worst yacht builders

Top 9 Worst Boat Brands You'll Want to Avoid (Get These Ones Instead!)

Avoid buyer's remorse with our guide on the worst boat brands to steer clear of, and which ones to consider for a reliable sailing experience. Perfect for travelers.

Picking a boat out is difficult whether you’re an experienced seafarer or a novice. There are so many brands and schools of thought as to what dictates a great boat. Even still, boat enthusiasts and disgruntled customers can generally agree on a list of boat brands to avoid.

The top boat brands to avoid are Luhr, Monterey, Kingfisher, and Bayliner. Avoid Sea Ray boats as well because they’ve had dozens of recalls up until 2022 for serious issues such as electrical problems. Brands such as Renken, Maxum, Charger, and Sea Fox Boats all have bad reputations for poor customer service, poor performance, and physical problems.

Instead, you should choose a reliable boat brand such as Bennington, Boston Whaler, or G3 Boats. These brands have had limited recalls and all boast excellent and invaluable customer service. Follow along as we explore the top boat brands to avoid so that you don’t get stuck with buyer’s remorse.

Worst Boat Brands

The worst boat brands include everything from Kuhr to Sea Fox Boats. There are several boat brands to avoid, and we use criteria based on recalls, performance, consistency, and customer service to determine this. Let’s take a look at the main boat brands to avoid.

The biggest complaint that many customers have about Kingfisher boats is that the sides are too low . This can be visually unappealing, and it can let water into the boat more easily. It can also create a tripping hazard if the waters are rough, and you fall into the side.

1. Kingfisher

Loud operation is another major downside to Kingfisher boats, and it’s hard to overlook. That is because Kingfisher boats are typically constructed out of aluminum which is the loudest material. Aluminum is great because of how it withstands water exposure, but fiberglass is much quieter .

Kingfisher boats cost up to $50,000 grand and more in some cases, but they don’t generally go up in value. You can find much more reliable boats at a lower cost from brands such as Starcraft Marine as an alternative. Kingfisher is one of the top boat brands to avoid because of the high cost compared to the strange build and loud operation.

Luhr boats are no longer in production, but you can find countless used models on the resale market. Understandably, many people buy used Luhr boats because of the reduced price tag compared to a new one. However, it’s not worth the cost when you consider difficult-to-access engine hatches and tiny galleys .

It’s also difficult to find replacement parts for Luhr boats since they don’t manufacture them anymore. This becomes a problem if and when you experience problems, and you likely will. That is because Luhr boats are far behind modern boat technology which is another problem.

Modern boats feature elaborate GPS systems, better fuel efficiency, and sturdier construction. You will be missing out on all of those commodities if you get an old, used Luhr boat. Luhr has also recalled hundreds of boats with the last recall in 2007 over bilge pump problems.

3. Bayliner

Bayliners are popular among novice boaters, particularly because of how affordable they are. However, the low cost is also reflected in problems with their engines, walls, and galleys. The worst time for Bayliner was during the mid-to-late 90s and early 2000s when they had their worst reputation.

Avoid buying used Bayliner boats from this period at all costs, especially if it’s the Bayliner 180 from 2004. Seam issues, leaking windows, generator failure, and structural problems have all been reported as recently as 2014. The 873 Bowrider 160 BR was specifically a big problem in 2014 and Bayliner recalled just under 880 boats.

Besides the quality inconsistencies, you won’t be able to turn a profit off of a Bayliner boat. There is no shortage of Bayliner boats, and the market is saturated with them so they’re a bad investment.

4. Monterey

A smooth ride is all that any lake or seafarer can hope for. Well, that’s something that you cannot count on with a Monterey boat because of its size and weight. Fiberglass boats aren’t always rough with harsh waters, but Monterey boats are quite small for something that heavy.

Luckily, not all of their boats are that small and the larger ones seem to offer a smoother ride. Other problems include unreliable hardware that either gets stuck, doesn’t work, or quickly becomes rusty. The used boat market is flooded with old Monterey boats but be careful if you buy one from the late 90s through the early 2000s.

Used Monterey customers have reported leaks, rotten wood, and even leaky windows on boats from that era. Models such as the 234 FSX were recalled due to fuel tank cracks, and the 350 Sport Yacht was recalled because of electrical system problems . New Monterey boats cost $30,000 which is somewhat standard but steep for a brand with a history of failures and recalls.  

Avoid Renken boats at all costs even if you are trying to save money. They are no longer in production, so you will have to scramble online to find spare parts if you can even find any at all . Don’t buy the Renken 1080 because it was recalled for problems with level flotation and stability.

Used Renken boats are easy to find but they are not worth the trouble because of how outdated they are. This applies to the body as well as the special features, especially when you compare them to modern boats. Granted, Renken boats were generally made of fiberglass which means they hold up better than if they were made of aluminum.

Maxum has had a poor reputation in the boating community for a long time, and it’s mostly with good reason. They have produced some great boats, such as the Maxum 1800 MX, but they’ve also had a slew of recalls over the years. Between 2006 and 2010 alone, 4 models of Maxum boats have been recalled for problems with bulkheads and even steering .

There’s arguably no worse problem for a boat than faulty steering, and that was a problem with the Maxum 1800 SR. Even models that were never recalled are prone to problems and you may need to replace parts. Luckily, parts are widely available even going back to their 90s models, but it’s worthwhile to upgrade to a better one.

The surprising thing is that Maxum is owned by Brunswick Corps which is a major name in the boating community. However, their other flagship brand Bayliner is much better than Maxum. Avoid Maxum and stick with Bayliner because it’s been around for longer and is more reliable.

It’s not that Charger is a horrible boat brand, but it is somewhat unreliable. Charger boats can perform well under perfect conditions, but waves and wind can mean bad news for them. Charger boats are the last ones that you would want to take out into rough waters.

Customers also reveal difficulty with starting Charger boats during the winter, but to be fair, that can happen with many brands. Charger has also had a few recalls since 1998 due to overheating and faulty battery chargers. Those aren’t chances that you want to take when you’re out on the water.

For example, a Charger 198 Elite Boat costs over $73,000 which is steep considering the deceleration problems that some customers report . They have made some great boats over the years, but the steep price and inconsistent performance are hard to overlook.

Sea Ray has had some of the most recalls of any boating company of all time. Granted, they’ve been around for a long time and many of the recalls date back to the 1970s. They have also had dozens of recalls from the late 1980s until 2022.

Models such as the DA320, DA350, and DAC350 were even recalled for steering problems in 2022. Electrical system failures from 2021 also resulted in recalls for the Sea Ray SLX250 and SLX280 . It is disconcerting that they’ve been around for so long and continue to have a similar recall to what they had in the 1970s.

With that said, people will likely continue to buy Sea Ray boats because of how cost-effective they are. Sea Ray is one of the top boat brands to avoid because of problems with everything from steering to the engine. Search online for Sea Ray recalls if you purchase one that is used to make sure that yours wasn’t affected.

9. Sea Fox Boats

Sea Fox Boats is a somewhat smaller company based out of Berkeley County, South Carolina. The biggest trend in negative reviews for Sea Fox Boats is that patrons say the customer service is terrible . This is a harsh reality with many of the boat brands to avoid on this list.

Sea Fox customers have also reported problems with the windshield brackets and even screws poking through the boat’s hull. That is a serious problem and it’s the last thing that you want to think about when you’re out on the water. Since 2009 alone, Sea Fox has had to recall 6 different models of boats for port stability and level flotation problems.

It’s nice to support smaller brands, but it’s tough to justify when there are that many problems. Avoid Sea Fox Boats because there were even 2 recalls in April 2022. 

Most Reliable Boat Brands

Luckily, there are plenty of reliable boat brands out there that you don’t have to avoid. Whether it be Bennington, G3, or Boston Whaler, many brands excel in both construction and customer service. Let’s take a look at the most reliable boat brands.

Boston Whaler

What says “reliable boat brand” better than an unsinkable hull? That’s right, Boston Whaler’s modern offerings come fitted with an unsinkable hull . This fact alone makes Boston Whaler the most reliable boat brand, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Models such as the 345 Conquest are universally loved in the boating community. That specific model earned Boston Whaler the NMMA Innovation Award in 2014 which is a high honor in the industry. Every detail of a Boston Whaler boat is important from the tackle storage and fish boxes to the upholstery.

Boston Whaler boats are also a wise investment compared to alternatives that don’t hold their value. They are known to hold their value well which will come in handy when you plan to upgrade to another boat. However, upgrading may not be necessary as Boston Whaler boats are known to last for up to 30 years under perfect conditions in freshwater.

Starcraft Marine

It’s hard to not trust a brand like Starcraft Marine that’s been around for so long. Over 110 years old, Starcraft Marine has been there through every iteration of what we consider impressive boats to this day . Everything from the digital wiring system in their modern boats to their classic yet advanced bimini release function is impressive.

They make everything from classic fishing boats and utility boats to high-end pontoons. Starcraft also has extensive customization options and can accommodate many requests. This applies to everything from flooring to panel colors and beyond.

Bertram Yachts

Bertram is one of the leading names in high-end boats and yachts. They put an equal emphasis on the interior design of the boat and the boat’s practical performance . This gives you the best of both worlds between luxury, power, and practicality.

Some of their models, such as the Bertram 28cc can hold up to 200 gallons of gas. It’s a nice feeling knowing that you can store that much gas without worrying about running out on the water. Bertram’s presence is felt at every trade show from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to the Palm Beach International Boat Show.

G3 Boats are owned by Yamaha which should tell you something about their quality already. Much like any other Yamaha brand, G3 Boats is a perfect mixture of reliable technology and impressive construction . Their boats are made of aluminum which some boat enthusiasts prefer over fiberglass despite the louder operation.

You can get a bow-to-stern warranty with your boat which is extremely useful, especially if you live somewhere with rough waters. Over the years, G3 has only had 3 recalls which pale in comparison to brands such as Sea Ray. You can always count on a G3 boat to function as advertised and provide smooth travel.

Bennington is the leading name when it comes to pontoons and triton boats. They are continually awarded for customer satisfaction and innovation by respected groups within the community such as the National Marine Manufacturer Association . The NMMA only recognizes reliable and innovative boat brands, and Bennington’s reliability is felt every step of the way.

From the customization options to the helpful customer service agents, few brands support the customer as well as Bennington.

What to Look For in a Boat

The main things to look for in a boat are comfortable floor plans and decent towing. You will need to tow your boat at some point, so you need to make sure that you can easily transport it. Another key factor is fuel economy, especially if you plan to spend long days out on the water.

Ideally, you should look for a boat that has a 1-4 gallon per mile capacity at 20 knots . You should also look into recalls and customer reviews before you buy a boat because they can reveal a lot. Never buy a used boat without looking into its recall history or even having it inspected if it’s old.

What Boats Will Not Sink?

Boats made by Boston Whaler and Everglades are generally unsinkable. Law requires that you must use an unsinkable boat out at sea if it is under 20 feet long . This law is enforced by the Coast Guard and it is in your best interest to comply to avoid problems and for your safety.

Your boat doesn’t technically need to be unsinkable if it’s over 20 feet long at sea, but it’s worthwhile. Modern brands like Everest and Boston Whaler make all of their boats unsinkable. Both brands are reliable and affordable so it’s worth choosing one of them even if it’s over 20 feet long.

Manufacturers make use of a foam core to make their boats unsinkable. Foam is buoyant and lets you stay on part of the boat even if it gets cut in half. You can even drive the half with the engine if your Boston Whaler boat gets cut in half.

So, What Are The Boat Brands to Avoid?

Kingfisher, Luhr, and Bayliner are the top boat brands to avoid. They have each had many recalls due to everything from electrical system errors to steering failure . Sea Ray, Charger, and Maxum are among the worst boat brands as well and you should avoid them at all costs.

The most reliable boat brands include Boston Whaler, G3 Boats, and Starcraft Marine. Bennington, Everest, and Bertram Yachts also produce some of the most reliable and safest boats on the market. Always check online for recent recalls before you purchase a boat whether it’s new or used.

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The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

Here is our list of the best yacht builders on earth. Deciding which shipyard will build your luxury yacht is a complex and deeply personal choice, depending on many factors including the level of customization you want, your budget, the location of the shipyard, and the ‘feel’ you get for the yard’s vision and people.

Our list of the best yacht builders is naturally subjective and will not feature every well-known brand. Our short selection includes a range of shipyards, from manufacturers of the some of the most iconic custom-built superyachts to hugely popular production yacht builders.

Here are the best yacht builders on earth, sorted by region.

Usa – best yacht builders.

Westport is one of the dominant players in the American yacht-building market, with a hugely popular range of tri-deck and raised pilothouse motoryachts built from composite materials. Their models range from from the 112′ to 164′ (34m to 50m) series, allowing the yacht owner to customize the interior layout without the high cost and long timescale of fully-custom construction. As the largest American yacht building company in operation, Westport has a proud history of high quality yacht manufacturing dating back to 1964, with over 100 superyachts and over 170 fishing vessels launched from their Pacific Northwest Shipyard. Westport yachts are extremely popular in the US brokerage and charter market and have a reputation for holding their value well. View current Westport yachts for sale .

Christensen Yachts prides itself on the construction of American-built custom and semi-custom superyachts from fiberglass, including well known yachts M/Y CASINO ROYALE, M/Y SILVER LINING and award-winning M/Y ODESSA. Founded by superyacht owners, Christensen has a loyal following of yacht owners, many of whom are repeat customers. Currently producing yachts at its Vancouver, WA yard between 100’ to 165’ (35m to 50m) in length, Christensen was bought out in 2015 and is in the process of building America’s largest superyacht facility in Tennessee, which will construct vessels up to 70m. View current Christensen yachts for sale .

Northern Europe – Best Yacht Builders

German superyacht builder Lurssen is the builder of the largest superyacht in existence, the 590’ (180m) M/Y AZZAM, which was completed in an astonishingly quick three years. Known for superb build quality and large projects across its superyacht, naval vessel, as well as its’ yacht refit and management divisions, Lurssen is a family-run shipyard with a prestigious yacht building heritage spanning back to 1875, when it constructed the first ever motoryacht. Lurssen is the builder of 5 of the top 10 largest yachts in the world. View current Lurssen yachts for sale.

Feadship, Netherlands: For some yacht owners, the only name worth knowing is Feadship. This prestigious brand is synonymous with Dutch superyacht quality, and has a legion of steadfast and loyal fans. Dating back to 1849, Feadship creates fully custom yachts from a ‘blank slate’ beginning, priding themselves on creating supremely unique, innovative yachts that stand the test of time. There are 450 bespoke yachts currently afloat in the Feadship fleet, including M/Y HASNA, a 239’ (73m) with a revolutionary layout. Read more on Dutch yacht builders . View current Feadship yachts for sale .

Amels’ vast and high-tech superyacht facility is the largest in the Netherlands, producing iconic, high-value yachts up to 330’ (100m), including their 2017 flagship yacht, 272’ (83m) M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN. Amels offer a fully custom yacht building service, as well as their exceedingly popular Limited Edition Series, whereby the yacht owner retains control over interior and exterior design but the yacht is built on a proven platform, thereby slashing the build time. Amels also builds support yachts through their parent company, DAMEN, a heavyweight in global shipbuilding. View current Amels yachts for sale .

Dutch yacht builder Heesen is known for its aluminum and steel superyachts and innovative use of technology, as seen in the revolutionary fast displacement hull form first seen in the multi-award winning M/Y GALACTICA STAR, and the hybrid propulsion utilized in the 2017 launch of M/Y HOME. With a fleet of over 170 yachts launched since inception in 1978, Heesen is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in superyacht design and engineering. Heesen builds motoryachts between 100’ to 265’ (30m to 80m) in length at its Oss shipyard. View current Heesen yachts for sale .

Now owned by Lurssen, Blohm + Voss is a yachting powerhouse in its own right, constructing magnificent large superyachts including the iconic MOTOR YACHT A and 531’ (162m) M/Y ECLIPSE, currently the third-largest yacht in the world. The vast Blohm +Voss facility in Hamburg, Germany creates striking custom motoryachts and sailing yachts. View current Blohm +Voss yachts for sale.

Mediterranean – Best Yacht Builders

Benetti is a powerhouse of luxury yacht building, with a very healthy order list and a boat- building pedigree stretching back to 1873. Since 1960, Benetti has been constructing superyachts in Italy, including iconic yachts MY KINGDOM in 1980, then the largest yacht in the world at 280’ (85m), right through to recent launches such as the award-winning M/Y 11.11. Benetti is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, the largest producer of luxury yachts in the world, building semi-custom and fully custom yachts between 100′ and 330′ (30m and 100m) long. Known for their Italian style and long history of yacht construction, Benetti has a loyal following of yacht owners who return to the yard each time they upgrade. View current Benetti yachts for sale .

The creators of one of the most well-known yachts on the planet, S/Y MALTESE FALCON, Perini Navi enjoys a superb reputation as a sailing superyacht builder, and also entered the large motoryacht market in 2007 under its Pichiotti brand. Perini Navi yachts are known for their superyacht luxuries and interior volume, as well as the technically brilliant sailing systems that allow these large yachts to be operated by a small crew. Perini Navi dominates the sailing superyacht market with its range from 130’ to 200’(40m to 60m), constructed at their three shipyards in Viareggio, La Spezia in Italy and also in Istanbul. View current Perini Navi yachts for sale .

UK – Best Yacht Builders

Sunseeker is one of the most instantly recognizable names in the yachting world, building performance luxury yachts known for their speed and sleek looks. Once better known for their smaller sport yachts, Sunseeker is now a major player in the superyacht market, with customizable yacht models from 75′ to 155′, as well as constructing the Predator range with a top speed of 45 knots. Built and engineered in Dorset, UK, Sunseeker is Britain’s most famous luxury yacht builder, creating the hand-finished yachts regularly featured on James Bond films. View current Sunseeker yachts for sale .

Worth Avenue Yachts has extensive experience with each of these yacht brands. To find out more about the relative advantages of these shipyards or the other high-quality shipyards that we recommend, please contact us for an expert discussion.

The Top Sailboat Manufacturers (According to Sailors)

Whether you are buying or chartering a boat, or whether you simply want to stay informed, you might be asking the question: who are the top sailboat manufacturers? As is the case with most 'who's the best' questions, the answer isn't simple. So this article takes a stroll among the crowds and asks - “who's your favorite?” .

What are the top sailboat manufacturers?

Groupe beneteau.

This is the ultimate all-star list. Now let’s see why.

First of all - I want to make this lineup relatively short. There are tens of names that bounce around when you ask about favorite manufacturers, and if I had made this a long list, in the end, it wouldn’t represent the famous all-stars that really stand out in the eyes of the people. If you want a longer, less detailed list, check out our article about 50 popular sailboat brands . This time though, we are looking only at the manufacturer champions of the ‘popular choice’ contest.

“This is a loaded question!”, the internet forums yell, “there are thousands of options!”, they cry, enraged, “it’s not about the boat, but about the crew!” they scream. But we don’t give up and continue, determined to find out who you all like the most.

Cover Image : Bavaria Cruiser 55 - Copyright BavariaYachtbau under CC BY-SA 4.0

I know, I know, I hear you. Let’s start with the cons of these boats to quench the thirst of the bloodthirsty critics. Yes, Wallys are very costly, they go all the way up to tens of millions of dollars and so won’t be more than a bedroom poster for most of the readers.

That’s about it when it comes to the negatives, though. The reason they made it on this list despite their price tag is that they are pioneers in many aspects. Visually they are beyond gorgeous, and their price allows for exquisite build quality. The cost of these hi-end racer/cruisers means they aren’t particularly user friendly since most users won’t be able to use them, but just as Rolls Royce belongs on the list of the best cars, Wally belongs on the list of the best boats. They are the brainchild of Luca Bassani, founder and chief of the brand, a stylish Italian man who knows what’s right.

And it is this poster worthiness that gained them popularity among the crowds. A video of a simple Atlantic crossing on a 100 foot Wally has millions of views not necessarily because that particular journey would be exciting, in fact, it is quite an uneventful one, but because it is on a boat that makes the design junkies salivate. The Wally designs alone were the reason these boats made it into Hollywood feature films and series, and if you look at one, you’ll understand why. This is what happens when extravaganza meets good taste and has all the money in the world to realize the idea.

What do they make in terms of sailboats? Superyachts around 100 ft long, each focused on sporty cruising, design, and comfort. They only make custom sailboats, no factory models here. Buying a used one is a safe situation, they hold up even after a long time both in terms of quality, performance as well as design. During their existence, Wally only made a handful of boats, so if you ever stumble upon one, take a selfie. It is like meeting a celebrity.

To level the scales, let’s now jump at the opposite side of the spectrum and have a look at Catalina, the people pleaser. If Wally was the Rolls Royce of the boating world, Catalina is the Ford, making, as they say, “honest, sturdy boats that hold up to real-world conditions, perform well and cost less to maintain”. The mission of this company then seems to be to make boats as practical as possible for the common folk. That means: a practical interior layout, practical handling, and last but definitely not least, a practical price.

And this strategy has worked out well - according to experiences of hundreds of thousands of sailors, Catalinas stand up to their reputation of a boat that’s got your back. It is one of the largest boat producers in the world, with over sixty thousand of its boats sailing the world. Boat manufacturers oftentimes go through quite a lot of rough patches, that turn into bankruptcy for many, it isn’t an easy business to be in, but Catalina has been on a roll for decades. And this success has come with its perks - the business stability allowed for some impressive manufacturing facilities, which helps mass production, which in turn helps drive the price down. So with Catalina, you’ll likely be getting more bang for your buck than from their competition.

They make boats ranging from tiny daysailers all the way to 50-foot seaworthy vessels. What made them the most famous though are their mid-sized cruisers - the staple of the classical American sailing fan. Whether you like it or not, slow and steady is the name of the game when it comes to mainstream, and that is precisely what Catalina understands so well. They don’t take large risks. Their models are long-running with slight tweaks and facelifts, concepts that don’t surprise or insult, but offer stability. This conservativeness has been what some sailors hold against Catalinas, which is easy to understand when looking at many other brands that offer more in terms of fanciness, but this is the Catalina way, and it has worked out splendidly for them.

The long years of experience make for a great manufacturer that makes boats which won’t be the fastest, won’t be the prettiest or the boldest in terms of design or technological innovation, but they will do precisely what they are made to do - their job.

Bavaria is to Europe what Catalina is to the United States. Affordable, practical, nothing special, but does what it’s supposed to. It is the main diet of many Mediterranean sailors. To stay with the cars equivalent, just because I like it so much, if Catalinas were the Ford, Bavarias would be the Volkswagen. They are generally cheaper than Catalinas but don’t see that as an indicator, sailors can’t seem to find one or the other significantly worse or better in build quality. There are of course a few voices rooting for one or the other, but that can be assigned to fandom rather than to actual benefits. The price difference is there partly due to a different manufacturing process, the Bavaria factories are more efficient (they are German after all), and the production is more streamlined, allowing cutting costs without cutting corners.

Reliability, ease of use, and affordability are aspects that lead the design decisions here - which is what makes them so prevalent in charter companies. Even a nonexperienced sailor can get on a Bavaria and operate it with relative ease. But as I’ve been told by the boss of an unnamed charter company, after five or so years, you will start to feel the lower price tag as their reliability starts to go down unless money is put into repairs. With an older Bavaria, you will feel its age more than with other manufacturers. As one owner puts it, they tend to get “quite exhausted”.

So in case you belong among the Bavaria fans and have your eye on a used one, keep the above sentences in mind and when shopping, make sure you understand the ‘health’ of the boat in question. Moreover, be aware of the difference between a boat that was used by a handful of sailors over the years versus one that was chartered to more people than you could count. In other words, you wouldn’t want to buy a few-year-old rental car because who knows what the poor thing had to suffer, - especially since you can bet that many of the clients weren’t particularly good sailors due to generous sailing license policies in Croatia, which allows virtually anybody to ‘become a sailor’ within hours for a friendly fee.

What can you expect when you get on one? Good things - the manufacturers know what their products are used for, and that is why Bavarias are designed as easy comfortable cruisers. Everything you need to have within reach will be within reach, to the point of you having something to hold on almost all the time wherever you go through the boat - Bavaria knows well that many of its users won’t have their ‘sea legs’ and act accordingly. Even smaller models have generous amounts of space because it is the smaller models that are charter kings - Bavaria gives a lot of attention to them. The layouts will be comfy, so Bavarias make good boats for longer voyages - pair that with reliability and price and you will understand why the vox populi speaks so fondly of them.

The reason I am mentioning the name of the parent company here is that they own both Beneteau and Jeanneau, brands that are distinguishable on the surface, but if you look close enough, you will find them pretty similar, down to the fact that they are produced in the same factory. So since both Beneteau and Jeanneau are very popular sailor’s choices, both deserve a place on this list, but dedicating a subchapter to each would feel like making a duplicate.

By the way, Groupe Beneteau also owns Lagoon, a renowned catamaran maker, Prestige, luxury yacht manufacturer, Monte Carlo Yachts, CNB Yacht builder, the semi-custom sailboat maker, Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab, Wellcraft, Excess, and Delphia… some of these make motor yachts only, but if you combine fans of all of these, you get a sizable crowd. This company has figured out what people of various tastes want and serves quite a few of these niches.

Business aside, let’s see how this French company managed to find its way into the hearts of so many. Well, first of all, they are French. So chic style is to be expected. And with this, fans come. Image wise (and design-wise to a bit) Jeanneau is the sporty one that sails better, while Beneteau aims at the family comfort market. But on both, you will feel loved by the designer. They are made to make you feel good when you use them, and they’ll spoil you with luxury that fits within the specific price tag.

Comfort is a big deal here. On Jeanneaus for instance, you will sometimes find quite unique layouts, often different from the traditional ones, to really pamper the sailors - such as their two master bedroom setup, with the stern one being under the cockpit. A lot of them come with the 360 docking system, which allows you to move the boat around with a joystick and makes maneuvering in marinas so easy you feel like you are cheating. Or consider their decision to make the hull finer to cut through the water better, resulting in less movement - something that helps with comfort. All of this comes for a price but less so than you would expect since the buying power of the enormous Groupe Beneteau helps with shaving off dollars where smaller manufacturers couldn’t. This is, for instance, the reason why they can afford to use wood on their crafts to an extent you wouldn’t expect from a production boat for that price - again, buying volume allows for this even without you necessarily having to pay the expected premium.

Of course, you will mostly find them in Europe, where they are plentiful in marinas, though the aforementioned Bavarias dominate as far as numbers go. But that is mostly because of charters, since last year, over 80 percent of chartered boats were Bavarias. As personal boats, products of Groupe Beneteau belong among the top choices.

Now, this is a bit of a tricky one. The manufacturer doesn’t exist anymore, in fact, it produced boats from 1960 to 1989, making it over thirty years old, but despite that, the Cal models are still a favorite and worthy member of the cruising as well as performance world.

During the company’s existence, almost twenty thousand boats were built, partially because they were one of the first brands to mass-produce fiberglass sailboats. That, along with Cal models winning impressively in races, helped them to make a name for themselves, a name that still sounds to this day.

Why is it on this list? Partially because of its prevalence on the seas, partially because of its prevalence in internet forums and pub talks. Cal sailboats are loved by their owners mostly for their responsiveness when under sail, good build quality, (even though many say the interior could have been done way better) as well as reliability even after long years of use. Many of the design features have indeed been improved since, so if thirty years ago you could dominate races with Cals, today you won’t be on the lightest and most up to date boat around anymore. But you won’t be sailing a cruiser either. The boat might not be a pureblood racer, but it was built with racing in mind. Which might give the more sporty ones of your peace of mind that no Bavaria or any traditional cruiser will provide.

Quite a few owners say though that the success from the sixties gained Cal a name that you will pay for when buying one. If you are one of those who want to make sure they are paying for physical value rather than reputation, this might be a dealbreaker for you. There is a certain portion of slight arrogance that comes with racing success, one that shows in later models. But given the brand’s popularity, this is not too big of a deal.

So if cruising is your goal, if long crossings are what you desire, if you simply want a boat that was built with honesty and can take you basically anywhere you want, Cals are a safe bet. You’ll be joining a big, happy and an old family. And an affordable one at that.

In conclusion

To sum it all up, it seems that practicality, affordability, and reliability are the main factors that influence whether a sailboat manufacturer will become popular among sailors or not. As well as extravagant design and beauty, but that’s another story.

There have been many shipyards throughout the ages, some long-lasting, some surviving but a couple of years. Each tried to come up with an angle to sell well. Sometimes it was quirky design, and sometimes it was an intriguing feature, sometimes it was the use of new technology. Sometimes it worked out quite well, other times it did not. But in the end what sailors seem to want is a boat that will not fail them when they need it the most, a boat that is well built enough to cross oceans, because that gives one a sense of freedom and a boat that is built with the user-friendliness in mind. Simply, a boat that is your good friend.

A road to a sailor’s heart is simple, after all.

Daniel O'Connell

Really good article. I was enlightened.

Dan O’Connell

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Top 10 luxury yacht builders 2023

The design and build of a luxury yacht is a truly personal experience. Whether customising a design to be built, or striving to create a completely new concept altogether, superyacht owners will seek to work with a yacht builder that truly understands their vision, and can translate their dream design into a real vessel.

As Royal Huisman proudly state, “If you can dream it, we can build it!”

Those buying a new superyacht will therefore have many questions to ask themselves before settling on a suitable yacht builder and shipyard facility to carry out the project. Thankfully for these prospective owners, there are a number of luxury superyacht brands that have the ability to turn the biggest mega yacht dreams into reality.

Yachting Pages lists the world’s top luxury superyacht builders and their shipyard facilities , from A to Z, identifying some of the best superyachts in the world along the way.

Best luxury superyacht builders

1.  amels, netherlands.

Located in Vlissingen, Amels operates the largest superyacht boatyard in the Netherlands, and is known to be one of the best superyacht builders in the world.

Amels has been operating for over 100 years and offers both Full Custom and Limited Editions, ranging from 55 to 83 metres (180 to 272 feet) LOA. Built on a proven platform and delivered in half the time expected of standard construction superyachts, all 20+ Limited Editions projects have so far been delivered on or ahead of contract, with 55-metre (180-foot) Galene among the most recent to emerge from the yard. With several new projects currently under construction, Amels is likely to be among the top superyacht shipyards for many years to come.

2. Benetti, Italy

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Viareggio, Benetti is the world’s largest builder of superyachts by number built, with a production capacity of 100 units per year.

Most famous for building Sir Philip Green’s 90-metre (295-foot) Lionheart in 2016, 2019 was its breakthrough year with its first 100-metre+ (328-foot+) deliveries of Lana, Luminosity and IJE. This gave Benetti 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th spots on the Top 10 Largest Superyachts Delivered in 2019 . Luminosity is widely believed to be valued in excess of €200,000,000 and is listed with Fraser and Burgess (as of November 2020).

3. Feadship, Netherlands

The home of full-custom superyachts, Feadship is one of the few shipyards worldwide that works to create completely custom yachts. It has worked with superyacht owners since the 19 th century to create one-off luxury motor yachts that are truly unique.

Feadship currently has four shipyard facilities in the Netherlands, with expansion underway at its Amsterdam facility in Western Harbour to offer the ability to build motor yachts as long as 160 metres (525 feet). To date, there are over 250 Feadship yachts in navigation, including 99-metre (324-foot) Madame Gu, 99.95 (327-foot) Moonrise, 101-metre (333-foot) Symphony and 110-metre (361-foot) Anna.

4. Fincantieri Yachts, Italy

Fincantieri Yachts specialises in full-custom luxury pleasure yachts over 70 metres (230 feet) with no upper limit to the size or volume that it can produce. The builder currently has a range of concepts and projects, including 70-metre (230-foot) superyacht Blanche.

Having manufactured in excess of 7,000 vessels in its 230-year history, Fincantieri has a network of 18 shipyards across four continents, two design centres and a research centre, making it one of the largest Western shipyards in the world.

5. Heesen Yachts, Netherlands

Heesen Yachts is known as one of the world’s luxury yacht builders, specialising in custom superyachts in the 30- to 65-metre (98- to 213-foot) range, but with the additional capability of building vessels of 80 metres (262 feet) and above.

With a focus on quality and innovation, Heesen has created many custom yachts with no two yachts the same. Founded in 1978, it was the first Dutch shipyard to employ aluminium for yacht hulls. In its 42 years, it has delivered more than 170 yachts, with aluminium, steel, displacement, semi-displacement and revolutionary fast displacement yachts making up its fleet. Its most famous vessels include the 65-metre (213-foot) Galatica Star, 70-metre (230-foot) Galatica Super Nova and 55-metre (180-foot) Serenity.

6. Lürssen, Germany

Based in Germany, Lürssen is one of the world's leading shipyards for large luxury yacht building, with a focus on excellence in custom-built superyachts. A family-owned shipyard for four generations, it can claim the accolade of building the world’s first motor yacht back in 1886.

Responsible for building more than 13,000 vessels since 1875, Lürssen currently has eight shipyard facilities in Northern Germany, each specialising in a specific size of yacht ranging from 60 to 220 metres (197 to 722 feet) in length. Together these facilities offer 1,125,000 metres squared of space for new builds, as well as refit, repair and maintenance services.

Lürssen builds some of the largest luxury yachts in the world, including the iconic Azzam, the world’s current largest superyacht at 180 metres (590 feet) LOA.

7. Nobiskrug, Germany

Having just celebrated its 115 th anniversary, Nobiskrug began shipbuilding long before the term ‘superyacht’ was even coined. Drawing on its extensive experience in seagoing vessels, the shipyard turned to yacht building in 2000 with the completion of its inaugural superyacht project, the 92-metre (302-foot) Tatoosh. It has since delivered an impressive portfolio of innovative custom-built superyachts, pledging to work on a single project for a single client to build superyachts ready for the 22 nd century. A big statement of intent.

With two facilities in Northern Germany, the boatyard can currently build vessels ranging from 60 to 426 metres (197 to 1398 feet) in length. Over 1000 in-house employees work across the two sites, where they have developed and built numerous award-winning superyachts, including one of the industry’s most talked about vessels, 142-metre (466-foot) Sailing Yacht A.

2020 saw the launch of 80-metre (262-foot) Artefact. At 2,999 GT, Artefact is now the largest 80-metre superyacht by volume in the world and is one of the world’s first superyachts to meet IMO Tier III emissions regulations.

8. Oceanco, Netherlands

Oceanco specialises in building sophisticated custom yachts ranging from 80 to 140 metres (262 to 459 feet) in length. Offering a highly personal service to clients, Oceanco is positioned with state-of-the-art yacht building facilities in the Netherlands, and a design, sales and marketing office in Monaco.

The builder celebrated its first launch in 1992, and almost 30 years later its portfolio now includes well-known superyachts such as the 95-metre (311-foot) Indian Empress, 82-metre (269-foot) Alfa Nero, 88.5-metre (290-foot) Nirvana and 91.5-metre (300-foot) Equanimity.

9. Perini Navi, Italy

The Perini Navi Group is made up of four independent companies that operate in five specific markets: sailing yachts up to 60 metres (197 feet), large sailing yachts more than 60 metres, racing sailing yachts, fast cruising sailing yachts and Picchiotti motor yachts.

To date, the group has launched 58 sailing yachts and four motor yachts. Its track record for innovative sailing yachts has seen it set the standard for excellence in the sector, launching more yachts over 50 metres (164 feet) than any other builder. It's responsible for the iconic 88-metre (288-foot) three-masted schooner Maltese Falcon, which currently holds the title of the sixth largest sailing yacht in the world, and other award-winning sailing yachts, such as the 73-metre (239-foot) Nautilus, 70-metre (229-foot) Badis I and 64-metre (210-foot) Spirit Of The C’s.

10. Royal Huisman, Netherlands

Established in 1884, Royal Huisman is the only shipyard with two entries in the top 10 largest sailing yachts ever built. The 2020 launch of 81-metre (266-foot) Sea Eagle II was its tenth sailing yacht over 50 metres (164 feet) and its biggest yacht since 90-metre (295-foot) Athena in 2004, which was then the largest sailing yacht in the world. Despite being renowned for its luxury performance sailing yachts, Royal Huisman’s largest delivery in 2021 is expected to be “Project 403 PHI”, a featherweight 55-metre (180-foot)+ aluminium motor yacht under 500GT.

Discover how to choose your luxury yacht builder or alternatively  search for superyacht shipyards .

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America’s 10 Best Yacht Builders

In America, the yachting industry might not be as established. Yet, today, America’s best luxury yacht builders continue to put out award-winning and state-of-the-art designs. Who are America’s best yacht builders?

From Christensen to Trinity, we countdown the best yacht builders in America and highlight what makes each shipyard unique. Here are our favorites:

1. Christensen

Christensen is one of the most established yacht builders in the U.S., and the company is known for its completely custom yachts. Each yacht the company produces is designed according to owner specifications.

Known for its classic hull design, and upscale finishes, Christensen produces some of the most luxurious superyachts in the U.S. That’s thanks in part to the builder’s in-house design team. Many other builders outsource design. Plus, the builder is known for its exquisite interiors, featuring spacious layouts and the finest finishes. Christensen also regularly wins innovation awards for their efficient and powerful displacement systems and state-of-the-art stabilization.

2. Westport

Since 1964, Westport has been a leader in yacht design and manufacturing in the U.S. And its earned a reputation for developing sporty, classically-styled superyachts.

That wasn’t always the case. Originally, Westport designed and built commercial fishing vessels, but today, Westport focuses exclusively on luxury motor yachts, including 34-, 38-, 40- and 50-meter yachts. Westport’s raised pilothouse and tri-deck yachts feature classic nautical hulls with modern touches. The interiors are sleek and comfortable and known for their spacious outdoor deck areas.

3. Derecktor

Derecktor is one of the country’s oldest yacht builders. It was founded on Long Island, NY in 1947, and during its early years, the company produced commercial fishing and passenger vessels. (Even today, Derecktor manufacturers high-speed ferries for cities around the world.)

Derecktor’s output has changed quite a bit in its 70-year history. Today, the company continues to build commercial vessels, but it’s also a top builder of custom motor yachts. Derecktor produces both explorer yachts and motor yachts, and many of its luxury motor yachts feature explorer-inspired designs. Many Derecktor yachts, for example, feature towering superstructures positioned forward. This opens up an abundance of aft-deck space for outdoor dining areas, beach clubs, and even helipads.

In addition to style, Derecktor yachts are renowned for their performance. They might be sizable. But they’re fast, and the ride is stable.

4. Hatteras

Hatteras is a legendary name in American shipbuilding, known for its high-speed and beautiful motor yachts. Initially, the shipyard focused entirely on sportfish yachts – something they’re still known for today. Yet, the company’s line-up of motor yachts offers the best of the best in luxury yachting.

Hatteras offers a full range of superyachts, including the 100 RPH, a stunning 102-foot raised pilothouse motoryacht, and the M90. Hatteras certainly shows its sporty roots in all of its designs; Hatteras exteriors are sleek and streamlined, sharing design details with its sportfish line.

At Trinity , size is the name of the game. The Gulfport-based shipyard produces yachts up to 123 meters (400 feet), including some of the largest luxury yachts ever built in the U.S.

The yachtbuilder has many signatures. For example, classic nautical architecture is one. Trinity produces some of the most inspiring superstructure designs that feature sleek lines and an abundance of glass. When you charter a Trinity yacht, you’ll have plenty of places to relax, as most of their designs incorporate an abundance of deck space. In the past, that’s include beautiful sky lounges and sprawling aft-deck dining/bar areas.

Below deck, Trinity yachts delivers spacious layouts. The yachtbuilder is know for their opulent owner’s suites and staterooms, as well as stunning salons.

6. Broward Marine

Founded by legendary boatbuilder Frank Denison in the 1950s, Broward Marine has been a leader in superyacht design throughout its history. For example, in 1954, Broward launched its first luxury superyacht, ALISA V. At the time, the 96-footer was a behemoth – similar in grandness to today’s megayachts of 150+ feet.

The Alisa paved a path for the company, which shifted its focus exclusively to luxury motoryachts. In the 1980s, for example, Broward was quick to respond to the trend of the superyachts; Broward sold some 80 yachts in the 1980s, an impressive sales feat.

Under new management in the early 2000s, the company continued its focus on stunning megayachts in the 100- to 160-foot range. Broward yachts are grand in scale, with stunning tri-deck and raised pilothouse designs, and they’re also some of the first to feature farmhouse kitchens. Today, the company focuses primarily on refits, but many of their majestic yachts are still available for charter.

7. Hargrave

Hargrave has been producing yachts since the 1950s, and throughout its history, the shipyard has built a reputation for inspiring yacht designs. In fact, the company initially only focused on design. Founder Jack Hargrave, the famed nautical designer, worked closely with other top U.S. yacht builders including Burger and Hatteras, helping to launch numerous brands.

In 1997, the company transitioned from design to designing and building its own luxury yachts. The company quickly made a name for itself. Hargrave has won numerous awards for its sporty tri-decks and sportfish-inspired motoryachts. Hargrave yachts feature contemporary interiors, matched with sleek profiles.

A Horizon yacht has a distinctive look. The company’s yachts have stately exteriors with tons of classic nautical architectural details. Inside, too, Horizon yachts have a lot of character. Most Horizon yachts feature sprawling windows, creating light and airy interior spaces.

Today, the company produces yachts in the 56- to 150-foot range, and their offerings include power catamarans, tri-decks and raised pilothouse motor yachts.

If you’re looking for a power cat, that’s a Horizon specialty. The company’s PC Series features a range of mid-sized power cats up to about 80 feet, with numerous concept yachts in the works. Yet, Horizon does it all. You’ll find Horizon yachts in just about any style, from Fast Displacement yachts (FD Series), to customized tri-decks (CC Series).

The Burger Boat Company is one of the most historic shipbuilders in the U.S. Originally launched in 1863, the company has built more than 500 yachts in its history (more than 250 of which are still in operation). The company was a pioneer in steel yacht building, but today, Burger primary builds aluminum yachts.

Burger produces a range of custom tri-deck motor yachts, ranging from 112- to 214-foot motor yachts. Burger boats have a distinctive look and feel. They have spacious deck areas, like the wrap-around deck on its current 214-foot tri-deck concept, as well as innovative exterior lounge areas.

10. Delta Marine

For more than 50 years, Delta Marine has been producing world-class motor yachts from its headquarters in Seattle. The boatbuilder is known for its sleek exterior designs. Delta Marine yachts feature clean, flowing lines throughout, and the company produces a range of raised pilothouse and tri-deck motor yachts.

Plus, the interiors are completely custom. As such, no two Delta Marine yachts look the same, and the interiors are as unique as their owners. Delta yachts are also well-known for their performance. Many feature performance-minded hulls, and feature state-of-the-art displacement systems.

Plan Your Next Luxury Yacht Charter with Worldwide Boat

Worldwide Boat offers exclusive access to vessels from America’s best luxury yacht builders. Want to hire a Trinity Yacht for your next vacation? We can help.

Plus, our charter brokers are experts on each builder’s specialties. Contact your broker today to learn more about any of our exclusive charter yachts .

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Who are the Best Yacht Builders in the World?

Yacht Builders: Since the 2008 financial crash, a record number of mega yachts have been built and the superyacht market remains the strongest that is has been for years. Which means that there are plenty of new superyachts being built around the world as we speak!

What has helped greatly to boost the market is the increasing demand for explorer yachts. These are yachts that are built for visiting more remote destinations around the world. In 2015, an increase of 17% in demand for explorer yacht builds was seen, as well as a 9% increase for mid-sized yachts, so the last decade saw a healthy return for some of the world’s leading yacht builders.

But who are these super-yacht builders and can you work with them to design and build a yacht for yourself, if you had a few million pounds sitting in your back pocket that is of course!

The leading yacht builders in the world

There are those wealthy individuals that simply buy a superyacht when they fancy taking to the high seas. And then there are those wealthy individuals that are not content with buying someone else’s yacht, but want to build one themselves!

So where do you go when you decide to build a superyacht yourself?

You turn to a yacht builder who will be able to understand and visualise your personal tastes and needs. They can then transform your vision into a fully customised mega yacht that is ready for action. Here are just a few of these builders that could help you turn your vision into reality:

Firstly we have Fead s hip , the First Export Association of Dutch Shipbuilders. This elite shipyard will work with you to produce your custom yacht. They work alongside mega yacht owners throughout the whole design and build project to ensure that the yacht fits with the high standard of luxury expected from the owner.

Out of the leading yacht builders in the world, Feadship is considered to be the best and is the ‘go-to’ company for the mega-wealthy when they want a new show-piece. One very notable yacht built by Feadship is Faith .

Amels , based in the Netherlands, is a globally-renowned world leader in the design and production of luxury yachts. Operating out of Vlissingen, Holland, the yacht builders are known for amazing builds such as Volpini 2 .

Heesen Yachts

Another world-renowned yacht builder based in the Netherlands, Heesen Yachts designs and builds luxury yachts using cutting-edge design technology. They are well known for their high-quality innovation and yacht designs constructed from aluminium, such as Project Aquamarine , due for completion in January 2121.

You simply cannot fault German design and engineering! Lurssen remains a family-run shipbuilder that started in 1875. They have a long history of building thousands of vessels and specialise in customised luxury yachts between 60 – 220 meters in length and can boast as being the builders of 11 of the longest boats in the world, including Azzam , the worlds longest yacht!

Last but not least in our yacht builders list is Oceanco , based in the Netherlands. These shipbuilders specialise in customer superyachts between 80 to 140 meters in length. Not to be outdone by those on the list before them, Oceanco is responsible for the development of several famous name superyachts currently floating around the world. Their newer designs are quite eye-opening too and their latest creation, Esquel , looks like it belongs on the set of the next James Bond film.

For the latest in the news about your favourite mega yachts, keep up to date with our news page . Don’t forget to check out our Mega List for more details about the best yachts that are sailing on the high seas right now!

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10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2023 Edition

Table of Contents

Last Updated on July 12, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

There are countless boat manufacturers and brands, each building unique models. Big ones, small ones, boats with one hull , boats with two or three hulls, boats with pontoons, boats for fishing, boats for cruising, boats for wakeboarding, and more. When you first start looking at boats, this can overwhelm you. You don’t have to search alone; we’ll guide you! Let’s look at 10 of the leading boat manufacturers and brands up-to-date together: 

• Cruisers Yachts 
• Sea Ray 
• Azimut 
• Monterey 
• Chaparral 
• Leopard 
• Everglades 
• Grady White 
• Bennington 
• Malibu 

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Cruisers Yachts

Wisconsin-based Cruisers Yachts has been building boats since 1904. It currently has Cantius and GTS lines, with 15 different models between them. The boats range in length overall from 34 feet to 60 feet and can come with everything from open tops to closed tops to flybridges. Generally speaking, Cruisers makes boats for cruising with friends and family. ou can find these boats on the nation’s coasts and on larger lakes. 

Sea Ray is based in Tennessee and has been building boats since 1959. Its Sundancer line is one of the most ubiquitous on America’s waterways; the company also has an SLX series of luxury cruisers, an SDX series for family day-boating, and an SPX series of sport boats that you can sometimes rent with things like wakeboarding towers built-in. You could rent multiple Sea Ray boats on Boatsetter and have a different boating experience every single time. 

Azimut is an Italian boatbuilder that was founded in 1969, and today is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group of shipyards and other companies. Azimut itself has six lines of boats: Fly, S, Grande, Magellano, Verve, and Atlantis. Within those lines, multiple sizes offer increasingly larger versions with more and more features. Overall, Azimut builds boats intended for higher-speed family cruising with chic Italian style. 

Florida’s Monterey Boats got its start in 1985. It has four models currently available: Super Sports, Outboard, M Series (which come with lots of options, so there are lots of versions of them on the waterways), and Sport Boats. When you combine all the lines and sizes within the lines, about 30 different Monterey boats are available—which means many rental opportunities. 

Georgia-based Chaparral boats have been in business since 1965. It makes five lines of boats: SSI Sport Boats, SSI Outboards, SSX Luxury Bowriders, OSX Luxury Outboard Sport Boats , and the Surf line of wakesports boats. Quite a few of Chaparral’s models can be trailered to and from different locations, and the various models can be outfitted with features for cruising, fishing, and water sports. 

Leopard Catamarans builds its boats in Cape Town, South Africa. As the company’s name states, these are cats, not monohulls, which means they have two hulls instead of one. Leopard cats come in power and sail varieties, from about 40 to 53 feet in length overall. Because they’re catamarans , boats with these lengths are much wider than monohulls, giving people more room to stretch out on board.

Florida’s Everglades is a favorite brand among boaters who like to catch fish. The company builds center consoles, dual consoles, and bay boats, and some of its models are regularly seen hunting for big game during professional-angler tournaments in the offshore canyons. On these boats, expect to find things like rod holders, outriggers, bait stations, and other features that are intended to make a day of fishing even more fun. 

Grady-White

Grady-White , based in North Carolina, has been building boats since 1959. It has long been known for its coastal fishing boats, with five lines available today: Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Coastal Explorers, Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins. Many of these boats can be ordered with features that make them equally great for family cruising and fishing, so check the Boatsetter listings for specifics when deciding which one to rent.

Indiana’s Bennington is a leading brand name in pontoon boats, which are often available for rent on lakes and other inland waterways. These are wide, stable boats that can be used for family cruising. Parents with small children tend to like pontoon boats because of the higher sides all around. Bennington makes four lines: the customizable Q Line, the sporty R Bowrider line, the higher-end LX Sport line, and the more traditional SX line. 

Malibu Boats in Tennessee is a brand that’s synonymous with wakeboarding and other tow sports. It makes a dozen different styles of boats that are shaped and outfitted in ways that produce fun-to-ride wakes, step-up features to make it easier to get in and out of the water, seating that lets passengers look forward or aft (at the wakeboarders in the water) and soft-grip flooring so there’s less of a chance of wet feet slipping. The premium sound systems are pretty darn cool, too.

One of the great things about learning through Boatsetter is that you can book a different builder, and even a different model from that builder, every time you head out on the water. Boatsetter rentals are a terrific way to learn which brands and styles of boats are ideally suited to the type of fun you want to have on board. 

About Boatsetter 

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Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines. 

Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.

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Best and worse manufacturers???

• Thread starter thedukeryan
• Start date Nov 16, 2009

thedukeryan

Petty officer 1st class.

• Nov 16, 2009

With so many makes and models out there I have a very hard time keeping track of what is good and what is not. I know a lot is personal preference but what makes are considered the low/very low end? What models are considered the Rolls Royce of boats? I have heard good things about sea ray and bad things about say tahoe. What are your top choices for best/worse. Maybe top three, top 5 or if you wanna go all out top 10.... To keep things simple lets narrow this down to say 16-23' fish/ski models.  

BaileysBoat

Senior chief petty officer.

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? Boats are tools. Depends on what you want her to do. Because boats are like women. They are expensive, time consuming, and often times temperamental. But men enjoy being with them, find them beautiful and love them both in spite of their many faults.  

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? Well, in this market, one of the most important things to know is how solvent the company is. Stay away from Genmar Marine, a collection of numerous boat makers. They are so far in debt, many companies are going down the tubes forever. Big names... like Wellcraft, Seaswirl, Four Winns, Hydra Sports, Glastron, Triumph and many more. Genmar is so bad, and debt is so high, bankruptcy might not help. Here are some of the brands: http://www.genmar.com/brands.cfm  

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? Best: Cobalt Worst: Tahoe  

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Also, I am not an expert by any means nor do I know about all boat manufacturers. All I know is that I am 100% satisfied with my Maxum. The boat appears well made, performs very well and is everything it was advertised as being. I bought it new in August 2009 and have not had one issue with the quality and I have been out on her every weekend since I bought it. Maxum is a division of Brunswick who announced at about the time I bought it that they were discontinuing that brand. But, they are standing by the warranty and still make the Bayliner, Sea Ray and Trophy. I know some people do not always speak highly of the line but I am glad I have it. Also, I agree with the boat / woman comparison above. Well said!  

Supreme Mariner

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? If I can buy it at BassPro...I don't want it.  

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? no troubles with my Doral so far, its a 1995 and i put 250 hours on it last summer! my father in law swears by Rinker and he also has no troubles to report. 2 of my boating buddies have Bayliners and they wish everyday to wake up and realise its been stolen overnight. just my e-pinion!  

BeaufortTJustice

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? I have been very impressed with the Stingray I purchased earlier this year. I was really looking for a fish and ski, and had my sights set on the Stingray 190fx, but they are really hard to find used...people must hang on to them. I like the Stingray fish and ski's b/c they look like a sporty bowrider, but convert to a decent fish boat, as opposed to some other brands that look like a bass boat with a ski pylon and a back seat added on. Stingray boats would probably be in the middle of the road as far as price and perceived quality, but I have heard from many other owners that their customer service and support is top-notch. Based on my limited experience with them, I would certainly recommend Stingray to anyone looking for a decent, sporty 19ft fish and ski. Just my opinion... But as the saying goes, "opinions are like ****holes, everyone has one, and all of them stink to some degree!"  

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? The best boat I have owned was a sea-pro. Great boat and wish I had it from time to time. Brunswick also bought them out a few years back but I believe their still in production.  

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? Best = Boston Whaler Worst = Everything else. LOL.  

RotaryRacer

Philster said: Stay away from Genmar Marine, a collection of numerous boat makers. Click to expand...

Home Cookin'

Fleet admiral.

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? If you are talking about used boats, maintenance is more important than brand, except perhaps on the high and low end of quality adn excepting extreme exam,ples of neglect. IOW a Whaler can handle hard use that might be seen as neglect to a Searaybayliner type boat. it could tolerate being moored uncovered in salt water for 30 years, too. It doesn't matter what the financial condition of the manufacturer is, for a boat it made years ago. Seldom do you need to deal with the manufacturer for the hull (unlike motors). Sea Pro, btw, is out of business. Still a good boat. For a comparable new boat, get a Sea Hunt. Like cars, the first year is often not a good one to buy--let the company learn from mistakes on someone else's day off. Some style boats can't handle hard use and therefore seem to age faster and look worse sooner (sofa boats). In fairness, it's like your furniture at home: how would your living room sofa look after using it for a year by the pool or in the garage? Would pool furniture look better even though it starts off "not as nice"? Top end? Carolina Classic, Albemarle, Whaler, Grady, Hinckley (!), Contender. Mid range: the "Sea" boats: sea pro, sea chaser, sea hunt, sea swirl, sea ox. Also scout, key west Solid fishing/commercial grade: Parker, Whaler, carolina Skiff. Tin: Lowe Durable basic inexpensive: privateer, carolina skiff; McKee The quality of engines and mechanics is a whole 'nuther discussion, but it can impact a boat brand's reputation.  

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? I own both a Wellcraft and Glasstron. I will say that really like both and would not hesitate to purchase either brand. Infact craigs list around here is still flooded with old Glasstrons from the 70's. So many 40 yr old boats still around says one thing about the company. I have heard good things about many other genmar brands. I also have a Rinker. I like the boat a lot but I will say that it has obvious signs of water coming into the cabin through the cabin windows and hatch. The boat is a 1998 with that said I have a 1991 Galaxy and a 1990 Wellcraft both cuddies and no sign of water seapage. I am dissapointed with the water coming into the cabin and in my opinion is a sign of poor craftsmanship. I also had a 88 Bayliner with a cobra outdrive. Knowing then what I know now I probably wouldn't of bought it. I did get a great price on it and used it all summer and sold it for over 3x what I paid. I never knew Bayliners had such a bad rep until this site.  

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? I concur with JD Power http://www.jdpower.com/Boats/ratings/small-runabout-(16%E2%80%9319-ft.)-ratings http://www.jdpower.com/Boats/ratings/large-runabout-(20%E2%80%9329-ft.)-ratings  

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? interesting links... I have always heard only good things about cobalt and sea ray. Looks like jdpower agrees. I guess most would agree that these are higher end boats? Also how is it possible to have so much variation as far as engines? Are all manufacturers basically using the same engines/drives? For example Rinker gets a 2 star for engine while cobalt gets a 5. I know my rinker has a mercruiser 5.7 with bravo 3 drive. What if anything does cobalt offer to deserve 3 more stars?  

tashasdaddy

Honorary moderator emeritus.

• Nov 17, 2009

Re: Best and worse manufacturers??? it really depends on what type boat you are looking for. the particular style boats of the same brand can be better or worse than their other styles. decide what you want then, investigate that style boat.  

Bronc Rider

htv said: I concur with JD Power http://www.jdpower.com/Boats/ratings/small-runabout-(16%E2%80%9319-ft.)-ratings http://www.jdpower.com/Boats/ratings/large-runabout-(20%E2%80%9329-ft.)-ratings Click to expand...

Vice Admiral

Fish'n lewi, seaman apprentice.

ezmobee said: If I can buy it at BassPro...I don't want it. Click to expand...

• Cars, Jets & Yachts

Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World

Exploring the seven seas on an explorer yacht is one of the most life-affirming experiences out there.

By Ellie Brade

Over the past decade, the popularity of luxury explorer yachts has soared. And with good reason — is there a better way to see the world than from the deck of your own superyacht? Exploring the seven seas while authentically connecting with their natural beauty, is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and life-affirming experiences out there. Here, Ellie Brade presents 10 of the finest explorer yachts currently available for the intrepid travelers among you.

[See more: What are Explorer Yachts?]

Builder : McConaghy Year of build : 2012 LOA : 139.7 ft Number of guests: 9 Crew : 6

There is no mistaking Adastra (pictured above) thanks to her distinctive futuristic design and trimaran hull. Adastra has more than demonstrated her explorer credentials and has traveled the world, turning heads wherever she goes. Highly fuel efficient, she has a very small eco footprint, and her stable hull ensures a comfortable ride. With a trans-Pacific range of 10,000 nm she can cross the Atlantic twice before needing to refuel. An impressively shallow draft of just four feet allows her access to cruising grounds that other explorer yachts cannot visit, meaning very few places are off limits. Her 52-ft beam provides generously proportioned spaces, including the main saloon and a shaded outdoor deck. A light-filled, modern interior ensures an inviting base to conduct adventures from and accommodations include a full-beam master cabin. Adastra’s garage door folds out to create a platform for diving, and she carries plenty of toys and tenders for getting out and enjoying the water.

[See more: Step Inside the Adastra Trimaran Yacht]

Itinerary: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

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A light-filled, modern interior ensures an inviting base to conduct adventures

Originally built for use in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, Adastra is at home in Indonesia’s warm waters. The archipelago of Raja Ampat — meaning Four Kings — straddles the Equator and has over 1,500 islands and islets, which surround the four main islands of Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool. Very few explorer yachts visit here due to strict regulations, and the area is largely uninhabited, meaning you will often feel as if you have the ocean all to yourself. Crystal-clear waters, endless beaches, and a variety of dive sites and reefs are all waiting to be sampled. Adastra’s draft works to her advantage here, allowing the yacht to move easily between even the shallowest of anchorages.

Start your cruise with a visit to the paradisiacal rain forest-covered island of Kri before cruising towards Gam Island, which offers incredible diving — step straight into the water from Adastra’s dive platform. Move on to Wayag Island, where you can take kayaks into the Wayag lagoon, which is mesmerizingly blue. If you’re feeling energetic, hike inland and upwards to enjoy long views across the water. Cruise through Dampier Strait and spot hundreds of manta rays before visiting Pulau Gam to try and spot the rarely sighted red bird of paradise. Diving fans won’t want to miss traveling south and visiting Misool, which is renowned for its myriad of underwater sites. Venture into the Gua Sacral ancestral caves, which were once an indigenous burial site. Kayaking through Misool’s Blue Water Mangroves, which are peppered with reefs, will have you in awe of the natural beauty.

For sale $10m. Contact Ian Sherwood, sales broker, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

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A helicopter takes off from the Octopus landing pad

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2003 LOA: 414 ft Number of guests: 26 Crew: 63

One of the world’s most traveled yachts, Octopus is a groundbreaking expedition vessel that set the tone for the many explorer yachts that have followed in her impressive wake. With eight decks and at a gargantuan 414 ft, it’s no surprise that Octopus is packed with feature after feature, from a full basketball court to the entertainment-focused bridge deck. Her glass-bottomed underwater observation lounge means you can watch fish and sea creatures in their natural habitat. Huge storage capacity lets her carry no less than seven tenders, two helicopters, a submersible for eight guests and two crewmembers that’s capable of diving for up to eight hours, and even a large SUV for onshore adventures. Octopus has undertaken some truly special adventures, including recovering the ship’s bell from the wreck of the HMS Hood, cruising the coast of Antarctica and discovering the wreck of the WWII battleship IJN Musashi off the Philippines. Now, her legacy can continue with a new owner, as she’s currently for sale.

[See more: The Most Expensive Yachts for Charter]

Itinerary: Patagonia

At a gargantuan 414 ft, it’s no surprise that Octopus is packed with features

The sun sets over the horizon on one of Octopus’s many decks

Often a gateway to Antarctica, Patagonia possesses an unspoilt beauty. Ripe for adventure, it offers an incredible mix of landscapes with glaciers, hot springs, mountains, remote islands, beaches and a wide variety of wildlife. Begin your journey at Puerto Montt, which ushers you into the company of the Patagonian Fjords and Andes Mountains. Make for the Corcovado Volcano and take in the awe-inspiring National Park. Explore by tender, or even take in the landscape from above in one of Octopus’s helicopters.

The waters boast a diverse ecosystem, and you are sure to spot whales as you cruise — there are many whale research programs around these waters, and the explorer yacht’s glass-bottomed lounge provides an unrivaled view into the kingdom of these giants of the sea. Make your way to the Piti Palena Fjord, located in the delta of the Palena River — this is an excellent spot for fishing. Continue onwards to the Guaitecas Archipelago, which has eight main islands and waters famed for being home to yet more whales and dolphins. North of the archipelago is one of the world’s largest nursing and feeding grounds for blue whales — a sight not to be missed.

For sale €235m (approx. $285m). Contact Matt Emerson, senior partner-director, Americas, [email protected], +1 212 223 0410, burgessyachts.com

[See also: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

The Beast delivers adventure with a side of luxurious living / ©Aaron March

Builder: Profab Engineering Year of build: 2019 LOA: 128.7 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew : 9

With the  yacht’s camouflage exterior, The Beast’s owner describes her as “a little different.” What an understatement! Built to explore, and incredibly stable (no need for sickness pills on this one), this catamaran explorer-style yacht can tackle just about any cruising ground except Antarctica and has a long range of 5,000 nm. Thanks to her 39.4-ft beam, she has an incredible 4,000 sq ft of living space, elegantly fitted out with a modern interior. The Beast is packed with all the equipment needed for enjoying remote itineraries, not the least of which is a 42-ft custom composite fishing boat adorably dubbed The Baby Beast . An industrial-style, 49-ft aft deck is packed with water equipment that includes a custom amphibious tender for driving straight from water to land. A favorite spot is the upper deck with its teppanyaki grill and bar.

Itinerary: New Zealand

The Beast’s sunlit bridge / ©Aaron March

Often described as ‘the whole world in one country’ New Zealand packs a punch as a destination, delivering 9,300 miles of coastline, snow, rain forest, white-sand beaches and a rich local culture. As a relatively young country, New Zealand is a blend of cosmopolitan cities and wild, remote beauty that begs to be explored by superyacht.

Join The Beast in Auckland and soak up the skyline as you head for Great Barrier Island, where you can visit the Glenfern Sanctuary and learn about the country’s native birdlife. The island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary with incredible stars — learn about the significance of the stars to the local culture as you gaze up at the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds.

Head for the Poor Knights Islands, an incredible marine reserve, where you can make the most of The Beast’s diving setup, using The Baby Beast as a base for daily adventures. Continue north to the Bay of Islands, home to a cornucopia of marine life and more than 100 different islands; come ashore and explore the island of your choice on board The Beast’ s amphibious tender. Northland has great spiritual importance, so take the opportunity to learn about the local culture and experience an authentic cultural performance.

Cruise onwards towards Cape Reinga, the very tip of New Zealand where the Maori people believe that souls depart this life for the next, and watch the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, which is an unusual and powerful sight. On the west coast, Ninety Mile Beach is a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand dunes. Away from the marine reserves, make sure to take advantage of The Beast’ s extensive fishing gear Below and right The Beast ; her sunlit bridge and land some fresh seafood to cook on her teppanyaki grill for lunch. Make your way back down the east coast, calling in at Auckland’s Waiheke Island on the way to enjoy a long vineyard lunch before reluctantly returning to civilization.

Charter from $185,000 per week. Contact Fleur Tomlinson, charter director, [email protected] , +64 930 201 78, 37, southyachts.com

[See also: How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

Ragnar has been designed to look like an explorer yacht

Builder: Royal Niestern Sander Year of build: 2012 (rebuilt 2020) LOA: 223.8 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 17

There is nowhere on earth that Ragnar can’t take you, from glistening ice to remote desert islands. Named for the Norse King of the Vikings, Ragnar is a powerful and luxurious explorer yacht, with full ice-breaking functionality and an impressive 6,000 nm range. Ragnar is able to tackle all conditions, so make the most of your surroundings by taking your pick from her abundant toy and tender collection, with something to suit every type of cruising ground. These include an Airbus EC145 helicopter for heliskiing, a three-passenger submarine, snowmobiles, quad bikes, a 30-ft Marelli ice condition tender and more. Expansive onboard spaces include a top deck hot tub and pool, an observation deck, fully equipped gym and tranquil spa center for soaking away the day’s activities.

[See more: Explorer Yachts with Their Own Land-roving Vehicles]

Itinerary: The Philippines

Enjoy sunsets in far-flung locations

High-stakes hammocks aboard Ragnar

The heli-landing zone on Ragnar

Although well-equipped for colder climates, Ragnar has plenty of warm destinations in her cruising plans, and 2022 will see her visit the Philippines, which is fast gaining popularity as a desirable charter location. Why? With more than 7,000 islands it is an ideal spot for exploring by yacht. Beautiful beaches and clear waters are a given, but each different island group — Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao — has its own character.

Board the yacht in bustling capital city Manila before heading for quieter cruising grounds. As you cruise towards Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines with over 1,700 islands, stop off at the hidden gem island of Busuanga and climb the 700 steps to the top of Mount Tapyas, which delivers incredible views across the region. Busuanga offers unparalleled cruising and plenty to do on land and on the water; hike through rain forests and dive the crystal waters, which are home to several wrecks. Nearby Coron has sacred freshwater lakes that are carefully maintained by the indigenous population — take a swim beneath impressive limestone cliffs that overlook the lakes.

A must-do is a visit to Palawan’s underground river, as is a stop at Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site where you’ll be able to sample what is arguably the country’s best diving. Make your way back to Manila, island-hopping as you go, and relax on board as you admire the landscape.

Charter from $525,000 per week. Contact James Clark, head of retail charter, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

Planet Nine

A helicopter takes off from Planet Nine / ©Studio_M

Builder: Admiral Year of build: 2018 LOA: 240 ft Number of guests: 12 (plus 4 staff) Crew: 20

A world-class explorer yacht, Planet Nine has a guest-centric design with edgy naval-inspired styling. She is ice-classed, allowing her to tackle polar waters, and has an MD-600N Explorer helicopter, hangar and commercial landing pad for arriving and departing in style. Abundant spaces across her five decks, which are all connected by elevator, include social areas such as the cinema room, Jacuzzi, numerous dining spaces, beach club, sea terrace and an entire owner’s deck for ultimate privacy. Three Rupert Marine RIBs are tailored for use in extreme conditions — so you can explore secluded coves or glide past ice floes while spotting local wildlife. Back on board, the observatory delivers stunning 180° views.

Itinerary: Saudi Arabia

Ample lounge space for lounging inside / ©Studio_M

Al fresco dining aboard Planet Nine / ©Studio_M

As the spiritual home and birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is rich with history and cultural significance, and has long been a center for pilgrims. Follow in their footsteps on your own journey of discovery. Explore the exquisitely blue waters of the Red Sea, seek endless sand dunes, and immerse yourself in the bustling towns and markets. Fans of diving will delight in all the Red Sea has to offer and can make the most of Planet Nine’s extensive dive gear.

Tabuk, just 62 miles off the border with Jordan, is the start of the Saudi coast and bears Egyptian and Ottoman influences — check out some of the area’s wild beauty spots and walk in the footsteps of the prophet Moses, who lived east of the city for many years. Cruise south towards the town of Al Wajh, which has over 60 miles of untouched beaches on either side. Continuing down the coast, Umluj (called the ‘Maldives of Saudi Arabia’) has 104 islands to its north. Jump on board one of Planet Nine’s RIBs and pick out your own private island. An hour inland of Umluj takes you to Harrat Lunayyir, a black lava field filled with cones and craters.

Visit Yanbu, an ancient spice trading post that was once home to TE Lawrence. A huge desert sits north of the town and gives way to the stunning ocean — a helicopter ride over the dunes will provide an unbeatable view before you touch down back on board for an aperitif as the sun sets. Round off your charter with a visit to historic Jeddah, the gateway to Mecca and crossroad of traders and pilgrims. Marvel at the beautiful architecture, visit the local souk (maamoul, anyone?) and revel in the city’s blend of old and new.

Charter from €650,000 (approx. $791,000) per week, for sale €85m (approx. $103m). Contact Charlie Carveles, sales and charter broker, [email protected] , +377 933 054 44, edmiston.com

Latitude was built in 1973 and refitted in 2020

Builder: Hitzler Schiffswerft Year of build: 1973 (refitted 2020) LOA: 179.4 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 16

In beautiful condition following a mammoth two-year refit completed in June 2020, Latitude will suit outdoor enthusiasts. An expansive lineup of water toys and vast deck spaces — bigger even than yachts twice her size — will keep you outside and busy all day long. This is truly an explorer yacht for connecting with nature and discovering new and remote destinations away from the stresses of everyday life. For those looking to wind down and disconnect, she has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation with a two-tier yoga deck, private masseuse/yoga instructor and a fully equipped open-air gym. Fishing fans will particularly enjoy Latitude — her explorer qualities and hardy design can take you to remote fishing grounds where you can take your pick from her comprehensive lineup of all the latest fishing gear.

Itinerary: French Polynesia

Latitude has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation

Set in the heart of the South Pacific, French Polynesia is a picture-perfect destination that combines a friendly welcome with incredible diving, idyllic beaches and unspoilt beauty. Plus, there’s a string of islands for yacht-hopping. With Latitude planning to spend two years in the region, the explorer yacht and her crew will know all the best secret spots. Join the yacht in Moorea, which pairs volcanic mountains with sandy beaches.

Dive off the coast, where you’ll be in the company of Tahitian stingrays — this will be just the first encounter with impressive sea life during your time on Latitude . Cruise onwards to Huahine, which presents a beautiful backdrop for a morning yoga session. Come ashore and meet the locals, who will be only too happy to tell you stories of French Polynesia’s history.

Next you’ll visit Taha’a, a white-sand island dotted with thatched villas. There is colorful coral off the island’s shores — dive and explore before heading ashore by tender for a picnic and a walk in the lush jungle. Raiatea is well worth a visit; it is regarded as a central point in French Polynesia and is believed to be the source of many ancient migrations to countries such as New Zealand and Hawaii. Finish your visit in Bora Bora, an extinct volcano set amidst an achingly serene lagoon.

Bora Bora is known as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, and with good reason. The vibrant shoreline contrasts with the blue waters, which are teeming with fish, and vibrant hibiscus flowers carpet the side of Mount Otemanu. Make the most of Latitude’s water toys and spend the day in the warm water before a final wind down back on board.

Charter from $161,000 per week. Contact James Clark, head of retail charter, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

Yersin is 95% recyclable

Builder: Piriou Year of build: 2015 LOA: 251.4 ft Number of guests: 18 Crew: 24

One of the world’s most sustainable and green yachts, Yersin ensures guilt-free cruising with an incredibly low cruising footprint — she is even 95% recyclable. This spectacular explorer yacht was built with science and discovery at the forefront of her design. She offers an unmatched opportunity to cruise the world and learn about its oceans firsthand. Able to travel from the Poles to the Equator, Yersin is a true explorer. There has been no compromise on comfort, and her many features include a gym, hammam, spa, cinema, dining spaces, an owner’s suite and eight guest staterooms. Thanks to her history as a luxury research vessel, her setup also includes classrooms (hello, homeschooling), laboratories, a hospital, media room and multifunction tenders. This is a unique yacht that is fully equipped to visit the most remote destinations.

[See more: Yersin: The Eco Superyacht for Sustainable Explorers]

Itinerary: Arctic Circle

The elegant interiors aboard Yersin

Impressive green credentials make Yersin the perfect vessel for exploring the pristine wilderness of the Arctic Circle. A charter aboard this luxurious yet intrepid explorer yacht showcases the region, from epic icebergs and polar bear sightings, to fjord landscapes and fine dining beneath the shimmering Northern Lights. With Greenland acting as your gateway to the Arctic Circle, step on board Yersin in the quaint settlement of Nuuk before raising anchor and cruising towards the vast Jakobshavn Glacier in Ilulissat. One of the highlights of Greenland is the ice itself, with its pure, imposing beauty, and the town of Ilulissat, meaning ‘iceberg,’ is the obvious spot for enjoying this natural wonder.

Travel further to the impressive Eqi Glacier. From here, take Yersin’s tender to enjoy a ringside seat to witness ice calving, where new icebergs are formed as fragments of the glaciers fall into the sea. Having hiked through icy landscapes, sampled the extreme sports of glacier skiing and ice diving, or immersed yourself in the rural communities of this unique region, it’s time to depart Greenland. Watch Uummannaq Mountain recede into the distance as you take the passage to Canada’s Baffin Island. It is full of marine life, so look out for whales and seals as you cruise — they swim undisturbed by the near-silent Yersin. The coastline of Baffin Island is an excellent place to spot the most iconic creature of the Arctic region, the polar bear.

Cruise up the fjords and observe these majestic animals from the comfort of the vessel’s deck or, for a closer encounter, take a private wildlife tour with a local expert. Enjoy a lunch of fish caught fresh by the crew, and after a day in the crisp polar air, warm up by enjoying a sauna in the opulent spa.

For sale from €72m (approx. $87.6m, VAT paid). Contact David Legrand, [email protected] , +377 931 004 50, and Antoine X. Larricq, [email protected] , +377 931 004 50, fraseryachts.com

Bold’s striking profile from the air / ©Guillaume Plisson

Builder: Silveryachts Year of build: 2019 LOA: 279.8 ft Number of guests: 16 Crew: 20

Designed by fabled aesthetic powerhouse Espen Øino, Bold has a naval-inspired design and is the biggest yacht built by Silveryachts to date. Described by her builders as “a fast, world explorer vessel with a genuine, fully-fledged superyacht finish,” Bold is the world’s fastest explorer yacht with an extraordinary top speed of 23 knots. Her low draft, unparalleled in other yachts of her size and length, also affords access to shallow waters. Accommodation is for 16 guests and includes the master suite with a private salon. Social spaces inside and out include large entertaining decks and a huge open plan ‘loft style’ main salon, with floor-to-ceiling windows that lead directly out to a large wintergarden. An outdoor cinema on the sundeck calls for family movie nights under the stars. Ready for adventure, Bold has a large inventory of water equipment including three different Rupert tenders. A heli-hangar and heli-landing deck allow the use of helicopters if desired.

Itinerary: The Whitsundays, Australia

Bold is set to return home to Australia this year for the first time since her launch — she is the largest Australian-built yacht in the world, and she will be available for charter all around her country of origin. Venturing around Australia’s expansive coastlines requires a yacht with serious muscle, and Bold more than fits the bill. Begin your cruise by heading to Hook Island where you can snorkel before traveling to Blue Pearl Bay for more world-class snorkeling off the back of Bold’s tender. Nearby Langford Island, home to reefs and coral, is another inviting dive spot. Spend some time relaxing on the island’s sandy beach before departing for Chance Bay, where you can hike along the Ngaro Sea Trail towards Whitehaven.

Cruise south to Lindeman Island, which has some beautiful national park walking tracks. Escape even further towards the seclusion of the southern anchorages off Thomas and Shaw islands. Here, you can take your pick from Bold’s toy garage and explore the anchorage. The explorer yacht will then make its way back towards Whitehaven Beach, which some claim is Australia’s finest. Take a walk inland through the rain forest and drink in the views across Hill Inlet before being collected by tender and whisked back to your floating home.

A visit to the Whitsundays wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system — a helicopter ride will guarantee the best views.

Charter from €985,000 per week (approx. $1.2m). Contact Romina Rastelli, EU charter manager, [email protected] , +377 931 029 29, hillrobinson.com

Legend is packed with every tender and toy you can possibly imagine / ©Chistopher Scholey

Builder: Icon Yachts Year of build: 1974 (refitted 2015) LOA: 254 ft Number of guests: 22 Crew: 28

Legend is packed with every tender and toy you can possibly imagine. Carrying submersibles, dive gear, snowmobiles, tenders, diving apparatus and more, she has something to suit every climate. Legend has extensively traveled the world, visiting Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Northern Europe and the Baltics, moving effortlessly from sun to ice. Transformed from a Soviet icebreaker in a no-expenses-spared refit, Legend offers high luxury on board with unique features such as a waterfall-fed 16-seater Jacuzzi, 14-person cinema, Balinese spa, modern gym, piano and whisky bars. Her sheer size and impressive internal volume mean that even the longest trips at sea won’t feel claustrophobic — there’s plenty of space to both gather and retreat. For serious expeditions, there is accommodation flexibility on board for up to 10 extra expedition staff. A commercial helideck and two helicopters mean it is easy to join the explorer yacht even in remote anchorages.

Itinerary: Antarctica

Legend’s main deck comes complete with Jacuzzi / ©Quinn Bisset

Journey on board Legend to Antarctica, where you’ll become one of the lucky few to have ventured 66-degrees south. Make the most of your mobile nature and get out on the water, whether kayaking through icy waters or gliding across the snow on Legend’s snowmobiles. As a Class 1 icebreaker, she can venture into pack ice sheets.

Join Legend at her anchorage off King George Island in nearby Maxwell Bay. Sail into the Bransfield Strait, passing penguins and icebergs as you go. On your first morning, a mandatory International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) briefing will outline the environmental responsibilities of visitors to Antarctica. Head for mainland Antarctica via the Gerlache Strait, spotting humpback whales along the way. The next morning, travel through the Neumayer Channel and watch calving Weddell, leopard and crabeater seals — an unforgettable sight. Legend’s crew will launch the Zodiac tender so you can cruise through brash ice for up-close encounters with local wildlife. Visit Andvord Bay to spot humpback whales and killer whale pods. Hop into the Zodiac again to visit Cuverville Island and its huge colony of Gentoo penguins. Later, drop anchor at Foyn Harbor and kayak around the wreck of the Governoren — keep an eye out for fur seals.

Cruise to Deception Island, where you can sail into the crater of a live volcano. Atmospheric whale factory ruins and the old bones of Whalers Bay hark back to the area’s past as a whaling center. Enjoy a hike up ‘The Nipple’ with views across steaming lava fields, then round off your charter with a visit to the chinstrap penguin colony on Baily Head, spotting plenty of other wildlife as you go. Disembark at Frei Station and visit the Russian Orthodox Trinity Church, where you can reflect in peace on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Charter from €490,000 (approx. $597,000) per week. Contact [email protected] , y.co

La Datcha can let charter guests “set out on the journey of a lifetime to places others can’t reach”

Builder: Damen Year of build: 2020 LOA: 252 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 25

One of the newest explorer yachts to hit the water, La Datcha, was designed to fulfill the owner’s brief for a yacht that could let charter guests “set out on the journey of a lifetime to places others can’t reach.” The resulting yacht delivers luxury in spades and is the ultimate crossover between comfort and performance. From her head-turning profile, care of Azure Yacht Design, to countless tenders and toys including two helicopters, snow scooters and a submersible, it is near impossible to narrow down her best features. La Datcha’s six decks boast a modern interior, and when hanging out on board you’ll have plenty of options — head to the luxury spa to unwind or relax after a day of exploring in the observation lounge. Two master cabins make her ideal for two families to share her unforgettable experiences. Able to operate autonomously at sea for up to 40 days, the world is her oyster.

Itinerary: Kamchatka, Russia

La Datcha’s striking profile from above

Dramatically dubbed Russia’s ‘Land of Ice and Fire,’ the Kamchatka Peninsula lies in eastern Russia and stretches over 740 miles. With glaciers, geysers, snow and over 300 volcanoes, Kamchatka’s landscape is like nowhere else on earth. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, including the Kamchatka brown bear. Start your charter in the peninsula’s capital city, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which is surrounded by three snow-capped volcanoes. Settle in on board, then fly to a nearby mountain top to ski a run or two. Cruise the fjords to reach Vilyuchinskaya Bay and fish abundant waters, whale watch or heli-ski. Enjoy incredible views from the top of the Vilyuchinsky Volcano before heading south towards Russkaya Bay. Take a helicopter flight over the Mutnovsky and Goreliy volcanoes; the brave can ski into the crater of the Mutnovsky volcano, which is home to a hidden glacier.

Back on board, your crew will take you by tender to spot Steller sea lions and sea otters. Cruise north to Cape Shipunsky and Bechevinskaya Bay, once a top-secret submarine base, and enjoy heli-skiing en route. Visit the ‘Valley of Geysers’ in the heart of Kamachatka — this spectacular Unesco World Heritage Site is home to a number of volcanoes including Karymsky, one of the most active in the world. Next, visit Klyuchevskaya Sopka and Morzhovaya Bay, home to yet more spectacular volcanoes. Round off your visit by heli-skiing on Zhupanovsky Volcano before relaxing at the Nalychevo Nature Park. Here, you can bathe in wild springs and hot thermal pools with a chilled glass of champagne in hand.

Charter from€740,000 (approx. $900,500) per week. Contact Stefano Feltrin, managing director, [email protected] , +39 349 858 2600, ladatcha.com

[See more: Luxury Yacht Itineraries to Suit Any Occasion]

Ellie Brade

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

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7 Worst Boat Brands to Avoid + Reliable Makers

What would you like to do this weekend? How about going fishing? That sounds like a great idea.

But, for that, you would need a boat. And before buying a boat, you should be well aware of the brands that you should avoid.

Therefore, we will review 7 of the worst boat brands that you should avoid while buying one for yourself.

As per feedback from boat enthusiasts and my own experience, the boat brands to avoid are Kingfisher, Luhr, Bayliner, Maxum, Charger, Renken & Monterey.

Table of Contents

List of 7 Boat Brands to Avoid

Worst boat brands to avoid in 2023, 1. kingfisher, 2. luhr, 3. bayliner, 5. charger, 6. renken, 7. monterey, most reliable boat brands, 1. sea ray, 2. yamaha, 3. boston whaler, boat buying guide | things to consider before buying, 1. a good boat needs to have a flat bottom, 2. a good boat needs to be light, 3. a good boat needs to be easy to maneuver, 4. a good boat needs to have a relatively smooth surface, 5. a good boat needs to be easy to hull, 6. a good boat needs to have a relatively flat transom, 7. a good boat needs to have a relatively even rise and fall in the water, the biggest mistakes you can make choosing a boat brand, common boat problems that you should know before buying, 5 common types of boats, 1. rowboats:, 3. sailing boats:, 4. power boats:, 5. flat boats:, what is the best type of trailer to use with my boat, frequently asked questions, is buying a boat worth it, how long does a boat last, do boats hold their value, final thoughts, steven settles.

The following is the list of boat brands that you should avoid purchasing as these have been found of being low quality and having many issues.

The list is compiled by our research team after doing intensive research and getting feedback from the boat owners.

• Kingfisher Boat • Luhr Boats • Bayliner Boats • Maxum Boats • Charger Boats • Renken Boats • Monterey Boats

• Kayak brands to avoid
• Fishing Rod Brands to avoid
• Worst Scuba Gear

So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into the review.

Kingfisher has 60 years of a long history in boat manufacturing. From the coast of Alaska to the tip of Florida, you will find Kingfisher boats almost everywhere.

However, despite being in the industry for a long time, they have a terrible reputation for quality .

One complaint that the Kingfisher owners have is that these boats tend to be pretty louder during the operation . The main reason behind this noise is that they are manufactured using aluminum.

So if you have a Kingfisher boat, forget to have a relaxed conversation with your family or friends as all you will be hearing is the noise produced by the boat.

Another drawback of owning a Kingfisher is that they have significantly lower sides, so there are high chances of encountering accidents in any rough condition.

Also, the cockpit and cabin can get filled with water under rough waves because of these lower sides.

Reasons to Avoid

• Expensive than other boats
• Not available everywhere
• Not-so-easy production work

The next manufacturer that we consider as one of the boat brands to avoid is Luhr. Luhr doesn’t manufacture boats anymore as they shut down their shops in 2008 due to the recession.

However, there are still some used models available. Since they all are old models, there are chances that they will get damaged soon.

But you won’t find replacement parts in case of any damage as the company has long stopped producing parts.

The only way to get a particular part is to fabricate them, but that would be pretty expensive. These boats are pretty budget-friendly as compared to other brands because they are made with low-expense finishes.

Also, some parts are made of plastic which means that they are not durable enough to withstand any rough conditions.

To help you in your decision, we have mentioned some other cons of this maker below. Take a look.

• Need constant maintenance
• The engine room is very small

The third boat company that we have on our list is quite popular. If we look at its history, its reputation was not good enough due to some previous models that received many negative reviews.

They have worked a lot on their recent models to amend their reputation.

The new models are comparatively good, but if you are thinking about buying a Bayliner boat, you should avoid purchasing any model built during the 1970s to 1980s.

A drawback of this boat is that it won’t benefit you much if you are thinking about selling your boat because it will not be sold at a high price.

One of the negative aspects of the Bayliner was that the battery was placed too close to the fuel engine.

It is no rocket science that the engine gets heated when the boat is running; thus, there is a higher risk of fire .

Besides, these boats also have removable coast guard capacity plates. It means you’re not sure whether your Bayliners’ plate has been altered or not.

The Coast Guard Capacity plate tells you about the weight a boat can hold. Thus with Bayliners, you won’t be sure about the number of people you’ll have to take on your boat.

Check out some other weaknesses of the Bayliner boats.

• Fuel pipes are not properly grounded
• No efficient ventilation in the motor compartments
• Incorrect wiring in the stereo system.

The next brand you should avoid is Maxum. Just like Luhr, Maxum has also stopped producing boats for a long time now. However, you’ll find a lot of old models in the market.

People have a lot of complaints about their performance. Since these are models, the parts of these boats are more prone to damage . However, you’ll find it hard to get replacement parts.

A few more drawbacks of Maxum boats are mentioned below. If you are thinking about buying a Maxum from an acquaintance of yours, check these before making a final decision.

• Bad performance
• Not in business
• Hard to get parts

The Charger is yet another manufacturer that we think is one of the unreliable boat brands, and you should stay away from this brand. 

Although, this maker has gotten quite a lot of fans and is pretty popular. But, it still has gotten its fair share of negative reviews as well.

These boats are made of poor-quality material and are not sturdy enough; that is why they cannot handle rough water.

Also, some people have found it difficult to start these boats in winter. If you are still thinking about buying a Charger for yourself, make sure to check the points mentioned below.

• The engine is difficult to start in winter
• Not for rough ocean water
• Not durable

Ranken was a South California-based boat manufacturing company that has been out of business.

However, just like Luhr and Maxum, some old models are still available.  Buying an old model means that there won’t be any technical repair services from the company.

Also, if any part gets damaged, there are high chance that you will not find replacement parts as the company doesn’t produce them anymore.

Back then, when it was still in business, people had many complaints about the engine quality.

Many even thought that Renken compromises on the quality of their engine which is why they offer boats at a comparatively low rate.

It was also noticed that Renken boats aren’t durable enough to handle rough ocean conditions and were only made for freshwaters and lakes.

Let’s take a quick look at the reasons why you should avoid this brand before moving on to the next one.

• The body is not sturdy
• Cannot withstand rough water conditions
• No replacement parts

Monterey is the final name on our list of boat brands to avoid. It is recognized as one of the most famous boat manufacturers. However, some models compel us to say otherwise.

Monterey boats have a lot of general hardware problems , such as the latches don’t open smoothly.

A user complained that they couldn’t find replacement parts. The company is still manufacturing boats, so not finding replacement parts seems a little odd.

The boat is made of fiberglass, which needs to be laid out correctly. Because they might look fine now, but once they are exposed to water, it can be a lot more problematic.

Let us take a brief look at a few other drawbacks of Monterey boats.

• Low-quality fiberglass
• The hull is not durable
• Latches don’t work smoothly

So, these were the 7 least reliable boat brands that any boat lover should stay away from.

Now that you know which boat brands you should avoid, it is time for you to learn about a few of the best boat brands that you should go for if you are thinking about buying one for yourself.

Sea Ray is famous for producing boats that provide both comfort and style. It also offers very extensive warranties that you’ll not find in most brands.

Besides, it offers a 24 hours service . So feel free to contact Sea Ray despite the time.

With its luxurious interiors , cooking, sleeping, and large seating area, Sea Ray is genuinely one of the best boat brands.

So if you are a fan of overnight sea adventure with sleeping, cooking, and comfortable seating facility, then Sea Ray is your go-to brand.

Yamaha is one of the most experienced boat manufacturers.

Starting in 1995, Yamaha is one of the bestselling boat manufacturers in the world. They are known for their award-winning technology and innovative designs.

These boats are both budget-friendly and easy to maintain . If you want a personalized luxury boat for yourself, then do buy Yamaha.

Boston Whaler is known for its highly unsinkable construction. This company has been producing some of the most durable and sought-after boats for a long time.

In March 2021, Boston Whaler has also received the NMMA Customer Satisfaction award.

Boston Whaler is also famous for its in-built designs and high-quality finishes. Choose a Boston Whaler if you want a boat that is versatile, robust, and safe.

Buying a boat is a big decision that can be overwhelming. Trying to find the best one for your needs can take a lot of time and energy.

In order to make the buying process easier, we have made a guide to the most important features you should look for in a good fishing boat.

Please keep in mind that this is by no means an all-inclusive list.

When purchasing a boat, there are several more factors to consider. But these 7 considerations are, we believe, the absolute essentials.

A boat with a “rocker” or “camber” tends to drive straight up on a wave instead of riding it. This makes the boat more likely to turn over and capsize.

Not only that, if the boat is not properly designed, the rocker can actually make it harder for the boat to plane on a wave. This means the boat will tend to “dig in” and become sluggish.

The lighter the boat, the more responsive it will be to the skill of the operator.

A poorly designed heavy boat will tend to be difficult and uncomfortable to drive . It will also have a shorter life span because of all the unnecessary weight it has to carry around.

A boat with a wide beam and a flat bottom will tend to “cut through” the water instead of pushing against it.

This makes it easy to go forward, backward, port-side, starboard-side, and even to make a circle.

The wider the beam, the easier it will be to make these maneuvers . A good rule of thumb is that your boat should have a beam no wider than its width.

This is yet another important consideration when you are trying to make the boat as easy to drive as possible.

A poorly designed rough surface can actually cause more problems than it solves .

It can, for example, cause “stiction.” Which is when one part of the boat becomes stuck to another part, and it is almost impossible to move them apart.

Hull refers to the part of the boat that is above the waterline. The shape of the hull is equally important as the bottom.

A boat with a “scooped-out” or “concave” hull will tend to dig into waves and become sluggish.

But a boat with a “straight-up” or “convex” hull will have a relatively easy time keeping its feet and will remain agile and responsive . Hull also affects fuel economy.

The transom is the part of the boat that extends over the stern. It should be as flat as possible without being so thin that it will flex and dent easily when you hit a wave.

This helps to keep the boat from getting “downdraft” and makes it easier to keep the boat’s head up when running down a wave face.

The rise and fall of the transom should be even and not have any extreme highs or lows.

This evenness will make it easier for the hull to plane on the surface of the water and give the boat more “poise.”

This means it will remain stable instead of constantly rocking back and forth like a piece of wood.

As with any purchase, you should never make your decision based on one factor. You should look at many different factors before deciding.

Some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a boat include:

• Buying a boat that is too small to do the job they need it to do.
• Getting the wrong engine type for their boat size.
• Buying a boat that is not properly equipped with navigation safety gear before buying it.
• Choosing a boat without knowing how to operate it or what kind of maintenance it needs.
• Buying a boat based only on looks instead of function and durability .
• Not checking if their insurance policy covers watercraft or if they are covered by an additional policy like marine insurance or hull insurance before purchasing one.
• Not considering the cost of ownership when making their decision.
• Another common mistake is not having a pre-purchase inspection performed on their potential boat.
• And not having an expert perform a post-delivery inspection to make sure everything is in working order.

Boats are a type of vessel that is constantly exposed to different types of water. There are many problems that can arise, and a boat owner needs to know about them to avoid any unfortunate injuries.

The most common problems that boaters might encounter include:

• Engine failure
• Hull damage,
• Overcrowding,
• Low fuel level,
• And sailing in stormy seas.

These are just some examples of the many problems that can arise when you’re on the water.

Definitely not something you want to do! You can avoid all of these problems if you know what you’re doing.

Therefore, the first thing you need to know is how to maintain your boat properly.

Maintaining Your Boat Properly One of the most important things you can do to ensure the longevity of your boat is to make sure it gets its annual maintenance.

There are several ways you can prevent these problems from happening by knowing what to do in each situation.

For instance , if your engine fails during cruising mode or when running at full speed, you should immediately take action and stop the motor so as not to cause an accident.

Boat owners should always be ready to deal with the unexpected because it will almost always happen.

By arming yourself with the proper knowledge , you will be able to keep your boat in tip-top shape for many years to come.

There are many types of boats available. Some of them may be more suitable for specific purposes like use in a lake or river, while others may be smaller and easier for rowing.

However, there are five common types of boats that we will discuss today.

These five types are rowboats, canoes, sailing boats, power boats, and flats boats.

A rowboat has a single (or double) outboard motor directly attached to the transom or stern (back) of the boat.

The engine sits behind the driver and pushes the boat forward. When you sit in a rowboat, you are sitting “in the bow” (front) of the boat.

When you are sitting in a rowboat, you are almost completely surrounded by water. Rowboats are extremely stable because they have very few “dead spots.

These are typically made from light but durable wood, fiberglass, plastic, and aluminum.

They are popular in the United States and Canada because most lakes can use them for leisure activities.

Their design results from a canoe’s ability to move on flat water at a relatively slow speed and is most efficient when used for recreational purposes.

A sailing boat has no motor at all. Instead, it is powered by the wind.

Therefore, a sailing boat is extremely dependent on the wind. If the wind dies down, the sailboat will not be able to move at all.

However, some people love to sail. They enjoy the challenge of mastering the art of sailing and the freedom it gives them.

Sailing boats are also great for exploring lakes and rivers because they do not need to be motorized.

Powerboats are similar to rowboats, except they usually have an outboard motor much larger than what you would find on a rowboat.

In fact, some powerboats have engines that are as large as 50 horsepower! That means a powerboat can travel as fast as 5 miles per hour!

Moreover, a powerboat has very high performance, which makes it extremely easy to use. In addition, they are very stable and easy to control.

Flatboats are very popular among families.

They are usually small, light, and stable. Some flatboats have a tiny outboard motor that allows them to move across the water at a leisurely pace.

However, some flatboats have a large outboard motor that enables them to travel at high speeds. They are very easy to maneuver and handle.

Moreover, these types of boats are great for exploring lakes and rivers because they do not need to be motorized.

In conclusion , all five types of boats we discussed in this section are used for recreational purposes. However, each type of boat has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to understand these types of boats before deciding which one is best for you.

This question is difficult to answer. There are no rules that say what the best type of trailer is to use with your boat. It depends on your needs and objectives.

The following are the most common types of trailers for boats:

Provisional Trailer: This trailer does not have anything attached to it, so if you want, you can leave it at home or easily store it when not in use.

You can use it for lightweight purposes like carrying kayaks, paddleboards, and other items that take up little storage space without adding weight to your boat.

Movable Trailer: This type of trailer has hoses already attached that allow you to carry water or fuel storage tanks without having to stop and attach hoses every time you come across a waterway or gas station.

No matter what type of RV you buy, make sure to check out the list of RV brands to avoid first.

Many factors determine whether buying a boat is worth it. Some of these factors include the size of your family, your budget, and your location.

Before you decide on what type of boat you want, be sure to consider the pros and cons. So, buying a boat can be worth it for some people if they have the money to buy one.

The life expectancy of a boat is a complicated concept to understand. It depends on many factors, such as the type of boat, design, propulsion, and materials used.

The average lifespan of a boat can vary from approximately 3-10 years, depending on the conditions and usage.

The value of a boat depends on the quality and age of the boat.

However, the market is flooded with new models every year, which makes it difficult for people to determine if their bot is worth money or not.

The market for boats is always changing. Without knowing the future value of your boat, it would be difficult to decide whether it’s worth the investment or not.

Investing in a boat is not a mere investment. Therefore, it is essential to know that the boat you are investing in is the right one.

But to know about the best ones, it is necessary to be aware of the ones that should be avoided.

We hope our review has helped you to know about the boat brands to avoid. And now you are all set to buy the best one.

The brands we have mentioned above might be popular among boat lovers.

However, after reviewing each of them and going through the consumer reviews, we decided to call these companies the worst boat manufacturers.

While reviewing, we have concluded that boats that have a durable body, are made of high-quality material, and have a rare chance of causing accidents are the best boats. Therefore, these should be a few factors that you must look for in a boat.

We have also mentioned a few of the best boat brands, have a look at them and choose the one that fits your needs the most.

Note: The companies mentioned in this review might not be completely worse. But, certain aspects have compelled people to categorize them as the worst boat brands. The manufacturers that we have selected are not based on our personal preferences. This review is solely based on the reviews from these boat owners or those who have had these boats once.

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.

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The 25 Largest Yachts in the World

The list runs from lürssen's 592-foot 'azzam' to fincantieri 439-foot 'serene,' with a fascinating group of bespoke vessels in between..

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The new arrivals in 2024 knock the mighty 436.4-foot  Al Mirqab   and  Koru , Jeff Bezos’s sailing yacht, off the list. The “smallest” yacht— Serene —measures a whopping 439.3 feet. A raft of behemoths didn’t make it, including Feadship’s 290-foot Project 821 that is launching this year, the largest build from the Dutch shipyard to date.

Two of Lürssen’s 2024 deliveries also fell short, including Project Deep Blue and Project JassJ. That said, the German yard remains top of the leader board with the immoveable 592.6-foot  Azzam . It also claims 13 of the 25 world’s largest yachts, two of which are new entries.

The list is interesting because most were built in the last 15 years, but there are several historical yachts, including  Savarona , launched in 1931, and  El Mahrousa , launched in 1865, that withstand the test of time. Others like  Yas  and  OK are conversions from other types of vessels. The inimitable  A  is a one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated sailing superyacht.

Here are the world’s top 25 yachts by length.

Azzam | 592 feet, 6 inches

Lürssen could never really boast about Azzam after its launch in 2013 because of the owner’s penchant for privacy, though it did describe the interior by Christophe Leoni, which features a 95-foot-long main salon, as “inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.” Owner Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi directed a team of designers and engineers who started with the bare concept, worked through the technical challenges of what might be the most complex superyacht ever, and finished with an unusually large vessel that can top the 30-knot mark when operating in “sprint mode”. Its gas turbines, connected to water jets, also give it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters. Nauta Yacht’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. It took an impressive six million man-hours—or four years including engineering—to build.  Azzam  accommodates up to 36 guests, and a crew of 80.

Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet, 1 inch

Little information has been released about the world’s second-longest superyacht, the custom-built Fulk Al Salamah , and it has been shrouded in mystery since it was first announced in 2014. Even the overall length of 538.1 feet has been estimated from AIS data. However, the imposing vessel, built and delivered by Italian builder Mariotti Yachts in their Genoa shipyard in 2016, is believed to be owned by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. Last refit in 2021, the yacht has an exterior design by Studio de Jorio, and it is considered by some to resemble more of a support vessel than a superyacht. Nonetheless, aerial photography shows an impressively large helideck, raked masts, and a bathing platform.

Eclipse | 533 feet, 1 inch

The 533.1-foot stately  Eclipse , one of two yachts on this list owned by sanctioned billionaire Roman Abramovich, took five years to design and build. When it left the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the world’s largest yacht. The interior has 17 staterooms and a palatial primary suite, with the capacity to carry 85 crew. Both the interior and exterior are designed by Terence Disdale. A proportional profile is defined by tiered decks that sweep upward and bend ever so slightly at the aft ends. Eclipse  has a 185-foot-long owner’s deck, the capacity to hold three helicopters, a sophisticated stabilization system, six tenders, and an enormous spa, gym and beach club, not to mention one of the largest swimming pools on any superyacht. Hybrid diesel-electric engines are connected to Azipod drives that give Eclipse a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Dubai | 531 feet, 5 inches

Even at 531.5 feet, Dubai ’s all-white Winch-designed exterior belies the dramatic and vibrant interior within. Colorful mosaic floors, a spiraling glass staircase, 70-foot-wide atrium, and bursts of red, blue, and green create a carnival of scene. Originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen . Known as “Panhandle,” the project was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and skeletal superstructure. The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and, under the direction of the country’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, work on the 531.5-footer began again, though this time by Platinum Yachts. Dubai delivered in 2006 and is now the sheikh’s royal yacht, with accommodations for 24 guests and quarters for 88 crew. The SOLAS-certified seven-decked yacht has a landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco and cinema, and can reach a top speed of 26 knots. There’s also a waterfall that cascades from the yacht’s pool, located aft of the main deck. The yacht’s range of 8,500 nm at 25 knots gives it the potential to cruise around the world in record time.

Blue | 518 feet, 3 inches

Lürssen’s newest entry on the list, Blue , which delivered to its Middle Eastern owner in July 2022, may rank at number five out of the world’s largest yachts, but its diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system goes a long way to minimize emissions. The yacht also features an electric Azimuth pod drive that can be used independently or in conjunction with the twin propeller shafts. There is a waste-water treatment system and an advanced exhaust treatment system to help reduce NOx levels, as well as cut down on vibration and noise pollution. Interior and exterior design is by Terence Disdale, Blue is defined in profile by a raked bow with a helipad, an aft deck pool, and twin balconies forward either side of the owner’s full-beam suite. There is a second, smaller helipad aft. The British designer has reportedly penned a feminine and elegant interior, though no images have yet been released.

Dilbar | 511 feet, 8 inches

The 2016 launch of Dilbar gave Lürssen the distinction of not only building the longest yacht ever ( Azzam ), but also the largest in terms of volume. Espen Øino designed the exterior, creating a full-bodied superstructure of long, flowing decks, along with two helicopter pads,two helicopter pads, one of which has a hangar with an H175 helicopter always on standby.  Dilbar  also has an oversized garden and an 82-foot swimming pool that can hold an incredible 6,357-cubic-feet of water and according to Lürssen, is the world’s longest on a yacht. The interior by  Winch Design  is defined by its “rare and exclusive luxury materials,” says the builder, declining to go into detail. Despite  Dilbar ’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte. In June 2020, Dilbar returned to Lürssen for a significant refit, where the yacht remains following U.S. sanctions placed on the owner, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, in 2022. The yacht’s value is estimated to be $600 million.

Al Saïd | 508 feet, 5 inches

Another 500-plus-foot yacht from Lürssen, the original Project Sunflower gained its official name of Al Saïd following its launch in 2016. Espen Øino’s exterior is akin to a classic cruise liner, complete with the twin-exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Owned by the Sultan of Oman, the yacht was listed for the sale for the first time in April 2022 for an undisclosed sum, but a buyer has yet to be confirmed. The six-decked  Al Saïd  can carry 154 crew and an estimated 70 guests across 26 suites. Lürssen reports a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed the interior, which includes a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra, a private cinema for 50 people; you’ll also find a medical room and dental care on board.

A+ | 483 feet, 1 inch

Very little is known about A+ (formerly Topaz) , which was launched by Lürssen in 2012. Tim Heywood Designs did the exterior, which features helipads on the foredeck and amidships on an upper deck. A lower aft deck includes a swimming pool. The German yard has not released any images of the Terence Disdale interior. Reported to be owned by Manchester City Football Club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan—Emirati royalty and deputy prime minister of the UAE— A+  is equipped with a 40-foot Vikal catamaran beachlander and is powered by six Wärtsilä engines to reach a top speed of 22 knots. It can carry 62 guests and up to 79 crew and was last refit in 2022.

Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet, 3 inches

The 5,200-tonne Prince Abdulaziz is one of the Saudi Royal family’s yachts, its first owner being King Fahd. Designed by Maierform, the yacht was the longest and tallest in the world at the time of its launch, a title the 482.3-foot  Prince Abdulaziz  held for 22 years until  Dubai  launched in 2006. The late David Nightingale Hicks, known for his use of bright colors, was the interior designer. The lobby is said to be a replica of the Titanic . The yacht is also rumored to be carrying surface-to-air missiles, though that may be an urban legend. Launched by Helsingør Værft in Denmark in 1984, it was last refit in 2023.

OK | 479 feet

Originally built by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding in 1982, the semisubmersible heavy lift ship was used for decades by DYT Yacht Transport as float-on yacht carrier. In 2022, the vessel underwent a private conversion at Karmarine shipyard in Turkey, turning it into a luxury, though highly unusual, yacht named OK . Modifications include a matte-black paint job, gold-tinted glazing, and teak decking. The vessel’s 328-foot submersible aft deck—a feature that first attracted her new owner, who uses OK to transport their 150-foot ketch—is now covered in a carpet of artificial grass. A 40-tonne crane allows for the safe and easy launch and retrieval of a vast range of toys, including a seaplane. The interior by Bozca Design is reported to include accommodation for 20 guests, a botanical garden, and a crazy Willy Wonka–inspired glass elevator that operates outside of the yacht’s superstructure.

Opera | 479 feet

Very little is known about Lürssen’s mysterious superyacht Opera , though it’s thought to be a rebuild of Project Sassi, which was destroyed in a fire in 2018 at the German shipyard. Now four feet longer than the first iteration, the superyacht became the 11th largest yacht in the world when it delivered to its patient owner in 2023. Exterior and interior designed by Terence Disdale, Opera has a whopping 66-foot beam and an interior volume exceeding 10,000GT. No interior images have been released yet, though judging by its two swimming pools, one with a lifting floor, and two helipads—one on the bow and one on the upper aft deck—it seems no expense has been spared.

El Mahrousa | 478 feet, 1 inch

El Mahrousa , which means “The Protected” in Arabic, is currently Egypt’s presidential yacht, though the 478.1-footer has a separate history as that country’s royal yacht. The London-based Samuda Brothers began the build in 1863, and it was launched in 1865. The world’s oldest superyacht—and formerly the world’s biggest—was originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, and later carried three Egyptian kings into exile. The yacht was also at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. It features external design by the British naval architect Sir Oliver Lang and has had multiple modifications over the years, including a lengthening by 40 feet in 1872 and another 17 feet in 1905. During the second refit, the owners replaced its paddle-wheel engines with turbine-driven propellers. The yacht, in care of the Egyptian Navy, occasionally goes to sea for a day or two. In 2015, it was used to inaugurate the new Suez Canal.

Project Luminance | 475 feet, 7 inches

Delivered in 2024, Project Luminance (the real name is yet to be confirmed) is Lürssen’s newest entry on the list. Exterior designed by Espen Øino, the yacht has a raked bow, a contrasting paint job in a dark blue hull and silver superstructure and a whopping 8,999 gross tons of interior volume. Few details are yet known about the gigayacht owned by Ukrainian mining and financial services mogul Rinat Akhmetov, including the interior by Francois Zuretti, but aerial shots reveal twin helicopter pads—one on the foredeck and another high up aft—a large beach club, and an infinity pool, with a private spa pool area on the foredeck.

A | 468 feet, 5 inches

Undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects ever delivered by German shipyard Nobiskrug, the Philippe Starck-designed A is a wild fantasy of the future. Delivered in 2017, the futuristic look of  sailing yacht  A includes smooth, silver-metallic surfaces and windows that look nearly invisible, a 26-foot draft, three composite masts that bend slightly, and a deck hidden by high bulwarks. The Philippe Starck–design is a wild fantasy yacht of the future. The 468-foot sailing yacht is a technical victory for Nobiskrug , which developed composite fashion plates to create the unusual shapes without compromising any strength or fluidity. It has the tallest freestanding composite masts on any sailing vessel, a diesel-electric propulsion system, and state-of-the-art navigation systems. The boat also reportedly has an underwater viewing platform in the keel. Starck’s traditional interior features dark wood, copper accents, and cozy patterned carpets. The split-deck main salon is divided into zoned seating areas with integrated bookshelves. A remains today the world’s largest sailing yacht six years after its launch, though many argue it is better defined as a sail-assisted yacht.

Nord | 466 feet

Nord was announced in 2015 but didn’t hit the water until its 2020 sea trials in the Baltic Sea. The 466-foot yacht features interior design by Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard and was Lürssen’s first yacht launched from its floating shed at its facility in Vegasack. Boasting top-tier amenities, the yacht includes a sports and diving center on the lower deck, multiple tenders ranging in size up to 50 feet and a large swimming pool. The two helipads support the yacht’s long-range cruising capabilities for autonomous exploration, and a retractable hangar means a helicopter can slide neatly into the superstructure for storage when not in use. A generous 20 staterooms accommodate 36 guests across six decks, while a sleek aft-sloping superstructure gives Nord an individual profile on the water.

Yas | 462 feet, 6 inches

As a converted yacht, Yas is one of the most interesting vessels on this list. The dolphin-like exterior was originally a former Dutch Navy frigate that launched in 1978 and eventually sold to the navy of the United Arab Emirates, where it was renamed Al Emirat . The yacht underwent its dramatic conversion in a facility in Abu Dhabi’s main port, emerging as a gleaming superyacht in 2011, with one of the most interesting profiles on the water. It was eventually delivered four years later. Reportedly owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan, half-brother of the president of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the design by Paris-based Pierrejean Vision is defined by massive glass surfaces. Yas can accommodate 60 guests and 58 crew members. Mated to a steel hull, the superstructure is the largest composite edifice ever built.

Solaris | 459 feet, 3 inches

Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the 476-foot  Solaris  was one of the largest yachts to deliver in 2021. Last refit in 2022 at MB92 in Barcelona, the vast, highly private explorer is built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft and features a displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and steel superstructure with teak decks. The eight-deck exterior by Australian designer Marc Newson houses a large helipad, sundeck, spacious beach club aft and 21,527 square feet of glass, the largest panes to ever be built into a yacht. Lloyd Werft also built the Russian billionaire’s previous explorer yacht Luna , which he reportedly sold for $360 million to his close friend Farkhad Akhmedov in 2014.

Ocean Victory | 459 feet, 3 inches

The largest motoryacht ever built in Italy, Fincantieri’s Ocean Victory is owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, who was sanctioned in 2022. The seven-deck exterior by Espen Øino includes two helideck platforms and a hangar belowdecks, as well as exceptional outdoor social areas and a floodable tender dock. Ocean Victory has accommodations for 28 guests as well as quarters for 56 crew. The interior by Alberto Pinto remains a secret, aside from the yacht’s six pools, a 3,300-square-foot spa, and an underwater observation room.

Scheherazade | 459 feet, 3 inches

The 459.3-foot, Lürssen-built Scheherazade (formerly known as Project Lightning) was delivered in June 2020, with exterior design by Espen Øino and interior design by Francois Zuretti. Two helipads, forward and aft, and a large beach club aft are visible from aerial photographs, but aside from the yacht’s reported seven-foot beam, 40 crew and unique drone-crashing system for privacy, further details have not yet been released. The reason may lie with the yacht’s unofficial owner, believed to be Russian president Vladimir Putin. In May 2022, Italian authorities froze Scheherazade in the port of Marina di Carrara following an investigation conducted by Italian financial police who found the ship’s beneficial owner had “significant economic and business ties” to high-ranking Russian government officials, though the results of the investigation to date remain inconclusive.

Al Salamah | 456 feet

When Lürssen launched Al Salamah in 1999, it was the third-largest yacht in the world. Its number 20 ranking shows how much has changed in the last 20 years. Code-named MIPOS, or Mission Possible, the yacht was designed by Terence Disdale . Originally owned by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the yacht was put up for sale for $280 million in in 2013 before it was reportedly given to Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as a gift. The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements. Al Salamah has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 96 crew and has a top speed of 22 knots. Al Salamah was last refitted in 2009.

Rising Sun | 454 feet, 1 inch

Designed by the original guru of yacht designers, Jon Bannenberg, Rising Sun was built by Lürssen for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen, who reportedly paid $590 million for the yacht. The yacht comes with a gym, a grand piano, multiple swimming pools, a beauty salon, and a spa with a sauna. Delivered in 2004 and last refit in 2022, the yacht’s exterior is defined by banks of windows across the superstructure. Rising Sun has 86,000 square feet of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Seccombe Design includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar, and the rear cockpit deck was designed as a basketball court. Geffen received global media backlash in 2020 for his “tone deaf” social-media posts that pictured himself on board his yacht during Covid-19 lockdown.

Flying Fox | 446 feet, 2 inches

The 446.2-foot  Flying Fox is arguably the most high-profile yacht on this list, primarily for being the largest yacht available on the charter market. In 2022, it was also singled out as “blocked property” by U.S. authorities in 2022 due to its previous management Imperials Yachts, which was on the US sanctions list. The yacht’s owner, however, Russian billionaire Dmitry Kamenshchik, is not sanctioned, so the yacht was turned over to him and returned to charter in 2024. Key features of the Espen Øino-designed exterior are a curvaceous dove-gray hull and a 3.7-foot swimming pool that runs athwartship on the main aft deck, the largest ever found on board a yacht. A two-decked spa also gives guests access to a cryosauna, hammam, and relaxation room with a fold-down balcony at sea level. Packed to the rafters with the latest amenities, the yacht holds a diving center, a decompression chamber, and two helipads. Flying Fox is PYC compliant and can accommodate 25 guests.

Savarona | 446 feet, 2 inches

Launched in 1931, and by far the largest and fastest private yacht of her day, Savarona was built for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader and is easily identified by its two mustard-colored funnels. The yacht was eventually acquired by Turkey to be the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. Jane’s Fighting Ships described the yacht in 1949 as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat.”  Savarona was later converted to a training ship for the Turkish Navy and, in 1978, destroyed by fire. The yacht laid in tatters for 10 years. A Turkish businessman spent around $45 million refurbishing Savarona , commissioning Donald Starkey for the interior and replacing the original steam-turbine engines with modern Caterpillar diesels. Savarona became Turkey’s official presidential yacht again in 2014, accommodating up to 34 guests in 17 suites and carrying up to 48 crew. Amenities include a swimming pool, a Turkish bath, a 280-foot grand staircase, a movie theater and a library dedicated to Atatürk.

Crescent | 443 feet

Last refit in 2021, Espen Øino’s dark hull and tiered superstructure was one of the most exciting launches of 2018. Called Project Thunder internally at Lürssen, the custom-built yacht features cutouts along the hull sides that allow full ocean views from the saloon on the primary deck, as part of Crescent ’s distinctive curved superstructure. Its most noteworthy feature is the jaw-dropping bank of three-deck-high windows in the center of the yacht. This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design. The yacht has accommodations for 18 guests in nine staterooms. Little is known about the François Zuretti-designed interior, other than Lürssen describing it as being “traditionally styled.” If it lives up to Crescent ’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design. In March 2022, Crescent was detained by Spain as property of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, who is sanctioned in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Serene | 439 feet, 3 inches

Serene  is the yacht that launched Fincantieri into the superyacht segment, and what a debut it was. The largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it was delivered in 2011 (surpassed three years later by Ocean Victory ), the Espen Øino seven-deck design features a long, sleek blue hull crowned by a white superstructure. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design created the 43,056-square-foot interior for a Russian owner, which includes a double height atrium with a piano lounge at the top and a vast open-plan main salon below. Sunken LEDs and bright pink and purple neon lights create a modern party vibe in the social areas, which contrast with the elaborate yet more traditional guest suites. A spiral staircase with intricate metal banisters soars through the heart of the yacht. The open stern area has a winter garden (enclosed glasshouse) that allows dining in all seasons. Serene also has two helipads and a hangar, a big swimming pool, and a tender garage large enough for a submarine.

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