Motor yachts for sale – Freedom on the Water

Motor yacht

When is a motor yacht actually a yacht? In Europe, the term motor yacht is generally used from a length of 7 meters, while in other countries it starts at 12 meters. Neither the engine power nor the hull shape and/or the building material (steel, fiberglass, wood, carbon, cement, concrete, natural composites such as hemp) determines whether a boat is called a motor yacht.

What is a motor yacht?

Motor yacht is a broad term for powerboats with a habitable cabin area (alternative spelling: motoryacht). The word yacht was adopted from Dutch, where «jacht» means, among other things, «fast ship».
The minimum length at which a yacht is defined as such varies from culture to culture – in Europe, some countries speak of a motor yacht from a length of 7 meters, others only from 10 meters. Neither the engine power nor the hull shape and/or the build material (steel, fiberglass, wood, carbon, cement, concrete, natural composites such as hemp) determine whether a boat is called a motor yacht.

Which motor yacht is right for me?

In terms of design, a motor yacht can be a planing yacht, a semi-displacement boat or a displacement vessel. The classic feature of a motor yacht is the habitable cabin area, fitted out to modern standards: saloon, galley, navigation station, wet room (shower and storage for wet clothing), head and one or more sleeping cabins. Comfort features such as pressurized water – hot and cold – interior lighting (usually 12 volts), generator, shore power, stove, oven and refrigerator are standard from the shipyard even on smaller motor yachts. Super and mega yachts (from around 25 – 30 meters in length) can even accommodate several luxuriously appointed living areas (owner's area, guest area, etc. – including a pool, sun deck and helipad).

Electronic navigation equipment matched to the cruising area and intended use, as well as electronic aids such as an autopilot or an electric anchor windlass, are mostly part of the basic equipment of modern motor yachts.

How much fuel does a motor yacht use?

A motor yacht is usually powered by twin engines. Diesel engines (inboards) are mainly installed in displacement boats, but gasoline engines are popular as well. Hybrid drives (combustion engine AND electric motor) and pure electric motors are now offered by many shipyards as an alternative form of propulsion. Smaller motor yachts – mostly semi-displacement or planing boats – are often powered by twin outboards or a sterndrive. Fuel consumption varies depending on the engine type and horsepower: anything from 5 l/h up to several hundred liters per hour is possible.

How much does a motor yacht cost?

In line with the wide range of lengths and equipment levels, used motor yachts are offered in every conceivable price class. From under EUR 10,000 up to around 4 to 6 million euros (on the used boat market, the transition between a large motor yacht and a superyacht is fluid).

Anyone operating a motor yacht in European countries generally needs a license (see: What boating license do you need?).