Motor Yachts

Overview of Motor Yachts

Different Types of Motor Yachts

Motor yachts come in many different types and sizes to suit different needs. Each motor yacht boat differs, and each has its advantages and disadvantages and tailored to different needs and preferences. We have provided a list to help you decide which type of boat is best suited to your needs. Find out more about pilothouses, sedan bridge yachts, flybridges, convertibles, trawlers, sports coupes, and bridge boats. Here are some of the most popular types by size:

Trawlers

Typically between 40-80 feet. Trawlers are long-range motor yachts resembling commercial fishing vessels but designed for private use, maximizing fuel efficiency and comfort. With full displacement hulls, well-appointed staterooms and a rugged appearance, trawlers are perfect for long voyages, year-round family adventures, liveaboard vessels, island hopping, and coastal exploration. There are more traditional trawlers that are slow-speed cruisers, with cruising speeds typically around 10 knots, and more modern fast trawlers that maintain some level of efficiency while offering faster speeds.

Key characteristics of trawlers include exceptional sea-keeping abilities, extended range, fully-featured interior cabins with appliances, fresh water and wastewater capacity, onboard heads and galleys. These features enable boaters to reach remote anchorages and stay for extended periods, providing a great level of comfort and safety. Key builders of trawlers include Kadey-Krogen, Grand Banks, and Nordic Tugs. Read our guide on Trawler Yachts for more information.

Pilothouse Motor Yachts

Typically between 35-65 feet. Pilothouse motor yachts feature a raised helm that stands apart from the rest of the interior cabin of the vessel. This helm offers better visibility thanks to a higher vantage point with big glass windshields, while providing great protection from the elements. The design also separates the helm more from the living space, salon, galley and staterooms, ostensibly cutting down the level of distraction for the captain from the passengers onboard.

This style of motor yacht caters to family or recreational use in all weather conditions. Marlow, Burger, Hampton and Offshore are well known for building raised pilothouse models ideal for family cruising. Pilothouse yachts may also have a flybridge layout, with a second helm position above the raised pilothouse, for fair weather operation. Their salons are typically full beam and they often have entrances on both starboard and port. Another notable characteristic is separate VIP staterooms with increased level of privacy, thanks to the multi-level layout and clever, compact designs.

Parker is highly recognized for making high-quality trawler yachts. The Parker 660 Weekend is ideal for families who want to spend weekends on the water all year round. The galley comes with a sink storage space, and there is room to install a refrigerator and a cooker. It also accommodates a separate cubicle with a sea toilet, a table to seat four, and a large roof window that provides natural light. The deck space is large enough to add a U-shaped bench, or you can use it for fishing purposes. Other popular pilothouse boat builders include Bayliner, Grand Banks Yachts, Carver, Eaglecraft, MJM Yachts, and Aluminum Duckworth.

A sedan-style pilothouse cruiser deviates from a traditional flybridge cruiser because it has one central helm station situated forward of the salon. For family-oriented sedan cruisers, take a look at Osprey, Ranger Tugs, and Cutwater Boats.

Sedan Style Cruisers

Sedan style cruisers are mid-sized boats between 35 feet through to 65 feet with a low profile that fall under the motor yacht category, though they often are referred to as just yachts. They tend to have a good amount of outdoor area in the aft deck and the low exterior roof lines contribute to excellent stability and seaworthiness. They only have one deck level and do not have flybridges or multi-deck living areas.

Sport Coupes

Typically between 35-60 feet. Sport coupes are sleek yachts with sloping windows, stylish hardtops, and powerful engines, designed for speed and entertainment. Popular for their elegant design and modern amenities, they are ideal for socializing and quick getaways. These boats are fast, and thanks to modern and efficient power plants, they tend to top speeds over 30 knots. Sports coupes feature swim platforms that lower to provide access to the water. Side decks are another common feature of sport coupes with a wide beam.

Lobster Yachts And Picnic Boats

Typically between 35- 55 feet. Modern downeast-style boats (or “lobster yachts”) and so-called “picnic boats” are bang on trend and ideal for getting under bridges due to their lower air clearance. The downeast styling originates from Maine’s iconic commercial lobster boats when fishermen needed space on deck for handling pots and a boat that can reach high speeds to get their fresh catch back to a local market as quickly as possible. There are a number of brands that have emulated the Maine fishing boat aesthetic—take a look at Back Cove, MJM, San Juan and Grand Banks. Shop Lobster Yachts And Picnic Boats for sale.

Flybridge Yachts

Typically between 40-80 feet. Multi-deck and tri-deck motor yachts with an elevated center of gravity. Fans of flybridge cruisers are happy to compromise a bit on the sports look in order to gain additional space, versatility and expansive views provided by the flybridge (sometimes referred to as the sky deck, bridge or upper helm station). All true flybridges include a second helm above the lower helm that allows the captain to steer the boat with 360-degree visibility. Depending on the yacht’s size, a flybridge boat can include a summer kitchen, a wet bar, al fresco dining areas, and lounging areas on the upper deck for entertaining guests.

Builders like Sunseeker and Princess Yachts are renowned for their flybridge models. Many motor yacht builders that construct flybridge cruisers offer models in express boat versions and flybridge model versions, also commonly called convertible boats. Read our guide on Flybridge Yachts for more information.

Convertible Motor Yachts

Typically between 40-80 feet. The distinction between the aforementioned classes of flybridge cruisers can blur, but convertible boats generally have a flybridge above with ample seating for guests and forward living quarters below. Convertibles are typically set up as dual purpose cruising and fishing boats, while the previously mentioned sports coupes are more for cruising.

Express Style Motor Yachts

Express style motor yacht boats are laid out more for sport fishing with the focus of the cockpit being on plying the waters for fish. This is where the line between a sport fishing yacht and a motor yacht can blur though, as many express style motor yachts fall into both categories.

Sedan Bridge Yachts

Sedan bridge boats are a blend of the sportfishing yachts and cruisers mentioned above, but without the emphasis on fishing. Sea Ray made the name famous with their Sedan Bridge model line, featuring the Sea Ray 400, 480, 550, 560 and 580 sedan bridge models.

These boats have a wide family appeal thanks to their multifunctional layout. The flybridge is used as a balcony overlooking the water, and there are social areas, cooking facilities and enough rooms to cater to overnight cruising. Some of the larger yachts can even be converted to liveaboard yachts. Sedan bridge yachts are the most common type of motor yacht, and it’s not difficult to see why. Its hull type is either a Vee, or a deep-vee to allow the yacht to reach high speeds and plane on the water while remaining steady in choppy sea conditions.

In terms of propulsion, sedan bridge yachts are run using an inboard engine or a stern-drive engine. If topping high speeds is top of your agenda- you should give this a miss because sedan bridge yachts are made for entertaining and taking long trips rather than topping fast speeds.

Sportfish Motor Yachts

Typically between 30-70 feet. Sportfish motor yachts are seaworthy vessels designed specifically for offshore fishing for serious anglers who want to target large game fish, such as tuna and marlin. The tuna lookout tower gives anglers an edge, helping them to spot swells of tuna, but unless you use it regularly, it’s not worth investing in. The tuna tower is expensive, and it elevates the boat’s gravity.

Passengers ride aboard in luxury, accommodation is comfort and style. Large sportfishing yachts are commonly referred to as ‘battlewagons’.

As outlined above, convertible yachts offer a dual purpose design to allow for easy fishing from the yacht and luxury cruising experiences for passengers onboard. Popular sportfisher boat builders include Hatteras, Viking Yachts, Bertram, Sunny Briggs and Cabo Yachts. Read our guide on Sportfishing Yachts for more information.

Catamaran Motor Yachts

40 feet+. Big catamaran yacht design has undergone significant development over the past decade thanks to the ever-growing popularity of luxury powerboat catamarans. Catamaran motor yachts feature a two-hull design, doubling the recreational space compared to monohulls. Thanks to the broader deck and living spaces catamarans make great liveaboard yachts. Particularly as catamarans are bright and airy since the living space sits above the waterline.

If you suffer from seasickness, catamarans are a good option because their wide beams provide smooth sailing, reducing the rocking motion on board. Smaller power cat yachts are angled at fishing (see what we did there), while larger cats are used as bareboat charter and cruising platforms. Finally, the shallow draft makes it ideal for cruising tropical waters.

Motor Yachts Construction and Design Innovations

Motor yachts have a variety of construction options, including some with full-displacement hulls which are extremely seaworthy, and other models with planing hulls ideal for reduced resistance and increased speeds.

Motor yachts are typically made of fiberglass, aluminum, or steel as they need to be capable of holding up to extended trips in saltwater. Carbon fiber models, known for their lightweight qualities are becoming increasingly popular as boat buyers look to conserve fuel usage to help to reduce their carbon footprint.

Modern designs focus on maximizing natural light with extensive use of glass, providing passengers with uninterrupted views of the sea.

Reclaimed materials are becoming popular, such as cork instead of traditional teak for decks, enhancing environmental sustainability. Biophilic design principles are also influencing yacht interiors, connecting passengers with the natural world through innovative use of space and light.

Motor yachts can be bought either fully customized or in semi-custom designs. Semi-custom production yacht builds are more likely to be built on time and on budget. Prototypes have already been tested and the characteristics and performance are very well known eliminating the risk for anything to go wrong. Fully customized boats are completely unique, and you will have full control of the design, so although the overall cost is more expensive, you won’t be paying for any features that you don’t want.

Live-Aboard Motor Yachts

Living aboard a motor yacht offers a unique lifestyle filled with adventure and freedom. Ideal yacht sizes for living aboard range from 40 to 50 feet, depending on the number of occupants and desired amenities. Considerations include fuel capacity, water and wastewater tanks, range, and the number of staterooms for privacy and comfort. Many modern motor yachts are equipped with all the comforts of home such as a washing machine, dishwasher, freezer, or stand up shower, making them well-suited for long-term living. Bear in mind though that weight will make your yacht less efficient, so consider what you really need and prioritize.

Before you decide to make the leap to live on a motor yacht, bear in mind that lots of marinas have long waitlists for a liveaboard slip, and they cost double a regular slip. Some marinas only allow you to sleep abroad two nights per week.

Motor Yacht Pricing and Ownership Costs

Motor yachts vary widely in price based on size, age, and features. Entry-level models can start as low as $100,000, while luxury models with extensive customization can exceed $10 million or more. Key factors influencing price include build quality, brand reputation, onboard technology, and engine specifications.

Beyond the initial purchase price, ownership costs can be substantial. Annual expenses typically include maintenance, insurance, fuel, and docking fees. Maintenance alone can cost up to 10% to 20% of the yacht’s value per year, depending on the age and condition of the vessel. Fuel costs vary based on engine efficiency and usage, but larger yachts can easily consume hundreds of gallons per trip, significantly impacting the overall cost of ownership.

Insurance costs for motor yachts are influenced by the yacht's size, age, and cruising area. For a mid-sized yacht, annual premiums can range from $2,000 to $15,000 or more. Docking and storage fees vary widely depending on location, with popular marinas charging higher rates, especially for larger yachts.

Maintenance Costs

Maintaining a motor yacht involves regular servicing of engines, hull inspections, and keeping onboard systems in good working order. Routine maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and extends the lifespan of the yacht. Engine maintenance is one of the most significant costs, requiring regular oil changes, filter replacements, and cooling system checks.

Hull maintenance, including cleaning and antifouling, is crucial to ensure the yacht remains seaworthy and fuel-efficient. The cost of antifouling paint and application can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the yacht’s size and condition. Electrical and plumbing systems also require periodic checks to prevent malfunctions during cruising.

Yacht owners should also budget for potential repairs to electronics, navigation systems, and interior amenities. Regular upkeep of the yacht’s interior, such as upholstery, flooring, and galley appliances, helps maintain a comfortable and luxurious onboard experience.

Long-term storage costs, such as winterization in colder climates, should also be considered. Preparing a yacht for storage involves draining water systems, protecting engines, and covering the yacht to prevent weather-related damage.

Expert Video Review

Join YachtWorld and boat reviewer Marilyn DeMartini for a walkthrough of a 2024 Prestige X70 luxury flybridge motor yacht. Available with a full beam master suite, VIP suite and two guest cabins along with a 16-foot wide main salon and gourmet galley equipped with top-notch appliances, this boat has an extensive options list, which includes a Seakeeper stabilizer, Agilis 330C Jet Tender, hard top, and custom exterior layouts. She offers plenty of outdoor spaces for relaxing and sunbathing. The spacious flybridge boasts a custom-made L-shaped sofa with a convertible dining table to the left and a wet bar with a grill, sink, and refrigerator to the right. You'll also find two comfortable Roda chaise lounges for sunbathing on the back of the flybridge. Propelled by Volvo Penta IPS-1200 engines that speed the boat up to 28 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 22. This gives you a cruising range of up to 300 nautical miles.

Common FAQs

Conclusion

Motor yachts offer unparalleled luxury, versatility, and performance for those seeking to explore the open seas. Whether you’re interested in cruising, fishing, or living aboard, there’s a motor yacht to suit your needs. Explore our listings to find the perfect motor yacht for your next adventure.