Most Popular Boat & Yacht Types to Purchase
When first starting the search for yachts for sale, you’ll be sure to come across some very popular types. These can include:
With so many options available on the market, it can be hard to answer the question, “what type of boat should I buy? While there are a variety of boat types and sizes to choose from, MMG Yachts can help you weed through the listings and find the right vessel for you. We will work with you when asking “what type of boat should I buy?” and listen to your list of needs and requirements to make sure you end up with the best possible boat for you.
Featured Image: POSITANO – 2019 54′ RIVIERA 5400 Sport Yacht, Miami, Florida, United States
Motor Yachts
The term motor yacht can be a little vague. A motor yacht can be 40 feet long or 500 feet long, which is why the industry has broken them down into unofficial categories: the term
- motor yacht is usually used for vessels between 40-80 feet;
- superyacht is used between 80-200ft (24-60 meters);
- mega yacht for those between 200-300ft (60-90 meters) and
- anything above that mark would be a giga yacht.
Once you’re above around 100 feet, usually the models start being measured in meters. Within these categories, there are different styles, for example a tri-deck motor yacht being the most common and open or express yacht being the sportiest. There is an infinite world of yachts that only a professional yacht broker can guide you through. That is our main goal here at MMG Yachts.
Sailing Yachts
As with motor yachts, sailing yachts also have various categories.
Some of these could be
- a sloop sailing yacht,
- a ketch,
- a schooner which are all monohulls (one hull), then we have
- sailing catamarans which have 2 hulls and there are even
- trimarans with three hulls.
The size, performance and amenities can be very overwhelming to consider, but our yacht brokers can certainly point you in the right direction in making this decision.
Center Consoles
Center consoles have gained huge popularity in the United States, especially here in Florida. They are some of the most versatile outboard powered boats you can buy. While many people see them as fishing boats, there are center consoles that are built to be
- yacht tenders,
- chase boats,
- race boats and yes,
- fishing boats as well.
The name comes from the layout of this vessel, a fully centered console and helm, with access to walk around the entire boat without obstructions. These boats usually range from 20-50 feet and some even larger.
Dayboats
The dayboats category has grown in huge leaps over the last 10 years. These boats usually have
- big decks,
- lots of seating,
- places to dine,
- storage for water toys and
- many even feature small cabins for an overnight trip.
The dayboat market range is from roughly 35-55 feet.
Speed Boats or Race Boats
Fast speed boats will be performance boats whose main goal is to go as fast as possible. There will be limited amenities onboard to make sure the boat isn’t being dragged down by too much added weight.
These boats can be
- monohull,
- catamarans, inboard or
- outboard powered.
There are even speed yachts such as Pershing or an Otam that can usually go above 45 knots!
Fishing Boats / Sportfishing Yachts
As to be expected, fishing boats and sportfishing yachts are vessels with the space and amenities to enjoy sportfishing on.
They’ll often come equipped with
- powerful motors,
- rigid construction,
- towers for visibility,
- a cockpit space that anglers can comfortably fish side by side,
- live wells for bait,
- ice machines to keep your fish cool and
- many other amenities.
Best Boat for Beginners
You might be wondering, “what type of boat should I buy if I’m new to boating?”
To ease yourself into the boating scene, there are a few good options to choose from – center consoles and dayboats are excellent choices if you’re looking at your first boat purchase. These are often small enough to be manageable in terms of navigating, while still offering a great day out on the water.
Boats You Can Sleep On
If you know the boat you want to buy is one that you can sleep on, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions.
- How many people will be staying on board?
- How far do you want to travel with your boat?
- What will you be using the boat for?
- Will it you go offshore island hopping or just local bay waters?
Some of the best boats you can sleep onboard include
- motor yachts,
- cabin cruisers,
- cuddy cabins,
- trawlers,
- power catamaran, or
- for those interested, sailboats as well.
Boat Sales Prices
Boats for Sale under $500,000
Boats for Sale Under $1,000,000
Boat Maintenance: Small Yacht Versus Large Yacht
Regardless of the size of boat or yacht you buy, annual maintenance is key to making sure the boat continues to run smoothly and safely, while also protecting your investment.
Small Yacht Maintenance
With smaller boats, it may be a matter of a
- yacht hull bottom paint,
- replace or renewing any electronics,
- changing oils and filters,
- repairing any cracks or tears,
- replacing upholstery, etc.
Large Yacht Maintenance
For larger yachts, we will help you build a budget including crew, dockage, insurance and other factors to have a clear idea of what your annual expenses will look like.
Yachting is the best form of freedom we have, but it requires you to upkeep the vessel for you and your loved ones to be safe.
While the question can be daunting, determining “what type of boat should I buy?” doesn’t have to be complicated. While we’ve shared some of our top tips here, we’re always happy to discuss your exact needs and requirements in more detail.
Find more answers to common questions about cost of boat ownership, the size of boat you need, yacht charters, sales, and management on our MMG Yachts’ FAQ page. It covers topics such as booking procedures, yacht specifications, ownership details, and more, offering valuable insights for clients and enthusiasts alike.