In 2020 the global yacht market size reached a value of $8.15 billion.
Yachts can be used for a number of things such as fishing, celebrations, and adventures on the water. But before you purchase or rent a yacht, it is important to know that there are many different types.
If you are looking at renting a yacht and want to make the right choice you should have an understanding of what these types are.
For a rundown of the different types of yachts available keep reading.
Sailing Yacht
Perhaps the most well-known type of yacht, these provide a traditional sailing adventure. As the name suggests, these use traditional sails, which can be perfect as long as you know have some sailing experience.
To handle one of these properly you will need to know what you’re doing. Sailing a boat with sails is not something you can figure out as you go, but for those prepared for it traditional sailing, these can be perfect.
Expedition Yacht
Bigger than most other types of yachts, these are specifically designed to handle long voyages. They are powerful machines and run efficiently allowing for longer journeys.
This means that they can be taken out to sea for long periods without the need to refuel, but still provide a lot of comfort. As you might expect these yachts are very expensive – they are essentially like having a private hotel you can take all over the world.
Motor Yacht
Along with sailing yachts, these are one of the most common types, and they both have a lot in common. The main difference is the lack of sails in favor of a motor.
These are often used for parties and casual getaways, or to celebrate special occasions. These can often be leased from a yacht rental company for such occasions, and they often include fun extras such as hot tubs, bars, and sometimes even swimming pools.
An example of these is Adeline’s Sea Moose, perfect for Chicago private yacht rentals. It is available for hire for parties, weddings, and other activities.
Classic Yacht
Different people have various definitions of what makes a classic yacht, but the older one is, the more likely it is to be considered a classic.
Some Yachts are around 100 years old and are still in service. On the more recent end, there are yachts built as late as the 1970s that people would call classics.
The difference can be more clear visually, as they generally have a distinctive aesthetic that differs from modern yachts. Most classic yachts were hand-built out of wood, or sometimes steel.
People consider these among the best yachts for this their traditional design, which is sometimes even present in the interiors, giving an overall feeling of classic luxury.
Fishing Yacht
Most yachts are designed to be luxurious and comfortable, and that is still the case here. With that being said, these also have a very functional design to make them well suited to fishing.
They can still be great for social events such as parties, but the decks are designed to give easy access to the water and haul in your catches.
There is plenty of room for any fishing gear, and some are made for more casual fishing trips, while others are capable of more adventurous fishing experiences.
Gulet Yacht
Originally these were used for the transportation of goods and specifically designed to keep cargo safe. They were first made and used in Turkey, and sometimes stand out as they can feature two or more masts.
These days gulet yachts are more recreational, and like classic yachts, they are appreciated for their iconic appearance. The hulls are generally made of wood and are very ornate.
They are also known for how smoothly they sail. As far as yachts go these provide some of the most natural sailing available. Along with the sails, modern versions also often feature motors making the whole sailing experience somewhat easier.
Catamaran
Catamarans have the distinctive characteristic of featuring two hulls, making them perhaps the most unique type of yacht in terms of design. This gives them more space than most other yachts which is ideal for taking out large groups.
Catamaran yachts can have sails, motors, or sometimes both, and the type you should charter will depend on your own preferences. Catamarans are always designed with luxury in mind giving any guests a top-class experience.
The vessels are also less cramped than other types of yachts, which is great for anyone who suffers from seasickness.
Cruiser
Cruisers are generally used for small recreational trips. They can be quite large but are most often smaller than other types, usually being somewhere between 30 and 60 feet.
Cruisers are fairly versatile, making them suitable for fishing, swimming, or just casual days out on the water.
If you are a first-time buyer then a cruiser might be the best choice for you. They are easy to handle and aren’t as expensive as other types.
Other Types of Yachts
There are other ways to break down or categorize yachts based on their style or function. Some common examples include:
- Sedan – Single-level enclosed living quarters below the hull, and deck space above
- Flybridge – sedan-style with more comfortable living space above the bridge and an open deck
- Daybridge – multi-level yacht, more open than a flybridge
Chartering the Right Yacht
These descriptions should give you an idea of the types of yachts you should look at chartering. It is safe to say you will have a great time with whatever choice you make.
For more blogs on lifestyle and travel, check out some of our other articles!
