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2023 Motor Boat Awards winners: Best motorboats of the year revealed

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It has taken months of testing, weeks of analysing and days of deliberating amongst our judges but the 2023 Motor Boat Awards winners can now be revealed....

As always, we have chosen a winner in each of our ten categories based on how well the boat performed during our rigorous sea trials but also how well it meets the requirements of its target market in relation to its size, style and price.

In some categories, we have also awarded a Highly Commended, not because it’s the nearest runner-up but because the judges feel it has some exceptional talent or innovation that is worthy of recognition.

Last but not least, we’d like to thank Sleipner for once again partnering with us as the headline sponsor of the 2023 Motor Boat Awards and our category sponsors Garmin and The Moorings .

2023 Motor Boat Awards winners revealed

Customer service award.

Sponsored by Garmin

Approved Boats, Boats.co.uk, Gibbs Quay Boat Sales, Haven Knox-Johnston

Winner – Gibbs Quay Boat Sales

This is the only award that is open to nominations from members of the public. However, the judges base their decision not just on the number of nominations each company gets (as this would always favour bigger companies with more customers) but also on the quality of service provided to these customers.

This year, we had more nominations than ever before, with several previous winners making it through to our shortlist of finalists, proving that good customer service isn’t just a passing phase but permanently ingrained in the culture of the best companies.

This year’s winner also enjoys a long track record of looking after its customers and particularly of helping new buyers take their first tentative steps into boating – a daunting prospect for many. This is what a few of their recent customers had to say about them:

“The after-sales experience has totally matched the pre-sales experience, dealing with minor niggles and providing us with unlimited technical advice.” “They made us feel welcome from day one and had the patience of a saint as we chose our new boat. They are a credit to the marine industry.” “Excellent after-sales service, prompt and professional boat service and good advice given at all times.”

Sportsboats up to 30ft

Aquaspirit 585 ,  Iron Boats 827 ,  Quarken 27 T-Top ,  Ryck 280 ,  X Shore Eelex 8000

Winner – Quarken 27 T-Top

Quarken’s 27 T-Top is an object lesson in practical dayboat design. Proudly built in Finland, it uses a single Yamaha F300 outboard motor for a 43-knot top end and cruising efficiency only a shade over 1.5 litres per nautical mile.

It’s fun to drive, with a novice-friendly hull and an effective helm position with direct access to a ‘skipper’s cleat’ for single-handed work. And it looks cool too, with its sleek stepped hull, flared bow and contrasting tinted panels.

There’s also masses of storage on board and all of it is useable, thanks to sensible proportions, proper linings, dual access points and quick-lift one-handed cushions. But it’s the ease of movement that really hits home.

Even if you reverse the helm seats to integrate with the diners at the aft bench, you can still pass them freely on the starboard side. And when you reach the bow, whether the forward seats are rigged for dining or sunbathing, the step-through forepeak with offset anchor means you can still disembark without obstruction.

There’s no wet bar and the heads is an open-plan affair but if you want a proper open dayboat with a serviceable cuddy at a sensible price, this is a superb debut from Quarken.

Highly commended – Iron Boats 827

Fast, agile and well-priced, with a brilliant Mannerfelt hull and a cool military aesthetic, the Iron Boats 827 is one of the most entertaining boats you will ever drive.

Weekenders over 30ft

Aquila 32 ,  Duchy Sport ,  De Antonio D36 ,  Galeon 325 GTO ,  Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 ,  Rand Escape 30

Winner – De Antonio D36

De Antonio has become well-known for its unique take on the outboard-powered weekender and its new D36 is a fine exponent of that approach. It uses a raised sunbed to cover its motors, with a clever transverse tender slot and a full inboard-style swim platform.

It counteracts that extra aft weight with a pair of hull extensions for extra buoyancy – and when you get the boat under way, that translates into the kind of flat-running 50-knot performance that thoroughly validates De Antonio’s way of doing things.

Further forward, there’s a central dining zone opposite a big transverse galley, with a pull-out cushion-topped coolbox that turns it into a dining station for ten. The bow adds another generous sunpad and yet, when you step down below, the calibre of the cabins is way beyond expectations for an open weekender.

There’s a central lounge, a starboard bathroom, a forward double berth with push-button convertibility and a huge full-beam mid-cabin that can be converted from a saloon to a second double in a matter of seconds.

With masses of user-friendly day space, versatile four-berth accommodation and whippet-like performance, this is a truly brilliant family weekender.

Highly commended – Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5

The imposing new 12.5 features a deepset cockpit, an expandable port terrace, twin or triple outboards for 45 knots and convertible sleeping for up to five.

Adventure Boats

Axopar 45 Cross Cabin ,  Viggo C8 ,  Wellcraft 355 ,  XO DFNDR 9

Winner – XO DFNDR 9

Very few boats under 30ft offer anything like as much all-round ability as the XO DFNDR 9. Slender and soft-riding, with raised hull sides and a lofty but deepset pilothouse, there is virtually no cruising ground where its practical but innovative walkaround layout wouldn’t excel.

You can slide it onto the beach for a party. You can spend the night in the comfy forward cabin. You can open up the aft end of the pilothouse and enjoy a relaxed sunbathe or a six-man lunch – and you can achieve precisely that same feat up in the bow.

Back in the pilothouse, the helm is superb, there’s ample standing headroom and visibility is also first class. But if you slide those vast glass side panels aft, you can also enjoy the DFNDR 9 in much the same way as an authentic open boat.

Having taken it across the Baltic, we can vouch for its performance too. With twin 225s on the transom, it’s fast, frugal and beautifully balanced.

The fact that it’s built like a tank and looks like a film star is just the crowning glory for an all-action adventure boat that proves just how much can be achieved when intelligent design, quality build and rigorous development come together.

Highly commended – Axopar 45 Cross Cabin

With its stepped hull, sliding wet bar, vast sunroofs, two-part side doors and fold-down bulwarks, this is a fast, versatile adventure boat.

Sportscruisers up to 45ft

Bavaria SR36 ,  Dale Classic 37 ,  Jeanneau DB43 ,  Marex 330 Scandinavia

Winner – Marex 330 Scandinavia

The Marex 330 is full of ideas that directly upgrade your life on the water. There’s a fold-down bench at the aft swim platform and hidden fender slots beneath the side decks. There are aft and side doors, plus a mix of sunroofs and sunshades, so you can tweak the conditions to your needs.

In fact, with an aft curtain that wraps around the cockpit, you could easily use this boat as a four-season cruising machine. But it doesn’t stop there. The cockpit is deep and sociable for large dayboating parties and the saloon dinette uses a pop-out stool and reversing co-pilot bench to make best use of the space.

But the fore and aft dining zones also convert into double berths. And that means you can add another two beds to the forward double and the low-slung mid-cabin and sleep up to eight at a time.

Under way, the 330 makes a mockery of its restrained looks with plenty of poke, outstanding poise and pinpoint handling. You can spec it with single or twin V-drives or sterndrives.

And a beautiful helm position with multiple adjustment points, a wide overhead sunroof, a skipper’s side door and the option of joystick control makes single-handed helming an absolute breeze.

Highly commended – Dale Classic 37

Designed by celebrated Dale stalwart, Arthur Mursell, the new four-berth Classic 37 is built like a tank, styled like a work of art and equipped with a delightfully soft-riding semi-displacement hull.

Sportscruisers over 45ft

Fairline Phantom 65 ,  Pardo 60 Endurance ,  Riva 68 Diable ,  Sunseeker Predator 65

Winner – Fairline Phantom 65

This may be Fairline’s first attempt at a sportsfly design but you’d never guess it from the way it looks, performs and feels. With those sleek, flowing lines, it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and sportiness, yet somehow still manages to pack in up to four cabins below deck and masses of sociable living space inside and out.

Even the flybridge itself, while compact by Squadron standards, has plenty of secure seating, sunpads and a proper wet bar, as well as a comprehensive outside helm station.

However, all of this would count for little if the driving experience failed to live up to Fairline’s usual high standards. Thankfully, it’s even better than we had anticipated, delivering effortless acceleration up to a top speed of 38 knots, responsive handling and the kind of refined, long-legged cruising that feels perfectly in keeping with that other legendary Phantom built by Rolls-Royce motor cars.

Last but by no means least, those impressive dynamic characteristics are backed up by sound practical thinking, a beautifully finished interior and reassuringly solid build quality.

As we said in our original test, the Phantom 65 really does feel like it offers the best of both worlds with the looks and driving characteristics of a traditional sportscruiser but also the comfort and practicality of a flybridge.

Flybridges up to 60ft

Absolute 56 ,  Beneteau Swift Trawler 48 ,  Galeon 500 Fly ,  Leopard 46 Powercat ,  Prestige M48

Winner – Galeon 500 Fly

The Galeon 500 Fly is a supremely innovative boat. Up at the helm, push-button windows aid ventilation and a rotating seat integrates the driver with the starboard bench and the rest of the upper saloon guests.

There’s a pleasantly sociable helm on the flybridge too, with forward sunbeds and a wraparound lounge, plus a port wet bar and a huge dining space aft.

And back down on the bow, a big triangular dining area with comfy backrests provides all kinds of convertibility, including incline control for the sunlounger and sliding forward benches for a larger party.

Down below, there’s masses of natural light from oversized windows and skylights. But it’s the aft part of the main deck that really stands out. The port balcony folds down so you can perch on a stool and take advantage of the galley’s inside-outside bar.

On the other side, the saloon opens up, enabling the settee to reverse and face out over its own terrace. And in the aft cockpit, a spinning carousel enables you to face in whichever direction you choose.

In short, with its combination of rotating seats, twin terraces and inside-outside zones, the 500 Fly is more rewarding than any other boat in its sector.

Highly commended – Prestige M48

In addition to three double cabins, each with its own bathroom and staircase, the Prestige M48 provides a stupendous amount of day space and a drive as novice-friendly as any you will see.

Flybridges over 60ft

Absolute 60 Fly ,  Azimut 68 ,  Numarine 22 XP ,  Sirena 68 ,  Sirena 78

Winner – Sirena 68

It’s hard to believe that Sirena Yachts has only been making motor boats under its own name for a little over five years but with plenty of prior experience building high-quality motor yachts for Azimut, and the talents of world-renowned yacht designers German Frers and Cor D. Rover to assist them, it has gone from zero to hero in record time.

We tested two new models in 2022 alone, both of which made it through to our shortlist. But it’s the 68 which we feel is the more rounded package, offering the perfect balance of size, style, ability and price.

That starts with a modern yet elegant design that manages to pack a high-quality, high-volume interior into a surprisingly sleek exterior.

Then there’s the robust semi-displacement hull with its category A RCD rating that is just as happy batting aside heavy seas at displacement speeds as it is hoovering up the miles at 25 knots.

That low-speed comfort and stability also plays into the current trend for fuel efficient passage-making, giving a safe cruising range of almost 1,000nm at 9 knots. The result is a wonderfully capable all-rounder that is perfectly in tune with today’s needs at a price that belies its quality.

Highly commended – Absolute 60 Fly

With its versatile deck spaces, vast windows, innovative layout and refined IPS performance, Absolute’s latest flybridge is as comfortable as it is stylish.

Custom Yachts

Sponsored by The Moorings

Azimut Grande 26M ,  Grand Banks 85 ,  Pearl 95 ,  Sunseeker 90 Ocean

Winner – Sunseeker 90 Ocean

We don’t mind admitting that this was the hardest of all the categories to pick a winner in. We could make a case for any one of these finalists winning. However, after much debate we decided to give it to the one we felt was most in tune with what today’s buyers are looking for.

The Sunseeker Ocean 90 has it all: acres of versatile deck spaces packed with innovative solutions like the X-TEND seating; an intimate connection with the sea thanks to the vast sea-level beach club, glass transoms and bulwarks; masses of storage space for tenders, water toys and cruising gear; a wonderfully luxurious interior that makes full use of the unusually wide beam; and a hull that feels very nearly as agile and sea-kindly as some of its overtly sportier siblings.

The fact that this all fits comfortably into a craft with an LOA of 89ft is all the more remarkable, enabling it to offer the same space and luxury as much longer boats but without the associated running costs.

However, the biggest achievement of all is that despite its extra beam and volume and a brand-new hull shape, it still manages to look, feel and drive like a true Sunseeker.

Highly commended – Grand Banks 85

With its slippery hull shape, carbon fibre superstructure and IPS drives, the new GB85 is exceptionally fuel efficient but still just as seaworthy, stylish and beautifully built as its much heavier predecessors.

Judges’ Special Award

Sponsored by Sleipner

Winner – Pearl Yachts

From its humble beginnings in 1998, when a former yacht captain teamed up with a local businessman to launch a stylish new range of aft cabin craft, Pearl Yachts has never shied away from doing things differently.

In the face of vastly bigger, better resourced competition, it has consistently managed to defy the odds, building spacious, cleverly packaged craft with the style and quality to match.

While many of its competitors have been bought, sold or even fallen by the wayside over the intervening years, Pearl Yachts’ small but enthusiastic management team, led by its founder and managing director Iain Smallridge with the backing of its owners Tony and Margaret Whittaker, steered Pearl Yachts through the tough times and continued to invest in new product.

The introduction of world-class designers, Bill Dixon and Kelly Hoppen, in 2012 has ensured that its latest range of yachts are as fresh and innovative as ever, while maintaining the quality-to-price ratio for which they are renowned.

Now boasting a thoroughly modern range of stylish flybridge cruisers from 62ft to 95ft, including a brand new 72ft model and an 82ft project currently in development, Pearl Yachts enters its 25th year in business looking stronger and fitter than ever.

Grand Banks 62 first look: new yacht set to launch in 2025

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• Motor Yacht
• Motor Yachts

The Best Motor Yachts by Length  in 2024

The motor yachts assembled here are ordered by length (LOA) and include a range from super cabin cruisers to superyachts.

This is a guide to the 15 most impressive motor yachts in different sizes and categories.

This review of motor yachts is a celebration of design in both form and function. Brands, model and size of motor yacht. These water vessels give individuals unlimited freedom and access to all the oceans, and lakes of the earth.

Motor yachts today are both rugged and highly sophisticated. They are large watercraft with impressive levels of functionality that provide safety, comfort, and privacy. They are the ideal haven to chill and unwind, especially if you love being on the water like we do.

We’ve been going to boat shows and hitching rides when possible to make this list.

Here are 15 of the best motor yacht brands to make it easy.

They are shown in order of size, increasing to the super yachts that require a large crew to run.

We have removed some models owned by associates of the Russian regime. The Lurssen Nord is just one example.

Top 5 Best Motor Yachts in 2024

All the motor yachts we've tested, tecnomar lamborghini 63 yacht.

Where to buy:

Where to buy tecnomar lamborghini 63 yacht:.

Lamborghini has big plans to commemorate the brand’s 60th anniversary. The iconic Italian automaker started manufacturing in 1963. Building 63 limited edition supercars, dubbed the Siàn, wasn’t enough. The carmaker also has teamed up with Tecnomar, part of the Italian Sea Group shipyards, to build 63 limited-edition yachts.

The result is the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63. It’s 63 feet long and will do 63 knots flat out. That puts it on a short list of the world’s fastest motor yachts. To achieve such a feat, twin V12 MAN diesel engines are paired with a state-of-the-art hull design. The ride is fast but also smooth, comfortable, and sporty. It’s a nautical experience that is becoming of the Lamborghini name.

• Length: 63 feet (19.2 meters)
• Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters)
• Dry displacement: 52,910 pounds (24 tonnes)
• Engines: 2x MAN V12-2000 twin-turbo, 24.24 liter, common-rail marine diesels
• Total power: 4,000 hp (2,942 kW)
• Total torque: 9,388 lb-ft (13,000 Nm)
• Max Speed: 63 knots (73 mph, 117 kph)
• Cruising Speed: 41 knots (46 mph, 74 kph)
• Fuel consumption (max): 212 gph (800 l/h)
• Fuel consumption (cruising) : 132 gph (500 l/h)
• Fuel tankage: 951 gal (3,600 liters)
• Water tankage: 159 gal (600 liters)
• CE Category: B-16

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

Jeanneau US

Jeanneau Worldwide

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295

Where to Book:

Where to book jeanneau merry fisher 1295:.

All new for 2023, Jeanneau has introduced the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly, also called the NC Weekender 1295 Fly. At just over 40 feet, this true three-level yacht boasts three staterooms, two heads, tons of comfortable seating and lounge space, and enough storage to bring all your stuff with you.

Beyond helm features for easier docking, this cabin cruiser is designed to carry you and your family comfortably. There’s not really another 40-foot flybridge that offers as much as the 1295 for the same price point.

The spacious salon level features sliding glass doors that open onto the aft cockpit. The aft galley is fully appointed and allows for the perfect flow for socialization during meals and hanging out. The cockpit features a walkthrough boarding door to port and a large fold-down swim terrace to starboard.

Finally, the staterooms and heads are large and comfortable, with plenty of storage and headroom below.

• Length: (Overall/Hull) 41 feet, 2 inches/12.56 meters; 39 feet, 1 inch/11.92 meters
• Beam: 12 feet, 6 inches/3.80 meters
• Draft: 2 feet, 6 inches/0.76 meters
• Hull Weight: 18,031 pounds/8,181 kilograms
• Bridge Clearance: 16 feet, 5 inches/5.0 meters
• Fuel Capacity: 310 gallons/1,174 liters
• Engines: 3x 300 horsepower Yamaha outboards
• CE Category: B10/C12

Fleming Yachts

Where to buy Fleming 55:

The Fleming 55 motor yacht is stylish and designed for comfortable long range cruising and boasts a huge storage capacity with a total area of over 250 sq ft. The nautical design displacement hull has a range of 2,000 nm with an environmentally friendly low fuel burn of just over 10 gph.

The yacht is fitted with an aquadrive anti-vibration drive system for smooth cruising. The Fleming 55 aft deck is large and spacious and extends into the salon with loads of room for deck chairs and water gear. Interior has beautiful mood lighting.

It consists of 3 good size cabins so can overnight 6 – 8 adults in comfort, and it has 3 separate heads and a beautiful raised pilot house for the skipper or captain. The master cabin is set forward as a queen berth and the bed is remote and can retract. The aft bulkhead can be used as a remote work office. The salon has an L-settee, fitted icemaker, bar, cute coffee table and TV lift area and there is room for added entertainment system components.

Another awesome added feature is the fitted “dumbwaiter” that assists in getting refreshments up from the galley. The galley is fitted with a side-by-side fridge freezer set and an under-mount double stainless steel sink with a waste disposer. This yacht is a classic and is worth viewing.

• Length: 55’9"
• Dry Weight: 67,801 lbs
• Capacity: 6 - 8 people
• Motor: 2 x 500HP Cummins QSC Engines

Grand Trawler 62

Where to buy Grand Trawler 62:

The Grand Trawler 62 from Beneteau hits the mark all round and is super comfortable for both live aboard and long-distance cruises. Designed to overnight 6 to 8 adults on board this gorgeous motor yacht showcases one the largest flybridges on the market for its hull length. The crisp clean interior design reflects the superior quality and workmanship that sets Beneteau’s unmistakable brand apart from the rest.

Beneteau has absolutely hit the mark with the design on this motor yacht. It features an open flowing galley, huge lounge salon and raised cockpit. The transom has a unique sea terrace area, and the master cabin layout is private and beautiful and boasts a full size double bed. It provides soft smooth comfort on board if planning long range cruising with a gyro-stabilizer and the auto-glide trim tabs.

• Length: 62’
• Beam: 17’10"
• Dry Weight: 29,500 lbs
• Motor: MANi6 730 2 x 730 HPDiesel (2x537kW)

Leopard Catamarans

Leopard 46 Powercat

Where to buy Leopard 46 Powercat:

If you are seeking extra space for entertaining and separate private berths for the crew on long passages, then the Leopard 46 is a great alternative motor yacht option to consider when deciding on a brand. Awesome for cruising, docking and anchoring, the top deck offers a great 360-degree view for sundowners. The advantage of a cat-style motor yacht is the low hull depth it has making it easy to cruise, dock or anchor in low depth ocean waters.

The exterior and interior spaces flow into each other, so the use of space is maximized, giving great volume. There is a spacious 3 or 4 cabin en-suite configuration for this hull length, perfect for guests where privacy matters. Loads of deck space for everyone to spread out and enjoy. It is streamlined and neat in terms of layout, practical use of space, giving you a nice feeling of relaxation and a home away from home feel. Awesome size U-shaped settee caters for 8 guests to dine in comfort, so perfect for entertaining or unforgettable candle-light evenings.

• Length: 46’4"
• Beam: 24’1"
• Dry Weight: 36,945 lbs
• Capacity: 8 - 12 people
• Motor: 2 x Yanmar 52 HP

Back Cove Yachts

Back Cove 41

Where to buy Back Cove 41:

The Back Cove 41 is designed and constructed in Maine, USA. The 41 is the flagship of the Back Cove motor yacht range. The motor yacht is a perfect combination of traditional and modern in terms of its design. It is a very economical and comfortable classic for long range excursions.

The yacht is fitted with an efficient single diesel engine and straight shaft, thrusters, a generator set, and reverse cycle heat and air conditioning systems for more extreme weather conditions. With no fly bridge it is easy to captain and maneuver singlehanded and it can overnight up to 6 adults.

This elegant yet practical motor boat consists of two state cabins, two heads and a well-thought-out saloon. The interior is balanced and sensible with a dual stainless steel refrigerator & freezer set, a simple ceramic cooktop surface and a fitted convection microwave and a groovy U-shaped settee that converts into a dinette. Comfortable, stately and classic cruising yacht for all purposes.

• Length: 46’6”
• Capacity: 6 people
• Motor: Cummins QSC8.3 marine diesel engine

Nordic Tugs

Nordic Tug 54

Where to buy Nordic Tug 54:

These sturdy ocean vessels are made in the US in the original classic tugboat style, rugged from the outside and the best kept secret is that they are incredibly beautiful and comfortable on the inside. A perfect floating home away from home for a live-aboard adventure and capable of exploring and facing all types of oceans that may have more adverse weather systems.

This tug style motor yacht has both a pilothouse and lower deck, and then an open flow from the salon into the aft deck. The hull is made from solid knitted fiberglass reinforced plastic and fitted with solid stainless steel handrails. The design offers safety and absolute comfort and they are built to last for many years. For long range expeditions, it has 1,300 gallon fuel capacity in a dual set of tanks and 300 gallon water holding capacity and large black water holding tank at 130 gallon capacity.

This cruising motor yacht boasts classic teak interiors, a classic chart drawer and there is every attention to detail on the cabinets and draws throughout. It has 2 comfortable queen size berths below. Day – night shaded solid fitted windows are in the salon. The galley is beautiful and features a functional and spacious U-shaped solid surface countertop. Viewing this motor yacht interior is worth it. Solid lasting stainless steel finishes throughout and a functional extra stainless steel basin fitted in the aft deck. Split air heating and cooling system installed so perfect for all extreme weather conditions.

• Length: 56’1"
• Beam: 16’1"
• Dry Weight: 68,000 lbs
• Capacity: 4 - 6 people
• Motor: Volvo Penta – D11 – 670 HP Diesel

Bertram Yachts

Bertram 61 Convertible

Where to buy Bertram 61 Convertible:

The Bertrams 61 is a sporty bluewater fishing cruiser and is a perfect man cave that is fit for a king and perfect for a 6 person cruising or fishing adventure. Every attention to solid long lasting detail on layout, fittings and the hull design. The expansive 188 ft cockpit has a barbeque and has huge customized fish boxes.

The classic Amtico teak and maple wood interior is unreal and the saloon has a 360 degree view with large windows. It has 2 cabins, the master has a queen size double bed, and the second has 2 single beds (bunk bed option). The galley doubles up into a bar with shellacked wood stools. Well worth viewing in person, and definitely wet weather gear required with this one!

• Length: 61’1"
• Beam: 18’3"
• Motor: Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesels

Azimut Yachts

Azimut Magellano 66

Where to buy Azimut Magellano 66:

The Azimut Magellano 66 has a striking visual appeal. The innovative dual-mode hull on this motor yacht decreases the use of horsepower making this vessel super fuel efficient for long range distances.

This 66 foot motor yacht has a near 2,000 mile range, so all those secret hideaway coves and overnight destinations will be well within your reach. The progressive interior space allows for 6 – 8 adults to be in total comfort for cruising, docking or adventures on anchor.

Aesthetically balanced, this motor yacht interior is streamlined and contemporary with attention to every detail. The fly bridge is fitted with a barbecue for entertainment, and an outdoor shower for fresh water splashes after an early morning swim. The saloon offers a beautiful indoor entertainment space. The entire motor yacht is fitted with customised innovative cabinets for storage and neatness. Below deck are three spacious private staterooms. Well worth viewing the Azimut 66 in person, this is a very sought after motor yacht design.

• Length: 66’1"
• Dry Weight: 46,400 lbs
• Capacity: 6 - 10 people
• Motor: 425-hp Cummins QSB 5.9s

Prestige Yachts

Prestige X70

Where to buy Prestige X70:

Prestige Yachts X70 launches the unique compact motor superyacht that dreams are made of. Captains, owners and skippers are going to love the infinite cockpit area, it is super comfortable and spacious. A new feature is that the upper fly deck layout has a walk area on each side for ease of access. The maritime-angled window gives the classic yacht exterior shape a more çheeky sporty feel.

A refreshing spacious open plan layout that flows right throughout the yacht allows you to add small elements of comfort to match your personal taste. This motor yacht can accommodate 6 – 10 adults in total comfort for cruising, docking or vacations. The engine room workmanship and layout are worth a special mention and the yacht is driven by dual Volvo Penta 900-hp diesel engines.

The main deck is light and has a very open plan feel with comfortable seating couches that keep you close to the water. The galley is open plan and centrally positioned for serving meals and refreshments, and can be closed off for privacy. Below deck it has 3 ensuite cabins, and the master suite boasts a full size bed with en-suite and has it’s own private access portside. The aft swim platform is on the transom and it has a fitted retractable couch so this space can also be enjoyed. Definitely worth viewing this motor yacht in person.

• Length: 71’7"
• Beam: 17’6"
• Dry Weight: 73,634 lbs
• Motor: 2 x 1200 or 1350 hp Volvo Penta D13

Viking Yachts

Where to buy Viking 82:

Viking 82 is utter luxury and excellence combined. Modern with clean space and awesome layout. It is also compact, rugged and versatile for fishing or water sport activities. The motor yacht command station has full weather protection and is outfitted with custom designed navigation and entertainment systems.

Below deck are 4 ensuite cabins with walk-in showers and generous windows, the master suite has a king size bed, and enhanced lighting. The open bridge layout is spacious and has a full size dinette and electric grill and the galley has stone counters.

There’s a beautiful sun pad and lounge area and it comes with a wet bar. World class walnut cabinets throughout. The huge transom fish box can double up as stowage to fit extra water gear. This motor yacht offers the owner control and access to absolutely everything the ocean has to offer.

• Length: 84’9”
• Beam: 20’6"
• Dry Weight: 158,850 lbs
• Motor: MAN / V12 15500CRM 1550 MHP

Sunreef Yachts Eco

Sunreef 100 Eco

Where to buy Sunreef 100 Eco:

This twin-hull rose-gold superyacht with its beautiful grey metallic hull is a special one to look at. Sunreef yachts’ green-powered catamarans are next generation in ethical and responsible boating.

Green propulsion is the way to go, fitted with wind turbines, eco-aware materials, and solar skin lighting system this vessel is setting stage for the future of motor yacht design. If you are passionate about the environment and conservation then this motor yacht brand is leading the way with enlightened future sustainability.

The 42,65 ft beam gives you incredible space aboard. It can be customised and you can select decor for the vast relaxation areas. It has a full-beam bow terrace with a sunken lounge, huge flybridge, spa pool, gym area and of course a bar. Layout plan includes a huge aft storage locker that fits 2 jet skis and has a fitted hydraulic platform. There is super comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests.

The Sunreef Eco 100 motor yacht gives the discerning and progressive owner exceptional comfort and peace of mind. The perfect blend of luxury and sustainability make this brand stand out. Hybrid green yachts are the progressive next step.

• Length: 100’
• Beam: 42’65"
• Capacity: 10 - 14 people
• Motor : 2 x 1300 HP engines [2 x 180kW - 2 x 360kW]

Conrad Shipyard

Conrad C144S

Where to buy Conrad C144S:

The Conrad C144S is just above and beyond. Already took the top place at the 2019 World Superyacht Award ‘Viatoris’. This superyacht is just above and beyond. So far there are only 2 of these babies on the water so far. Whether or not this yacht is within your reach, it is worth taking a sneak preview at this timeless and prestigious straight hull design. Go big or go home.

4 VIP ensuite guest cabins, 4 crew cabins, beach club, 4 lounge zones, 2 beautiful bar areas, 2 dining spaces, full cinema – you can probably modify this space into a gym or remote office, the world is your absolute oyster here. Best you get cracking and sign off on your order today as this timeless superyacht needs at least 24 months pre-production time.

• Length: 145’
• Beam: 29’2"
• Dry Weight: 472 ton
• Capacity: 16 + people
• Motor: 2 x CAT C18 ACERT

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The World of Motor Yachts: Luxury, Performance, and Freedom

Motor yachts offer a unique combination of power, comfort, and freedom on the water. Designed primarily for pleasure cruising or racing, these impressive vessels put the world at your fingertips.

A Spectrum of Sizes: Finding Your Perfect Motor Yacht

Motor yachts come in different sizes, catering to every desire. From compact and maneuverable models around 33 feet (10 meters) to sprawling luxury palaces exceeding 131 feet (40 meters), there’s a perfect fit for every dream.

Pricing Considerations:

• Smaller motor yachts (33ft – 50ft) typically range from $500,000 to $3 million.
• Mid-size yachts (50ft – 80ft) can fall between $3 million and $15 million.
• Superyachts (over 80ft) enter a whole new pricing category, reaching into the hundreds of millions and beyond, depending on size, customization, and features.

Power and Maneuverability: Taking Control on the Water

Motor yachts usually have two or more motors. This has several advantages:

• Better Maneuverability: Two engines allow captains to better deal with challenging weather conditions. Thanks to vessel control software systems, it also provides some advantages when docking.
• Fuel Efficiency and Range: With dual engines and customized fuel tanks, extended cruises at constant speeds with lower fuel consumption are possible. This is where the explorer yacht, designed to roam, even cross the Atlantic, thrives.
• Shallow Water Access: Unlike deep-keel sailboats, motor yachts have a shallower draft, allowing them to explore beautiful coves and hidden bays inaccessible to other vessels.

The Flybridge Advantage: Elevated Yachting Experience

Many motor yachts, particularly larger models, will also have a flybridge. This offers captains better visibility for navigation, docking, and it provides passengers with higher vistas. Flybridge boats, like the smaller Merry Fisher , have that additional social space, featuring seating areas, wet bars, and sundecks.

Beyond Ownership: Exploring the Charter Option

Chartering offers a fantastic alternative for those seeking a taste of the motor yacht lifestyle without the full commitment of ownership. Chartering allows owners to offset some of the cost of their boats.

In 2020, an estimated 15,000 yachts were exceeding 79 feet available for charter worldwide.

Charter yachts often involve annual maintenance costs of around 15% of the yacht’s value. For vessels valued over $3 million, that’s almost a half million a year!

Our boating editors recently checked out the Miami boat show to understand this decadent market. We found many owners who don’t even get to use their yachts as much as they’d like, so the chartering world makes sense for everyone.

Entering the Realm of Superyachts: Luxury Redefined

The “Commercial Yacht Code” categorizes motor yachts exceeding 79 feet (24 meters) as superyachts and those surpassing 131 feet (40 meters) as mega-yachts. These behemoths represent the pinnacle of luxury yachting, with meticulously crafted interiors, advanced technological marvels, and crew quarters to cater to the owner’s every need. Naturally, these vessels come with exceptionally high construction standards and price tags.

Buying a Motor Yacht

Once you have made a decision to purchase a motor yacht, the next step is to determine exactly what make of motor yacht will best fit your requirements. There are so many different motor yachts, give yourself time to find the right one and ask yourself this.

• Budget capacity?
• New or used?
• What type of user experience do you want out of the vessel?
• What hull size of motor yacht is best?

Once you have created a shortlist, you can then refine your search. Take time out to go and view in person. Book yourself an experience aboard and head over to your closest marina and speak to owners. Consider these points before purchasing a motor yacht.

• Pre-book buyer’s sea trials for your shortlist
• Select the perfect motor yacht
• Used – get a certified hull survey, safety comes first
• Get annual insurance quotes
• Calculate dockage – purchase or rent a slip or dock
• Calculate monthly upkeep and maintenance
• Calculate extra costs like navigational devices & fittings
• Draft your own checklist
• Draft & sign off sale & purchase contracts
• Draft & sign off a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
• Ensure satisfied 100%
• Execute payment and take transfer of ownership
• Register and insure the motor yacht

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Yachts

These 5 questions give you some clarity on what to consider when purchasing a motor yacht.

• How many guests and crew (combined) are you comfortable with aboard? Privately registered motor yachts can carry no more than 12 passengers, so often this will define the length of the vessel.
• Then consider functionality and lifestyle. Decide upfront what you want out of the motor yacht, are you planning to use it for charter, private cruising, sport, remote office, family vacations or entertainment or all of the above?
• Do you plan to use it on inland water systems or oceans or both?
• Do you want to captain and skipper yourself or would you prefer a crew, so you have time to enjoy the experience?  Set a limit to your budget both in terms of purchase and then beyond that one has to consider the long term upkeep, storage, and monthly maintenance costs
• What is the best length for a Motor Yacht?

If you plan on becoming your own captain, the best hull size on average for a single-handed skipper would be between 32ft to 42ft.

The best motor yacht length is defined by both the objective and purpose of the vessel. Added to this one should consider both the budget and upkeep costs, including dockage fees, as these are most often calculated at a per foot rate. The next factor would be to select a good for the number of passengers you wish to have aboard (family, guests, crew), as the number of sleeping berths are limited on smaller hull sizes. As you increase your hull size, you need to consider that this will then add an extra headcount because you have to factor in additional space for crew.

They say the old golden unwritten nautical rule is that boat length is always defined by a person’s age. Whatever your age, double it, and that gives you a perfect hull length in feet (for example, if you are 40 years of age you should consider an 80ft hull length).

They can cost anywhere between $100,000- $10,000,000. The sky’s the absolute limit when it comes to what you can spend on a motor yacht. Used or new, the cost is often defined by the design, size and year of manufacture. Quality motor yachts are built to last and most often retain market related value if they are properly maintained and have an accident free history.

Motor yachts are generally between 33ft – 79 feet, super yachts are generally over 79 feet in hull length, and mega yachts are over 100 feet.

If you purchase a globally recognized brand, it makes selling the boat in the future much easier. The established global motor yacht brands offer a range of existing designs that can be customized to suit any individual requirement. These approved motor yacht designs are often updated with the latest technology and modifications over the years. A tip is that reputable international brands retain market value over the years so are considered a valuable investment.

There is never one best hull type for a motor yacht, there is rather a series or collection of yachts or vessels that are released and they often use the exact same hull design for different lengths in a series. There is a huge selection and variation of hull designs, and this is exactly what defines a yacht. Motor boat hulls are specifically designed to cut through water with the least possible resistance while remaining balanced in all types of weather and water conditions. Each year hull designs improve and often a new hull release is about using the latest carbon fiber molding techniques for structural strength, rather than a modification to the actual shape of the design.

Super yachts are power driven water vessels specially designed by yacht engineers and shipbuilders and are normally 71 – 99 feet in length. Super yachts that exceed 100ft in length are classified as mega yachts.

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Best Yachts – Top 15 Picks for 2024

Carver 52 Command Bridge

Hatteras M75 Panacera

Sabre 58 Salon Express

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a yacht? Probably those huge luxury cruisers reserved for the high society folks, right? Well, that’s true, but those are a special group of ships referred to as luxury yachts.

The questions you need to be asking are – What is a yacht? At what point is a yacht regarded as a ship? And, what exactly makes a yacht a yacht? Here’s a little boating lesson for you.

A yacht is any fast cruising watercraft used for pleasure or sport. Yachts can be classified into cruisers, superyachts, and mega yachts. The difference between them all boils down to their respective sizes.

Luxury vessels that are less than 12 meters long fall in the class of cabin cruiser yachts – or simply, cruisers. Those that measure more than 24 meters are classified as superyachts. Anything that’s 50+ meters long is a mega yacht. Anything larger than a mega yacht is generally referred to as a ship and generally describes a working vessel as opposed to something recreational.

So, as you can see, you don’t necessarily have to be swimming in a ton of money to become a yacht owner. The only difference will be in the size of the craft you get. Clear enough?

Without further ado, here are the 15 best yachts, as well as a few useful tips on how to choose the best one.

Top on our list of best yachts is the Carver 52 Command Bridge. Its unique design, spacious salon, expansive foredeck seating area, and well-thought-out amenities make this one the best yachts bar-none.

It comes with a master head, a spacious stall shower, and a full-beam master stateroom that even has its own private entrance. It doesn’t get any better than that.

 Carver  →

● Designed for long-range cruising ● Ample living space ● Comes with loads of convenience amenities

● Not ideal for use in icy waters

The Hatteras M75 Panacera yacht is the perfect embodiment of superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance. One look at it, and you can tell that it was built with impeccable attention to detail.

Everything from the galley layout and the open-concept deckhouse salon to the 360-degree panoramic windows and state-of-the-art amenities adds a completely new dimension to luxury yachting.

 Hatteras  →

● Ample space ● Exquisite interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

● High maintenance

Yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, the term “budget” yacht might be a bit of a stretch when referring to the price. Nonetheless, if you’re shopping for a watercraft that delivers excellent value for money, the Sabre 58 Salon Express is a great option to consider.

It has an open yacht design that seamlessly merges the interior with the exterior and has large windows that flood the interior spaces with lots of natural light. The Sabre also has three en-suite cabins, abundant storage, and several other great features that make it stand out from other boats in its class.

 Sabre Yachts  →

● Great value for money ● Spacious interior ● Ample storage

● Not ideal for use in the high seas

Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe

The Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe is the perfect family watercraft. It is designed for indoor and outdoor living. The bridge deck space and salon offer breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean. It also has comfortable living quarters below deck that are guaranteed to give the entire family an exceptional cruising experience.

 Tiara  →

● Great for making memories ● Comfortable living quarters ● Offers panoramic views all round

● High maintenance costs

The 60 Cantius from Cruiser was built for long-distance passages. It has spacious living quarters both above and below deck, as well as lots of comfort and convenience amenities that allow you to spend extended periods out on the water.

You’ll particularly enjoy the retractable sunroof that allows you to bask in the sun while enjoying breathtaking panoramic ocean views as you cruise along.

 Cruisers Yachts  →

● Ideal for long-distance passages ● Beautiful, elegant design ● Spacious living areas above and below deck

● Pricier than other boats in its class

93 Motor Yacht

If you’re looking for a watercraft that can go the distance, it doesn’t get any better than the 93 Motor Yacht from Viking Yachts. First impressions: It is gorgeous.

Its beauty isn’t skin-deep either. The 93MY was built to navigate the rough, choppy waters of the high seas, making it the perfect vessel for anyone who wants to go on an ocean-crossing adventure of a lifetime.

 Viking Yachts  →

● Stunning exterior and interior design ● Built to navigate rough water conditions ● It is pretty massive

● Requires a small crew to operate it

Jeanneau NC 37

The Jeanneau NC 37 is an excellent beginner boat. Its fluid layout and ergonomic design make movement in this yacht a breeze. It comes with large panoramic windows with an open sunroof that bathe the living space in lots of natural light.

There’s an owner’s cabin, as well as a guest cabin that both offer ample standing headroom. Its well-proportioned interior alongside the multitude of comfort and convenience amenities it comes with makes it one of the best beginner yachts in the market today.

 Jeanneau  →

● Ample living space and storage ● Great value for money ● Open ergonomic layout

● Not ideal for ocean crossing

Regal 36 XO

If you’re looking for a yacht that combines both comfort and functionality, the Regal 36 XO delivers on both fronts. This beauty is powered by two outboard engines and offers multi-bow seating that also doubles up as casting decks.

It has a spacious cabin, open-air salon, seamless galley that integrates the aft seating area with the roomy saloon, and a windshield walk-through that provides easy access to the bow.

 Regal  →

● Versatile ● Spacious interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

Back Cove 390

If you thought yachts were reserved for ocean-use only, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several models specially designed for lakes. The Back Cove 390 yacht is the perfect example.

Its smaller size makes it ideal for lake cruising. It has a fully-enclosed helm, as well as an owner and guest cabin below-deck, making it perfect for overnight stay.

 Back Cove Yachts  →

● Perfect size for lakes ● Ideal for entertaining ● Delivers optimal handling and maneuverability

● May not be ideal for a long extended stay

Formula 45 Yacht

The Formula 45 Yacht is the perfect liveaboard watercraft. It has all the comfort and convenience amenities you would expect to find in any standard land-based home. It is spacious with a well-thought-out practical layout that makes movement on the yacht easy. It has enough room to comfortably accommodate a small family of four.

 Formula  →

● Best yacht for the money ● Spacious interior ● Comes with lots of convenience amenities

Ocean Alexander 36L

If you’re thinking of venturing out into the rough seas, you’re going to need a yacht that can hold its own in the sloppiest of weather conditions. The Ocean Alexander 36L is built to do just that.

Beyond its stunning exterior and interiors, this yacht’s overall rugged construction is focused on giving passengers the smoothest ride possible regardless of the water conditions outside. Its deep V-hull design and its 324,500 lbs. displacement capacity are largely responsible for the exceptional stability it displays when cruising through the high seas.

 Ocean Alexander  →

● Exceptionally stable ● Packed with loads of comfort and convenience amenities ● Expansive interior and exterior

● Needs a crew to run it

Westport 112 Motor Yacht

As far as luxury yachts go, the Westport 112 Motor Yacht is in a class of its own. This 111 ft. 8 in. long watercraft is built to deliver extraordinary performance inside and out.

It has four en-suite staterooms that sleep eight individuals and can accommodate up to five crew members, including the captain. The interior oozes luxury, sophistication, and a timeless elegance that’s hard to come by these days.

 Westport Yachts  →

● Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas ● Exquisite interiors ● Suitable for cruising the high seas

● Expensive

Beneteau Oceanis 60

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 is by far the best sailing yacht we’ve come across. It is built on a hull that guarantees safety and unmatched performance at every turn.

This luxury sailing yacht has a unique deck plan that allows for single-handed maneuvering across the water. The glossy woodwork, cozy upholstery, and the spacious living quarters below-deck make it the perfect sailing yacht for your ocean getaway.

 Beneteau  →

● Exceptional fuel economy ● Spacious living areas ● Ideal for single-handed sailing

● May not be as fast as other non-sailboat yachts

Having a crew is great and all, but it’s also nice to have a yacht that you can operate on your own for that measure of added privacy when you need it. The Antares 9 is the perfect owner operator yacht.

It is modern, stylish, and compact, allowing you to run it on your own and discreetly slip away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life anytime you need to.

● Elegant design ● Can be operated solo ● Comfortable and safe navigation

● Not ideal for the rough, choppy waters of the high seas

Prestige 690

Let’s get to what yachts are best known for – hosting memorable parties. The Prestige 690 has everything you need to keep the party going all day and all night.

Its open design layout and its expansive deck make it the perfect yacht for entertaining. The elegant, timeless design of its exterior, alongside the breathtaking finishing, are just a few of the 690’s attributes that add to its appeal.

 Prestige  →

● Massive open deck ● Comes with lots of comfort and convenience features ● Sleeps up to 10 people

How to Choose the Best Yachts – Buyer’s Guide

A yacht is a pretty big purchase. So, you need to know what to look for when choosing the right one for your needs. Here are a couple of pointers that might come in handy.

Type of Yacht

The type of yacht you buy depends in large part on your intended use for it. Most yachts tend to fall into one of three categories – For water sports like wakeboarding , fishing motor yachts, or the overnight cruising variety. Once you know what kind of recreational activities you plan on engaging in, that should help narrow down your choices.

Next, you need to consider what size of yacht you should get. Do you have a young family that you intend to expand in the coming years? Do you plan to use the vessel for day cruising, or do you intend to spend a couple of nights on board from time to time?

Will the yacht be just for you and your significant other, or do you plan to frequently entertain several guests on board? This will advise whether you should buy a cabin cruiser yacht, a superyacht, or a mega yacht.

In a perfect world, you would have all the money you need to buy any kind of watercraft you want. Sadly, that’s not the reality we live in. Keep in mind that yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, even if you’re planning to purchase a small yacht, you’ll still need to spend quite a bit of cash to get it.

The best thing to do would be to set a budget and compare the different models on offer from different manufacturers . Aside from the boat’s purchase price, you also need to think about the costs associated with owning a yacht. These include insurance, repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and the vessel’s general servicing.

Figure out what kind of comfort and convenience features are a must-have for you. How many cabins should it have? Do you need it to have a summer grill up top? Or will the one in the mini kitchen below-deck suffice? Ensure that the yacht you get has all the amenities you need.

Last but not least, before you sign any purchase contract, ensure that you schedule a sea trial with the dealer. That way, you get a true feel for the boat before you buy it.

Look Before You Leap

If you’re in the market for a shiny new yacht, any of the 15 vessels we’ve detailed in this guide will make an excellent choice. Do your homework beforehand, and make sure your desired craft has all the features and amenities you seek.

Use the tips we’ve outlined in this guide to help you choose the best yachts from all the different options that are hot on the market right now. Happy yachting!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for the best aluminum fishing boat , we’ve got you covered. Check out our review for our top picks.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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In the August 2024 issue of Yachting World magazine: News Few finish a tempestuous Round The Island Race European rules are eased for cruising to France and Greece Olympic sailing…

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Best performance yachts: Our pick of the top options

• Toby Hodges
• March 10, 2023

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the performance yachts 2022 category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The European Yacht of the Year awards is the most thorough and impartial awards programme – the winners here are widely considered the best yachts of the year . As such the boats nominated by the jury in the performance yachts category can be considered the best of the best.

This year’s shortlist had the full range. From the more conventional definitive style of performance cruiser to the contemporary French interpretation of a lightweight planing cruiser – and even a new brand of sports  catamarans  for the thrill seekers.

Three Italian pure performance yachts and two very different yachts built in Slovenia made for a varied and exciting Performance Yachts category.

Best performance yachts

Winner best performance yachts 2023 – beneteau first 36.

Where once we could assume a cruiser-racer was a fairly standard format design, over the last decade it’s been much more the sexy, perormance yachts the Italian yards specialise in. But as French yards like Pogo and JPK have proven, there’s growing enthusiasm for lightweight planing yachts – and the First 36 is the first real production yacht in that spirit.

Here’s a yacht that puts the focus firmly back into sailing. The First 36 has been kept inviting and approachable – unlike many yachts that can plane, the look is modest, not aggressive. It’s uncomplicated, unfussy and the result is a pleasure for all to sail. It’s more about what you can’t see, the design and engineering, which should ensure longterm demand.

The small, fiddly heads compartment and lack of tiller options are perhaps the only real detraction from an otherwise brilliant collaboration by Seascape and Beneteau, from concept to build quality.

It was their goal to keep this area of the market relevant and prove a mainstream brand can do it, rather than only niche specialist yards. To create a mass produced yacht at this weight and to this foam-cored quality and one that can bring so much fun is a feather in the cap of the First brand.

Grand Soleil 40

The Grand Soleil 40 is an archetypal Med cruiser-racer, and an absolute delight to sail – a feature I’ve learned that Matteo Polli designs tend to share (he also drew the Ecoracer). We sailed the race set up with ORC keel (an IRC version is available too) and six winches, an extended bowsprit and a taller mast. It was one of my most memorable trials of the season in 10-12 knots, with the deep and forward positioned rudder giving plenty of control and lovely direct steering.

The three cabin interior can have one or two heads and different galley options, the cabins are a good size with modest stowage, and it’s all tastefully styled by masters Nauta.

Italia yachts 12.98

At 5ft longer and from the board of Cossutti (who Polli once worked under), the Italia Yachts 12.98 is another cruiser-racer in the same grain as the GS40, but with a markedly different looking white interior. We sailed the ‘Bellissima’ cruising version, which 80% of customers have opted for.

Italia’s yard is now in Fano and its one-shot infused vinylester build looks impressive. However, the deck lacks some refinement and practical stowage, while the three cabin interior isn’t voluminous by today’s standards.

This is a slippery yacht that has a lovely, light feel on the single rudder – the interior styling will be the deal breaker for most.

Solaris Yachts on the other hand has perfected its recipe, tripling its yard size to cater to demand for its sexy Acebal-designed performance yachts.

The Solaris 50 we tested in 2015 and which won this award was arguably the turning point that propelled the brand’s popularity. The owner of the new 50 we tested previously had the original 50 and a 58 and confirms this replacement has nearly the same space as the 58, yet is faster, more powerful and stable than its predecessor (we easily matched 7-8 knot winds under gennaker).

It heels onto its chine and accelerates well, while twin rudders provide ample control. The design prioritises helming experience but the yard needs to come up with a better helm seat option. The interior is well executed, especially the spacious forward owner’s cabin.

The Elan E6 is a big 47-footer, high and beamy and one that leans more towards spirited cruising with generous accommodation over racing. That said, extensive options allow you to tailor it either way, including foam cored furniture and a taller carbon mast for those looking for extra oomph.

It’s a fine collaboration between Humphreys Yacht Design, Gurit, Pininfarina and Elan, while an impressive standard spec includes a carbon sprit and six winches.

The E6 is fun to sail at various angles and gives a nice, sporty feel on the helm – it likes to heel but has plenty of grip and tracks well.

The cockpit is deep and comfortable, with good optional protection and there’s ample deck stowage. A really smart three (or four) cabin interior shows a high standard of construction, finish and styling. It is bulky and you pay for the size in weight, but it looks good and Elan knows how to build a great boat for the price.

Best performance yachts 2022

Winner best performance yachts 2022 – jpk 39fc.

Along with fellow Brittany yard Pogo, JPK has redefined the modern performance cruiser: stiff, stable and efficient to the max. For the keen sailor who wants to get the utmost enjoyment out of hands-on cruising, the JPK 39 is a superb design (and to my eye, an appealing one too), while the yard has done a nice job with the vacuum-infused construction and interior fit-out. The two-cabin version we sailed had plenty of stowage too.

It looks different, behaves beautifully and stands up to its canvas, is designed to sail efficiently with a loaded displacement, and has a deck set-up to encourage you to trim it to your heart’s content. My only slight negative is the unnerving mess the cockpit can become as there are so many control lines.

This lightweight blast will best suit experienced sailors and those comfortable with short-handed sailing. And it guarantees smiles.

Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/European Yacht of the Year

One such sports catamaran is the IC36, an exciting first offering from a new Czech brand that’s packed with fresh thinking. The first turbo version of this cruising catamaran (Independence) is built using a carbon fibre crossbeam, bowsprit, boards and rudders, epoxy hulls, plus a custom Pauger rotating mast, which all serve to keep weight below three tonnes.

It provided some spirited sailing, particularly when fetching at a measured pace of 10-13.5 knots with the code 0. The direct feel of tiller steering while seated in the low rotating bucket seats was a highlight.

The finish quality in the hulls is first class and there is somehow space for up to eight berths. The coachroof features a retractable bimini and removable vinyl side panels and solar panels, while the cockpit table, which includes an exterior galley, is also removable.

In fact the IC36 can be dismantled to 2.55m beam to make it legally trailable. It has so many options and ideas – too many perhaps – all reflected in the price.

Monohull enthusiasts will share our congratulations to J-Boats for its elegant new flagship. The J/45 won the hearts of the jury and made for a long drawn out decision against the JPK. In the end the two yachts will appeal to different sailors and tastes.

J has stayed true to its roots, yet still managed to bring a current, classy new offering. The unmistakable Alan Johnstone lines have been paired with a contemporary, warm European interior designed by Isabelle Racopeau, while much focus has been paid to the joinerwork and the invisible quality. We saw the two cabin version, which has an excellent technical cabin in place of the second aft cabin.

The J/45 is designed to still perform when loaded with cruising gear. True to J’s reputation, it was a witch upwind and could outpoint anything else during our trials. The compromise is that it won’t plane easily like a JPK or Pogo.

The Solaris 40 is another looker from Soto Acebal and the blue steel metallic hull colour of the test boat made the powerful hull shape really stand out.

We liked the recessed traveller, direct steering to the twin rudders, neat folding helm seats, clutches integrated into the coamings and the easy access to the side decks. However, the jury found the cockpit with its short benches and deck design a little too flat and minimalist.

The interior is smart and contemporary, again offered with two or three cabins with two heads it makes good use of the space.

One of the yachts I was looking forward to sailing most was the Pogo 44, and the only one shortlisted that I didn’t manage to! A collision with the photographer’s RIB shortly before my scheduled trial put it out of action.

However, my colleague Rupert Holmes did a full Pogo 44 test and report on it for Yachting World and describes the 44 as designed to thrill and unlike any other pure cruising yacht of its size. The stability from the beamy hull and deep lifting keel combines brilliantly with the ability to sail fast easily and in comfort. However some jury members didn’t like having to rely on an autopilot to use winches.

The interior is like a loft apartment, with so much natural light – it’s minimalist yet comfortable, spacious and practical for cruising.

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Best Boat Trolling Motor Features for Saltwater Fishing

• By Ric Burnley
• August 21, 2024

The trolling motor was invented in 1934, but the first saltwater models didn’t hit the water until a decade ago. Why did it take almost 90 years for the trolling motor to reach coastal anglers? Durability. Combining saltwater, metal and electricity is a recipe for corrosion-forming electrolysis. Freshwater trolling motors died in salt and early saltwater models struggled to survive. 

The latest generation of saltwater trolling motors feature durable components and smart design to thrive in the harsh marine environment. Leading the way, Garmin’s Force Kraken trolling motor is built with tough components and advanced features for the ultimate in boat control to catch more fish.

What Is a Trolling Motor for Saltwater Fishing?

The first trolling motors were small electric kickers that attached to the stern of a jon boat. Bass anglers quickly realized the advantage of mounting an electric motor on the bow to silently maneuver the boat while fishing. Before long, a trolling motor was standard equipment on a bass sled. But the technology has been slow to reach saltwater. 

A trolling motor is a small electric motor on a long shaft powered by large, rechargeable batteries. The shaft is mounted on the boat to hold the motor below the water. Using a hand control, remote control or foot pedal, I direct the motor to position the boat with more accuracy than possible with a gas outboard. With a trolling motor, I can silently troll for skittish fish, sneak into shallow water, patrol an area, maneuver handsfree and hold my boat in one position while I fish. 

Trolling Motor Innovations

Modern trolling motors have some amazing features. The most significant advancement is connecting the trolling motor to a GPS network. With the satellite location information, I can program my trolling motor to follow a course, repeat a course, return to a location, jog at a low speed, and more. When I push the anchor lock button, the GPS manipulates the trolling motor so my boat stays in one position. 

Manufacturers have focused on durability and power improvements to bring the technology to saltwater anglers. To survive salt and sand that plagues coastal fishing equipment, saltwater trolling motors like Garmin’s Force Kraken use corrosion-resistant materials, redundant systems, and sealed electronics. 

The next challenge was generating power to pull a large saltwater fishing boat in strong current and wind. To produce enough torque to move heavy boats, the best saltwater trolling motors use brushless motors that draw less electricity and create more power. Garmin’s Force Kraken can produce up to 100 foot pounds of thrust with a shaft length up to 90 inches to run boats up to 35 feet long.

With the invention of forward-facing and 360 sonar, the trolling motor has become a convenient place to mount the sonar transducer. Attaching the transducer to the motor head, I can turn the transducer to direct the signal at potential targets while watching the return on a multi-function display.

Speaking of the fish finder display, Garmin’s Force Kraken trolling motor uses wireless connection to integrate with Garmin’s electronics systems. I control the Kraken with a handheld remote control, wireless foot pedal, smartphone or smartwatch. Combining these user-friendly features with a durable electric motor large and powerful enough to fish offshore and inshore, Garmin’s Force Kraken is a perfect example of the capabilities of modern saltwater trolling motors.

8 Top Saltwater Fishing Electric Trolling Motor Features 

Adding GPS control and forward-facing sonar completely changed the trolling motor game. The small electric motors are now a boat control and fish-finding weapon. With the Garmin Force Kraken and other modern trolling motors, I program routes, hold my boat in one place, search fish in every direction and fish all day without worrying about battery power. Today’s trolling motors have a long list of features aimed at making fishing easier and more fun.

Anchor Deployment Capabilities

Without a doubt, the Garmin Force Kraken’s virtual anchor is its most valuable feature. I push a button on the remote and the trolling motor works to hold the boat in place. Garmin’s Force Kraken uses a two band GPS for pinpoint accuracy and lightning fast steering response. 

Most trolling motors spin the motor 360 degrees to move the boat forward and backward. Instead of turning the whole motor, The Force Kraken uses a reverse gear which creates less turbulence and responds quicker saving time and energy. In swift current and strong wind, the Force Kraken controls my boat without missing a beat. 

Garmin LiveScope Compatibility

In addition to advanced boat control capabilities, Garmin’s Force Kraken and other top-end trolling motors offer me a place to mount my forward facing sonar transducer. Forward-facing and 360 sonar allow me to see fish and structure in every direction below the water. The transducer turns 360 degrees to search for fish and structure up to 200 feet from the boat. 

Some anglers mount the transducer to the end of a pole that is attached to a bracket on the side of the boat. Garmin’s Force Kraken allows me to mount the LiveScope transducer on the motor. To direct the sonar signal, I turn the trolling motor in the direction I’m searching. I route the transducer cable through the trolling motor shaft for a clean install and less chance of damaging the cord.

Battery Performance

Battery performance is a trolling motor’s Achilles heel. The electric motor runs on large batteries with limited capacity. Sealed lead-acid marine batteries are the standard; lithium batteries are lighter and more durable with longer battery life. 

To extend the battery life, Garmin’s Force Kraken’s brushless motor conserves energy and produces more power than a brushed motor. Also, the efficient propeller and reverse gear reduce the motor’s work load. Running off 36 volts (that’s three 12 volt batteries), the Kraken will produce 100 pounds of thrust for hours of fishing. 

User-Friendly Remote and Foot Pedal Control

A trolling motor is all about boat control, so controlling the motor is key to catching more fish. Garmin’s Force Kraken offers a floating, wireless remote control, a wireless foot pedal or integration with a smartphone or smartwatch. I can even operate the motor with my fish finder display. 

The best trolling motor remotes have large, intuitive buttons and a small LED display of motor information. To operate the motor while I’m casting my fishing rod, a wireless foot pedal promotes hands-free fishing. 

If the wireless systems fail, I can still control the motor with my phone. A few basic features, like anchor lock, are accessible on the base of the motor. When I’m searching for fish, I use the foot-pedal to cast and retrieve while covering water. 

The handheld remote gives me quick access to anchor lock and other programming features. To unlock the motor’s full potential, I use the app and wireless connection to my fish finder to program routes and make precise location adjustments.

When the current is ripping and the wind is whipping, a trolling motor struggles to control a big boat. Garmin Force Kraken has a Turbo Mode that increases the power and torque for short periods when I need it most. Kicking the motor into Turbo Mode helps me limit power usage by saving maximum speed for the toughest motoring conditions. 

Minimal Prop Wash and Obstruction Quick Reverse

A trolling motor quietly maneuvers the boat while I’m fishing. To prevent spooking the fish, Garmin’s Force Kraken combines an optimized propeller and silent operation. The propeller creates minimal bubbles and no cavitation and the shaft turns smoothly. When the boat is in anchor lock mode, the propeller spins forward and reverse instead of the shaft constantly spinning to keep the boat in one place.

Pivot Style Mount

Most saltwater boats don’t have a wide open deck in the bow like a bass boat. Garmin’s Force Kraken uses a small pivot style mount to secure the motor with a minimal footprint. 

When I arrive to the fishing grounds, I rotate the shaft to unlock the release and then slide and pivot the motor head into the water. The pivot mount is easy to remove from the boat and requires less space in the bow, so it fits more saltwater boats. 

Composite Shaft

A long shaft on a large saltwater boat takes a lot of abuse. In rough seas, the powerful motor wants to bend and break the shaft. Saltwater trolling motors have an indestructible and corrosion resistant composite shaft. The best saltwater trolling motors, like Garmin’s Force Kraken, have a shaft that includes a conduit to route a fish finder transducer cable.

The final choice is choosing the shaft length. The trolling motor’s composite shaft reaches from the bow to below the water. Measure the distance and choose a shaft length that will keep the motor below the water in rough seas. An easy-to-use online tutorial makes it easy to build a total boat system. 

Garmin’s Force Kraken is available in four sizes, from 48 inches to 90 inches, to cover boats from 18 feet to 35 feet long. The price at Bass Pro Shops depends on the shaft length, with a 48-inch model going for $3799.99 to $4299.99 for the 90-inch motor.

Alternatives to the Garmin Force Kraken

It’s a good time to be in the market for a trolling motor. The most advanced technology is now available for saltwater trolling motors with up to 115-pounds of thrust and a 100-inch shaft. And the latest motors are finally winning the battle against corrosion with space-age materials and design. The race is on to create the most advanced trolling motor that is easiest to use. All this is great news for saltwater anglers looking to add a trolling motor to their boat.

Heavy Duty: Power-Pole Move PV

Power-Pole’s primary objective when they designed their first trolling motor was durability. They satisfied that objective with a bulletproof brushless motor, reinforced propeller, titanium shaft and redundant systems. 

The Move PV is part of Power-Pole’s total boat control system to link with their shallow-water anchors to stop and propel the boat with one remote. Of course, the Move includes all the advanced GPS features expected of a top-of-the-line trolling motor.

Price: $5599.99 – 72”

Budget Friendly: MotorGuide Xi5

MotorGuide’s Xi5 is a classic saltwater trolling motor that provides advanced features at a great value. I control the Xi5 with a handheld remote or wireless foot pedal. The trolling motor integrates with Lowrance, Simrad and Mercury Marine electronics. A pin-point accurate GPS allows me to jog the boat, follow a course and lock the boat in position. The Xi5 has been around for years, a testament to its durable composite shaft, sealed electronics and corrosion-resistant coatings.

Price: $2549.99 – 72”

Big Boats: Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest

Minn Kota started the trolling motor game and stays ahead of the competition with the largest and most powerful trolling motors. With shafts up to 100 inches and 115 foot-pounds of thrust, the Riptide Instinct Quest motor is appropriate for boats over 35 feet long. Minn Kota’s Riptide Instinct Quest includes a brushless motor , GPS control, electronics integration and power-saving features expected in a premium trolling motor for saltwater. 

Price: $4699.99 – 72”

Elevate Your Fishing With Advanced Trolling Motor Features

Trolling motors for saltwater are more powerful and durable than ever before. I use my trolling motor to troll, power drift, fish structure and silently search for fish. Trolling motors may be new to saltwater fishing, but the advanced boat-control features make me wonder how I ever lived without a trolling motor on my saltwater boat.

What is the difference between a trolling motor and an outboard motor?

A trolling motor is a small electric motor used to maneuver the boat while fishing. A gas-powered outboard quickly propels the boat to and from the fishing grounds. The trolling motor is less powerful and slower, but the motor spins 360 degrees so I can turn the boat quickly and accurately without the noise and commotion of a gas engine. I use my gas motor to travel to my fishing spot, then I turn off the outboard and drop the trolling motor into the water. With the small electric motor, I precisely position the boat to cast or jig more accurately. 

How do I know what size trolling motor I need?

Each trolling motor manufacturer has online tutorials and guides for choosing and fitting a trolling motor to any boat. The rule of thumb is a longer and heavier boat requires more thrust and a longer shaft.

How fast can a troll motor go?

A trolling motor isn’t designed for speed. However, a trolling motor must have enough power and torque to control the boat in adverse weather and water conditions. Garmin’s Force Kraken has a special Turbo Mode that boosts power when the going gets rough. It also uses a silent and responsive steering unit and a unique reverse gear to improve boat control and save battery power.

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