly interactive.

If you’re considering re-powering your boat, here are some of the key features to look out for.

Marine Diesel Engines: Emissions

Tighter regulation in Europe has been forcing engine manufacturers to reduce the harmful emissions generated by their equipment.

In the marine sector, that means complying with the 2013 Recreational Craft Directive, known as RCD 2, and often with the EPA Tier 3 requirements in the USA.

Though most manufacturers anticipate further tightening in the future, there is nothing yet on the cards for marine diesel engines in the leisure sailing sector.

The focus on reducing emissions has resulted in a better understanding of the combustion process inside the cylinder.

A key pollutant, nitrous oxide, is formed at higher combustion temperatures, so one advance has been to reduce those temperatures.

A mechanical system, like this Beta Marine engine, offers ease of maintenance. You don’t need a laptop to reset the electronics

Increasing the swept volume of the cylinder theoretically creates more power, because there is room to burn more fuel each cycle, but if you keep fuel consumption the same, the diesel generates less heat in combustion.

Another area of development has been around the fuel injection system.

A lot has been written about the desirability and reliability of so-called common rail versus mechanical injection for marine diesels.

As Andrew Growcoot, CEO of Beta Marine puts it: ‘The benefits of a mechanical system [are] simplicity and ease of maintenance. One doesn’t need a laptop to reset the electronics ; a mechanical system is safe and will not power down at the wrong time.’

Beta Marine is a British marine diesel engine supplier that uses a Kubota block, and has no intention of introducing the technology any time soon on sub-100hp engines.

The same is true of France’s Nanni and Spain’s Solé, who both supply good, reliable diesel marine engines to the sailing market.

Hedley Beavis of Solé distributor Engines Plus says research to find a common rail injection system has been delayed by COVID-19.

‘It is not an easy task finding a reliable common rail engine but also at a reasonable price for the marine market,’ he adds.

But while common rail injection makes your engine reliant on an electronic control unit for precise high-pressure fuel injection and makes it more susceptible to poor quality fuel, this widely used technology can also offer significant benefits in terms of power and fuel consumption.

Continues below…

Diagnose and fix marine diesel engine problems

Tim Bartlett explains how you can diagnose some common marine diesel engine problems, and fix most of them

White diesel: is it worth converting from red?

Duncan Kent examines the implications of switching from red to white diesel and what you can do to avoid fuel…

How to: troubleshoot your marine diesel fuel system

One of the most common causes of a marine diesel engine not starting is a fuel problem. If you have…

How to avoid diesel bug

Diesel bug can clog filters, wreck engines, corrode fuel tanks, and leave you powerless at sea. Ben Sutcliffe explains how…

Plus, it’s quieter and produces less vibration.

That’s because the diesel is injected as a huge number of tiny droplets, greatly increasing the surface area for better combustion.

Common rail injection is usually found on more powerful engines – Volvo Penta uses the system in its D3 engine and above, which starts at 110hp.

But Yanmar took a bold step in 2018 when it launched a new 40hp unit with electronic fuel injection. The 3JH40 is still the smallest marine diesel engine with this technology.

‘Through common rail technology, the 3JH40 offers minimal fuel consumption and exceptionally low noise and emission levels, exceeding EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD Tier 2 emission regulations for virtually smoke- and odour-free operation,’ says marketing manager Sander Gesink.

‘People don’t want to have the smell of diesel onboard making them seasick.’

The demand for more plentiful electrical power on board boats has led engine manufacturers to increase the output of their alternator systems.

Where a typical alternator on a 30hp engine might have been around 50A two decades ago, they are now often in excess of 100A.

So, for example, even Volvo Penta’s entry-level D1-13 engine packs a meaty 115A alternator with its own built-in charging regulator, for optimal battery charging.

The 50hp D2-50 offers the same alternator, as well as the option of expanding output with a pulley take-off for a second alternator.

Even Volvo Penta’s entry-level D1-13 engine packs a meaty 115-amp alternator with a built-in charging regulator

Beta Marine’s 43hp engine comes with a 70A alternator as standard, but can accommodate upgrades to 120A or 175A alternators, as well as a second 175A alternator for really hefty charging.

It is worth noting, however, that many of these alternators remain fairly basic bits of kit with an inflexible charging regime.

That’s one reason that Yanmar has worked with Mastervolt on its 150hp-plus 4LV engines to develop a secondary charging option in addition to the on-board 130A unit.

Using the Alpha III charge regulator, that alternator will put exactly the right charge into the battery bank on a three-step regime that works regardless of the RPM by varying the field current going into the alternator.

Units on smaller, older marine diesel engines can easily be retrofitted with a regulator, such as Sterling Power’s Pro Reg.

Interactive marine diesel engines

It used to be that marine diesel engines would buzz along in the background unless they overheated, in which case you were treated to an ear-splitting alarm from the control panel.

They still do sport their own dedicated warning lights which ping on if oil pressure drops or the temperature rises above a safe 80-90ºC.

But with the growth of instrumentation on board, and the development of fast, bi-directional networks, engine manufacturers have had to up their game.

That means enabling the engine to put data into your NMEA2000 instrument network about its speed, temperature and oil pressure, as well as many other potential parameters on more complex systems.

‘Captains just want to see their engine performance and details on their MFDs,’ says Yanmar’s Gesink.

Steyr’s unique monoblock marine diesel engine starts at 75hp. The MO 4-CYL uses a two-stage unit injection system with the benefits of high-pressure fuel without the requirement for electronic control

As a common rail injection engine, Yanmar’s 3JH40 already has the electronics necessary to connect directly to the boat’s NMEA2000 instrument network, as well as the VC10 electronic throttles and other controls via a J1939 CAN bus.

These include the YD42 smart panel display, which will toggle through engine data such as load percentage and engine hours, as well as standard navigational data like depth and wind speed.

‘Direct connectivity to NMEA and J1939 CAN-bus networks has been purpose engineered into the 4LV range, allowing future-proofed integration to any multifunction bridge display. Same counts for the 3JH40 and the rest of our common rail engine range,’ adds Gesink.

While 110hp-plus Volvo Penta marine diesel engines – the D3 upwards – have been built since 2006 with a proprietary Electronic Vessel Control system, its smaller D1 and D2 marine diesel engines were given a hybrid solution.

This Mechanical Diesel Interface (MDI) is a black box fitted to the side of the exhaust manifold, where heat and vibration have made it somewhat temperamental.

Without the MDI, the engine simply won’t run, although it is quite straightforward to bypass.

Volvo sells an Easy Connect adapter that plugs into the J1939 socket on the MDI and feeds its data out onto a NMEA 2000 instrument network, allowing it to be visualised on the plotter or other displays.

Volvo’s Easy Connect app allows you to monitor engine-specific data over Bluetooth on smart devices

Other manufacturers also offer products that can do this.

Volvo offers dedicated instruments to show fuel level, temperature and voltage if you want it.

It also produces its own glass bridge touchscreen displays from 7in to 24in, although this will mainly appeal to the powerboat market.

More interesting for sailors is Volvo’s Easy Connect app available for smart devices, which allows you to monitor engine-specific data over Bluetooth thanks to the Easy Connect adapter.

Other engine manufacturers have adopted a more agricultural approach.

Beta Marine, for instance, has worked with market-leading sensor firm Actisense to build a module that plugs into the wiring loom that runs between the engine and the control panel, and feeds data into the NMEA 2000 network.

It only works with one of Beta’s more expensive C and CW Deluxe control panels, and requires a bit of splicing in of wires.

Solé also offers an NMEA 2000 converter to get analogue data from the engine into your digital instrument network.

You still need a dedicated control panel, but the SDC2000 kit even allows the engine’s alarms to be transferred to your MFD.

It is compatible with all Solé diesel engines since 2008.

France’s Nanni uses a similar NMEA adapter, but also offers a dedicated interactive display to enhance its control panel – available for all engines above 21hp.

There is a small 4in model, and larger 7in and 9in display built around Raymarine technology, with charting, radar and CHIRP sonar support.

The choice is yours

Every owner will make up their own mind on common rail injection.

It looks like the way of the future, judging by the automotive sector, but critics point out that poor quality fuel and the need for maintenance in out-of-the-way places weigh in favour of mechanical fuel systems.

It depends whether you’ve got far-flung cruising in mind, or whether you plan to stick to home waters.

Weigh up your priorities. The Yanmar’s fuel consumption is certainly better than the competition.

But the Beta offers one of the best torque curves, equating to more usable power at cruising revs.

Thinking about going electric? Click here

Either way, don’t be tempted to overpower the boat, as marine diesel engines are most efficient at around 80% of their revs.

If you want the engine to feed data onto the network, it’s best to know from the outset, so the engineer can hook the whole thing up.

That said, it’s hardly a complex job, although the necessary kit amounts to several hundred pounds in the aftermarket.

If you’re looking to re-power, the key criteria will always be the space available, and access to filters, impellers and freshwater systems for maintenance .

While there’s broad consensus about hydrogen being the fuel of the future, the path to fuel-cell propulsion is distinctly unclear.

In the meantime, alternative fuels may play an increasing part in the energy mix for combustion engines: methanol or ammonia can be stored as liquids and mixed with diesel in a combustion engine.

There are challenges to overcome, not least the nitrous oxides produced when ammonia burns, but there is research time going into just that.

Shipbuilder CMB is working with manufacturers of bigger engines to make the design tweaks to run on dual fuels; focused on the injection system.

A more immediate possibility is the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil ( HVO ) or gas-to-liquids (GLT).

HVO is essentially biodiesel and can be made from waste cooking oil, while GLT is made from natural gas and is said to burn more cleanly than diesel.

‘The advantage of mechanical injection systems is that the engine can take advantage of using low- emission alternative fuels, such as HVO and GLT, without alterations to the engine,’ adds Beta Marine CEO Andrew Growcoot.

Marine Diesel Engines: A buyer’s guide

Volvo penta d2-50.

Volvo Penta D2-50: Easy to get NMEA data from the engine

Volvo has an odd gap in its engine line-up between the 28hp D1 and the 50hp D2, which exist in both shaft and saildrive formats.

The D2 marine diesel engines run at 3,000rpm, which is pretty standard for this power rating.

In general, slower rotation makes for less noise and vibration. Both series use inline injection and feature the MDI electronic interface which has suffered from reliability problems in the past.

On the plus side, the interface makes it easy to get NMEA data out of the engine and onto your instrument network. It also opens up a good range of snazzy remote displays.

Volvo’s ergonomic electronic controls won’t work with the D2 engine, however. They are only compatible with the EVC marine diesel engines that run on common rail injection.

Volvo has excellent, if expensive, global support.

• Power: 51hp (37.5kW) crankshaft
• Cylinders: 4
• Displacement: 2,200cc
• Fuel consumption at max rpm: 11.5lt/hr
• Dry weight: 249kg
• D2-50: £9,360
• Dealers: www.volspec.co.uk ; www.goldenarrow.co.uk

Yanmar 3JH40

Yanmar 3JH40: An award-winning 40ho engine

With a power output rated at 40hp, this hugely successful, award-winning engine was launched in 2018.

Its key feature is the common rail injection system which Yanmar has introduced with claims that it reduces smoke and odour to nearly nil.

This is due to the more complete combustion of the diesel fuel when injected under high pressure.

It also operates at a relatively low 3,000rpm, which makes it quieter than faster-spinning engines, and reduces vibration.

Yanmar has developed a series of digital controls for its engines. The VC10 and VC20 electronic throttles make data such as engine loading available on the network.

There are also dedicated displays like the YD42, which has a full-colour screen. Otherwise, a £350 analogue-to-digital converter will get your engine data onto the NMEA 2000 network.

There’s a saildrive option, which costs some £2,500 more than the shaft alternative.

Yanmar engines are also very well supported with servicing.

• Power: 40hp (29.4kW)
• Cylinders: 3
• Displacement: 1,642cc
• Fuel consumption at max RPM: 8.8lt/hr
• Dry weight: 192kg
• www.barrus.co.uk

Beta 43: Excellent, mid-range torque for its rating

Beta Marine diesel engines are based on the solid Kubota block, and represent good value, no-frills performance.

Painted a distinctive red colour, they offer flexible installation thanks to a good range of options.

This makes them well suited to repowering in tight corners.

Though the design is constantly being improved, this is a traditional mechanical engine with the minimum of electronic gimmickry.

It offers excellent mid-range torque for its rating.

The standard control panels are steadfastly analogue, although a NMEA2000 converter is available to get limited engine data onto the network.

A new digital display panel is now available, with a standard loom input and a NMEA 2000 output.

Reliable and well supported with spares, and readily serviced, these are good engines that are sold worldwide.

• Power: 43hp
• Displacement: 1,999cc
• Fuel consumption at max RPM: 9.3lt/hr
• Dry weight: 238kg
• www.betamarine.co.uk

Nanni N4.43

Nanni N4.43: Low rpm makes for a quieter unit

Nanni, a French-Italian brand, is well represented in the UK by AR Peachment. These distinctive blue marine diesel engines have helped make Nanni the world’s third largest marine engine supplier.

The engines are fairly traditional, with indirect mechanical fuel injection, natural aspiration and water-cooled exhaust manifold. Relatively low RPM makes for a quieter unit.

The N4.43 is in fact a de-rated version of the larger 50hp unit.

Being a mechanical engine, the N4.43 relies on an NMEA adapter to get engine data onto the network.

Though controls remain analogue, the N4.43 is compatible with a series of Nanni digital displays which start at 4in.

Support at the leisure end is not as widespread as bigger brands, but as it’s based on a Kubota engine block, it should be easy to find a competent mechanic.

• Power: 43hp (29.4kW)
• Displacement: 2,197cc
• Fuel consumption at max RPM: 10.3lt/hr
• Dry weight: 228kg
• www.peachment.co.uk

Solé Mini-44

Solé Mini-44: Decent torque at mid range

Spain’s Solé produces a very wide range of diesel marine engines, and the Mini-44 is aimed at yachts in the 10-12m LOA range.

Sam Fortescue is a freelance marine journalist and former magazine editor who sails a Sadler 34, which has taken his family from the Caribbean to the Baltic

It looks cheaper than the competition, but Solé’s model is to quote a fixed price and not engage in the inevitable discounting of the other brands.

This is the smallest four-cylinder unit the company builds, giving quieter running but greater fuel consumption at top speed.

Though rated 42hp, it has a smaller capacity and has to work harder to achieve it.

For that reason it compares better against 38hp models.

A purely mechanical engine, it relies on cam-driven indirect fuel injection and produces decent if not outstanding torque at the mid range.

Available with an impressive range of gearboxes, including saildrive fittings, the Mini-44 is a very flexible engine with lots of options.

A very expensive converter (SDC2000 – £800) is available to transfer the engine’s analogue data into digital signals for your NMEA 2000 network.

But the control panel options, although very attractively styled, remain resolutely analogue.

Solé has decent global support, naturally focused on Europe and the Spanish-speaking world.

• Power: 42hp (30.9kW)
• Displacement: 1,758cc
• Fuel consumption at max RPM: 10.4lt/hr
• Dry weight: 175kg (w/o gearbox)
• www.enginesplus.co.uk

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The most fabulous yachts to charter this summer

There are an estimated 6,000 superyachts — vessels that are more than 100 feet long — at sea in 2024

As summer reaches its peak across the Northern Hemisphere, it’s hard to imagine a better way of spending a vacation than channeling your inner ship captain and sailing across the ocean.

In recent years, yacht companies have reported a boom in sales — far from the decline that many in the industry feared, due to both the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic realities of the Russia-Ukraine War.

“I spent my days [in 2020] doing worst-case scenarios and drawing up the budgets to go with them,” Giovanna Vitelli, chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti, the world’s largest yacht manufacturer, told the Economist in 2023.

Instead, her company reported a 23% growth in production value in 2023 —a reality that is not unique to just one yacht manufacturer. The luxury yacht market is expected to grow in value from $7.67 billion in 2023 to $17.33 billion by 2032, according to a recent report from Fortune Business Insights .

Analysts attribute the ships’ rise in popularity to the increasing number of extremely wealthy individuals . Yachts have long been considered a status symbol — a reality that has only increased as wealth becomes concentrated in the hands of a small group of high status individuals .

There are an estimated 6,000 superyachts —vessels that are more than 100 feet long — at sea as of this year. This is nearly quadruple the number of yachts seen in the ocean just three decades ago, according to Bloomberg .

Aside from an increase in popularity, the yacht industry has seen other changes in recent years. Increasingly, those in the market for a luxury ship are turning to alternate means of powering their vessels, as critics point to the excess emissions traditional yachts produce simply for recreational use.

In their 2024 report, Fortune Business Insights highlighted the growing trend of electrification as a significant area of growth in the coming years.

“A tough regulatory environment for traditional yachts and rising fuel prices will pave the way for the solid growth of electric yachts in the future,” the report reads. “Huge investments from various manufacturers and government support measures will accelerate the demand for electric yachts.”

Read on to learn more about the most luxurious yachts available for chartering in 2024.

Carinthia VII

Originally constructed in 2002, the award-winning Carinthia VII was recently remodeled and reimagined specifically for private charters. The 319-foot ship spans six decks and can accommodate up to 12 guests in eight staterooms. Among the ship’s amenities are two bars, a fully equipped gym and an outdoor projection screen that allows for an “immersive cinematic experience like no other.” The cost of chartering the Carinthia VII is $1,525,700 during both the winter and summer seasons.

The Lady S yacht boasts a number of exciting water toys, including jet skis, water skis, wakeboards and kayaks for athletic guests on the 305-foot ship. For those who prefer more indoor-oriented activities, however, you can also catch a film on the ship’s IMAX Dolby cinema — the first of its kind on any yacht in the world. Accommodating 12 guests, in seven cabins, the cost of chartering the Lady S begins at $1,743,328 a week.

The interior of the Ahpo yacht seems more reminiscent of a luxury hotel than a simple ship. Accommodating 16 guests and 36 crew members, the vessel features a full-size gym, a winter garden and a spa complete with a Himalayan salt sauna. The 378-foot long yacht was first manufactured in 2021 by the German shipyard Lürssen. Excited sailors can charter the Ahpo from superyacht broker Edmiston, beginning at $2,833,376 a week.

500EXP Para Bellum

This 154-foot-long yacht can accommodate up to 12 travelers in its six cabins, along with up to 10 crew members. The ship was specially designed to enable “guests a 360-degree experience and relationship with the sea” through its unique stern and sundeck that allow travelers to safely stand “almost at sea level,” according to its Italian manufacturer San Lorenzo . Interested travelers can rent the ship for $359,609 a week.

The Renaissance

The Renaissance lives up to its grandiose name by going beyond traditional private yachts and bridging the gap between a personal vehicle and a full-on cruise ship. The 367-foot long ship features five decks and can accommodate 36 guests in 19 cabins. The Renaissance’s amenities include a 19-seat movie theater, a sushi-bar, and a full spa deck featuring a wellness area, plunge pools and a hair salon. The cost of chartering the ship from Burgess Yachts ranges from $3,269,280 to $3,814,160 a week.