As a first introduction to motor yachts a yacht is loosely defined either as a sailing yacht, motor yacht, or gulet yacht, and then as a sports or luxury yacht expressly used for recreation, pleasure or sport.

…is a yacht mainly propelled via the wind using sails. Considered to be an eco-friendly way of travelling and used all around the world. Some of the big sailing yachts can be ocean going or ‘blue water’ crafts.

…is a yacht propelled via one or more inboard or outboard motors. These types of yachts vary greatly in size and types. Many of the really big motor yachts are ocean going or ‘blue water’ yachts and are professionally crewed.

…is a hybrid yacht with both sails and motors. Mainly found around the coast of Turkey and the Adriatic. A very popular yacht for tourist.

…is a Cruiser, Cabin Cruiser, Express Cruiser: is an uncategorized standard yacht for cruising and entertaining propelled by motors.

…is a yacht geared towards sea fishing, water sports, or competition yachts with a sleeker design and more powerful motor for faster cruising speeds. The term ‘sports’ can precede other types of yachts as well, i.e. “sports motor yacht”.

…is a yacht with two hulls often made of fiberglass that can be used in shallow waters. These yachts can be propelled by wind using sails or by inboard or outboard motors. They are very stable but can be noisy at speed across the water. Mainly sailed onshore.

…is a yacht with a central hull and 2 outer pontoons attached to each side of the centre hull and often made of fiberglass that can be used in shallow waters. These yachts are mainly propelled by wind using sails tend to be very light and used for racing.

…is a yacht that includes high-end finishes and features and the latest in modern performance technology. The term ‘luxury’ can precede any type of yacht, i.e. “luxury motor yacht”, “luxury sailing yacht”, etc.

And finally there are the Super Yachts, Mega Yachts and Giga Yachts: as the names suggest these are yachts very different from the above list and are categorised by length.

A yacht that was built between the 1920s and 1970s (before today’s modern technology began dominating modern yacht manufacturing). A modern yacht can be built based on the classic motor yacht style. Today, the term designates just the leisure purpose, and they are generally perceived as luxury recreational/pleasure vessels, classified in two main categories, sailing and motor, or power boats.

A popular yacht style with deck space above the hull and living quarters below. The living quarters of a sedan yacht are enclosed and single-level.

A sedan-style yacht with an open deck and more comfortable living space above the main bridge of a vessel.

A multi-level yacht that is even more open than a flybridge. Belize Motoryachts are known for creating this distinctive style of yacht.

A term used to describe the layout of and access to the flybridge. In an enclosed flybridge, access to the above flybridge is enclosed inside the living space. In an open flybridge, access to the flybridge above is open to the elements.

A low-profile yacht with a large working cockpit and small helm station. This highly recognizable style is inspired by the mid-1900s traditional Maine lobster boat. Back Cove yachts are a shining example of downeast-style inspired yachts.

A multi-deck yacht like a flybridge with a larger interior main deck.

An enclosed area at the top of the vessel that provides the benefits of the view but with several amenities, protection from the elements, expansive windows and sometimes a sunroof.

A yacht with more cockpit space than deck space.

A yacht used for fishing with a large cockpit, storage space, and the ability to handle rougher seas. These can also be referred to as Flybridge Sportfish or Sportfish Express and are built for longer durations out on the water.

A yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht with a sportfish yacht to have entertaining space when you need it, and also fishing space when you need it.

A yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht and sport yacht.

A superyacht with three levels of staggered, enclosed living space. Cruising yachts are the most used, can be quite complex in design, and will usually have several cabins below deck.

A large yacht with a deeper displacement hull for more stability and comfort during longer-range trips.

Broadly speaking, an open yacht has no flybridge and its main deck is commonly all open. The helm station can frequently be sheltered by a T-Top. Below deck, depending on the length of the yacht, there are living spaces for the crew which may include dinette, cabins and facilities.

A 40 ft motor yacht could range from anywhere from $300,000, all the way up to over $800,000. While it is true that the cost of owning a 65-foot yacht would be more than that of a 40-footer, if the larger vessel is much older, then it could actually be far more affordable.

• Boats are used for both commerce and recreation.
• Yachts tend to be built for pleasure.
• Boats are smaller than ships.
• Yachts can be any size.
• Ships are large, take to the seas, and are usually commercial.
• Both boats and yachts can have either motors or sails.
  So, next time someone asks you what’s a yacht, you’ll be able to give them a satisfactory answer.

If after your first introduction to motor yachts and you’re in the market for a stunning yacht, we offer the very best in luxury yachts. And our excellent world-class reputation means our yachts are world-beaters, the very best of British. If you’d like to explore the potential, we’ll be delighted to oblige.

Contact us at will@yachtsforpleasure.com