difference between boat and yacht

Yachts vs. Boats: What are the Differences?

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Last Updated on April 13, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Many people use the words “boat” and “yacht” interchangeably, and some lean on the latter to make their ride sound more impressive. But what are the key differences between boats and yachts?

First, let’s look at some broad definitions of a boat, a yacht, and other related vessels.

• “Boat” can refer to just about any kind of vessel— towboat , fishing boat , center console , houseboat , and so on.
• “Dinghy” designates a small boat with a human or wind means of propulsion including a rowing dinghy or sailing dinghy. It also refers to a tender to a bigger boat or yacht.
• “Ship” is a large commercial boat, often used for distance travel and transport of goods or passengers – cruise ship, container ship, etc.
• “Yacht” is typically a larger boat with luxury amenities used as a recreational vessel— motor yacht , sailing yacht .
• “Superyacht” is a large yacht and is often also called a mega yacht . The delineation used to be at 80-feet but again, with today’s size creep, anything under 100 feet would just simply be called a yacht.

So, yacht or boat? Let’s dive deeper into the elements that differentiate a boat from a yacht.

Own a Boat or a Yacht? Learn How to Offset the Cost of Ownership by Listing on Boatsetter

Size of the Vessel

Some place a hard line at 35 feet. Below that, you have a boat and above, it’s a yacht. However, that’s an artificial differentiator.

Just 30 years ago, a 30-foot boat was considered large and could have been a yacht but as recreational boats grow longer, the term yacht has been pushed up the scale.

That said, a well-kept 40-foot boat designed for recreation can technically still be called a yacht (although larger vessels are likely to cost more, price isn’t a good indicator of yacht status primarily because it fluctuates with brand, age, and amenities).

Check out local yacht rentals near you to understand how size plays a difference.

What it’s Used For

A yacht is a vessel designed for recreational purposes. It generally operates on open waters (rather than small lakes or rivers) and has accommodations for overnight guests.

A cruise ship, on the other hand, accommodates a large number of passengers in a commercial setting whereas a yacht carries a smaller number (of paying or non-paying) passengers for private recreation.

Onboard Technology

Advanced technology for navigation, communications, and system operation as well as redundant systems for safety can be found on a yacht that is likely to venture farther.

Again, there are caveats because today’s towboats that are fun day boats also feature technology such as GPS and digital switching that integrates many electrical and electronic features.

Propulsion Types

This is a tricky one. “Yacht” comes from the Dutch word “jaght” which referred to a sailing vessel that was used by the navy to capture pirate ships and later for recreation by the affluent.

Today, a yacht can be a large sailing vessel or a motor yacht. All larger yachts will have a motor for propulsion whether they have sails or not. Sailboats by design have smaller motors so trying to put a horsepower minimum on yacht propulsion is simply inaccurate.

Some define a yacht as having multiple crews to operate the vessel and tend to passengers or guests. The larger the yacht, the more crew will be required to navigate, maintain and service the vessel. That said, a couple who owns a 50-footer can call their boat a yacht although it’s owner-operated.

Luxury and Amenities

This is perhaps the best measure of a yacht. If the vessel offers accommodations, a galley , a head , and is luxurious in its presentation, it’s most likely a yacht.

That said, there are lots of center console fishing boats and towboats that are pretty nicely equipped these days and they wouldn’t be called a yacht.

All yachts are boats, but not all boats are yachts—and the lines are blurry. The word yacht elicits images of posh seafaring experiences while a boat evokes ideas of fun and perhaps work. Do some research to learn what size and type of boat or yacht is best for you .

To a degree, the point at which a boat becomes a yacht is in the ear of the beholder but if you focus on size, amenities, and the type of use, you’ll be able to discern the difference. Then all that remains is to find a way to spend time and have fun on any kind of vessel.

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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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What Makes a Boat a Yacht? Differences of Yachts vs. Boats

As a boating enthusiast, you may have the perfect boat in mind for your next boat purchase or chartered marine event. You might just want a boat, such as for a small event or some small-group adventures, or you might want a larger and more luxurious yacht. The first step in deciding your yacht vs boat decision is knowing what makes a boat a yacht, down to the sizing details, features, and industry certifications. Read through this quick guide to learn more about what makes a yacht.

Size and Design Differences of Yachts and Boats

The key difference between a boat and a yacht often starts with size. Under the NMMA’s yacht certification system, a boat needs to be at least 26 feet long in order to be considered a yacht. However, most yachts significantly exceed this minimum size requirement, stretching out to be at least 35 feet to accommodate a bigger number of passengers and more exciting amenities. Depending on the yacht you’re interested in, it can stretch from 35 feet to 160+ feet. Even larger yachts—called superyachts—are available.

You may also see different criteria and organizations that are what classifies a yacht as a yacht. For example, large yachts that are at least 79 feet long, commercial yachts that have strict passenger capacities, and charter yachts that are owned by a business for the purpose of serving customers with cruises and events.

Yachts are also designed with unusually powerful engines. Some boats have powerful engines in order to drive higher levels of speed and precision. But yacht power systems have a much higher capacity because they need to power a much larger boat, ensure passengers can travel for long distances without inconvenient stops, and provide power with luxury onboard systems like lighting, separate cabins, hot tubs, and busy kitchens.

Purpose and Use Cases of Boats vs. Yachts

Another significant difference between what makes a boat a yacht and what falls into other categories is the primary purpose of the boat. Fishing, racing, and other forms of active recreation are often left to other boats. But yachts are the boat of choice for entertainment and hosting events, going on pleasure cruises, and going out on the water in style without a dedicated activity in mind.

For example, people might buy or rent out a yacht for:

• Going on luxury vacations, especially along coastlines or across multiple islands
• Hosting special events such as engagement parties or retirement parties
• Destination events, such as scuba diving and watching whales
• Business events, such as luxury dinner meetings and networking opportunities

Amenities and Features of a Yacht

What is considered a yacht also depends on the experience of living on the watercraft. Luxury boating is all about the amenities and features onboard that make it a pleasant experience. Some of the most popular amenities you may find on yachts are:

• Enclosed and spacious interior cabins
• Multiple bathrooms
• Indoor kitchens with appliances and storage space
• Entertainment systems such as televisions and more extensive audio systems
• Onboard water features such as hot tubs or swimming pools built right into the yacht

Ultimately, yachts offer a level of luxury and comfort that is not part of typical boat designs. As a general rule, boats are built to be as compact and efficient as possible, with utilitarian designs, functional spaces, and minimal features outside the core use case of the boat (such as fishing and racing). Cruising yachts typically have at least two cabins, a salon with a dining area, at least one stateroom, and a navigation station.

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What is the Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht?

Key differences between ‘boats’ and ‘yachts’.

Boats and yachts are two different types of watercraft normally used for a range of recreational and commercial activities. Whilst people tend to use these terms interchangeably, there are numerous distinct differences between a boat and a yacht. There are six main differences that you should bare in mind when looking at boats or yachts , to help you gain the best understanding. 

6 Differences Between Yachts and Boats

The first key difference between a boat and a yacht is their size. A yacht is typically bigger than a boat and whilst there is no strict definition of what a yacht is, the general consensus is that if it is over 40 feet in length, it is usually considered a yacht. Boats can also vary in size, starting from small dinghies to larger motorboats or ferries but as a whole are definitely smaller than yachts.

Typically, boats are used for more recreational activities including fishing, cruising and watersports. As well as this, they can be used for commercial use and transportation with cargo or ferries. This is why boats that aren’t ferries or cargo tend to have a smaller, more simplistic design. Each boat is designed specifically so they function for their activities. On the other hand, yachts are usually used for cruising, entertainment and pleasure. They are designed with a more aesthetic design in order to enhance the experience of passengers.

3. Luxury Features

Another factor that easily sets boats and yachts apart are their luxury facilities. In general, boats do not have luxury facilities and whilst they might have an underdeck area, this will only be small and not include any kind of ‘luxuries’. Yachts however are usually equipped with multiple luxury features including spacious cabins, full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, swimming pools, hot tubs, television systems and in some cases, even helipads. These are purposefully designed to heighten the onboard experience of passengers.

One thing you should expect to see when comparing yachts and boats is a difference in cost. Because boats are fit for a smaller, more simplistic purpose you should expect these to cost less than a yacht. You could, on average, buy a boat ranging from a few thousand pounds right up to £700,000 but a yacht would come at prices from about £100,000 to £10,000,000 . This is for many reasons including the size, purpose and functionality of a yacht compared to a boat.

5. Maintenance

Whilst it is important to consider the costs of buying a boat or a yacht , it is also important to consider the upkeep that is going to come with that. In general, a yacht requires more maintenance than boats due to them being larger and having more complex systems. They would require specialised cleaning, regular upkeep of their facilities including swimming pools, hot tubs, rooms etc and regular servicing of their mechanical systems. Boats would still need to undergo upkeep, but not to the extent that a yacht would. As a result, the price and work level are usually lower for boat maintenance .

6. Engine Power

The last difference to note between boats and yachts is the power of their engines. There are a lot of boats that won’t even have an engine, it could range from a small boat requiring manpower to operate to larger boats using wind and sails to move. Boats that do have an engine can reach quite high speeds and run for some periods of time, but their engine capacity is not comparable to a yacht. A yacht engine tends to be more powerful overall, which allows them to travel through rougher water and travel for very long periods of time.

Should I Buy Myself a Boat or a Yacht?

It is important to do your research about the boat or yacht you are looking to buy in order to make sure you are getting the watercraft fit for your purpose. If you are looking to partake in watersports or short trips, a boat is definitely more suitable for you. However, if you are looking for a more luxurious travel style then a yacht may be the one for you. 

If you are looking to sell or buy, Clipper Marine might be the perfect option for you. We have experience selling a range of yachts and boats and can offer our expertise when setting the asking price, marketing the boat to potential buyers.

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Yacht vs Boat: What is the Difference?

If you are new to the boating world, it is easy to get perplexed by the terminology. One question frequently emerges about defining and discerning the difference between a yacht vs boat. This is mainly because these terms have overlapping aspects.

However, there are clear-cut differences in size, functionality, luxury, etc. In this blog, we will unravel these differences and provide a comprehensive analysis and comparison of each other. This guide touches upon various aspects, including these vessels’ definition, design, amenities, crewing, and recreational uses.

Key Takeaways

• Yachts are generally larger and more luxurious than boats. A vessel typically becomes a yacht when it is over 33 feet long, although amenities and luxury also factor into this classification.
• Boats are often smaller and have a practical design. They are equipped with features directly related to their intended use, such as fishing or watersports.
• Both yachts and boats can offer a range of recreational activities. However, yachts are more about leisure and comfort, while boats are about specific recreational pursuits.
• Yachts usually require a crew to operate and utilize more sophisticated systems. Boats, on the other hand, can often be operated by a single person or a small group and may use simpler systems.
• Understanding when a boat is considered a yacht (and vice versa) is essential. The basic rule of thumb is that all yachts are boats, but not all boats are yachts. Size, luxury, and crew requirements contribute to a vessel's classification.
• Superyachts or megayachts are a whole new level of luxury. These vessels exceed 164 feet and feature an even higher level of luxury.

What is a Boat?

At the most fundamental level, a boat is a watercraft designed for transportation, whether for fishing, sport, travel, or even as a place of residence. Boats come in various designs and sizes – from small wooden canoes that can only fit a handful of people to large, motorized vessels designed for longer voyages across the sea. 

There are many different types of boats, each suited for other uses. For fishing enthusiasts, there’s the fishing boat, equipped with specialized features like fishing rod holders and a trolling motor. 

For those who value stability and space, the pontoon boat, with its flat deck and large, buoyant tubes, is an ideal choice. Sailboats, designed for propulsion primarily using sails, are for those who wish to harness the power of the wind for their seafaring adventures. 

What is a Yacht?

You’re not far off if you hear the term ‘yacht’ and think of luxury and opulence. Originally derived from the Dutch word ‘jacht’, meaning ‘hunt’, the term was used to refer to fast, lightweight vessels that the Dutch navy utilized for chasing down pirates. 

However, ‘yacht’ is more colloquially known as a symbol of wealth and extravagance. They are large, luxurious, professionally crewed motor or sailing boats. The types vary greatly – from sleek racing yachts built for speed to mega yachts, essentially floating mansions equipped with every possible luxury. 

Motor yachts, as the name suggests, are powered by engines, allowing for greater speed on the water and the ability to cruise at a steady pace through calm and rough seas alike. On the other hand, sailing yachts like monohulls or catamarans utilize the wind as their primary means of propulsion, offering a serene and more eco-friendly experience. 

The Difference Between a Yacht vs Boat

Size matters.

One of the most straightforward differences between a boat and a yacht is their sizes. While there’s considerable overlap, it’s safe to say that size does play a significant part in helping classify a vessel. Generally, smaller vessels are frequently referred to as boats, while larger ones are usually categorized as yachts. But how large is large enough to be called a yacht? 

Traditionally, a yacht tends to be a boat that is above 33 feet in length. Nonetheless, the exact size that qualifies a boat to be called a yacht may vary. Notably, the term “megayacht” or “superyacht” is reserved for particularly luxurious yachts over 164 feet long.

Construction and Design Differences

A vessel’s design can also indicate whether it is a yacht or a boat. Yachts tend to be built with more attention to luxury and comfort, often equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, and their design caters to extended voyages and overnight stays. 

Boats, on the other hand, favor functionality and are typically built to serve specific purposes – like fishing, sporting, or basic transportation. The design varies greatly depending on their intended use, but generally, they are less complex and tend to have a simpler layout with fewer amenities.

When it comes to construction, they both use various materials such as wood, fiberglass, or metal. However, yachts often use more advanced materials and technologies in their construction to enhance their performance, stability, and durability. 

An In-depth Look at Boat and Yacht Amenities and Features

Amenities and features common in boats.

While boats may not be as lavish as yachts, they do come well-equipped for the purposes they serve. For instance, fishing boats may have built-in rod holders, bait wells, and top-notch fish-finding electronics. Pontoon boats, perfect for relaxed cruising and partying, might feature BBQ grills, coolers, and spacious seating spaces. 

Sailboats may come equipped with features suited to longer voyages — compact kitchens, “galleys”, and sleeping cabins. However, the amenities in boats are generally functional and designed more for utility than comfort.

Luxurious amenities and features of yachts

When we cross over to the world of yachts, luxury takes center stage. Even the smaller class of yachts come equipped with plush sleeping cabins, fully equipped kitchens, spacious, elegantly furnished lounge areas, and often, en-suite bathrooms. 

Moving up to larger yachts, one can expect extravagant add-ons such as on-deck Jacuzzis, home theatres, state-of-the-art sound systems, gyms, and helicopter landing pads! 

Boat and Yacht Engines and Electronics

Understanding what powers each vessel and the technology they harness can help further distinguish between them.

Boat engines

Boats, especially motorized ones, are typically powered by inboard engines or outboards. Outboards are commonly found on smaller boats like fishing or bass boats. They are self-contained units containing the engine, gearbox, and propeller, conveniently mounted outside the boat on the transom .

On the other hand, inboard engines are built inside the boat’s body and are typically found on larger boats designed for speed and power. Regardless of the type, boat engines are designed for functionality and dependability.

In terms of electronics, boats usually come with basic equipment such as navigation lights , depth finders, and often, fish-finding sonar for fishing boats. Most boats also have a VHF marine radio for emergency communication. 

Yacht engines

Yachts, particularly motor yachts, tend to employ larger and more powerful engines, given their size. A yacht’s engine must work harder than a typical boat’s to move the vessel itself and power the amenities onboard. Some even use multiple engines for enhanced speed and smooth sailing.

Advanced and high-tech yacht electronics

Boats, typically used for shorter, near-shore trips, often utilize basic navigation systems, GPS, and chart plotters and can often be used by someone with some experience and a basic understanding of boating rules.

Conversely, the longer and more complex journeys yachts often undertake necessitate comprehensive onboard systems, including RADAR , AIS, autopilot, and advanced charting systems. As a result, navigating a yacht, especially those in the super or mega range, needs a higher level of maritime knowledge, significant experience, and even official licensing.

In addition, luxury yachts may possess digital control systems capable of managing everything from the yacht’s movement, stability, and positioning systems to its onboard amenities. 

As yachts increase in size and complexity, it is common for them to require the assistance of a full crew. Compared to boats that often can be sailed single-handedly or with a minimal crew, larger yachts, particularly the mega or superyachts, necessitate a highly skilled multi-person team to safely and effectively manage their operations. 

Think of a yacht as a floating luxury hotel—it needs chefs to prepare meals, engineers to maintain the equipment, stews for housekeeping, deckhands for upkeep and safety, and a captain to navigate and make executive decisions.

Yacht Crews

Yacht crews are specialized professionals who ensure the smooth functioning of the yacht. Depending on the size of the yacht, the crew’s size and composition can vary significantly. For instance, a smaller yacht might only require a handful of crew members. However, the largest yachts in the world can staff up to 50 crew members or more. 

The yacht captain is the most critical member of any yacht crew, responsible for the vessel’s safe operation, crew management, navigation, and compliance with maritime laws. 

Recreational Uses and Purposes of a Yacht and a Boat

With a recreational boat, you can dive into a wealth of activities. For fishing enthusiasts, equipped with all essential gear, a fishing boat can offer an unparalleled experience of peace and tranquility on the water as you patiently wait for the perfect catch. 

Speedboats designed for water sports provide adrenaline-packed activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Sailboats offer the timeless, soul-soothing experience of cruising powered by the wind.

With their large, flat decks, Pontoon boats are perfect for leisurely cruises, floating parties, and even an opportunity for sunbathing.

How Yachts are Used for Recreation

Yachts tend to offer a broad spectrum of high-end leisure activities. Imagine swimming in an on-deck pool or open sea, soaking in a hot tub under the stars, dining on gourmet meals prepared by a professional chef, or simply lounging on spacious decks sipping cocktails as the yacht cruises. Larger yachts often come with water toys like Jet Skis, inflatable slides, kayaks, and even diving gear. They serve as excellent venues for parties or exclusive events.

Boats vs Yachts: When Does One Become the Other

When a boat is considered a yacht.

As already touched upon, size is often the most conspicuous factor. Traditionally, vessels over 33 feet are considered yachts. However, merely surpassing a certain length doesn’t necessarily warrant the yacht title. 

The level of luxury and the presence of amenities also play a crucial role. Suppose the vessel features high-end accommodation with bedrooms or cabins, a fully equipped galley (kitchen), lavish lounge areas, a professional crew, and other plush amenities. In that case, it is more likely to fall into the yacht category, even if it’s on the smaller side.

“All Yachts are Boats, but Not All Boats are Yachts”

This phrase neatly sums up the essential takeaway. All yachts can be classified as a type of boat, with yachts being a specific, luxury-equipped, and larger subset of the general boat category. However, not every boat can be a yacht, as many lack the size, luxury components, and, often, crew requirements typical of yachts.

Superyacht or Megayacht

The terms are industry shorthand for a yacht above and beyond the average in size and luxury. These terms commonly apply to yachts over 164 feet in length.

However, it’s not just the size that counts. What truly defines a Superyacht or Megayacht is its luxury level and the sophistication of its amenities. Often coming with movie theatres, gyms, several high-end suites, personal staff, and even helicopters or submarines, these vessels are floating luxury resorts and represent the highest echelon of yachting luxury.

Final Thoughts

A yacht is considered a specific type of boat that is characterized not just by its size but by its luxury, elegance, and sophistication. From a simple fishing boat to a grand megayacht, each vessel offers a unique way of experiencing our water bodies’ vastness and beauty. There’s a boat, or a yacht, for every type of sailor out there, and in understanding the differences and similarities between the two, you’re one step closer to finding the perfect vessel for your maritime adventures.

The primary distinction lies in their size and purpose. While the word yacht was derived from a Dutch word meaning hunt, it now refers to a luxury leisure vessel, usually larger. On the other hand, a boat is a generic term used for various sizes of water vessels. Pleasure boats obviously can be smaller-sized vessels, though when a boat becomes a certain size, it may be referred to as a yacht.

Technically, a yacht is a boat, but due to its larger size and luxury status, it is often not referred to in the same category as smaller, utilitarian boats or larger commercial vessels like cruise ships.

No, not all boats can be classified as yachts. The defining characteristics that make a boat a yacht include size, use, and luxury. The definition of a yacht typically includes vessels of around 35 feet and over that are designed for luxury or pleasure.

Yachts differ from smaller boats in their larger size, design, and purpose, and often in their amenities. Unlike small boats, yachts are designed for extended pleasure cruises or racing and are usually equipped with sleeping quarters, kitchen facilities, and high-tech electronics.

These are larger versions of yachts, usually over 80 feet. These yachts can range considerably, with the largest known superyacht being over 590 feet long. Like yachts, they are equipped for luxury cruising but are often capable of long-range, ocean-going voyages and usually have a professional crew on board.

While many luxurious boats exist, yachts are generally considered more luxurious due to their size and amenities. These include spacious lounges, multiple deck levels, master suites, and guest cabins.

Yes, generally speaking, yachts are far more expensive than regular boats. This is due to their larger size, the materials used in their construction, their powerful engines, and the luxurious amenities they offer.

Not necessarily; the functionality of a vessel comes down to its purpose. While yachts are designed for comfort and recreational purposes, small boats can be created for various purposes, such as fishing, transport, or even police boats. 

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• What’s the Difference Between a Boat and/or Yacht

Boat vs. Yacht: What’s the Difference?

Your own personal bias can have a serious impact on what you consider a boat and what you consider a yacht. But truth be told, there is a general consensus on the topic and if you’re ready to know the differences, you’ve come to the right place.

Popular opinion suggests that a yacht is larger and more luxurious than a boat. But, is there a specific measurement that characterizes what it means to be “large” or “luxurious”?

Not particularly. And this brings us back to the same pressing question: What is the difference between a boat and yacht?

Countless Qualities Can Differentiate a Yacht From a Boat, But Which are “Correct?”

You could ask yourself a seemingly endless series of questions to differentiate a yacht and boat. For example:

• “Is a 38 footer a boat and a 42 footer a yacht because it’s bigger?”
• “Is a 35 footer worth $1 million a yacht and a 40 footer worth $100,000 a boat?”
• “Do features such as a galley, stateroom, or spa distinguish yachts and boats?”
• “Do yachts remain stable when you step aboard whereas boats rock back and forth?”
• “Are yachts only used for recreation whereas boats are used commercially?”

To be sure, all of these are great differentiating factors that  could  characterize yachts and boats alike.

But when it comes down to it, there are a few commonly accepted factors that differentiate yachts from boats.

The Real Difference Between Yachts and Boats

There are countless types of boats (dinghy, row boat, fishing boat, and sailing boat, to name a few). Regardless of size, boats are most commonly characterized by the fact that they are much more practical than luxurious and can be either motorized or non-motorized.

On the other hand, yachts are generally characterized by their large size and luxurious appearance. Regular yachts tend to measure around 34 feet whereas mega yachts are more than 100 feet and super yachts span over 200 feet.

And don’t even get us started on ships! These are extremely large sea vessels used for commercial purchases such as carrying cargo between ports worldwide or as cruise or passenger ships for transportation.

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At Oceanic Yacht Management, we’ve catered our craftsman yacht services to discerning owners for over 35 years. And if you’re the kind of yacht owner who would take offense to being told they own a boat, we’re the bespoke team of technicians you’re looking for.

Whether you need your yacht serviced or are interested in our one-of-a-kind  Yacht-cierge  offerings, we can help. Contact us today at (561) 406-4608 to discuss and address your unique needs (whether you’re home or away).

What’s a boat and what’s a yacht? It can be difficult to tell, but an important distinction to make nonetheless. Learn more about the difference with this helpful article from Oceanic Yacht Management!

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What’s the difference between a yacht and a boat?

• April 19, 2024

What’s the Difference Between a Yacht and a Boat? Unraveling the Terminology

We often use the terms “yacht” and “boat” interchangeably, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. While all yachts are boats, not all boats are yachts. Let’s break down the key differences and explore why these distinctions matter

Size Matters (Mostly)

• Boats: Generally smaller vessels used for activities like fishing, day trips, watersports, and short-distance transportation. Size can range from tiny dinghies to larger cabin cruisers.
• Yachts: The line gets blurry, but yachts are typically considered vessels over 35-40 feet, designed for longer journeys, overnight stays, and luxurious amenities.

Purpose: It’s Not Just About the Size

• Boats: Focused on functionality rather than luxury. Think fishing boats with rod holders, waterski boats with tow points, or simple ferries for transport.
• Yachts: Defined by their emphasis on comfort, leisure, and often, a touch of extravagance. Expect spacious living areas, well-equipped cabins, and features like sundecks and entertainment spaces.

The Crew Factor

• Boats: Often owner-operated for shorter trips and recreational use.
• Yachts: Larger yachts frequently have a dedicated crew. Think captains, engineers, stewards, and even chefs, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience.

Price Tag: Luxury Comes at a Cost

• Boats: Wide range of prices, from affordable to moderately expensive, depending on size and features.
• Yachts: Start in the higher price brackets and can reach astronomical figures for superyachts and megayachts, reflecting their size, amenities, and luxurious finishes.

It’s All About the Experience

Ultimately, the distinction between yacht and boat lies in the experience they offer. Boats are fantastic for focused water activities, while yachts invite extended cruises, onboard relaxation, and an undeniable touch of extravagance.

The Lingering Gray Area

While these guidelines help clarify, there will always be exceptions. A highly-equipped 30-foot sportfishing boat might feel more luxurious than a basic older yacht. Language also shifts regionally, with “yacht” being a catch-all term for recreational vessels in some places.

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Yacht vs Boat: What’s the Difference?

You may be surprised to learn that the difference between a yacht and a typical boat is not as easy to figure out as you’d think. This is thanks to the fact that there’s no specific definition for what a yacht actually is. In general, and as most people commonly use and understand these words, a yacht is a fast, often luxurious vessel used for recreational purposes. A boat, on the other hand, is typically a smaller vessel and it can have many purposes from recreation to fishing to rescue and more. 

Let’s get into some of the specific differences between yachts and boats to get a better idea of what each of these admittedly general terms is trying to refer to.

What is a Yacht?

Yacht comes from a Dutch word jaghte , itself from the word jaghtschip which means “fast pirate ship.” That gives you an idea of where people’s heads were at when yachts first came on the scene. These days, the pirate part isn’t really involved but you do tend to expect a yacht to have some speed. Not that these are necessarily speed boats all the time, but there are racing yachts out there that people use exclusively for that purpose. 

Because there is no specific definition for the word yacht in modern usage, you have to play it by ear a little bit. It’s one of those words that we all know what it means, even if we don’t have a proper, set in stone definition.

In general, and for most people, a yacht is a large recreational boat, capable of reaching high speeds and noted for its luxury and features. So what does any of that mean?

In terms of size, most people but not all would consider a yacht to be a boat that has reached at least 78 feet. Some people would acknowledge smaller vessels, as low as even 33 feet, as yachts, but this can be hotly debated even among yacht makers and yacht charter companies. 

What is a Boat?

One of the oldest words in any language, boat can be traced back through Middle English to Olde English to proto-Germanic to the proto-IndoEuropean word “bheid” where it may have originally meant “to split” or something along those lines. That would have referred to simply splitting or hollowing wood to make a boat. So, by that definition, a boat is incredibly loosely defined. 

In modern understanding a yacht is a boat but not all boats are yachts. Consider boat more of an overarching term like automobile while yacht is like an SUV. There are lots of other automobiles and SUV is just one kind.

Usually when people talk about boats today they mean smaller vessels. At some point, large boats become ships, and potentially even a yacht. Smaller boats could be anything from a fishing boat to a jon boat to a sailboat , a bass boat , catamaran , pontoon boat and more. Those boats often have very different forms and functions which allow for a heck of a lot of variety and usage.

Yacht Size vs Boat Size

As we mentioned above, people have different opinions about how big a yacht has to be. The bare minimum seems to be at least 33 feet. That said,I have even seen smaller boats called yachts but let’s say, at a minimum, any vessel under 30 feet will always be a boat of some kind and would rarely if ever be properly called a yacht.

Larger boats exist and are not yachts, of course, but these can be sport fishing boats, catamarans, even large pontoons, houseboats and more. 

Yachts can start at that low range and get up to incredible sizes which we will touch on in a moment. The largest yachts can get close to 600 feet. 

Mega Yachts vs Larger Boats

Once a yacht hits 120 feet people often call it a super yacht. There doesn’t seem to be an easy to find historical reason why 120 feet is the cut off that makes a super yacht. As yachts grew even larger, 200 feet became a sort of milestone for where a superyacht became a mega yacht. And nowadays, with even bigger yachts available, 400 feet is where the cut off often begins for yachts known as gigayachts. 

Now, when it comes to large boats, here’s where things get fuzzy. You can find sport fishing boats that are over 120 feet, or sailboats that reach the same length and much bigger. But these are often also called yachts. Sailing yachts, sport fishing yachts. So there’s a line there that boats can straddle even if, under a certain length, the same boats wouldn’t be considered yachts. 

Part of the transition from boat to yacht at large sizes comes from the fact that a massive boat is obviously expensive which means more luxury features are likely to be included which means it’s more likely to be considered a yacht.

But large commercial vessels, military and law enforcement vessels, and some search and rescue vessels used by government agencies or private companies can also reach lengths of 60 feet to 100 feet and more and these would obviously never be called yachts. It’s that key feature of being used for recreation that you need to factor in.

Yacht Engines vs Boat Engines

Obviously a sailing yacht won’t factor in here but motor yachts and hybrid yachts have very powerful engines because yachts tend to have a much higher gross tonnage than your average boat of even the same length. Keep in mind that some yachts, especially mega yachts, may have up to seven decks. You need a lot of power to keep that moving. Some of the biggest yachts in the world have a fuel tank capable of holding up to a million liters. That’s going to leave your normal outboard motors in the dust.

Boat Crew vs Yacht Crew

Yacht crews are often found wearing uniforms and have specialized training not just to run the vessel but also to see to the needs of the guests. Since yachts are often characters, the guests on board are like guests at a hotel and treated as such. Large yachts are a lot like a private cruise service.

Boats don’t always even need a crew and if a boat does have a crew it probably means the boat is a commercial vessel of some kind – think of a commercial fishing boat, for instance. 

Boat Amenities vs Yacht Amenities

Here’s a place where boats and yachts often part ways significantly. There are some pretty luxurious houseboats and pontoons and cabin cruisers out there to be sure, but when you look at what you can get on a megayacht there’s barely a comparison. 

The most expensive yachts have multiple helipads, swimming pools, tender garages that contain things like jet skis, gyms, high tech yacht electronics, massage rooms, bars, movie theaters, mini subs, discos, you name it. These really are like private cruise ships. 

Now obviously it’s not fair to compare a 12 foot jon boat to the 600 foot Azzam yacht but these are clearly as different from each other as any two things can be. Yachts are known for their luxury and they can truly push the limits sometimes. 

Yacht Locations vs Boat Locations

Smaller boats are obviously more capable of handling coastal and inland waters than any yacht you’re likely to find because that’s what they’re meant for. Yachts are typically, but not always, found in saltwater, usually around vacation destination areas like the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, Florida, tropical islands and so on. Boats are at home anywhere you find water. 

There are definitely yachts on inland lakes like the Great Lakes, but they are decidedly less common. 

Yacht Price vs Boat Price

Here’s where things get really different. You can get a little fishing boat for a few hundred dollars if you want. The Eclipse yacht cost $1.5 billion. So that’s the range we’re dealing with in terms of yachts vs boats when it comes to cost. If you try to meet in the middle with a 33 foot sport cruiser boat you might pay $200,000. But the average price for a yacht in 2021, and this means a vessel between 56 feet and 79 feet, was $1.1 million. 

The Bottom Line

All yachts are boats but not all boats are yachts. In general, a yacht is a larger vessel that is used strictly for recreational purposes. It’s defined by its speed and its luxury and is often at the higher end of the price range. You tend to find yachts in popular vacation spots and they come in at an average price over $1 million.

Boats are generally smaller vessels and can be used for everything from fishing to cruising to commercial, police boats and military purposes. They can be extremely simple and, as a result, also incredibly cheap compared to yachts as well.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht That You Want to Know

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

When people see a gleaming white boat on the water that exudes a certain prestige, such a luxurious-looking boat is immediately thought of as a yacht. But what exactly is the difference between a boat and a yacht and how do you differentiate between them?

We’ll take a closer look at yachts and make a comparison between them and boats. Let’s also examine the characteristics of boats, so we can have an easier time identifying them.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

2. Facility

What is a boat, 2. propulsion, 3. operation time, what is a yacht, 4. performance, comparison: yacht vs boat.

• Yachts have no set limit, while a large boat exceeding a certain size is called a ship
• The superyacht, mega yacht, and Giga yacht are larger yacht types
• A yacht is usually a recreational boat that focuses on comfort amenities
• Boats usually do not focus as heavily on comfort amenities
• Boats have a wide variety of purposes
• Yachts are mainly for recreational purposes and entertaining guests

The boat is a watercraft that traverses the surface of the water. There are many types of boats, and they have a very wide range of sizes, lengths, and designs. Boats also cover a very wide range of uses and purposes.

Fishing boats, police boats, trading boats—there are many uses for boats. There are also many other boats that are specialized for other activities such as racing.

Characteristics of Boats

Boats can be under 16 ft and reach up to 64 feet. However, there are much bigger boats that are well over the usual limits for boat length and weight; these boats include tugboats and certain freighters.

Whether a big boat is called a ship depends on its purpose.

Larger boats are called ships, but it’s usually their weight and purpose that defines this classification. In some countries, purpose alone distinguishes ships from boats. Usually, a boat for transporting goods and passengers through oceans is considered a ship.

There are many types of propulsion used for the different types of boats. They fall into one of three categories: human-powered, wind-powered, or engine-powered. Human-powered boats are those that need people to row using oars or paddles.

The sailboat is a wind-powered boat that relies on sails to move and is highly dependent on the wind. Sailboats in the past that relied on trade winds to ferry goods between countries are good examples.

Engine-powered boats refer to boats with motors, regardless of the type of motor used. A wide variety of engines have been used for boats such as the steam engine and the modern engine. Small engines can power smaller vessels with ease.

Another distinguishing point of boats is their operation time or how long they can sail out in the open sea. To be more accurate, it’s their operation limit.

With their smaller size and limited living space, boats cannot sail for long periods and have to dock regularly. On the other hand, a ship can sail for extended periods.

Standard boats do not require a lot of people to operate and are typically operated by as few as one person. However, it’s not just that boats don’t need a full crew to operate, they just don’t have enough space.

The definition of a yacht is tricky and what size boat is considered a yacht is difficult to answer definitively. Taking a look at boat vs yacht does make it easier to understand what yachts are.

While yachts are boats, many are able to distinguish boats and yachts due to the latter’s extravagant appearance, but there is more to yachts than being just a pretty floating object. A yacht needs to have style and substance: it needs to have a purpose; it needs to have a high level of performance; and it needs to look good.

The word yacht comes from the Dutch word “jacht” meaning hunt. As far as naming is concerned, whether a vessel’s a yacht is really up to the manufacturer.

Is a yacht a ship? No, a ship is used for commercial purposes, not recreational activities, unlike yachts.

Generally, yachts need to have a few characteristics.

Characteristics of a Yacht

While there are no standard yacht sizes in feet, there needs to be enough space on a yacht for comfort amenities. Living space is considered a necessity due to the fact that the concept of yachts came about when a hunting boat was used by the Dutch navy to entertain important guests. In general, a yacht is 33 ft or longer in length.

A few other factors that also come into play are crew space, recreational amenities, and cargo space. Currently, the biggest recreational yacht is the Azzam, which is 590ft long. Yachts are also expected to have a high level of performance, which means they must have enough space for powerful engines and operation systems.

Big yachts often fall in three categories: Super yachts, mega yachts, and giga yachts. Super yachts are over 100 feet long. Mega Yachts are usually longer than 2oo feet, while Giga yachts are much bigger and reach lengths of over 300 feet.

Historically, yachts have been known to be sailing yachts. There was a time when people were doubtful of motorized boats being considered yachts. This is due to the first yachts being wind-powered and the design staying close to the original for around three centuries.

Motor yachts are more common these days, though yacht engines are never outboard motors. It makes sense, since it’s easy to imagine an outboard motor ruining the prestige of a yacht by over-protruding on one side.

Yachts are known for luxury. There is nothing more extravagant than making yourself feel at home in the middle of nature, and that’s exactly what a yacht affords. With its living quarters, seating area, dining space, and various other amenities, a yacht is like having your own hotel on the water.

Aside from having that level of comfort, being able to accommodate a number of guests on the yacht as well makes this a show of wealth like no other. High-tech yacht electronics make yachts easily capable of providing comfort at the level of a private cruise service.

Aside from the luxury that yachts afford, they’re also known for their high level of performance. Bigger yachts can run at speeds of around 35 knots or 40 miles per hour. Smaller yachts can also run fast, depending on the vessel’s weight and the amount of living space.

The world’s fastest yacht is a 41.5-meter long motor yacht that can go as fast as 70 knots. Many custom-built yachts reach speeds of over 40 knots in calm waters.

Now that you’ve seen the key characteristics of yachts, you won’t need to wonder about the difference between a boat and a yacht. While a yacht definition is still hard to make, you’ll no longer have a hard time identifying them.

If you know anyone else wondering what makes a boat a yacht, please share this article with them as well. Also, if you have any thoughts or comments about yachts, feel free to leave them below.

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What Is The Difference Between A Boat And A Yacht?

Do you ever find yourself wondering about the difference between a boat and a yacht? Well, you're not alone! Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there are actually some key distinctions between the two. In this article, we'll dive into the world of boats and yachts, exploring their characteristics and shedding light on their unique qualities.

Picture this: you're out on the water, enjoying the sun and the gentle rocking of the waves. You might be aboard a boat, but is it a yacht? Here's where things get interesting. While both boats and yachts are vessels used for recreational purposes, the term "yacht" typically refers to a larger, more luxurious watercraft. It's the epitome of elegance and sophistication, often associated with opulent lifestyles and extravagant adventures.

So, what sets a yacht apart from a regular boat? Size is one crucial factor. While boats come in various shapes and sizes, yachts are generally larger, ranging from 40 feet to over 100 feet in length. They boast spacious cabins, multiple decks, and luxurious amenities, offering a true home away from home on the water. Yachts are designed with utmost comfort in mind, featuring plush furnishings, state-of-the-art technology, and even private spas or swimming pools.

But it's not just about size and luxury. Yachts are also known for their impressive capabilities and seaworthiness. These vessels are built to navigate open waters, allowing their owners to embark on extended journeys and explore far-flung destinations. With powerful engines and advanced navigation systems, yachts can take you on incredible adventures, whether you're cruising along the coast or crossing vast oceans.

Now that you have a better understanding of the distinction between boats and yachts, it's time to explore their fascinating world further. From the history of yachting to the different types of boats available, we'll delve into all aspects of these remarkable watercraft. So, grab your captain's hat and get ready to set sail on a journey of discovery as we unravel the mysteries of boats and yachts!

Boats and yachts are both water vessels, but they differ in size, purpose, and luxury. A boat is a general term that encompasses various types of watercraft, including small fishing boats, speedboats, and sailboats. On the other hand, a yacht is typically larger and more luxurious, often used for leisure or private purposes.

Yachts usually have more amenities, such as cabins, kitchens, and entertainment systems. While boats are more accessible and can be owned by individuals, yachts are often associated with wealth and are often chartered or owned by affluent individuals.

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What Makes a Yacht Different from a Boat?

Now, let's dive into the main topic: the difference between a boat and a yacht. While the terms "boat" and "yacht" are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions between the two.

A boat is a general term that encompasses various types of water vessels. It can refer to anything from a small fishing boat to a sailboat or a motorboat. Boats are typically smaller in size and can be operated by an individual or a small crew.

On the other hand, a yacht is a specific type of boat associated with luxury and elegance. Yachts are larger in size and often equipped with luxurious amenities, such as spacious cabins, gourmet kitchens, and entertainment systems. Yachts are also crewed vessels, meaning they require a dedicated crew to operate and maintain them.

The Distinctions Between Boats and Yachts

Now that we have a general understanding of the difference between boats and yachts, let's explore some specific distinctions:

Size and Capacity

Size is one of the main factors that differentiate boats from yachts. Boats are generally smaller in size and have a lower passenger capacity. They are designed for recreational purposes and can accommodate a small number of people, typically up to 10 passengers.

Yachts, on the other hand, are much larger and can accommodate a larger number of people. They often have multiple decks, spacious cabins, and can accommodate anywhere from 10 to hundreds of passengers, depending on the size of the yacht.

Luxury and Amenities

While boats can be equipped with basic amenities and features, they usually lack the luxurious amenities associated with yachts. Yachts are known for their opulence and often feature high-end amenities such as jacuzzis, swimming pools, private cinemas, and even helipads. Yachts are designed to provide the ultimate luxury experience on the water.

Operational Requirements

Boats are generally easier to operate and require less specialized knowledge and training. They can be operated by individuals who possess the necessary boating licenses and certifications.

Yachts, on the other hand, require a more specialized crew to handle their operation and maintenance. Yachts often have a captain, crew members, and other staff members who ensure smooth sailing and provide top-notch service to the passengers.

Usage and Purpose

Boats are commonly used for recreational activities such as fishing, water sports, and day trips. They are versatile and can be used for various purposes based on their design and features.

Yachts, on the other hand, are primarily associated with luxury and leisure. They are often used for extravagant vacations, corporate events, parties, and other high-profile gatherings. Yachts provide a high level of comfort and exclusivity, making them the preferred choice for those seeking a lavish experience on the water.

Choosing the Right Vessel for Your Needs

When deciding between a boat and a yacht, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a smaller, more intimate boating experience, a boat may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking a luxurious and extravagant experience with a larger group of people, a yacht may be the perfect option.

At Aquarius Boat Rental & Tours, we offer a wide range of boats and yachts to cater to different preferences and group sizes. Whether you're looking for a small boat for a family outing or a luxurious yacht for a special occasion, we have the perfect vessel for you.

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Key Takeaways: What is the Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht?

• A boat is a general term used to refer to any watercraft, while a yacht is a specific type of boat.
• Yachts are typically larger and more luxurious than regular boats.
• Boats are often used for recreational purposes, fishing, or transportation, while yachts are commonly associated with leisure and luxury.
• Yachts usually have more amenities and features, such as cabins, lounges, and even helicopters or submarines.
• The classification of a boat as a yacht is subjective and can vary depending on its size, value, and purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: what are the main differences between a boat and a yacht.

A boat and a yacht are both types of watercraft, but there are some key differences between them. One of the main differences is the size. A boat is generally smaller and can be used for recreational purposes, fishing, or transportation. On the other hand, a yacht is typically larger and is often associated with luxury and leisure activities.

Another difference is the purpose. While boats can serve various purposes, such as fishing or water sports, yachts are primarily used for pleasure cruising and are equipped with amenities and facilities for entertainment and comfort. Yachts often have luxurious interiors, multiple cabins, and entertainment areas.

Question 2: Is there a difference in design between a boat and a yacht?

Yes, there can be differences in design between boats and yachts. Boats are generally designed for practicality and functionality, with a focus on maneuverability and efficiency. They may have a simpler layout and fewer amenities compared to yachts.

Yachts, on the other hand, are designed with luxury and comfort in mind. They often have spacious decks, multiple levels, and elegant interiors. Yachts may also have additional features such as swimming pools, jacuzzis, and helipads, depending on their size and purpose.

Question 3: Are there any legal distinctions between boats and yachts?

In terms of legal distinctions, the classification of a watercraft as a boat or a yacht can vary depending on the country and its regulations. Generally, the size and purpose of the vessel are taken into consideration. Some countries may define a yacht based on its length, while others may consider factors such as the presence of crew or commercial use.

It's important to note that the legal distinction may have implications for licensing requirements, safety regulations, and tax considerations. It's recommended to consult local maritime authorities or legal experts for specific information regarding the classification of a watercraft.

Question 4: Can a boat be considered a yacht?

While a boat and a yacht have distinct characteristics, there can be some overlap between the two. In some cases, a boat can be considered a yacht if it meets certain criteria, such as size, amenities, and purpose. For example, a larger, luxurious boat with high-end features and designed for recreational cruising may be classified as a yacht.

Ultimately, the classification of a watercraft as a boat or a yacht can be subjective and may vary depending on individual perceptions and industry standards.

Question 5: Do boats and yachts have different costs associated with them?

Yes, boats and yachts can have different costs associated with them. Generally, boats tend to be more affordable compared to yachts. The price of a boat can vary depending on its size, brand, features, and condition.

Yachts, on the other hand, are typically more expensive due to their larger size, luxurious amenities, and higher maintenance costs. Yachts can range from a few hundred thousand dollars to millions of dollars, depending on their size, brand, design, and customization options.

What Differentiates Ships From Boats?

Final Summary

So, what's the difference between a boat and a yacht? Well, it turns out that size does matter! While both boats and yachts are vessels used for recreational purposes on the water, there are some distinct characteristics that set them apart.

Firstly, let's talk about size. A boat is generally smaller in size and can range from a small dinghy to a luxurious motorboat. On the other hand, a yacht is typically larger and more luxurious, often equipped with amenities such as cabins, kitchens, and even swimming pools. It's the epitome of luxury on the water.

Another factor that sets them apart is their purpose. While boats are mainly used for recreational activities like fishing, water skiing, or cruising, yachts are often associated with leisure and entertainment. They are commonly used for hosting parties, corporate events, or even as a floating vacation home.

In terms of prestige, yachts take the crown. Owning a yacht is often seen as a symbol of wealth and status, while owning a boat is more accessible to the average person. Yachts are often associated with the rich and famous, and you might even catch a glimpse of celebrities lounging on their extravagant vessels.

In conclusion, the difference between a boat and a yacht boils down to size, luxury, and purpose. While boats are smaller and cater to a variety of recreational activities, yachts are larger, more luxurious, and often associated with wealth and prestige. So whether you're sailing on a boat or cruising on a yacht, there's no denying the allure of the open water.

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What’s the Difference Between a Yacht and a Boat?

Many boating enthusiasts use the words boat and yacht interchangeably when in reality, they are very different terms. A yacht is a larger, recreational boat or ship. The word “Yacht” comes from Dutch origin and was originally defined as a light, and fast sailing vessel used by the Dutch navy to find and capture pirates. A boat, on the other hand, is smaller in size and can be anything from a fisherman’s boat to a sailboat.

When determining the difference between a yacht and a boat , there are a few main deciding factors including:

Size As previously mentioned, size matters when it comes to differentiating between a boat and a yacht. Yachts can range from about 35 feet in length all the way up to 160+ feet in length, however, most will be somewhere in the middle. Anything over 160 feet would be considered a “Superyacht”. Boats are generally anywhere from 15-30 feet in length.

Where they can operate Smaller boats are usually capable of operating in calm waters like lakes, rivers, and shallow harbors. Some larger boats, usually 20 – 30 feet in length, can also navigate more rough ocean waters. A yacht, on the other hand, is able to sail in deeper, ocean waters and deal with more turbulent seas. Due to a larger size, high tech yacht electronics and guidance instruments, protection from the elements, and a number of other features yachts are far more suitable for longer ocean trips.

Crew While a boat can be operated by just one captain, a yacht typically requires a full crew to help with navigation, maintenance, electronics and engineering, repairs and stewards to cater to the passengers. In reality, it’s a lot more like a small, private cruise service than an afternoon on the boat with your friends.

Propulsion Depending on the boat, it may operate solely using a sail and the wind, or one or more inboard or outboard motors. While some larger boats can mount very large engines to create some real speed on the water, these engines do not match the power of most yacht engines. Yacht engines are much larger in size, can produce considerably more power – in some cases up to 800hp, and are capable of running much longer distances.

Navigation and technology While some boats may have advanced marine electronics and navigation systems, it’s more of a requirement when it comes to yachts. When making trans oceanic trips it is not only important that you are able to navigate with precision, but also that you can detect other boats or objects that you may not be able to see and understand the performance of your vessel.

Tess Electric is a leading provider of marine electronics, marine electrical services , and marine engineering services to owners and crews of yachts and superyachts in Fort Lauderdale, FL. If you’re looking to work with an experienced team of marine electrical contractors, contact us today.

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Boat vs. Ship vs Yacht: What’s the Difference?

Language is a tricky thing, and picking out the differences between similar terms can be confusing. This is especially true when some of the definitions overlap. This is the case with the case of boat vs. ship vs. yacht . What’s the difference? We know in our gut that there are differences between these three seafaring vessels, but unless you’re a harbor master do you really know what counts as what?

Let’s get into some definitions, and we’re going to start with the easiest to explain: What is a yacht? What is a ship? And what is a boat?

Yacht vs. Ship vs. Boat

What is a yacht.

A yacht, I think everyone would agree, is fancier than a ship or a boat. “Yacht” infers some amount of luxury , and definitely recreation. There’s also something to be said about size. A yacht tends to be anywhere between 35 feet up to 160 feet. And some yachts, known as superyachts, go even beyond that. (Jeff Bezos just built a 417 foot yacht, but that’s really breaking yacht records.)

Because of the size, yachts tend to operate in larger bodies of water–generally the ocean. Yachts are able to handle rougher ocean waves, and they are also equipped with more advanced navigation and guidance instruments than smaller boats. Likewise, a yacht tends to have a full crew to help with the navigation, engineering, repairs, as well as having stewards that serve the yacht’s guests. This can be anywhere from a crew of four or five up to a crew of a few dozen on large yachts. 

One interesting thing to note is that outside of the United States, a yacht refers to a sailboat , and a motorized yacht is called a “motor yacht”. 

So, is a yacht a boat? Yes, technically a yacht is a boat. But a yacht is a very specific kind of boat.

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What is a Ship?

The term ship is most commonly associated with a very large boat, and something that is not as fancy as a yacht (one exception is that cruise ships can still be very fancy, but are referred to as ships because of their size and power.)

Ships are generally so large that they would never be found in a lake, with some exceptions for the Great Lakes, and are made for navigating the high seas of the open ocean. An ship can refer to a cruise ship, a naval ship, a tanker, a container ship, and many other commercial vessels.

Ships tend to have advanced navigation and technology, but much more advanced than that of a yacht due to the size, the speed, and the routes that a ship will take. They are meant to be traversing the open ocean for very long periods of time, from one continent to the next, while a yacht may only rarely set across the ocean and most often stays somewhat near land. 

A ship will also have a much larger crew than a yacht or a boat. Ships are typically so large that they need not only one trained navigator but a set of navigators, plus an entire engineering team, and includes many more positions. 

Finally, a ship is meant to carry things. This may be passengers, yes (in reference to cruise ships and some navy ships) but most ships are for carrying cargo–or even carrying equipment to do work on other ships including repair work or refueling. 

What is a Boat?

Well, a boat is harder to define, because a yacht is technically a boat, and a ship is technically a boat. But when people refer to boats, they are almost always referring to something smaller than either a yacht or a ship. Boats may be motorized, like a speed boat, or they may sail, or they may be man-powered, like a rowboat or a kayak. Really, anything up to and including a liferaft, can be called a boat.

(As a side note that will just muddy the waters even further, submarine captains are adamant that their subs are boats. They are not ships.)

So, Boat vs. Ship Vs. Yacht?

Ultimately it comes down to this: all three of them are boats, but yachts are fancier, larger, and used for recreation, and ships are even larger, used commercially or by the navy, and are meant to cross oceans. The dividing line is sometimes thin, but generally speaking, when it comes to boats vs. ships.vs. yachts you can go by the adage “ I know it when I see it .”

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What’s the Difference Between a Boat, Yacht & Ship?

Whether you are a brand new sailor or just wanting to brush up on some terms, it is essential to know what to call a particular watercraft if you’re going to fit in while you’re at the docks or out on the water. There are many nuances and subtle differences between water vessel types, but below are some of the main differences.

In general, yachts are either sailing or motor vessels used for pleasure. Yachts are often luxurious and equipped with an overnight cabin. Boats can be either propelled sail or a motor and come in varying sizes. On the other hand, ships are usually motor-powered and much larger than boats.

Some of the differences between watercraft types can be a little fuzzy, but once you grasp the main differences between them, it becomes relatively easy to tell them apart. If you have no previous knowledge of watercraft, you are likely very confused about what defines a yacht, boat, and ship, so I’ll try to clarify any confusion you might have in the next few sections.

Similarities and Differences Between Boats, Yachts, and Ships

The many bodies of water all over the world are home to an extensive collection of different watercraft. There are so many shapes and sizes that they come in that it is nearly impossible to fit every single one into a specific classification.

However, in the following table, I did my best to loosely define ships, yachts, and boats so that it is easy to see the differences between the types of watercraft.

As I mentioned earlier, it is impossible to fit EVERY SINGLE water vessel into a particular category, so there are tons of exceptions out there. In addition to the exceptions, different organizations, laws, and people classify types of boats slightly differently.

There is no universally accepted definition for ships, boats, and yachts, but instead many different sets of rules and regulations. In this article, I have tried my best to use the most commonly accepted definitions for each watercraft type.

Now that we’ve gone over some of the main differences and similarities between boats, ships, and yachts, let’s take a look at each type of vessel individually and look at their most prominent characteristics and attributes.

What Exactly is a Boat?

Boats come in a vast array of sizes and shapes. To many people, the term “boat” simply refers to nearly any watercraft, but there are actually a few restrictions and defining characteristics that all boats have. So let’s just get right into it and take a quick look at what exactly qualifies a vessel as a boat.

Overall Size of Boats

As I said before, there is a massive catalog of different types of boats, and they come in a variety of sizes. There are huge boats that hold lots of cargo or people, and then there are smaller ones that barely can stay afloat with a single person on board.

Typically, boats are defined as watercraft that are less than 197 feet long. However, most boats you are likely to encounter on the water are usually around 30 feet long.

General Price Range of Boats

Again, it is hard to accurately give a price range for all boats because they come in so many different sizes, styles, and types, but most modern boats seem to fall in the $1,500 to $100,000 range. 

Small Jon boats can cost even less than $1,500, while large sailboats and houseboats can cost well above $100,000.

Most Common Uses of Boats

Boats are used all over the world for a variety of different reasons and to do many tasks. Many types of boats serve a wide range of uses, but most are primarily used as a residence, for pleasure, or commercially.

Some of the most popular types of boats, such as sailboats, bowriders, and dinghies, are commonly used for enjoyment, fishing, racing, or other pleasurable activities. There are also many types of houseboats used as residences and commercial boats used for chartering or moving goods or people. 

Propulsion Method of Boats

Due to the wide variety of boats, you are likely to find boats propelled by almost every propulsion method imaginable. Some of the more popular propulsion methods for boats to use are man-power, wind power, and motor power.

Boats on the smaller end often use the power of the people on board to row or paddle, while larger boats rely on sails or powerful motors attached to the stern. Many boats use more than one propulsion method, either together or with one of them as a backup.

What Exactly is a Yacht?

Yachts have many of the same attributes as boats, but their quality, size, and luxury really set them apart. When someone says “yacht,” many people imagine watercraft that are SUPER LARGE, and while there are lots of massive yachts, many smaller boats also qualify as yachts, which might surprise you.

Overall Size of Yachts

There are many different sized yachts, and the rules regarding how big they have to be are not very strict. In general, luxury watercraft greater than 33 feet in length are considered yachts. However, boats smaller than 33 feet are sometimes called yachts if they are exceptionally luxurious and elegant.

There is no upper limit to how large a yacht can be. Yachts longer than 100 feet are often referred to as mega yachts, and ones over 150 feet long called are super yachts.

General Price Range of Yachts

Because the very definition of a yacht requires it to be very luxurious, they often come with quite a price tag as a result. There is quite a range of different price points for yachts, ranging from $250,000 to $50,000,000 and beyond.

Most Common Uses of Yachts

Yachts, because they are so expensive to maintain and purchase, are primarily used for pleasure purposes. Day trips out on the water are typical for yachts, although they often have overnight cabins, so longer excursions are popular.

Chartered yachts are also very popular, which bridges the gap between commercial and pleasure. Although, when you are on a chartered yacht, it is usually for the sole purpose of having a great time and enjoying yourself.

Propulsion Method of Yachts

Because yachts are considered very luxurious and often so large, they are usually solely propelling using motor power. Even if a yacht is on the smaller end of the spectrum, they often only use a motor as a means of driving the craft through the water. 

However, many large sailing yachts out there use sails and the wind to propel the vessel. So while the large majority of yachts use motors, keep in mind that some large and luxurious sailboats can be considered yachts.

What Exactly is a Ship?

Throughout history, large ships have been a helpful tool for many civilizations and have allowed them to transport goods and explore places beyond their homes. In modern times, ships are quite common and are used for a variety of different reasons.

Overall Size of Ships

One of the primary characteristics of ships that set them apart from boats is their size. Ships, especially in modern times, are often MASSIVE and are restricted to navigating only extensive waterways. 

Vessels greater than or equal to 197 feet long are often considered ships. However, most ships today are huge and often fall in the 1,000-foot range or larger.

General Price Range of Ships

Most individuals will never own a ship due to their extreme maintenance and the cost of purchasing one. While many smaller ships are far less expensive, most modern ships cost anywhere between $50 and $500 million.

Large and luxurious cruise ships can even cost upwards of $1 billion to construct, and that’s not even taking into account staff, maintenance, and other costs.

Most Common Uses of Ships

Ships perform many different duties throughout the world, but usually, they are used to transport passengers or goods over long distances. In addition, they are also often used by military, scientists, fishers, and a plethora of other professions and people. They are also often used for pleasure purposes, in the form of passenger cruise ships. 

Overall, ships encompass a large selection of vessels that perform many different duties. 

Propulsion Method of Ships

Due to their large size, most modern ships are propelled using motors. However, even though ships are equipped with massive motors, they are still pretty slow and often move at around 20 knots per hour, although some move much quicker.

While most, if not all, ships today use motors to propel themselves through the water, this was not always the case. Before motors were around, many civilizations used ships for military, exploration, transportation, shipping, and many other uses. During these times, ships were powered primarily by man and wind power. Even today, you can occasionally find a sail-powered ship, though they are quite rare.

James Gerard

Hi, I'm James! I started sailing at a very early age here in the UK, and have enjoyed so many opportunities to sail all over the world. I created this website to share the many sailing tips I've leaned over the years, so that you can also discover the joy of sailing with safety and confidence.

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What’s the Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht?

If you’re in the market for a new boat, you may be weighing your options between a powerboat, a yacht, or something else. But what’s the difference? To help you choose a craft that best suits your lifestyle and needs, this article is going to weigh the main differences between a boat and a yacht.

Boats and Yachts

With so many different types of yachts to choose from, it can be hard to know your Flybridges from your Tri-Decks if you’re just starting your search. Although there is a growing number of terms used to describe the different types of yachts out there, many of the terms overlap or are used interchangeably.

If you’re on the market for a yacht, the team here at Van Isle Marina has compiled a review of the different terms you’ll likely come across when cruising through yachts for sale .

The term ‘boat’ is used to describe any water vessel, propelled by either sails, an engine, or manpower. It’s not very specific, which means yachts, dingeys, and everything in between technically falls under the blanket term ‘boat’.

The term ‘yacht’ brings a little more prestige and sophistication with its origin story, being derived from the word “hunter” in Dutch. Hundreds of years ago, the Dutch navy built and sailed yachts to literally hunt down pirate ships in shallow waters. That’s part of the reason why both powerboats and sailboats can be classified as ‘yachts. It didn’t take long for other nations to catch on, using the Dutch idea for navy ships and eventually racing vessels and private, recreational vessels.

The size is one of the most common factors used to determine whether a boat should be classified as a yacht or not. When it comes to size, there are no official rules, so it depends on who you ask. Some will say the boat needs to be at least 35 feet to qualify as a yacht – others will say even longer. If you’re yacht is more than 75 feet, you’re approaching Super Yacht range, and if it’s more than 250 feet you’re in Mega Yacht territory.

Despite the uncertainty around size-based classification, typically, you’ll know it when you see it. That massive vessel that looks like it could sleep a 10+ and needs a dozen ropes to secure it to the dock? That’s definitely a yacht. And that small, single-level boat with not a lot of room to stand? That’s definitely a boat.

The downside of using size as the only determining factor is it’s black and white. If you set the boundaries with size, there’s no room for gray area. Let’s explore more…

Luxury Living

Yachts are an international symbol of luxury and wealth around the world. The yacht is synonymous with luxury, which can actually help us when classifying boats as yachts or not. If the boat is built with luxury top of mind, it is probably a yacht.

How do you spot luxury? From the shore, the exterior of a yacht is typically sleeker with distinct accent styles. But the real luxury becomes evident when you step on board. Yachts are built with spacious living areas, full size kitchen and bathrooms, advanced TV and audio systems, and designer-style furnishings. You might even find hot tubs, a pool, and a helicopter pad in ultra-luxurious cases.

If you’re closing in on the purchase of your new boat and you’re still unsure whether it’s a yacht or not, the price tag should give you some indication. Yachts are known to cost far more than boats, due to their level of luxury and comfort, size, and usage. For a brand-new yacht, you can easily pay $100,000+ per foot, which means you’re looking at millions of dollars for the total price.

There are other costs to consider as well. Because yachts are larger, most will require a professional crew (or at least a captain) on board. Then there’s maintenance and insurance, both of which will cost more for a yacht.

Another key differentiator between boats and yachts is what their purpose – what they’re being used for out on the water. There is no nailed down definition of what makes a yacht a yacht, but most boaters consider a yacht to be any type of sea vessel that is used strictly for recreational or pleasure purposes like cruising , entertaining, water sports, fishing , or year-round accommodations.

The only purpose of a yacht is recreation. But more specifically, yachts are designed for personal pleasure and leisure, whether that’s long, ocean-crossing journeys or anchoring near a buzzing port town.

On the other hand, if the vessel is doing a job or being used for a specific activity, it’s not a yacht. If the boat is involved in any commercial activity, it’s only a boat. Even if it’s being used recreationally, for example fishing or watersports, the boat is still a boat.

Handling Conditions

When you’re out on the open ocean, you’ll have high winds and dangerous waters to deal with. In these conditions, size will definitely work to your advantage. And while you’re closer to shore, you can expect the conditions to be much calmer.

When it comes to dealing with conditions, one worthwhile classification system places boats into one of 4 categories, labelled A through D:

Class A : These are large yachts capable of handling high winds (force 8 on the Beaufort scale) and up to 13-foot waves in the open ocean. These boats are certainly yachts and are built for the open ocean.

Class B : While these yachts aren’t quite designed for the open ocean, they’re very capable craft. Also known as “ offshore vessels ”, Class B yachts are best suited for waters less than 200 miles (321km) from shore.

Class C : Class C boats are typically known as ‘boats’, as they’re designed for inshore and nearshore excursions – not the open ocean. These boats are fine with waves a few feet high, but anything higher than that is dangerous.

Class D : These boats are typically small ones and are not built for harsh conditions. These craft can handle winds of up to 25km/hour and waves just a couple feet high.

Types of Yachts

A yacht is first defined either as a sailing yacht, motor yacht, or gulet yacht, and then as a sports yacht or luxury yacht.

• Sailing Yacht: a yacht mainly propelled via wind and sails
• Motor Yacht: a yacht propelled via one or more motors
• Gulet Yacht: a hybrid yacht with both sails and motors
• Open Yacht, Cruiser, Cabin Cruiser, Express Cruiser: an otherwise uncategorized standard yacht for cruising and entertaining
• Luxury Yacht: 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.
• Sports Yacht : a yacht geared towards fishing, water sports, or cruising 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”.
• Catamaran Yacht: a yacht with two hulls (pontoons) often made of fiberglass that can be used in shallow waters.

Yacht Style Categories

Yachts can further be grouped or defined according to their form and function, such as with flybridge, sedan, pilot house, and sportfish yachts, for example.

• Classic Motor Yacht: 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.
• Sedan: 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.
• Flybridge: a sedan-style yacht with an open deck and more comfortable living space above the main bridge of a vessel.
• Daybridge: a multi-level yacht that is even more open than a flybridge. Belize Motoryachts are known for creating this distinctive style of yacht.
• Open or Enclosed: 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.
• Downeast Style: 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.
• Pilothouse: A multi-deck yacht like a flybridge with a larger interior main deck.
• Sky Lounge: 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.
• Cockpit Motor Yacht: a yacht with more cockpit space than deck space.
• Sportfish or Sport Fishing Yacht: 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.
• Convertible: 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.
• SUV: a yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht and sport yacht.
• Tri-Decks : a superyacht with three levels of staggered, enclosed living space.
• Expedition Yachts: a large yacht with a deeper displacement hull for more stability and comfort during longer-range trips.

There are dozens of governing bodies, societies, and other organizations that set standards, classifications, and definitions in the world of boating. There are different authorities like this all over the world, so it’s a good idea to check-in with local groups or areas you plan to visit.

If you’re in the market for a new boat or yacht, head over to Van Isle Marina on Harbour Road in Sidney, BC. You can browse our selection of yachts for sale on our website, but be sure to stop by the marina to check out our facilities, fuel dock and Sea Glass Waterfront Grill .

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2320 Harbour Road, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 2P6 [email protected]

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Beauty and the beast: What are the pros and cons of commercial and military conversions?

Many owners envisage building their yacht from scratch – but does transforming former military, research or supply vessels for private use make more sense? Ahead of the 2024 Explorer Yachts Summit , which will take place on 13 November at the Yacht Club de Monaco, Charlotte Hogarth-Jones debates the good, the bad and the ugly of embarking on a refit conversion…

It is often thought that there are two options available for those wanting to own a superyacht: buy one – be it something semi-custom or currently on the brokerage market – or build your own from scratch. There is, however, a third path that’s often overlooked. That’s the route of buying a vessel from another sphere – be it a military training or spy ship, scientific research vessel, tanker or cargo ship – then rebuilding it in the form of your own private, luxury superyacht.

Refit conversions, as they are called, aren’t particularly common. There are some magnificent examples out there, but a lot of projects emerge from the sheds without much fanfare, their owners being keener to test their new toy out in exciting and exotic locations than to generate any media hype.

It’s a world that’s shrouded in mystery, too. It needs a special kind of owner to take the plunge with an unknown vessel, having little certainty around costs, timelines or any surprises along the way. The rest of us know even less than they do about how the journey is about to unfold.

But fortune favours the bold and those who have been there and done that wax lyrical about everything from huge volume cabins and tried-and-true hulls to more sustainable credentials and savings not to be sniffed at. One thing’s for sure; these highly personalised, unique yachts are truly in a class of their own.

Seaworthiness

Perhaps the most obvious argument for buying a tried-and-tested vessel, especially when considering adventurous travel, is that the hulls have already been put to the test. It’s certainly one that’s hard to argue with.

“She’s extremely strong compared to modern boats,” says Jan Verkerk, owner of 70-metre Sherakhan , a former Dutch training vessel. “Her hull is four centimetres thick, compared with a modern boat with a maximum of 1.8 centimetres.” He owned the 77.4-metre Soviet icebreaker Legend during her conversion, too. Verkerk had grand plans for where Sherakhan would travel – Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica – “all places where you absolutely need a seaworthy boat,” he notes. 

“When you are making an expedition boat, you need a strong boat, with a strong engine and a strong hull – so it’s the right decision to choose [one] that has proven it can do the job.” After that, “you can make all the luxury you want and it’ll be stronger and better tested than any superyacht on the market.”

Erik Vonk, owner of 46-metre converted trawler Scintilla Maris , followed a similar logic. “Why build something new?” he asks. He had always planned to use either the recycled hull of a conventional tugboat or, preferably, a trawler for his own conversion. “The lines of both of those have evolved from schooners and represent the epitome in what can be achieved in speed, seaworthiness and seakeeping quality,” he notes. “Plus, they’re elegant.”

Superyacht designs, he explains, tend to focus on optimising space and saving weight, and aim for as straightforward a construction as possible. By contrast, “a trawler hull is all about strength, survival and go-anywhere-under-all-circumstances capabilities – regardless of weight and construction challenges.”

That’s the owner’s perspective, but how do those who are manning the yachts feel about them? “A vessel with a long track record definitely inspires confidence and allows us to push the boundaries of what is possible,” says Rob McCallum, co-founder of travel exploration company EYOS , which regularly leads yachts into extreme environments.

Conversion vessels often have longer endurance with more space for fuel, provisions and refuse, he explains, citing the fact that Legend can complete multiple Antarctic charters without having to refuel, while 88-metre icebreaker Arctic P undertook a record-breaking voyage to the Ross Sea. In the case of tug conversions such as 49-metre Asteria , a deeper draught is also an advantage for seakeeping and ice navigation.

John Hughes has been a specialist conversion yacht broker since the late 1980s, and has found and sold boats including 72-metre Nansen Explorer and 59-metre I ntuition II . He highlights research vessels as a particularly wise choice. “They’re used to being in rough weather and staying offshore for months at a time,” he notes.

Vonk certainly believes that, in his case, the conversion strategy has paid off. Scintilla Maris is “one of the most solidly built, best-handling sea vessels one could wish for,” he says. “She can go anywhere, any time.”

On paper, starting a project with a yacht should be quicker, right?

“If you’re looking at doing a conversion, it can take six, nine months… people talk about saving costs, but really the saving comes from the time it takes,” says Hughes, who can cite numerous examples of refits that were in and out of the sheds super fast.

As you might expect, how quickly you can turn one around depends on the scale of work required. With a custom yacht, you have the advantage of knowing exactly what needs doing and how long that’ll take. Conversions are that bit more complicated.

“With Jester , more and more things needed to be done,” says Gemma Tuersley, who led on the most recent refit of the impressive 69-metre USSR Ice Class survey vessel conversion at design studio RWD. Originally converted to a private yacht in 1999 (formerly known as Olivia ), and with a final conversion in 2011, she recently underwent a two-year renovation, launching in April 2023 in time for the owner’s maiden voyage to Antarctica.

One issue owners struggle with is the ability to accurately retrieve the technical construction data of the donor vessel. “Usually, they have been used for a long time beyond their original scope, and it’s unlikely that you’re able to collect all of the up-to-date data, including any modifications that have been made throughout the vessel’s life,” says Daniela Duck, head of new build division at Camper & Nicholsons . “To a certain extent, you have to discover what lies beneath while you convert the vessel, which doesn’t allow for an accurate cost and time forecast.”

Starting with the right platform vessel can shave valuable months off the build and help to avoid tedious procurement times for new parts, says Micca Ferrero, owner of Icon Yachts . Owners can wait up to 18 months for certain machinery and electrical pieces, which delays the whole build, he says.

It’s hard to gauge an average turnaround time, because there’s a sense that some refit conversion owners relish the production process – for every owner claiming a rapid refit, there are others for whom it’s their life’s work. Scintilla Maris took a staggering 17 years to finish but, says Vonk, “after decades of boat ownership and experience, I wanted a vessel that embodies all the dos and don’ts stored on my hard disc over the years.” 

He’d earmarked a decade to carry out the project, working solo except from some guidance via yacht builder Damen Maaskant . “I have enjoyed each and every minute of it. The extension was, in fact, a pleasure,” he says.

If there’s one thing sure to catch owners’ attention, it’s the mention of costs. And – good news – the general consensus is that conversions are undoubtedly cheaper.

“I can say that with 100 per cent certainty,” says Hughes. At least 60 per cent cheaper compared with doing a new build, he estimates – or that’s what used to be the case. Throughout the 1990s, having worked on yachts in the South of France, he made an easy living as a conversion yacht specialist. 

“Brokers started calling me and saying, ‘We have a client who wants to convert,’” he recalls. “I’d call ship brokers who’d say, ‘We don’t deal with rubbish like that,’ so I realised there was a gap in the market.” Soon, owners were tracking him down from all over the world and big deals were being made.

“When the ships come on the market, it’s mainly because the owners think they’re past their sell-by date,” he says. “On Nansen Explorer I got a hell of a deal; she was very cheap. We came in with a tongue-in-cheek low offer that was rejected, then at a board meeting it was accepted. I think it was under £1 million.”

Verkerk reckons 60 per cent is ambitious in today’s market, which Hughes admits has changed drastically in more recent years. “You can do it cheaper but not for half the price,” says Verkerk. “If you make 30 or 40 [per cent cheaper], I think you’re a hero.”

A former build captain on a 60-metre conversion puts it clearly. “Doing a conversion is cheaper than a new build, but it is still very expensive, depending on the finishes and amenities selected.”

That, it seems, is often the sticking point. Conversion owners have to make difficult decisions, frequently playing off luxurious changes that make the boat feel more like a superyacht against associated costs. “Do you want it to be fully quiet, always?” asks Verkerk. “Or are you happy with the little ‘brrrrrrrrr’ [noise] on the back? I’m happy with it – and to say I wasn’t happy, the difference is €10 million.”

Joris Saat, project manager and owner’s rep at Damen , says: “Finding the right donor ship makes all the difference. If most of the technical equipment can be saved this will be cost effective. But if an owner wants to convert a commercial vessel into a superyacht with teak decks, glass railings and a high-end interior, it will be impossible.”

Often, yards price in an element of risk and pass on these costs to the owner. “We made some detailed research into a particular project for a client, which found that initial offers from conversion shipyards were indicating a range of costs, as opposed to a turnkey range. That range was always relatively high in order to correctly protect the builder,” remembers Duck. The cost factor was the reason the client eventually eschewed a conversion.

McCallum advises clients on whether donor vessels are, in fact, suitable for converting into expedition superyachts. “We have had several vessels that a buyer was keen on due to the price, but that would have ended up costing as much as a new build,” he says. 

The yachts in question were often ex-military vessels, where the original design parameters were expensive to modify – think small rooms, additional bulkheads, low ceilings, open cable ways, asbestos and so on. Older-style offshore support boats also present challenges around fuel consumption and stability.

In Vonk’s case, the hull of Scintilla Maris was below its replacement value. “So, in that sense there have been savings,” he says. However, in comparison to a new build with a hull built to yacht standards, “there are no savings of any significance at all”.

Philip Naylor, head of marine and technical services at Burgess , gives a reality check. “The conversion and renovation will probably take longer, and cost just as much, as buying a comparable second-hand vessel that is in good condition, or where the work has already been done,” he says. “I am reminded of the quip among owners of vintage Rolls-Royces. ‘What is the difference between a £10,000 Rolls-Royce and a £20,000 Rolls-Royce?’ Answer: about £30,000 of restoration costs.”

Sustainability

One big positive of converting a vessel has to be the sustainability aspect. Using a hull that already exists versus creating a brand new one is undoubtedly more responsible.

“First, the existing hull has been saved from the scrapyard, and second, no new hull was built,” Vonk points out. And, in his case, the original fishing trawler using a 4,400-horsepower diesel engine is now a high-tech hybrid propulsion vessel.

“Refits and conversions are generally always environmentally friendlier than complete new builds,” says Robert van Tol, executive director of Water Revolution Foundation, an organisation that aims to help the yachting community reduce its negative environmental impact. “Of course, there is waste coming from conversions too, but when the hull and superstructure are preserved, that saves significant upstream impacts when looking at the entire life cycle of a yacht.”

Using an existing vessel primarily saves on raw material extraction, transport, manufacturing/processing and transport to a yard for construction, too. Of course there are exceptions, van Tol says, “but consider that the ship would have otherwise gone to scrap – that is again a process with impact.”

Owners should be aware that the build process might involve more experts and partners than a traditional new build – for example, those well versed in what to do with scrap material from the donor vessel. 

At Icon Yachts, which has converted a number of boats including Legend and 68-metre Q (formerly Ragnar ) and is currently working on 70-metre “family explorer” Project Master, Ferrero is keen to point out that not all waste material and machinery removed from the donor vessel is necessarily wasted.

“During the conversion of Project Master, great care was taken to ensure that every piece of material removed was evaluated to see if it could be reused in some way,” he says. The two fast daughter crafts have been converted into swish tenders – an open one for expeditions and a closed one as a limousine tender. 

The “old but reliable” Rolls-Royce main engines were dismantled by experts and sold for spare parts. The same applied to the pumps and other smaller machinery, while the original cranes on board the smaller lifeboats were sold to existing standby lifeboats, where they are now installed as essential equipment.

“My favourite example, however, is that the mattresses from Project Master were donated to an NGO who took them to the Ukraine to be used in shelters for displaced people,” he says. “All these individual items may be small, but when you add them up, the effect is significant.”

Lastly, devotees claim that conversion vessels are not only better, but also bigger, with significantly more room on board than new builds of a similar length. Jari Lindgren, current captain on Richard Burton’s former yacht, Kalizma , and a former captain on board multiple 100-metre-plus yachts, can attest to this first-hand. 

“One of the yachts I worked on was converted by a European client; I guess he wanted a conversion as it may have worked out cheaper than building a new one. Originally, she was an operational passenger vessel in class so minimal changes were done, mostly cosmetic changes to her hull and then the guest spaces. Five decks were gutted bare and new staterooms were built in lieu,” he recalls, adding that 26 palatial cabins took the place of 120 old ones.

“The vision was to cater for future VIP charter guests with large entourages,” he says. “The hydrodynamic properties were altered in the hull modification process and she lost over a knot in top speed,” he adds, “but it was as the owner wanted.”

In addition to more space for owners and their guests – and, in the case of expedition craft, for supplies and separate vehicles – another big plus can be better areas for crew.

On Jester , “I’ve never seen such a generous galley,” commented Tuersley. “It was just amazing – the chefs are really happy, the crew is really happy, and it filters down.”

Ferrero confirms that conversions, particularly those of offshore vessels, “usually offer considerably more space than conventional “white yachts”. For comparison, he notes that a 70-metre offshore conversion offers about the same volume equivalent as a 90-metre to 100-metre new-build superyacht (about 3,000GT).

“This is largely due to their greater beam,” he explains, which not only provides more space, but also allows for more unusual layout options. Yet, he cautions, all this room isn’t always a good thing. 

“Owners sometimes fail to grasp how large these yachts become due to the volume – and the resulting financial implications. All these spaces need to be filled and the luxury interior is the main price driver on these yachts. It takes some good education on the part of the yard to get this across, as in the client’s mind they are ‘only’ buying a 70-metre yacht, but in terms of space they are actually buying a much bigger one.”

Major rebuild

That’s the pros out of the way. Now it’s time for a sharp intake of breath as we discuss the downsides. First and foremost, it cannot be overstated how much of a major rebuild these conversions are, and whether you’re signing up for a refit, a rebuild or essentially a 100 per cent new build that’s being slotted into an old hull, is something owners will want to think very carefully about. Projects do often involve stripping the yacht right back to simply the hull, which might need significant work to get it into a seaworthy condition, too.

“A vessel that has had a former life is going to be an old ship,” says Naylor. “Unlike fine wine, a ship does not improve with age – quite the opposite. An old vessel can be expected to have many hidden problems. Inevitably it will require extensive steelwork, and the pipework, plumbing and electrical system will require wholesale renewal.”

As will the engines, he points out. Almost all will need replacing in order to comply with the latest emission standard IMO Tier III. “The exhaust system for these types of engines occupies a lot of space and ventilation and cooling can be a challenge,” he notes.

On Jester , the engine remained the same, but everything else was “stripped, gutted”, notes Tuersley. “I don’t think that there was anything untouched on the whole boat.”

On board Legend , Verkerk wanted to keep the old engines to maintain the original feel of the ship. “It was challenging,” he admits. For his second yacht, Sherakhan , he took a different, easier path. “The engine was broken, so I didn’t even try to fix it,” he notes. “I simply said, ‘Make the engine room clean and start again.’”  A large portion of Legend also had to be replaced because she’d been damaged by a fire in Russia and had then laid dormant in Genoa for the best part of a decade.

Lindgren makes a good point that not only is it environmentally better to re-engine a yacht, “it is nearly impossible to find spares for old engines”, so it rarely makes sense to maintain them. “I know of a recent conversion that was completely gutted and rebuilt from keel to mast,” he says. “Not sure why they even bothered with an old hull, but go figure.”

Often, that’s the story. Vonk classes Scintilla Maris as a “new build in a recycled hull” and is keen to stress that refits and rebuilds of this ilk shouldn’t be lumped into the same category.

“When the work started, there was no infrastructure; other than the bare hull – as in frames and plating – 100 per cent of everything is new,” he says. Much like the ship of Theseus, it begs the question, is a yacht still the same yacht, if all of it has been replaced over time?

Lindgren recalls a similar project he worked on for a Middle Eastern client. “I suspect here the onus was on privacy and someone managed to sell the concept of an old hull as an idea for conversion, as one was readily available. Very little remained of her hull once she was rebuilt, just the tanktop and then some, [while] the rest of her outline was built several times over. The project took a very long time – eight to nine years – so I am not sure how economically viable it was in the end, if at all, all things considered.”

How much of the donor vessel you can and want to maintain  is a key question. By stripping out a lot of the interior, Vonk emphasises you can “avoid a number of the ‘an old ship is an old ship’ issues”, and bypass a number of significant headaches. The pay-off, however, is that any savings come from keeping as much of the original vessel as possible. Get rid of that and your costs soon become comparable with a new build.

Clever modifications are key to making the yacht feel more like a classic superyacht. “I’ve seen some yacht and ship conversions that didn’t meet expectations,” says designer Timur Bozca, who worked on the 146-metre Japanese semi-submersible transport vessel OK . “Common issues often include inadequate structural modifications, which can lead to stability or safety problems. 

For instance, converting a cargo ship into a luxury yacht without reinforcing the hull or properly redistributing weight can result in performance and handling issues.” His sentiments are echoed by Hughes: “What  I always say to these guys doing conversions is: don’t forget to put stabilisers on them. Because these things are designed to roll.”

If there’s one thing that is for sure, it’s that there’s never been a better time to do some rigorous homework. “Owners and their team should have a finalised general arrangement and required specs in place to present to various shipyards to bid on,” says the build captain. 

“Once a shipyard is selected, a complete build spec should be developed, GA finalised and budget agreed on – before beginning any work.”

Design challenges

Are you on good terms with your designer? If not, it might be time to get a little more friendly. Conversion projects throw up a whole host of unusual design questions, and not all of them can be easily solved. 

With a new build, of course, you’re starting from a blank sheet of paper, whereas conversion vessels often have certain parameters in place that are immovable. “A drastic change of the geometry of the donor vessel is highly unlikely,” says Duck, “since it would go against the logic of trying to recover part of the existing vessel.”

“There are some small differences,” explains van Clerk, “you can take a menu of things you can hide, but yeah, they’re always going to be there – it will never be the same as a born superyacht.”  On Jester , design teams had to navigate restricted ceiling heights, camber throughout, even a crew area full of concrete.

Sometimes, too much space can present a challenge. “Everything with those ships is forward, including the engines. So what are you going to do with all that space?” asks Hughes.

Bozca came up with plenty of ingenious solutions for OK . “[The vessel] presented unique challenges, but its semi-submersible nature also supported our floating island concept,” he says. “With 100 metres of the yacht capable of diving underwater, we aimed  to create an unparalleled maritime experience.” 

A significant challenge was “maintaining the yacht’s powerful base while making minor design changes to achieve a sleek look”, as well as incorporating large windows and skylights to allow some natural light in, without compromising structural integrity.

“There’s an onboard botanic garden providing a lush retreat at sea, a multi-functional sports court for tennis or basketball, and a spectacular pool surrounded by aquariums housing exotic marine life like sharks and moray eels,” he says. 

“Additionally, a 100-metre open deck garage accommodates various vehicles, from trucks to seaplanes. The yacht also features a master cabin with a 360-degree view, offering unparalleled vistas and luxury, while a glass elevator with a full view enhances the experience, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning surroundings as they move between decks.”

Scintilla Maris has an unusual feature, too. Instead of the usual beach club at the stern of the vessel, her outdoor living area is amidships, surrounded by water-level boarding zones to port and starboard. “The central location, with proximity of the water on both sides, provides an entirely different user experience than an extended deck at the rear of the boat,” says Vonk. “Creating new features like this, drawing on many years of experience and breaking away from conventions, is what gets my adrenaline flowing.”

Reclassification

Almost all conversion vessels require some kind of reclassification as part of the process. Certainly, it’s something to consider before buying your donor vessel, or indeed, building. Classes include passenger ships, small passenger ships, big passenger ships and, of course, superyacht class.

“ Sherakhan was already a passenger ship in her old life, so I didn’t need to change her status, which made it a bit easier to do the conversion,” says Verkerk, but adds that classifications “always give you a very big headache, for sure. The newest stability and leaking stability request from the class associations are pretty heavy and not applicable for these kinds of boats.”

There are sometimes hybrid situations. Having worked on two huge conversions, Lindgren recalls: “Both vessels are, as far as I know, now part of a private fleet for a Middle Eastern client. They most likely operate like passenger vessels, with the relevant rules and regulations in place, but are on a private registry as private vessels. Like yachts, but on a massive scale.”

Hughes always advises owners to reclassify. Often the classifications have expired and, in any event, “the price gets lost in the conversion cost circle,” he says.

Saat says Damen is actively lobbying most classification societies “to discuss better solutions for reclassification and help them understand how to keep it simple and give a ship a second life”.

Ferrero gives a good guide for novices. “The basic rule of thumb is quite simple. If the vessel’s parameters (length, beam); propulsion (such as installation of different engines); or classification type (from offshore rescue vessel to yacht) are changed, the conversion is regarded as a major conversion, which means that the vessel in its entirety must comply with the latest rules and regulations,”  he says. “There may be certain exemptions that class may allow, but in general one should not count on them.

“This means that if I am adding a five-metre extension as part of the conversion, I need to make sure that, for example, my existing and perhaps 20-year-old engines comply with the latest exhaust and emissions regulations. There are also often major implications on the electrical side. For example, it used to be common practice, especially on commercial vessels, to paint over the cables running in the technical spaces. This is no longer allowed, so if one of the three factors for a major rebuild is triggered, it can mean that almost the entire electrical installation has to be rebuilt. None of this should frighten anyone, as there are ways of avoiding such pitfalls, but these issues need to be considered at a very early stage.”

Ah, the elephant in the room. Conversion yachts are often the ones crowds stand and point at from the docks – and not always for the right reasons. 

“M/Y Yas was converted from an old Dutch corvette – I’ve seen comments of her as the world’s ugliest yacht somewhere,” recalls Lindgren. Surely not what the owners had in mind. “I still think she looks pretty futuristic. The biggest differences come from between the old and new part of the conversion,” he says, “and how they manage to meld them together.”

He believes the worst offenders come from the cruise-ship segment, where “old vessels have been complemented by more cabins and visible sponsons to comply with new legislation, and they can’t flaunt the grandfather rule any more. “These conversions or add-ons are sometimes merely ill-shaped boxes welded on to the hull,” he continues, citing M/S Stockholm as a case in point.

When I ask John Hughes how you’d recognise a conversion vessel from afar, it prompts a wry chuckle. “You just want to look at them,” he says, “you know exactly what they are.”

Still willing to take the plunge? Your next step is to find a specialist conversion vessel dealer and line up a team of specialist advisers who’ll make a solid panel of experts. You need “someone who can really read the stability books, understand the construction of the boat, and then you need to go for something with a tremendously good maintenance period, because the key to everything in shipping and yachting is maintenance”, advises Verkerk. Government, military and high-end shipping company vessels tend to be good in this regard, he says.

“It’s crucial to match the yacht’s design characteristics with its intended use to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction,” advises Bozca. “Yachts designed primarily for high-speed performance might not be the best choice for long-term cruising, due to their limited fuel capacity and reduced comfort. Conversely, larger luxury yachts with extensive amenities might struggle in rough seas or shallow waters due to their size and draught.”

Those used to perusing the docks of Monaco and Cannes might need to steel themselves before going ship hunting. Hughes recalls the appalled faces on some guests that he once arranged a last-minute viewing for, as they approached the boat. “The broker turned to the customer and his wife and said, “Oh my god! This is filthy!” Of course it was,” he laughs. “The thing had been at sea for six months!”

“All old boats, they stink,” agrees Verkerk. “And they’re dirty. There’s nothing happy on an old boat.”

Speak to the owners and they’ll say that while their vessel has turned out to be the craft of their dreams, it’s been a hell of a lot  of work. “It takes a lot out of you – 14 hours of work a day,” says Verkerk, wondering out loud if he’ll ever have the strength to do another. And yet, there must be something profoundly rewarding in having been through the whole process. Almost every owner  I speak to already has their eye on another project too.

“I’ll never do one again… OK, I have an idea, but it will be much smaller, it’ll be a 50-metre,” says Verkerk.

“Would I do it again? Yes,” enthuses Vonk. “I already know one or two hulls to go after… But that is a secret.”

First published in the November 2024 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

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Lisa Blair World Record Attempt starts Monday, April 1

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March 29, 2024

Crossing the Ditch for Climate Action Now

Acclaimed Australian Solo Sailor Lisa Blair is set to depart from Sydney on Monday 1st April to attempt the World Sailing Speed Record as the fastest person and first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand. Lisa will sail over 1200 nm across the notorious Tasman Sea and anticipates the voyage will take 8 -10 days to complete.

Lisa is the current world-record holder for sailing solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica in 2022, breaking the record by 10 days to add to her 4 other world record voyages.

“This project is very different from my circumnavigation of Antarctica, with the shorter distance it means that I need to be on 100% of the time and work 24/7 to be able to maximise the performance of the boat while also keeping myself safe at sea.”

“I will be sleeping in 20-minute intervals for the whole project to keep a safe lookout of other vessels while pushing my boat hard.”

The original record was established on the 22nd of January 2020, by retired Australian Veteran James Prascevic when he set the solo, monohull record with a time of 12d 14h 41m 15s. He was sailing to raise awareness of PTSD.

Media are invited to the Australian National Maritime Museum for Lisa’s departure

Museum Dock – Monday April 1 – 9am to 10am

Interviews from on board available for the voyage.

Following Lisa’s new record attempt, she will embark on another world-first sailing record, Auckland to Auckland around NZ, to become the first person to complete the trip, solo, non-stop and unassisted, a voyage she anticipates will take 15 to 18 days to complete.

Lisa Blair is a driving force for change and uses her world records to create positive education and participation around the Climate Action Now message. On the Antarctic voyage Lisa worked in partnership with the Australian Institute of Marine Science to complete the largest microplastic survey of regions ocean. The sad news was that every sample had plastic and 64.8% of the microplastics found on her voyage were classed as microfibre, generated from the textile industry. Her new world record trips enable her to share an amplify the key findings.

Key voyage findings:

• The highest concentration of microplastics sampled was found in the waters below Australia and is equivalent to 357,500 particles of plastic in an Olympic size swimming pool.
• An average of 58 000 particles of Microplastics in an Olympic size swimming pool volume of water was sampled around Antarctica.
• Fibres were more abundant than fragments, comprising 64.8% of all microplastics found.
• Lisa sampled a micro-bead from the middle of the Southern Ocean. Commonly found in skin care products.
• Supplied seafloor depth data to the Seabed 2030 Program

“I simply couldn't sit by with the data from Antarctica and not take action so for me this project is all about inspiring change and sharing the shocking results of the Microplastic samples from Antarctica.”

“I want to see a happy and healthy planet and people won’t protect what they can’t understand so I try to share my love of the ocean and this planet with my records. I think adventurers have a responsibility to become story tellers and communicators,” said Lisa, who was named 2022 Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year.

Lisa’s sustainability journey first started in 2012 while sailing around the world in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

“We were more than 20 days from land sailing across the Southern Ocean from South Africa to New Zealand. I was at the helm looking out when we crested a wave and there, off our bow was a Styrofoam box floating past. We were thousands of miles from land in the most remote regions of the planet and I was seeing plastic. I couldn’t believe it.”

Alarmed at the sight of human impact so far from land Lisa felt overwhelmed and lost as to how to change things.

“I used to bury my head in the sand and soothe myself with the idea that it was okay to do nothing because my little bit wouldn’t matter. It wasn’t until this mindset changed that I started to understand the power of individual action.”

In 2015 Lisa launched her Climate Action Now message and began collecting post it note messages from people in the public. Lisa’s yacht ‘Climate Action Now’ is adorned with thousands of messages of environmental actions from members of the community.

“If a million people think like I did ‘that their bit didn’t matter’ then that was going to be a million more negative impacts but if we could shift this thinking and empower a million people to realise that their micro-actions matter then we would be creating a large impact. I am living proof that just one person can make a difference and there are many things that people can start doing today to make a difference. We all have the power to create change, it just starts with one action.”

Lisa’s top tips;

• Install a filter on your washing machine,
• Buy natural material clothing,
• Be mindful of plastic pollution in the streets and waterways,
• Dispose of your bottles correctly,
• Drive less – to reduce CO2 and also minimise microplastics from the tyre erosion.
• Invest in quality products,
• Repair over replace,
• Spend wisely - you are voting with your dollar.

Lisa currently holds 5 world records in sailing and following the NZ projects Lisa alsohas plans for an Arctic world record. The feature film about her Antarctic voyage, Ice Maiden , will have it’s world premiere at the Dock Edge Film Festival in NZ in June.

“Sailing has become a fantastic avenue for me to create change, the more projects Icomplete the more impact I can create.”

Spectators are welcome to wave Lisa off at the Australian National Maritime Museum between 9 -10 am, sail out onto the harbour with Lisa or to witness the start line crossing between North and South Head at 11.30-12 noon.

The record will be adjudicated by the World Sailing Speed Record Council with the official start and finish lines below:

• Start: entrance to Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). Line drawn between: Light House located on North Head: 33° 49.5’ S; 151° 17.9’ E and Hornby Light House located on South Head: 33° 50.0’ S; 151° 16.8’ E
• Finish: Auckland finishing line is between: the southern edge of North Head (36° 49.8’ S, 174° 48.7’ E) and the front light beacon of the Rangitoto Channel leading lights (Fl(2) 4s 10m 14M (approximate position 36° 49.45’S, 174° 50.5’ E).