From entertaining guests at a formal dinner party on the water, to enjoying weeks away on a luxury cruising vacation, owning a motor yacht can provide limitless possibilities for comfortable boating. Known for plush accommodations, as well as outdoor sunbathing and dining spaces, motor yachts are also a status symbol in the yachting community. While some vessels are meant for long-distance cruising by a couple, others are designed specifically a captain and crew. With many different types, styles, sizes, and prices, speaking with an expert yacht sales professional is a wise decision before entering into a purchase agreement.
Since 1964, SI Yachts has been closely assisting our customers through their entire boating career as many clients have purchased countless vessels with us throughout the years. We are a proud motor yacht dealer for premium brands like Princess, Absolute, and Prestige Yachts. Best of all, we can take your existing boat in on trade towards the purchase of your new boat! Call us today at 1-718-984-7676 for more information.
As of January 2022, there are currently 2,324 pre-owned motor yachts on the market in the United States. There are likely others classified as flybridge yachts, enclosed bridge yachts, express cruisers, and super yachts. Many vessels have similar characteristics to one another and can be classified under multiple categories. A typical motor yacht is between 40-feet in length and up to 100-feet. After 100-feet, these boats are referred to as super yachts.
What Are The Different Types Of Motor Yachts?
Motor Yachts are further classified based on their design and capabilities. Flybridge Yachts are popular for use in warmer climates as the upper bridge is open to the elements. Many owners opt for the factory hardtop on their flybridge so that the helm and upper dining area are protected. Flybridge yachts can have other features like sunbathing areas, an outdoor galley, and a sunroof in the hardtop. Builders like Azimut, Sunseeker, and Ferretti Yachts are well-known, popular flybridge brands that we can assist you with in your search for the right vessel.
For boaters who want the comfort of a climate-controlled elevated area, an enclosed bridge on a motor yacht acts as a second salon. This area offers the comfort of interior furnishings and have spectacular views. Many enclosed bridges have a small outdoor aft deck that feature another set of controls for docking your boat with the joystick.
Some motor yachts are designed specifically for long distance cruising by a couple. With redundant systems, fuel efficient engines, and hull designs to better handle inclement weather, long-distance cruising yachts offer total freedom on the ocean. Many of these owners live aboard their boat for weeks at a time, traveling to far off islands. Some long-distance motor yachts are even capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Below is an example of a mid-level motor yacht, the Absolute Navetta 52:
What Engines Are Found In Motor Yachts?
Most builders today of your typical 50' to 100' motor yacht are equipping their boats with twin diesel engines between 1,200 and 3,000 horsepower depending on what is needed. Volvo, Caterpillar, MTU, and MAN engines are among the most popular choices for today's motor yacht builders. Flybridge yachts, like a Princess F70 for example, are designed to go faster and have more horsepower. For that model, the Princess shipyard used twin MAN V12 1,400HP engines for a top speed of around 30 knots. For cruising yachts, like a Fleming 55 for example, use Cummins QSC 8.3 500HP engines that may only reach speeds near 20 knots, but are incredibly fuel efficient.
What Equipment Can Be Found On Motor Yachts?
Yachts are highly complex vehicles that require particular equipment in order to fully satisfy the needs of the owners and deliver a high-level of safety on board. Multiple generators can often be found on motor yachts that run components like the air-conditioning, galley equipment, and other electrical equipment. Most galleys on boats of this size are fully-equipped with a refrigerator or fridge drawers, dish washer, ice maker/freezer, convection ovens, and more. For the captain, a full electronics suite including sonar and auto-pilot are common. Other equipment can include water-makers, hydraulic swim platforms, electric davits for tenders, high-end sound systems, and much more. The complexity and quality of the equipment on board your yacht definitely affects the price.
How Much Does A Motor Yacht Cost?
A luxury motor yacht can range anywhere from $500,000 to over $10,000,000 depending on the size of the yacht, the engines, equipment, and capabilities. Large pre-owned motor yachts can often be found on the brokerage market for under $1 million, but are going to be 10 years old or more. The cost of the yacht is only the beginning of the ownership experience as indirect costs like hiring a captain, finding dockage, paying for insurance, and fuel all need to be considered before buying.
