SAILING YACHTS

The primary distinctions between the three categories include the level of finish, styling detail, construction and equipment quality, and the designer’s pedigree. Others include the material selection, the level of customization available to the owner, and the yacht’s suitability for offshore sailing or distance voyaging.

High-Quality Custom and Semi-Custom Yachts are constructed at the finest yards in the world using modern materials and the latest building techniques. Custom yachts are, as the name would imply, one-off builds and therefore carry the highest cost when new. Semi-custom yachts start from an established hull and deck design but offer many levels of interior customization, systems, equipment, and rigging. The top semi-custom manufacturers include Hylas Yachts, Oyster Yachts, Hallberg Rassy, Passport Yachts, Little Harbor, Sunreef Catamarans, Royal Cape Catamarans, and more. Yachts in this category are preferred for offshore sailing.

Basic Production Sailboats are the most common, encompassing about 85 percent of sailboats on the water. Their construction is optimized for mass production and efficiency; therefore, the level of fit and finish is lower quality but suited for their intended coastal and island cruising purposes. They are generally lighter displacement boats with pre-built liner structures, cabinetry, and furniture. The systems are more basic, and their installation is less robust than found in custom and semi-custom yachts. Basic production sailboat manufacturers include Beneteau, Jeanneau, Catalina, Hunter, Bavaria, Island Packet, Hanse, Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, Bali, Excess Catamarans, and more.

Middle Priced Production Sailboats offer higher quality construction and finish than basic production sailboats without the level of customization provided by custom and semi-custom yachts. Middle-priced production sailboat manufacturers include Tartan, Italia Yachts, X-Yachts, Balance Catamarans, Outremer Catamarans, and more.