Are you thinking about buying a boat this year? This is the season, after all. But which type are you looking for, and how big? Are you in the market for a superyacht? If not, you can at least dream big and check out what some of them are like or, in the case of concept boats, hope to be like. If you decide to pass on a superyacht buy this year, don’t worry — you’ll be among the vast majority.
Spring is coming and boat shows abound as current and prospective boat owners and fans check out what’s new. Boat shows are famous for offering great deals. According to Statistica, even when the economy was struggling to tread water, total recreational boat sales in the U.S. never dipped below 500,000 new units. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that more than 50 percent of recreational boats are power boats, and counting all types of recreational boats, 48 percent were less than 16 feet long and 85 percent were less than 26 feet. Less than half of one percent of all recreational boats in the U.S. are 40-footers or longer.
But what about superyachts? Definitions differ on what makes a superyacht. Some say 24 meters (about 80 feet) is the minimum length, while others stand strong at 30 meters (about 100 feet). As we take a look at superyachts, we’ll start with the higher cut-off, as there’s no shortage of interesting and, in some cases, outrageous superyachts. The vessels below are placed in order by overall length according to their designers. Some are currently for sale, starting at about $30 million, and there’s one for rent (you may not believe the weekly rental rate). Some of the superyachts below have been produced, while others are recent concepts, still waiting for buyers with hefty checkbooks to commission the build.
Spectre: 30.33 meters / 100 feet
The smallest superyacht in our roundup is also the fastest. The AB100 Spectre from Fila Group’s AB Yachts tops out at 62 mph and can cruise at 52 mph with three 1900-hp diesel engines, each paired with a waterjet thruster. The living space can be augmented by the stern garage area, which converts into a beach house.
PlanetSolar: 31 meters / 101 feet
The Tûranor PlanetSolar holds the title of the world’s largest solar yacht. The vessel is covered with 500 square meters of solar panels, its sole source of power. PlanetSolar launched in 2010 and set out to be the first solar-powered yacht to circumnavigate the globe, a leap forward for the promotion alternative energy. The journey set five Guiness World Records and spanned 19 months with a crew of five. SolarPlanet’s aerodynamic catamaran design has a top speed of 14 knots.
Majesty 155: 47 meters / 154 feet
Not just a boat with a pretty bow, the Majesty 155 is also a CEDIA Awards-winner for the best smart home technology installation and integration on a yacht. The ship’s lighting, navigation, and audio-visual system can be controlled via onboard monitors as well as an iPad. Twin 2,011-hp engines allow the Majesty 155 a 4,200 nautical mile range.
Time For Us: 52 meters / 171 feet
There’s room for 12 guests and 13 crew members on the classic Feadship superyacht, Time For Us. Launched in 1994 and extensively refit in 2007 and 2008, its extensive dark wood paneling and comfortable furniture are built for comfort, including stabilizer systems that are active underway and at anchor. With a range of 5,700 nautical miles at its 13-knot cruising speed, this yacht can take you wherever you’d like to go — if you have the time.
Galaxy of Happiness: 53.3 meters / 175 feet
Built by Latitude Yachts in 2016, Galaxy of Happiness offers zero-emission cruising using 40 percent less energy than single hull yachts. With exceptional stability, she cruises at 24 knots with a maximum speed of 30 knots. With space for six guests and six crew, she is currently for sale for just under $32 million.
Galactica Super Nova: 70 meters / 230 feet
Concert lovers will appreciate the Galactica Super Nova’s bow deck, which serves as an outdoor cinema and concert space when not in use as a helipad.
Swath 75: 75 meters / 246 feet
Zero emission fuel-cell technology powers Fincantieri’s Swatch 75 concept superyacht. Estimated range on hydrogen power alone is 450 nautical miles, with an overall 4,000-nautical-mile range under diesel power. The Swath 75 has space for 12 guests including the owner’s cabin and 24 crew members.
Silver Fast: 77 meters / 253 feet
Plunk down $85 million to reserve a permanent bed in the owner’s suite of the aluminum-hulled Silver Fast, named for its color and speed. With a full house of 18 guests and 18 crew, the Silver Fast can cruise as fast as 27 knots per hour. Built by Silver Yachts and put up for sale by Burgess Yachts, guests on the Silver Fast can enjoy the beach club with gym, massage room and beauty salon, mirrored bar, 8-person hot tub, and outdoor cinema.