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13 Best Sport Fishing Yachts of 2023

• By Patrick Sciacca
• August 30, 2023

It is possible to fish from any type of boat, but a sportfishing yacht is purpose-built for angling aficionados to chase fish of all sizes and species, whether it’s fun fishing for mahi-mahi off the beach in South Florida or campaigning a pro-level crew from the Bahamas to Bermuda and back pursuing billfish during tournament season. The best sport-fishing yachts combine rugged, blue-water construction with performance, range, agile handling, and the comforts of luxury-yacht living. On the outside, sportfish yachts are notable for their dance-floor size cockpits for fish fighting; livewells to keep baits fresh; in-deck fish boxes to keep the catch stowed and cold; and an armada of rod holders for drift fishing, kite fishing or trolling. They also are known for big diesel horsepower and speed, sometimes north of 40-plus knots. Sportfish yachts are also known for luxurious interiors with supple leathers, granite countertops, high-end galley appliances and en suite staterooms. These are highly self-sufficient angling platforms geared for life beyond the horizon where the water is deep and the fish are big.

Top Luxury Fishing Boats

The following 13 sportfish yachts are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hatteras GT65 Carolina : A customizable sportfish yacht with Caterpillar diesels
• Viking Yachts 64C : An eye-watering 42 knots of fish-chasing speed boat 
• Royal Huisman Project 406 : The biggest sportfish yacht ever built
• Rybovich 94 : A superyacht-sized angler’s dream
• Viking 38 Open : A family-sized express sportfisherman loaded for offshore fishing
• Bertram 61 Convertible : A tournament-ready battlewagon with a distinct look 
• Hatteras Yachts 45EX : Entry-level sportfish yacht with all the angling amenities of its larger siblings
• Huckins 45 Sportfisherman : Built for bluewater angling with the patented and sea-taming Quadraconic hull form 
• Jarrett Bay 46 : A mid-size custom-Carolina sportfisherman with a yacht-level finish
• Viking Yachts 92 : Designed to travel the world’s oceans chasing behemoth billfish
• Merritt 72 : An iconic Florida boatbuilder’s high-end fishing boat
• Bertram 35 : This 35-foot flybridge sportfish pays homage to the builder’s legendary roots.
• Viking 54 Open : This express-style fish boat also comes in a Sport Tower and Coupe version

Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina

The Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina falls in the middle of the New Bern, North Carolina, boatbuilder’s three-model GT lineup, which also includes a GT59 and GT70 . This sportfish yacht has a solid-fiberglass hull bottom built for blue-water duty and comes with a variety of diesel engine options, which starts with twin 1,622 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels.

Like all Hatteras GT models, the GT65 has notable bow flare to beat back tempestuous seas as well as a high freeboard to keep decks dry in the slop. The Hatteras GT65 also represent a design evolution for the series with a “stepped-back flybridge” an element found on in earlier Hatteras models, as well as a new window treatment and hull-side vents. With yacht-level luxury on the inside and a fishing-mission design on the outside, the Hatteras Yachts GT65 is a formidable sportfish boat.

Quick Specifications

Viking yachts 64c.

With its 180-square-foot, dance-floor-size, teak cockpit, options for a fighting chair or rocket launcher, a mezzanine perched perfectly for spotting prey in the spread and enough livewell space to keep a gaggle of goggle-eye baits frisky, the 42-knot Viking Yachts 64C is built for battle with big fish.Its impressive speed, which comes via optional 2,022 hp MTU M96X V-12 diesels , ensures that the Viking 64C is likely to be first boat with lines in the water. Cruise speed: 36 knots at 80 percent engine load. (Base powerplants are twin 1,550 hp MAN V-12 diesels.) For the traveling tournament crew, the Viking 64C has four staterooms, including three en suite guest staterooms, plus a crew cabin with upper and lower bunks.

Royal Huisman Project 406

A 171-foot sportfisherman? Yes. That’s exactly what the six-deck, Royal Huisman’s Project 406 is. The interior and exterior design of Project 406 is from noted Dutch yacht-design firm Vripack . Vripack calls the vessel a “sportfisher on steroids.” The hull and superstructure of the supersize sportfish is Alustar aluminum, a material known for its strength and relatively light weight.

Even with six decks, Vripack has managed to create sleek lines for Project 406. It starts with a high freeboard forward that seemingly dares the ocean to approach. Transitioning from the bow, the sheerline slopes downwards in a steady cadence. The flowing sheerline resolves seamlessly at the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck are juxtaposed against the long profile, creating a sinewy aesthetic, which is no simple feat in this 171-footer. Add in all of the expected angling accouterments and 30-knot speed, and you have a sportfish yacht ready to chase fish around the world.

Rybovich 94

Size, speed and agility is a unique trifecta in a sportfish boat, but the 94-foot, 41-knot III Amigos from Michael Rybovich checks all those boxes as well as a few more too. The sportfish boat , designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture from Dusty Rybovich, is built in cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets help keep the boat’s half-load draft down to a Bahamas-friendly 5 feet. The Rybovich 94’s impressive speed is helped by a pair of beefy 2,600 hp MTU diesels . 

The owner of II Amigos also owns a 196-foot Feadship superyacht and, while he wanted the sportfish to be all business on the outside, he wanted luxury-yacht finishes on the inside.  “Subtle but telling touches are the solid doors to the staterooms; each mimics the owner’s Feadship with ¾-inch thickness. The doors close flush (each has hidden hinges), and the sound is of a Rolls-Royce door closing.”

Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish

The Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish is the builder’s entry point to its diesel-propelled sportfish boats. An owner-operator-size angling platform, the 38 Open is powered with twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels, which gives the sportfish boat 36-knot speed. Notable angling features on board the 38 Open include a 109-swqure-foot cockpit, complete with a mezzanine seating flanking the centerline stairs to the bridge deck as well as a laminated backing plate foe either a fighting chair or a rocket launcher. For overnight canyon trips, there is a forepeak stateroom with a double bunk as well as a single above it. Additionally, the salon’s sofa converts to a berth for guests or crew. The galley is outfitted with Corian countertops, two-burner electric cooktop, microwave/convection oven and drawer-style refrigerators and freezers. Some options include a Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and electronics packages from Atlantic Marine Electronics , both are Viking Yachts’ subsidiaries.

Bertram 61 Convertible

Bertram’s 61 Convertible leads the builder’s offshore series, which also includes a 35 Convertible and the express-style 50 Sport . Like its 50 Sport sistership, the 61 Convertible has a stepped sheerline, a nod to the legendary boatbuilder’s earlier designs. It also creates an instantly recognizable profile. The 61 Convertible is ready to run out of the box thanks to its twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels. Top hop is 44 knots.

When it comes to chasing fish, the 61 Convertible has 188 square feet of fish-fighting space. A 100-gallon in-transom livewell is accompanied by twin in-sole fish boxes as well as rod stowage to port and starboard. A tuna door to starboard makes bringing in that bigeye on board a breeze. (Fish not included.) The accommodations layout belowdecks includes three staterooms. There is a full-beam master stateroom amidships.

Hatteras Yachts GT45X

The Hatteras Yachts GT45X express sports twin 1,150-horsepower Cat C18 ACERT diesel engines that deliver 40-plus-knot speeds. During our sea trial, the GT45X showcased remarkable handling, gracefully leaning into turns without any loss of power from the props. Hatteras has equipped the GT45X with a custom-engineered, sound-deadening system. This feature reduces noise and vibration, ensuring a relatively quiet ride for all aboard. Inside, the yacht has a luxe sensibility with its wood sole, sumptuous leather seating, a fully equipped galley and a spacious forward stateroom. On deck, there are two comfortable helm seats, an undercounter fridge, an ice maker, an inviting L-shaped settee and a table, creating the perfect entertainment area for relaxing after a successful day of fishing. The integrated hardtop enhances visibility with its one-piece windshield and large side windows, offering optimal views of the surrounding waters. To adapt to changing weather conditions, simply install clear curtains across the bridge deck aft, transforming the GT45X into an all-season sport-fisherman. Personalization is key with Hatteras Yachts, and the GT45X offers a variety of optional features. From a bow thruster and additional stateroom to teak accents and a flybridge option, you can customize your yacht to meet your specific needs. With a simple ala carte ordering process, just select your must-have options, start the engines and have your next angling adventure.

Huckins 45 Sportfisherman

The Huckins 45 Sportfisherman starts with the Florida boatbuilder’s patented Quadraconic hull . The Huckins’ Quadraconic name derives from four conical projections that make up the bottom surface shape. The sport-fisher has a deep forefoot and some measurable flare above the waterline for good buoyancy and dry running. A single chine rises from the waterline and then descends quickly to optimize spray control. The deep-V shape forward warps to a flat running surface far aft for efficient planing and excellent roll resistance.

Power is twin 480 hp Cummins diesels, which give this sportfish boat an easy 28-knot cruise. Top speed is 35 knots, so a 30-knot cruise is easily an option. The owner of the 45 Sportfisherman we got aboard is an avid stand-up angler and set up his boat with three flush-deck insulated fish boxes with macerators, a Dometic ice maker, two 28-foot Rupp outriggers, six gunwale rod holders, saltwater and freshwater washdowns, and a four-rod rocket launcher in lieu of a fighting chair.

Jarrett Bay 46

Originally named Persistence, this Jarrett Bay 46 was built for fishing enthusiast and NASCAR driver Jeff Burton. When creating his fully custom sportfish boat, Burton noted that his vessel would be both a fishing boat and a family boat. Fishing features include an in-transom fish box, a sailfish pod, insulated fish boxes and a tuna door (sans bridge) in the cockpit. Jarrett Bay installed three rod holders in each gunwale and six more across the flybridge rail, plenty of rod room for setting up a trolling spread. With upper and lower helm stations (the latter being an owner request), the Jarrett Bay 46 also gives the skipper options if the weather goes south. The Jarrett Bay 46 has ZF pod drives with underwater exhaust paired to twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels. At a comfortable 2,000-rpm cruise, this sport-fisher makes about 26 knots while those diesels consume 41 gallons per hour. Dial it up to a top-end speed of 35 knots and consumption goes up to 58.3 gph.

Viking Yachts 92

The Viking Yachts 92 is the largest sport-fisher the New Gretna, New Jersey-based boatbuilder has ever constructed. Offered with an open- or enclosed-bridge setup, the hefty sportfish boat (displacing around 205,000 pounds) hits 37-knots-plus when powered with optional 2,600 hp MTU diesels. At 2,100 rpm, this battlewagon cruises easily at 31 knots at 78 percent engine load. Dial it back to 28 knots, and engine load is a mere 70 percent. The 92-footer is also agile thanks to the Viking Independent Programmable Electrohydraulic Rudder (VIPER) steering system, a fly-by-wire setup that lets the helmsman control each rudder individually.

From an angling perspective, the 92 has 55-foot Rupp outriggers , fish stowage large enough for a wolf pack of bigeye tuna, space for a season’s worth of baits, secured gaff stowage and enough tackle drawers to handle all the lures and terminal gear an owner could ever buy. The Viking 92 also has six staterooms to accommodate owners, guests and crew for tournament season and long-haul adventure angling.

Like some of the other names on this list, Merritt is an iconic Pompano Beach, Florida-based, custom sportfish builder with a current model lineup that includes 66-, 72- and 86-foot convertible designs. The Merritt 72 is a model that has stood the test of time, and one that owners flock to year in and year out, for its fishability, seakindly nature and the ability to tailor the layout to an owner’s angling needs.

Because these boats are custom-built, the specifics can change from one 72 to another, but 30-knot cruise speeds and nearly 40-knot top-end speeds are common in all 72s, as are massive cockpits for fighting Hemingway-worthy marlin, stout construction for chasing those fish in the blue water and superyacht-level finishes inside and outside.

The entry point into Bertram’s three-model Offshore Series⎯spanning from 35 to 61 feet length overall⎯the Bertram 35 blends a familiar profile with modern power and technology to create a 36-knot angling juggernaut. This owner-operator-sized, Michael Peters -penned, flybridge sport-fisher starts with a wave-slicing, deep-V hull form with 22 degrees transom deadrise. The form is supported by a solid fiberglass hull bottom with cored hull sides for added strength without added weight.

The 35 has a 126-square-foot cockpit ready for any fish-fighting fanatic. Bertram sets up the 35 with rod holders, a livewell, in-deck fish boxes, and a transom door for the big ones. Optional teak decking and covering boards add a custom look. Inside, the salon is accented with teak and maple Amtico soles and overhead dimmer lighting. A wainscot-style ceiling houses rod stowage for big-game gear. Power is twin 500 hp Caterpillar C7.1 diesels matched to ZF drives. At a comfortable 27.5-knot cruise at just 68 percent engine load, the Bertram 35 has a 253-nautical-mile range, making it easily canyon-capable.

Viking Yachts 54 Open

Many anglers like open- or express-style sportfish designs as they enable the captain and crew to keep in close proximity, and the Viking 54 Open , which also is offered in a Sport Coupe or Sport Tower, does just that. The 54 Open’s bridge deck has a Palm Beach-style helm on centerline, flanked by a double-wide companion seat to port and a single seat to starboard. Abaft the helm and to port is U-shaped seating with a walnut table, creating a respite from the sun on tournament day while still allowing the crew to keep an eye on the spread via the open after bulkhead. Across from that seating is an L-shaped settee.

With a focus on fishing, the 54 Open has 154 square feet of cockpit real estate. Two sets of mezzanine seats offer perches for the crew to watch the spread. Other fishing-friendly features include a transom livewell, an in-deck fish box to starboard (with an optional livewell tub), an insulated in-deck box to port, a deck plate for mounting a rocket launcher or fighting chair, cooler stowage in the mezzanine steps (a bait freezer in the steps is optional), and a tuna door. Power is either twin 1,400 hp or 1,550 hp MAN diesels. For owners who prefer a three-sided fiberglass enclosure to a clear-plastic setup—but still want an open after bulkhead—Viking offers the 54 in the Sport Tower version. The 54 Sport Coupe model closes the after bulkhead, completely protecting the bridge deck from the elements.

• More: Bertram , Hatteras , Huckins , Jarrett Bay , Merritt , Royal Huisman , Rybovich , Sportfishing Yachts , Viking , Yachts
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Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

By Brody Patterson

Updated on January 14, 2023

The superyacht industry is a world that offers you luxurious adventures around the globe, from the United States, all the way to the UK, Netherlands, Germany, or the beautiful Italian coast. From the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, these stunning yachts are built by highly skilled professionals, who provide you with nothing but the best craftsmanship.

As a potential yacht owner, you can get inspiration from any of these companies and choose what is best suited to your needs. There is so much to take into consideration, hence we compiled a detailed list of the 25 best yacht building companies in the world to help you out.

For example, you need to figure out first what size yacht you want, as they range from 30-50 feet vessels, all the way to the larger than 260 feet superyachts, and everything in between. Are Eco-friendly details important to you, or is cutting-edge technology and speed an absolute must to you?

We will do our best to cover all these points and more, so let’s start looking at the best yacht brands in the world right now. 

One of the best yacht brands in the 30-50’ range, Wally is an Italian company that specializes in fast motor yachts, but they’re also buiding gorgeous sailing vessels. For those of you who enjoy speed, you will be happy to hear that most of their yachts are made out of angular carbon composite and fiberglass, which enables you to blast through the waves.

Not so much for leisurely cruising, their 36-meter superyacht has luxurious accommodations for up to six guests and six crew members. Its prowess is due to the three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, which have a total power output of 16,800 hp. With its 60 knots top speed, it is one of the fastest yachts in the world.

Founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo of Italy, Riva quickly became a racing yacht legend, and it has upheld its reputation since. One of the best cruising yachts in the world in the 30-50 feet category, Riva offers sleek looks and impressive performance.

Solid stainless steel bow rails, an 800 hp engine, a 13-foot beam, and a 3-foot draft along a non-skid deck make this a very desirable vessel. Customizable to your tastes, you can cruise the waters in style.

Aesthetic appeal along with classic Italian design makes this company one of the most sought after. The Italian shipyard develops innovative solutions like crafting hybrid engines and using nanotechnologies, which make the long-lasting coatings on their vessels have a lower impact on marine life.

Equipped with options such as Twin Gens, Twin Watermakers, Stabilizers, Bow Thrusters and powered by DDEC 12V92’s with Ulstein forward-facing drives, the Grande 35 Metri reaches 25.5-knot max speeds. A stylish, yet competitive yacht.

• 22. Dynamiq

An Italian superyacht brand located on the Tuscan coast, with yachts engineered to the highest standards set by naval architects in the Netherlands. Designed in Monaco, Dynamiq’s vessels will surely meet the needs of the forward thinkers in the yacht building industry. Some of the options available are hybrid technology, with chic and efficient features that are easy to customize.

Ranging from 90 to 165 feet, you can build your own vessel according to your needs. Not only do they look impressive with their cool design, but they also offer you great performance. Impressive specs such as the aluminum hull, with a range that varies from 900nm at 15 knots all the way up to 5000nm at 10 knots and two engines Man at 882 kW.

• 21. Sunreef

Leading the world of catamaran yacht brands, the company produces its signature models, 60 to 100 feet vessels, along with the supreme models and the 150-210 feet power trimarans superyachts. Their shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland, a seafaring city rich in naval building traditions.

They are also known for building eco-friendly electric engines that are great for the environment with their innovative propulsion solutions. Their sustainable materials feature basalt and linen-based structures in the production of their hulls, superstructures, and yacht manufacturing.

• 20. Ferretti

Another famed Italian shipyard is innovative with its human interface, which makes their vessels super easy to use. Ferretti’s fleet varies from the 500 to the 1000 projects, but they are all designed with your wellbeing and comfort in mind. You can choose from different mood palettes for your interiors, such as classic or contemporary.

Their MTU engine, with a cruising speed of 20 knots and a max speed of 24 knots, along with many other impressive specs, makes this brand an experience that embodies luxurious style and performance in one.

• 19. Fincantieri

Fincantieri has a network of 18 shipyards across four continents, two design centers, and a research center, and throughout their 230-year history they have built more than 7,000 vessels. If that is not impressive enough, they will surely convince you with their luxury yachts, designed to your pleasure.

High-tech, high quality, and high performance – these would be the features they stand for, and their unique designs are complemented by state-of-the-art technology. Aesthetic perfection along with the best technological expertise in the industry will deliver the luxury you crave.

• 18. Nautor’s Swan

A Finnish yacht brand founded by Pekka Koskenkyla back in 1966, they specialize in high-performance sailing yachts . Beautiful wood interiors are their signature touch, and their high-tech amenities are up-to-date in order to keep up with a very competitive industry.

Their fiberglass material has brought them to the top in the racing sailboats category, along with the ingenuity of Sparkman & Stephens. They eventually partnered with German Frers Design, who is responsible for many of their Swan designs.

• 17. Sanlorenzo

Ranked in the top three over 80-feet yachts builders in their category, Sanlorenzo has introduced a variety of new yachts in the last couple of years. Their signature light-blue steel hull is predominant in all their models, such as the SL102 Asymmetric yacht, or their 171-foot custom Seven Sins.

Among other designs worth mentioning are their new additions SX112, 164-foot 500EXP Ocean Dreamwalker lll, or the 210-foot 64Steel. One thing they all have in common is that they cater to the American lifestyle.

• 16. Rossinavi

Rossinavi has worked with some of the world’s best designers available to come up with unique and futuristic designs. Some of their most popular superyachts in the last few years have got to be 160-foot Endeavour ll and the 161-foot Aurora. Achille Salvagni is responsible for both designs, but they are quite different from one another.

The Alfa 50, with its sleek modern look, was designed by Enrico Gobbi. Pininfarina, who has put their signature touch on Ferrari, has unveiled some of Rossinavi’s new concepts, which make them stand out from other brands.

• 15. Baglietto

Another Italian company, they have been around since 1840, when Pietro Baglietto started building wooden fishing ships in his backyard. He expanded his company by manufacturing boats for kings and popes, and in 1906 built his first combustion engine.

Eventually, the company was saved from bankruptcy by the Gavio Group and they got a facelift with the introduction of their new model line, which ranges from 43 to 230 feet yachts. Their Silver Fox, which was launched in 2018, is designed by Francesco Paszkowski and it could easily be considered a true work of art.

• 14. Mangusta

The company is owned by the Balducci family and it was started in 1985. They specialize in luxury sports yachts and voyage superyachts, all of which you can customize to your personal tastes. They have built more than 300 yachts in their 34 year career, and they are still going strong.

The Mangusta Oceano, for example, is one of their long-range yachts with ranges up to 5,000 miles. The Mangusta Maxi Open series offers speed, stability and quietness. And their GranSports is a fast-displacement series that covers long distances.

• 13. Princess Yachts

Established in 1965, this British company has grown into a conglomerate with multiple production sites over the years. They build contemporary yachts in seven classes, ranging from open boats to megayachts. Their flagship Imperial Princess, a 131-foot 40M superyacht, has a large interior and lots of natural light.

It is built on the South Yard, which was formerly a 17th century naval yard. Their R35, one of their most innovative models, is built with a foil system which reduces drag and can revolutionize yachting, and was designed by Pininfarina, the same acclaimed design studio that works with Rossinavi as well.

The crown jewel of the Ferretti group, CRN is famous for their landmark Chopi Chopi, a 262-foot megayacht. The different ranges of the military style 180-foot Atlante, the sleek hull of the 239-foot Yalla, or even the high-tech Cloud 9 yacht show the different customizable possibilities from CRN Yachts.

Ferretti invested lots of money into their Ancona Yard, and their tri-deck motor yacht, as well as the Superconero are just some of the upgraded versions of the staples that brought them on the map in the first place.

• 11. Sunseeker

One of the UK’s most important shipyards, Sunseeker manufactures most of its vessels in Poole, Dorset. Their place in the yachting world is secured with four superyacht models ranging from 116 to 161-foot, and their 76 to 100-foot motor yachts. They also manufacture high performance boats, alongside sports and 52 to 744-foot cruise yachts.

It used to only build out of composite, but has since expanded to aluminum with its 161 Yachts. Their ICON expertise, design and market savvy is keeping them competitive in the yachting world.

• 10. Royal Huisman

One of the oldest shipyards from Holland, they have been around since 1884. They have three large facilities, one in Vollenhove, one in Amsterdam, and a third in Emden, where they can build large yachts up to 266 feet. Their fleet is well known for their sailing superyachts Gliss, Antares and Sea Eagle among many others.

The Ngoni, a 190-foot is built with an eclectic interior, and the 184-foot classic Aquarius are some of their popular models. Project Phi is their newest addition to an already solid fleet and the Apex 850 concept will be probably turned into reality too. 

• 9. Perini Navi

Two yards in Italy and a third in Turkey are the places where the newest additions to their line up are being built right now. Restructuring of the company’s management in 2017 resulted in a major refresh of their fleet too. New lines such as the E-volution Yacht series, the Argonaut, Heritage and Voyager are going to be the new focus for Perini Navi.

Sometimes a change is needed, and their new innovations have proven successful. Their hybrid-powered models such as the Eco-tender are built to keep up with the changes necessary for the environment.

• 8. Nobiskrug

Located in Northern Germany, Nobiskrug operates from two facilities which build vessels ranging from 197 to 1,398 feet. The 115 year old company is a pioneer in the superyacht division with their 2000 Tatoosh model. They employ more than 1,000 professionals who excel in the business.

The 262 foot Artefact was launched only last year, and at 2999 GT it is the largest superyacht by volume in the world. It is also the first in the world to meet IMO Tier lll emissions regulations. In-house production of everything from hull construction to mechanical work makes them one of the most diverse and eco-friendly companies in their category.

• 7. Feadship

The famous Dutch company comprises De Vooght Naval Architects, De Vries and Van Lent family yards, with locations in Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Kaag, and Makkum. Responsible for dozens of custom launches over the last seven decades, they are considered Holland’s powerhouse.

Symphony, a 333-foot pioneer to cross the 100-meter mark, and the 312-foot Faith has its own helicopter pad with hangar on the foredeck, and on the aft deck a glass floor swimming pool. They are just some of their more famous models, they have many others you can research if interested.

One of the best superyacht builders in the world, this Dutch company is based in Vlissingen. Operating for more than 100 years, they offer the Full Custom and Limited Editions, ranging from 108 to 272 foot LOA. The facilities are used for both military and commercial vessels, and they employ the most skilled workers in the industry.

Their most noteworthy launches in the last couple of years are the 243-foot Universe, the 205-foot Sea & US, along the 189-foot Volpini 2. The potential owners are able to customize both interiors and exteriors according to their taste.

One of the oldest and largest superyacht builders in the world, Benetti has been making custom and semi custom builds since 1875. They currently have 97 yachts under build larger than 78 feet. The Ironman, Metis and Spectre are some of their newest additions. The FB277 351-foot gigayacht is currently being under construction at the Livorno yard.

Their Luminosity is believed to be valued at more than 200 million EUR and became one of the top 10 largest Superyachts delivered in 2019. Pretty amazing!

Founded in 1978, this Dutch superyacht brand specializes in custom-made builds. Therefore, their fleet is limited, so there are three different ways to own a Heesen boat. Through the Pure Custom program the buyer can order a unique individual design and engineering.

The Platform Concept program offers custom exterior design but standard engineering, and the third option is to buy a brand new custom superyacht as soon as it is made available for purchase. The Galactica Super Nova is their largest built at 230 feet, and their Maximus, with an open cockpit and a swimming pool with a waterfall is a special yacht someone will surely enjoy.

A fairly young company, this Dutch company based in Alblasserdam has been around since 1987. They specialize in custom expedition yachts ranging from 262 to 459 feet. The builder launched Project Bravo in 2018, which is a fuel efficient and eco-friendly innovative design. Their green technologies are predominant in their newest addition to their fleet.

Their most famous superyachts are the 311-foot Indian Empress and the 300-foot Equanimity. Their Black Pearl, a 350-foot technically advanced designed sailing superyacht stands on its own.

• 2. Abeking & Rasmussen

Successful in setting new technological standards, this family business is located across the river from Lurssen in Germany. They have been the best in the making of naval vessels since 1917, and they also specialize in coast guard and patrol vessels, as well as custom yachts. German engineering at its best, A & R has been an innovative company who is not scared of change.

They are developing a hybrid fuel cell powered by methanol that emits only clean steam, the first hydrocarbon emission free in the world. The Aviva, a 321-foot flagship has its own paddle-tennis court on the premises.

Lürssen is a family business who believes in producing the best quality yachts in the world. Focused on excellence, this German company is another leader in the luxury yachting world. Their eight shipyards located in the northern part of the country have been responsible for building more than 13.000 vessels since 1875.

They do everything from building new yachts, as well as refitting, repairing and providing maintenance services on the premises. The iconic Azzam, the largest superyacht in the world is 590 feet long , is designed with the best quality woodwork and custom furniture inside a high-tech hull.

One thing is certain if you’re in the market for a luxury yacht, you have so many options available right now. The biggest problem will be choosing only one brand to work with when designing your dream yacht.

We hope you got all the inspiration you needed from our list, so happy sailing.

About Brody Patterson

Brody has worked as a full time staff writer for Luxatic for over five years, covering luxury news, product releases and in-depth reviews, and specializing in verticals on the website alongside the tech & leisure section, as well as men's fashion, watches and travel. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best luxury yacht: Our pick of the top options

• Toby Hodges
• March 17, 2023

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

There are many categories in the European Yacht of the Year awards, from the  best family cruisers  to  performance yachts . But some of the most jaw-dropping options come when it is time to choose the nominees and winner in the best luxury yacht category.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

What constitutes luxury for you? Price, quality of finish, comfort (at sea or at anchor)? The broad selection for this category this year includes two from Group Beneteau which show how appealing space can be today, as well as offerings from more typical premium brands such as Swan and Hallberg-Rassy. Pricing is equally as broad: for the same length, one can cost three times the amount of the other.

A spacious production yacht, a premium bluewater cruiser and a highly customised Italian performance cruiser shows the variety on offer in the 50-60ft+ market, while giving the jury some tricky comparisons to make.

Best luxury yacht

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

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The 2020 New Yacht Buyer's Guide

2019 was an exceptional year for boat sales that was driven by new, award-winning models and a strong economy. Our premium brands brought home several significant accolades in 2019, particularly in the under-60 foot range, including:

• Princess Yachts Won Best Flybridge Up To 60 Feet for the F55 by Motor Boat & Yachting
• Absolute Yachts brought home the same award for their Navetta 48 at the Asia Boat Awards
• Prestige Yachts won Best Sports Cruiser Up To 55 Feet with the 520S and the 590 Flybridge was a finalist for Best of Boats
• And while there's no award for Sportfishing Yachts, we're confident that Viking Yachts would have won with the new 46 Billfish
• The 2021 New Yacht Buyer's Guide is now released.

The 2020 New Yacht Buyer's Guide reviews the most exciting new boats from the top yacht brands in the world. SI Yachts makes it easy for you to have the newest and best out on the water with our trade-in program, our expertise in helping you order the right options for your new yacht, and our industry-leading service team. Contact us today to talk about what your boating plans are by calling our main office at (718) 984-7676 or by email at [email protected] . 

New Models For 2020 Below In Order By Length :

Princess Yachts X95

Princess Yachts is nearing completion of the new X95 and as of just mid-February had been placed into the water for the first time. While the U.S. debut will be the 2020 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, there are order slots available for this exceptional new creation from one of the industry's hottest builders. Designed for long-distance luxury cruising, the X95 has a fuel capacity of over 3,500 gallons and is powered with twin MAN V12 1,900mhp engines. This is perhaps the most exciting new yacht under 100-feet that truly has the mega-yacht feel to it. For more photos, follow this link .

Prestige Yachts X70

The all-new Prestige X70 is one of the most anticipated new boat premiers in 2020. Scheduled to debut at the Cannes Boat Show in September, it will be the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show before the U.S. market gets to see it. The big design change on the X70 is undoubtedly the side-decks being moved to the flybridge which allows the interior walls to be expanded providing greater interior volume. There is a staircase leading from the bow to the flybridge as well as in the cockpit. Stay up to date with the new X70 as they become available here: https://www.siyachts.com/yachting-news-and-events/introducing-the-prestige-x70-luxury-motor-yacht For more photos, follow this link .

Absolute Yachts Navetta 64

The Absolute Navetta series has taken the marine industry by storm thanks to its combination of fuel-efficient, long-distance cruising features and it's really interesting social space enhancements. Absolute continually integrates new ideas into their models from owner feedback and the results are remarkable. The new Navetta 64 will feature an optional VIP cabin in what is normally the transom garage. This additional VIP "Beach Club" features a complete living space and doors that open for a true water's edge view. For more photos, follow this link .

Absolute Yachts 62 Flybridge

Absolute Yachts continues its spectacular display of innovative and thoughtful design with the new 62 Flybridge. A perfect combination of Italian style, luxurious fit-and-finish, and highly sociable living areas, the 62 Fly is an excellent choice for cruising or overnight entertaining with friends. From the aft cockpit sunshade that pulls down to the hydraulic bathing platform, to the wrap-around flybridge seating under the opening sunroof, Absolute has achieved yachting perfection with the 62. For more photos, follow this link .

Princess Yachts S62

The Princess S62 is a new, refreshed model of the popular S60. The S62 received a new window-line that is similar to the updated design that Princess is now integrating into their latest models. The sleek exterior combined with MAN V8 1200 engines, and a 38 knot top speed, provides a truly exhilarating driving experience from the sport bridge helm. Expect Princess quality from the electro-hydraulic bathing platform to the foredeck lounge area. Stay tuned to SI Yachts for more information on the S62 as it becomes available. For more photos, follow this link .

Prestige Yachts 590S

Prestige has evolved its sport yacht line with the new 590S thanks for the incredibly talented design team collaboration between Garroni Design, JP Concepts, and the Prestige engineers. Luxury, comfort, and performance outline the characteristics of the newest Prestige model that feature three separate sun-bathing or socializing areas of the boat. Powered with a paid of Cummins 8.3L 600HP engines (with Zeus pod drives), the 590S can hit a wide open throttle speed of 30 knots. Playing on the ocean never looked quite so amazing! For more photos, follow this link .

Princess Yachts V55

The striking new Princess V55 has all of the best characteristics of the popular V-class series. The innovative new design of the cockpit maximizes your enjoyment on the water through the L-shaped seating, large aft sunpad, folding teak table, wetbar, electric BBQ grill, and an incredible sound system. Whether anchoring up to enjoy the sun or cruising for days at a time, you'll never get tired of the V55's luxurious appointments. The salon and galley are incredibly light and open thanks to the large windows and opening sunroof. For more photos, follow this link .

Viking 46 Billfish

If you love Viking Sportfish, but don't want a larger model and the need for a captain, the 46 Billfish is your boat. Sporty, easily maneuvered, and rigged to fish, anglers love the new 46 Billfish for its performance. The 140-square foot cockpit is large enough for several anglers and includes Viking's signature mezzanine seating. We invite you to read our article " Viking's 46 Billfish Is The Personal Sportfisherman ." For more photos, follow this link .

Prestige Yachts 420 Flybridge

For boaters that want an easily maneuvered, sporty, relaxing experience aboard their cruising yacht, the Prestige 420 Fly is an excellent option. Whether driving from the upper bridge at a 20 knot cruise or sunbathing on the foredeck sunpads, the Prestige 420 Fly offers freedom and privacy for a couple that want to get away or enjoy a weekend on the water with friends. Prestige will also soon launched the new 420S for those that prefer the design and layout of an express yacht. For more photos, follow this link .

HCB Yachts 42 Siesta (Model Refresh)

While the HCB Yachts 42 Siesta isn't a new model, the 2020 version as has refreshed features. The hull shape has undergone some slight improvements that have resulted in increased speed, faster planing, and overall better performance. The cabin below deck was also re-designed and now offers greater interior volume for overnight fishing or cruising trips. For more photos, follow this link .

Viking Yachts 38 Open

The 38 Open Billfish gives Viking another sub-40 foot sportfish with the amenities and performance that center-console owners crave. Perfect for the owner/operator that enjoys fishing and cruising, the overnight accommodations are luxurious and comfortable. Nothing can match Viking quality in the sportfish market and the 38 Open Billfish has everything you could ask for in a fishing boat. For more photos, follow this link .

Valhalla Boatworks V-37

Viking's new center-console line, Valhalla Boatworks , has absolutely amazed everyone that has had the opportunity to see them at boat shows and so far over 100 have been sold. While all 3 models technically came out in 2019, it was towards the end of the year and are considered 2020 models. The new V-37 is available at our Freeport, NY location. Come experience a new style and quality of center-console that only a legendary company like Viking could achieve. For more photos, follow this link .

Please don't hesitate to give us a call about pricing, options, and availability of any of these models. We are stocking dealers for each brand and can take your existing boat in on trade. Call us today at (718) 984-7676 to get started. Here is a link to last year's article: 2019 Yacht Buyer's Guide .

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10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2023 Edition

Table of Contents

There are countless boat manufacturers and brands, each building unique models. Big ones, small ones, boats with one hull , boats with two or three hulls, boats with pontoons, boats for fishing, boats for cruising, boats for wakeboarding, and more. When you first start looking at boats, this can overwhelm you. You don’t have to search alone; we’ll guide you! Let’s look at 10 of the leading boat manufacturers and brands up-to-date together: 

• Cruisers Yachts 
• Sea Ray 
• Azimut 
• Monterey 
• Chaparral 
• Leopard 
• Everglades 
• Grady White 
• Bennington 
• Malibu 

Rent, Charter, Share— Only at Boatsetter

Cruisers Yachts

Wisconsin-based Cruisers Yachts has been building boats since 1904. It currently has Cantius and GTS lines, with 15 different models between them. The boats range in length overall from 34 feet to 60 feet and can come with everything from open tops to closed tops to flybridges. Generally speaking, Cruisers makes boats for cruising with friends and family. ou can find these boats on the nation’s coasts and on larger lakes. 

Sea Ray is based in Tennessee and has been building boats since 1959. Its Sundancer line is one of the most ubiquitous on America’s waterways; the company also has an SLX series of luxury cruisers, an SDX series for family day-boating, and an SPX series of sport boats that you can sometimes rent with things like wakeboarding towers built-in. You could rent multiple Sea Ray boats on Boatsetter and have a different boating experience every single time. 

Azimut is an Italian boatbuilder that was founded in 1969, and today is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group of shipyards and other companies. Azimut itself has six lines of boats: Fly, S, Grande, Magellano, Verve, and Atlantis. Within those lines, multiple sizes offer increasingly larger versions with more and more features. Overall, Azimut builds boats intended for higher-speed family cruising with chic Italian style. 

Florida’s Monterey Boats got its start in 1985. It has four models currently available: Super Sports, Outboard, M Series (which come with lots of options, so there are lots of versions of them on the waterways), and Sport Boats. When you combine all the lines and sizes within the lines, about 30 different Monterey boats are available—which means many rental opportunities. 

Georgia-based Chaparral boats have been in business since 1965. It makes five lines of boats: SSI Sport Boats, SSI Outboards, SSX Luxury Bowriders, OSX Luxury Outboard Sport Boats , and the Surf line of wakesports boats. Quite a few of Chaparral’s models can be trailered to and from different locations, and the various models can be outfitted with features for cruising, fishing, and water sports. 

Leopard Catamarans builds its boats in Cape Town, South Africa. As the company’s name states, these are cats, not monohulls, which means they have two hulls instead of one. Leopard cats come in power and sail varieties, from about 40 to 53 feet in length overall. Because they’re catamarans , boats with these lengths are much wider than monohulls, giving people more room to stretch out on board.

Florida’s Everglades is a favorite brand among boaters who like to catch fish. The company builds center consoles, dual consoles, and bay boats, and some of its models are regularly seen hunting for big game during professional-angler tournaments in the offshore canyons. On these boats, expect to find things like rod holders, outriggers, bait stations, and other features that are intended to make a day of fishing even more fun. 

Grady-White

Grady-White , based in North Carolina, has been building boats since 1959. It has long been known for its coastal fishing boats, with five lines available today: Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Coastal Explorers, Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins. Many of these boats can be ordered with features that make them equally great for family cruising and fishing, so check the Boatsetter listings for specifics when deciding which one to rent.

Indiana’s Bennington is a leading brand name in pontoon boats, which are often available for rent on lakes and other inland waterways. These are wide, stable boats that can be used for family cruising. Parents with small children tend to like pontoon boats because of the higher sides all around. Bennington makes four lines: the customizable Q Line, the sporty R Bowrider line, the higher-end LX Sport line, and the more traditional SX line. 

Malibu Boats in Tennessee is a brand that’s synonymous with wakeboarding and other tow sports. It makes a dozen different styles of boats that are shaped and outfitted in ways that produce fun-to-ride wakes, step-up features to make it easier to get in and out of the water, seating that lets passengers look forward or aft (at the wakeboarders in the water) and soft-grip flooring so there’s less of a chance of wet feet slipping. The premium sound systems are pretty darn cool, too.

One of the great things about learning through Boatsetter is that you can book a different builder, and even a different model from that builder, every time you head out on the water. Boatsetter rentals are a terrific way to learn which brands and styles of boats are ideally suited to the type of fun you want to have on board. 

About Boatsetter 

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain . 

Put your boat to work. Earn an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines. 

Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.

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Best Yacht Brands: Discovering the Top Choices Today

3rd mar 2023 by samantha wilson.

Yachting is big business, and reports state that in the United States alone the recreational boating industry is worth approximately $170 billion. With boating on the rise all across the world, we take a look at the best boat brands of 2023 in several different categories. 

What are the Top 10 Yacht Brands in the United States?

The boating world spans one of the greatest ranges of any industry, with everything from the tiniest of skiffs up to the largest of luxury superyachts in its repertoire. Yet terminology and classification is often a gray area, with lots of overlap. A yacht could be a sailing yacht or a motor yacht, and from there further sub-categorized into superyachts, trawler yachts, sport fishing yachts, and so many more. When we look at the top 10 best yacht brands on the market, it’s easy to end up comparing apples and oranges. The best in one category might not make it onto the best in another, purely because of the style of yachts they produce. So here we have listed – in no particular order - the Top 10 best yacht brands in the United States by their popularity and quantities of yachts sold. More information:  An Overview of the Many Types of Yachts

Photo credit: Boston Whaler

1. Boston Whaler : There isn’t a marina in the US that doesn’t have a Boston Whaler in it, such is the huge popularity of this American born manufacturer. With a big inventory of fishing and cruising yachts, and an impressive safety record, Boston Whaler’s are in high demand both new and used. 

2. Grady-White : Established in 1959 in the US, Grady-White are pioneers in the sportfishing and walkaround yacht category, specializing in dual and center console saltwater fishing boats. Renowned for being reliable, safe, elegant and offering high performance, they provide long-term value in both the new and used markets.  

3. Sea Ray Boats : Sea Ray have been building some of the best sport cruiser yachts in the US since their founding in 1959. Today they remain one of the most popular, with a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction, as well as attention to detail. 

4. Regal Boats : Orlando-based Regal Boats have been manufacturing high quality sport cruiser yachts, bowriders, watersports boats and express cruisers since 1969, and in 1995 launched their revolutionary FasTrac hull which set industry standards and won many awards. Today it continues to form the backbone of their designs. 

5. Carver Yachts : Another all-American company with roots in the 1950s, Carver Yachts specialized in spacious, highly functional, and dependable world-class cruising yachts which stand the tests of time. While they closed their doors in 2021, their yachts, which range from 34 to 50 feet, are highly sought after on the used market. 

6. Bayliner : The super popular Bayliner brand produces some of the smallest boats on this list with their range of luxurious deck, fishing and center console models, but with state of the art engineering and elegant profiles, they are always sought after whether new or used. 

7. Viking Yachts : Based in New Jersey, USA, Viking are a legendary American yacht brand best known for their sportfishing yachts and motor boats in the 37-92 ft. range. For over six decades they have made a name for themselves as world leaders in luxurious, high performance cruising yachts. 

8. Chris-Craft Boats : Chris-Craft is an American cultural icon with nearly 150 years of heritage in creating recreational boats. Today they continue their legacy with their ranges of day boats, overnight cruisers and center consoles which offer timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship. 

9. Westport Yachts : The largest yacht builder in North America, Westport have been leading the industry since 1964. They specialize in the production of large motor yachts, and were pioneers in the use of composite material in boats. 

10. Ocean Alexander : Originally based in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander operates out of its home base in Merritt Island, Florida and has been one of the world’s best loved yacht brands since 1977. Their inventory ranges from the 45 foot Divergence Coupe, a yacht crossed with a sport boat, all the way up to some of the most acclaimed superyachts ever built. 

What are the Best Luxury Yacht Brands in the World?

The superyacht industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the boating world, and the number of superyachts gracing our oceans has more than doubled in the last 10 years. Categorized as yachts (both motor and sail) over 78 feet, they are the largest and most luxurious vessels in the world costing millions of dollars. The heart of the superyacht manufacturing industry is in Europe, with many of the world’s top superyacht brands based in Italy, France, the Netherlands and Germany, but with builders in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia also making big waves. Superyachts set the bar for the entire boating industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and engineering. Here we list (in no particular order) some of the top superyacht manufacturers in the world.

• Princess Yachts
• Royal Huisman
• Ocean Alexander

Difference Between a Superyacht and a Megayacht

What are the Best Trawler Yacht Brands?

The slow, sturdy trawler has had one of the most impressive make overs of any vessel. Once considered a workhorse of a fishing boat, today they are one of the most sought-after long-distance cruising yachts on the market. These impressive ocean-going yachts offer luxury, comfort, space, speed and fuel-efficiency in one highly capable and attractive package. Where they once would have been left in the wake of sportfishers or motoryachts, today’s trawler yachts are differentiated only by their iconic silhouette resembling a mini superyacht. 

Photo credit: Nordic Tugs

1. Nordic Tugs : These American-built trawler yachts are the epitome of what today’s trawlers can be: luxurious, long-range and jaw-droppingly spacious. They are anything but a tug boat, and built with meticulous attention to detail creating reliable, adventure-bound cruisers that offer a real home on the water. 

2. Grand Banks : One of the pioneers of the cruising trawler, Grand Banks have brought these hugely popular yachts to superyacht levels in a compact package. They have six decades of boat building under their belt, offering reliability, customer service and forward-thinking ideas. 

3. Beneteau : Beneteau’s Swift series saw the slow trawler turn into a mini superyacht, and with over 1,300 sales to date, it is one of the most popular brands on the market. Beneteau are world leaders in creating large superyachts, and they have put all of that expertise into this smaller range which culminates in the Grand Trawler 62. 

4. Ranger Tugs : American-born Ranger Tugs brought their expertise of building small cruisers and designed a series of trawlers. And forget pocket yachts, these are full-scale trawlers which promise adventure and long-range exploration. With their CB range, they created a unique flybridge which is home to an upper helm, galley and dinette and pushes conventional trawler design. 

5. Nordhavn : Nordhavn produces well-engineered, high performance trawler yachts ranging from 41 foot pocket cruisers to 120 foot superyachts. Yet each one always retains its trawler image, Nordhavn’s signature look for several decades. 

What are the Best Affordable Yacht Brands?

Yachts are a luxury asset, and where we talk about affordability it ultimately comes down to a buyer’s personal budget. Of course, buying a used boat is always going to be more cost effective than a brand new one, but there are yacht brands which focus on offering quality, affordable yachts including: 

Photo credit: Chris-Craft

1. Carver : Carver Yachts have long been known for their affordability, and even though the company closed in 2021 their used yachts make boating accessible to a wide range of American families. They offer spacious, highly functional, and dependable world-class cruising yachts which stand the tests of time. 

2. SeaRay Boats : Sea Ray have been building some of the best sport cruiser yachts in the US since their founding in 1959. Today they remain one of the most popular, with a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction, as well as attention to detail. While new SeaRays don’t come cheap, their popularity means there are plenty on the used market which can be bought very affordably. 

3. Chris-Craft : Chris-Craft’s center console yachts offer excellent value for money, as well as high performance and plenty of extras. In fact, since the beginning of the 1900’s, Chris-Craft have dedicated themselves to offering boats for the everyday family, whether it was a small skiff or something more luxurious. 

4. Cutwater Boats : Functional, reliable, fun and affordable, Cutwater Boats offer an impressive range of trawler-style cruising boats which do it all, whether that’s cruising off-grid, fishing with friends or spending a day on the water with family. 

5. Ranger Tugs : Ranger Tugs are one of the most affordable yacht brands of 2023, with a great choice of family-friendly pocket yachts and long distance cruisers and trawlers. The R-23 in particular has been built with price at the forefront and allows buyers to purchase an excellent trawler boat at well under the price of most competitors. 

What are the Best Sport Fishing Yacht Brands? 

The United States leads the way when it comes to sportfishing yachts , and their popularity is only gaining. Whether you’re looking to buy used or new, there are some top brands out there producing boats designed for serious fishing pros. Sportfishing yachts need to be fast and reliable, offer plenty of fishing amenities and extras, offer comfort and a great driving experience, and look downright cool in the process. There are many brands out there to choose from, with major players including Grady-White, Boston Whaler and Viking, but here are some of the other top contenders: 

Photo credit: Hatteras Yachts

1. Huckins Yachts : Huckins pride themselves on creating some serious mean machines, and they were one of the first manufacturers to use fiberglass composites for their hulls. Today they produce a unique range of sportfishing boats that are ultra-sleek and ultra-fast. 

2. Hatteras Yachts : Hatteras Yachts focus on what they do extremely well, and that is making some of the best sportfishing convertible boats in the world. With just four models in their current range (but others on the used market) they have fine-tuned every aspect of their boats to suit the serious angler. 

3. Tiara Yachts : Another major player in the sportfishing yacht sector are Tiara Yachts, who manage to combine a serious fishing vessel with a luxury yacht. The results are a range of mid-sized motor yachts which are modern, beautiful and at the forefront of engineering. 

4. Luhrs Boats : While no longer in production, no sportfishing yacht list would be complete without Luhrs Boats on it. With plenty of models to be found on the used market they offer an affordable and reliable vessel with all the fishing bells and whistles you could need. 

5. Bertram Yachts : If you’re looking for a versatile, reliable and powerful sportfishing yacht then look no further than Bertram Yachts. While they take inspiration from traditional fishing boats, they offer a range of rugged sportfishing and flybridge yachts which can tackle any conditions. 

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Top 5 Sportfish Yacht Brands [Buyer’s Guide]

The best sportfish yachts for sale..

Travel further and faster with a sportfish yacht . These unmistakable boats are built with purpose. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy the amenities and speed packed into a single machine, while families enjoy the comforts of a much larger yacht.

Sportfish boats can range in price from as low as $90,000 to upwards of a few million — it depends on the year, size, model, and amenities. If you’re in the market for a new or used sportfish yacht , simply choosing a brand can be overwhelming. We narrowed down the top 5 sportfish brands and examples of yachts for sale with Denison.

1. Bertram Yachts

Bertram sportfish yachts are legends in the marine industry. Their business history began over 60 years ago when the 31 Bertram won the Miami to Nassau Offshore Race. That boat and her performance set the stage for Bertram’s continued success and reputation. Today, Bertram boats are the result of state-of-the-art construction techniques, incorporating vacuum resin-infused composite construction.

Bertram delivers unmatched performance and luxury while still delivering a tournament-winning fishability. For example, the new Bertram 61 , which revolutionized the deep-V hull. This hardcore fishing machine is constructed using cutting-edge composite materials; it incorporates the raised deck and stepped shear of the past with present day elements for a unique look that is all Bertram. And the ride is better than ever.

2. Viking Yachts

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the word ‘Viking’? Scandinavian seafaring warriors… and the New Jersey-based boat brand. Viking Yachts was founded by brothers Bob and Bill Healey in 1964. The business soon become a leader in semi-custom fiberglass yacht production with over 4,000 Viking sportfish and motor yachts delivered. Viking’s highly regarded seafaring reputation is rooted in its commitment to producing 90 percent of the boat in-house.

Viking sportfish yachts are characterized by their massive presence and deep-V hull. Like NINA MARIE , an 82’ Viking 2010. Her 5 stateroom, 6 head layout has the interior volume of a much larger motor yacht, yet the seakeeping ability of a Viking sportfish. This used Viking yacht for sale is powered by twin MTU M93 16V2000 2400HP with just 1800 hours.

3. Hatteras Yachts

When your slogan is “experience life without limits” then you’ve caught our attention. Hatteras sportfish yachts are designed and built to offer an unmatched boating experience. The business began in 1959 in North Carolina, when founder and marlin fisherman Willis Slane envisioned a fishing vessel that could withstand the unforgiving waters off Cape Hatteras. 

In 1960, the company introduced the Hatteras 41 Convertible, the first all-fiberglass sportfishing boat available in the 40-foot range. What followed were continuous innovations and a remarkable legacy of superior craftsmanship, engineering, and attention to detail that remain the brand’s hallmarks sixty years later.

Hatteras sportfish yachts – such as JUST LIKE THAT , a 70’ Hatteras 1999 – offer plenty of outriggers, rod holders, storage, and spacious lounge areas. This used Hatteras for sale features an aft cockpit that’s a fisherman’s dream with a molded-in transom fish box, updated refrigerator/freezer plates, fresh/salt water wash downs, rod holders, and built in step boxes. The Hatteras modified-V hull delivers a sharp entry and a stable ride. No pounding here.

4. Merritt Yachts

Merritt’s Boat and Engine Works is a family-owned and operated business that started in 1948. The yard is located in Pompano Beach, Florida, and has gained a reputation for high-quality work and friendly customer service. The first boats built by Merritt were strictly for catching tuna. But they lacked creature comforts. With enhancements over the years, the small mom-and-pop business became known for building all-around outstanding boats.

EL CHUPACABRA is an 80-foot Merritt built in 2006 that boasts a high-quality composite construction and exceptional craftsmanship. Her unmistakable profile is bound to attract attention on the water as she’s powered by MTU M91 16V2000 engines. Run, don’t walk to this opportunity to own a classic Merritt sportfish .

5. Cheoy Lee

Cheoy Lee is backed by five generations of shipbuilding expertise. The company began in Hong Kong in 1936 building merchant sailing vessels during World War II. By the 1950s, the Cheoy Lee began building motor yachts while embracing the latest technological advances. Today, the company builds semi-custom yachts for owners who value performance, innovation, quality, and service.

FOUR ACRES , a 70’ Cheoy Lee 1988, remains one of the more aggressively styled big sportfishing yachts in the late-model marketplace. The ride is soft and dry as she’s built on a double-V bottom and Carolina flare bow. The accommodations of the boat rival those of a good-sized motor yacht thanks to an impressive 20-foot beam. This used sportfish for sale is available with Denison.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or veteran boat owner, a sportfish is an exciting purchase. You’ll gain access to a different world of boating and fishing thanks to advanced technology, amenities, and performance. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find your next sportfish yacht.

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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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The 8 Best New British Yachts on the Water, From Sunseeker to Fairline

Quality among the top u.k. builders is always a given. it's the range of yacht designs that may surprise you..

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As an island, boats have always been the lifeblood of Great Britain. And many British yacht builders continue to uphold the country’s proud naval and maritime traditions. While there are a handful of superyacht builders, the UK isn’t known for eye-wateringly huge megayachts or avant-garde design—though that has changed as its largest international brands compete with the style-obsessed Ferretti Group and Azimut brands.

But what you do find with the Brits is well engineered vessels with a high level of attention to detail in both the interior and exterior design. From semi-custom motoryacht builders like Princess and Sunseeker to the rarefied realm of a highly sought-after Pascoe limousine, there’s something here for nearly every yachtsman.

And thanks to enduring popularity, there is nearly always a British-built sailboat from the Oyster yard, somewhere just over the horizon. In fact, whether you’re cruising the waters of the Caribbean, New England, or the South of France, you’ll find U.K. brands along with the highest luxury offerings from Italy and Northern Europe.

Here are seven of Britain’s finest, newest, and most noteworthy vessels on the water.

Project Fox, Pendennis Shipyard

This 114-foot explorer yacht, overseen by project manager Burgess and in build at the Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, was designed around the owner’s wishes. It has a rugged exterior that will be paired with a bright, contemporary interior by QLondon Design. The owner told Robb Report that he plans to cruise off-grid to remote areas like Norway for heli-skiing with his family and friends (thus necessitating five large staterooms). But he also wanted family-friendly features like a sun terrace, wine lobby, open-air barbecue, and DJ station. Of course, the real breakthrough here: The open stern, measuring more than 1,100 square feet can carry a large complement of toys and tenders, but also scientific equipment (the interior has space for a modular lab) for when the yacht is hosting research scientists. “Flexible cabins and connectivity are key,” said the owner.

The ubiquitous model of the Pearl lineup, the 72 received a creative new interior design earlier this year with the addition of a stateroom that gives it two master suites. The U.K. yard has always been high on haute design, offering different palettes by British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, but this double-master suite idea is a first for this size of motoryacht. The yard has recently won awards for the naval architecture of its 95, which approaches superyacht status, and it will be launching a new 85-foot flybridge next year.

Fairline Targa 40

Fairline is also among England’s internationally renowned yacht brands, famous for seaworthy hulls and top-tier creature comforts. It hasn’t built yachts as large as competitors Princess and Sunseeker but has been equally creative with the design. The new Targa 40’s cockpit is a case in point. It has an enticing exterior layout, with the cockpit featuring a foldout terrace to starboard and a U-shaped dining settee to port facing the rest of the deck, not to mention the two sun lounges on the stern. The 40 is effectively a dayboat, but with two staterooms, it also works as a family weekender. There’s a master in the forepeak and guest cabin amidships which is best suited for children. The galley below decks is also very functional. Top speed for the Targa is 36 knots with the optional Volvo Penta D6-380 upgrades.

Princess Y80

Along with Sunseeker, Princess Yachts is the other heavyweight of British yacht building. These cruisers and motoryachts have proven to be perennial favorites on both sides of the Atlantic. The Y80 debuting at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival looks to continue the tradition. The Y80 brings to the table an “infinity cockpit” with a glass transom and modular furniture for multiple setups. It also has a flybridge that spans about two-thirds of the yacht’s nearly 84-foot length, effectively creating a legitimate third deck. The Y80’s owner’s stateroom is amidships and full beam, while it has a VIP in the forepeak. Two other guest cabins are to port and starboard. The Y80 has an impressive top speed of 30 knots, but at 10 knots the range is an even more impressive 1,000 nautical miles.

Cockwells Duchy Sport

The 37-foot Duchy Sport from the Cockwells’ yard in Cornwall, famous internationally for its custom tenders, is designed for watersports enthusiasts. This Sport offers multiple towing points for waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing, with interior space for nine guests. Bow and cockpit sunpads will be popular spots for tanning, while a Bimini covers the amidships. Standout features include a wetbar, retractable swim ladder, bowthruster with joystick control, and of course ample water-toy stowage. The Duchy Sport comes with twin 370 hp Yanmar 8LVs which can get it up to a top speed of 42 knots—a speed befitting of this model’s name. Cockwells is also building a new Duchy 60, a stylized motoryacht that should rival Downeast offerings from U.S. builders Hinckley and Malaysian builder Grand Banks.

The Oyster 495 is a 52-foot, 8-inch sailing yacht that entered the U.S. market earlier this year. A new design from the keel up, the U.K. builder was thinking global circumnavigation, or at least serious offshore cruising, from the onset. The yacht is also meant to be able to be singlehanded by a capable sailor. The plumb bow and teak decks imbue the 495 with a definite saltiness with performance and aesthetics. The cabin is noteworthy for being both ergonomic and well-lit. Reported top speeds for the 495 crest the 10-knot mark under sail, while a 100 hp Yanmar diesel pushes it along happily at 9.5 knots.

Sunseeker Superhawk 55

Sunseeker is one of England’s brands that has a global following. For good reason. The Poole builder has a range of vessels that extend from 38 to 161 feet. Sunseeker is known for good oceangoing performance and creative design. The Superhawk 55 is a reimagining of the Superhawks that enjoyed popularity with performance enthusiasts in the 1990s and Aughts before being discontinued in 2009. Sunseeker introduced the Superhawk 38 in 2020, which had echoes of its go-fast past. This 55, however, is more of a performance cruiser than a day boat. With twin Volvo Penta IPS950s the new Superhawk has a very respectable top end of 38 knots and a feature even Miami Vice hot-boat aficionados will appreciate—slow-speed maneuverability offered by pod propulsion. An aggressively raked profile complemented by stiletto-sharp hullside windows augment the Superhawk’s sporty vibe.

Pascoe E-Limousine Electric Tender

Pascoe tenders reside in the garages of some of the world’s biggest and most glamorous superyachts, thanks to the yard’s dedication to customization. The E-Limousine is the builder’s first fully electric vessel, the result of six years of R&D. Top speed is reported to be an impressive 40 knots, with a range of 60 nautical miles at a fast cruise of 20 knots. The builder says not only is this boat greener than a traditional tender but will also offer a smoother, quieter ride thanks to the construction used to mitigate vibration.

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The Most Popular Yacht Brands

By Robert Bowman | Posted On Feb 21, 2022 Updated On May 18, 2022

After walking around the Miami Boat Show this week, I had the opportunity to speak with several excited future owners, as well as representatives from many of the shipyards in the 40-foot to 100-foot range. While none of this will come as a surprise to anyone who has been following the trends in yacht sales, there were mixed emotions from everyone as inventory shortages continue and demand remains incredibly strong. As you can imagine, even the most popular yacht brands have not been spared from equipment troubles, material shortages, and shipping delays.

(Keep scrolling down to get to the most popular boat brands by number of sold boats.)

The love and passion for boating that has grown this amazing recreation continues to thrive, while the need for relaxation is more important than ever before. What better way to unwind than on your own personal yacht, enjoying the sun and ocean with your favorite guests! I listened to one couple's plans to take on the Great Loop and had brought with them a list of bridge heights, along with requirements they wanted in a boat for their adventure. They planned on spending over a year on the Loop, taking their time along the way to enjoy each stop. Another gentleman perused over a 58-foot motor yacht with future plans of putting it into a yacht charter program in the Bahamas during season and off the New England Coast in the Summer.

The boating dreams and aspirations were generally the same as previous boat shows, but the sales climate was noticeably different. In some new boat displays, 'SOLD' signs could be seen on every single model on display.

Manufacturers, yacht dealers, and boaters alike all complained about the lack of available inventory - both new and used - with many wait times for new builds 18 months out or more. Fueled by shortages in materials and microchips, along with the incredible uptick in boat sales in the U.S., the current climate is one of quick decisions and fast action. Buyers using a professional yacht broker are more likely to be successful in finding the perfect boat as they can not only watch the market for what becomes available, but they also have knowledge of boats not yet currently advertised.

And for sellers, if there ever were a perfect time to sell your yacht quickly and for potentially over-asking price, it's right now!

Consider these facts for a moment :

• Total U.S. pre-owned sales increased 10% from 2019 to 2021 while the total value increased 57%
• Sales in the 46' to 55' category grew 34%, while the 56' to 79' category grew 38%
• Yacht Sales for the 80'+ category grew 61%
• United Yacht Sales also saw growth of 29% in 2021 , after increasing sales by 31% in 2020 .
• The average boat value, across both power and sail, has increased 40% since pre-pandemic conditions.

A 10% increase in sales is a tremendous surge for an industry that sees nearly $40 billion in sales each year. According to a 2021 market index report from Boats Group, cruising yachts were the most popular type of yacht searched for on the brokerage market. Coming in second place were center-console boats , followed by motor yachts.

"It makes sense that cruisers are the most popular searched for boat," said Captain Jeff Palmer, UYS co-President. "Not only are there more cruising-style boat builders, but the versatility of this design keeps them relevant. People love to go on trips, whether it's to the islands or up the coastline, and the comfortable accommodations they provide are important to the owners." Our team can assist you in determining how much you should spend on a yacht .

( Seen below: A Pershing 62HT is a perfect example of an express cruiser . )

While not a representation of every single boat sold in the marketplace, the below list outlines what boat brands were the most purchased on the brokerage market in 2021 in the United States. If you're looking to sell your boat, whether it's on this list or not, give our main office a call at 1-772-463-3131 to be connected to an expert on the current market.

Here are the most popular boat brands in 2021 *

1. Sea Ray Boats

2. Boston Whaler

3. Grady-White

4. Regal Boats

5. Carver Yachts

*Criteria: U.S. sales only, pre-owned only. Data: Soldboats.com

(Seen below: An excellent example of a pre-owned Sea Ray yacht that is currently listed with United Yacht Sales.)

The brands listed above really come as no surprise as there were simply many more of these vessels built in the 90's and 2000's that continually become available for sale on the brokerage market each year. If we move the criteria to 50-feet and up, the top 5 brands change drastically.

Here are the most popular yacht brands over 50-feet:

2. Hatteras Yachts

3. Viking Yachts

4. Azimut Yachts

5. Prestige Yachts

I would also like to note that Carver Yachts and Ocean Alexander would have been included if we excluded the sportfishing brands. Although Hatteras and Viking both build motor yachts, the bulk of their sales continue to be in the fishing category.

Here are the top sportfishing yacht brands in 2021 : (production builders)

1. Viking Yachts

3. Tiara Yachts

5. Bertram Yachts

There are simply more cruising boat builders than sportfishing boats, making it important to break this category out by itself. Even drilling down further would require separating pre-owned custom sportfishing boats out from the production boats since so few of them are built each year.

(Seen below: This Merritt Yachts 58' is an exciting example of a custom sportfish listed with United Yacht Sales.)

The second most sought after category, center-console boats, always seems to be a dominant segment of the industry thanks to their relative affordability when compared to much larger yachts. The ease of handling and maintenance, normally due to having outboard engines, makes this a popular choice for many boat owners.

Here are the most popular center-console brands on the pre-owned market :

1. Boston Whaler

2. Grady-White

4. Edgewater

5. Intrepid

Please note that many boats in this category are sold 'For Sale By Owner' so exact numbers can be hard to quantify. This data represents pre-owned center-consoles sold through brokers and noted in soldboats.com. Both Contender Boats and   were close behind Intrepid in terms of number of boats sold.

(Seen below: This Boston Whaler 38 Realm is a great example of a higher-end center-console on the brokerage market.)

No matter what type or brand of boat you own, whether it's considered popular or not, the United Yacht Sales will team will provide the right market analysis for you, a clear plan of action on how to sell it, will follow up with every inquiry promptly, keep you informed on its progress, and continue providing assistance through closing. United Yacht Sales has over 250 yacht brokers worldwide with one of the top support teams in the industry. Our network of boat buyers and sellers is the largest there is and we will put it to work for you whether selling your current boat or on the search for a new one. To get started with UYS, call our main office at 1-772-463-3131 or fill out our What's My Boat Worth form to get a quick pricing analysis.

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The 13 Best Italian Yacht Brands

Who doesn’t dream of having a luxurious yacht they could use on their sea getaway? If you’re thinking of purchasing one, consider Italian yacht brands – and don’t decide without reading this article.

Because of their unique dimensions and exceptionally well-planned interiors, Italian yachts are a top favorite in the yachting industry. The vessels are typically larger than 24 meters in length and include beautifully crafted and designed superyachts and megayachts. Italian yachts are frequently preferred by buyers due to their comfort and size.

The 13 best Italian yacht brands are listed in this article to show you the best options to consider when buying a yacht.

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Table of Contents

Whether you’re looking for mega yachts for sale or a luxury vessel, read on to learn about the best Italian yacht brands so you can make an informed investment decision.

1. Fincantieri Yachts

Only in Italy can a Fincantieri yacht be built. It is one of the most famous Italian yacht brands today.

Italy inspires the builders through their surroundings, infusing the magic of beauty into every yacht they build. These yachts are characterized by skilled craftsmanship that reaches new heights, touching the pinnacles of style and refinement.

Fincantieri Yachts represents the pinnacle of Made in Italy excellence. Every Fincantieri yacht is an unrivaled combination of one-of-a-kind and outstandingly original details designed to last and impress.

People who appreciate the extraordinary want to fill their lives with a yacht from this Italian builder as a lasting symbol and an essential example to astound experts and laypeople alike.

2. Benetti Yachts

Benetti is one of the oldest manufacturers of Italian luxury yachts, celebrating Italian excellence worldwide. Lorenzo Benetti founded the shipyard in 1873 to build wood boats for domestic and international commercial use.

With the outbreak of World War II, the shipyard began manufacturing recreational steel boats. Later, in the 1960s, the company started building the first large-scale luxury yachts.

Azimut Holding transformed the shipyard into a modern, technologically innovative company in 1985. Benetti now builds superyachts in Viareggio, Fano, and Livorno shipyards.

Benetti’s product line includes seven motor yachts measuring 95 feet or longer. This Italian yacht builder also produces custom boats in the superyachts and gigayacht divisions.

3. Perini Navi

Perini Navi was founded in 1983 in Viareggio by Fabio Perini, who launched a prototype sailing yacht with plenty of living space that could be sailed with a small crew. These layouts aligned Perini Navia among the best Italian yacht brands.

That vision evolved into the world’s most successful fleet of large bluewater cruisers. Perini then expanded his business by acquiring the Picchiotti shipyard, a pioneer in constructing luxury motor vessels.

4. Mangusta Yachts

Mangusta was established in 1985 as a brand specializing in accessible, fast ships. The company has since produced over 300 yachts, a number of which are luxury sports yachts and voyage superyachts with lengths ranging from 104 to 215 feet.

True yacht enthusiasts also sell yachts that can be constructed from the ground up.

The Balducci family owns the company, which makes beautiful Italian boats in the shipyards of Viareggio and Pisa in the Tuscany region.

5. Pershing Yacht

Pershing luxury yacht builders are experts at making high-performance motor yachts that range from 14.24 to 35 meters. This Italian yacht brand is based in Mondolfo in Central Italy’s Marche region.

Pershing Yacht has a remarkable reputation in the industry. Their yachts for sale are well-known for their advanced propulsion, aesthetics, and functionality.

The company is owned by the Italian yacht-building brand Ferretti Group.

6. Azimut Yachts

In 1969, a young college student named Paolo Vitelli started a sailboat rental business called Azimut Srl. Azimut boats have a unique and beautiful style that is very Italian. This was the start of Azimut Yachts.

In 1970, a few high-end Italian yacht brands gave the new company the responsibility of selling their boats all over Italy. Business people say that the look is why a buyer chooses an Azimut yacht over another Italian luxury yacht brand.

But the company is good at developing new ways to do things and using nanotechnologies to make anti-fouling coatings that last longer and hurt aquatic organisms less. Today, Azimut has become one of the best Italian yacht brands that money can buy.

7. Wally Yachts

Wally, a world leader in yachting technology, combines cutting-edge technology with modern design. This Italian yacht builder is always looking for ways to improve on-the-water enjoyment through performance, comfort, and style.

Wally was founded by Luca Bassani, a passionate yachtsman and visionary entrepreneur, and changed the concept of cruising yachts, creating an iconic brand in both the yachting industry and the luxury market.

Since its inception in Monaco in 1994, Wally has launched unrivaled yachts while continuously innovating the products through an intensive, one-of-a-kind research and development program.

While originally a Monegasque brand, Wally joined Italian Ferretti Group in 2019 and its yachts have been built in the Ferretti Group shipyards in Ancona, Italy, since.

8. Riva Yacht

The historic shipyard where Riva motorboats are made is one of the most famous Italian yacht brands labeled as “ Made in Italy ” nautical projects.

The Riva brand was started in 1852 in Sarnico, Italy, on the shores of Lake Iseo. Since then, Pietro Riva has become a legend in the Italian boating world.

At first, the shipyard fixed up and built local fishing boats and passenger ships. Ernesto, Pietro’s uncle, saw how vital motors were and started making bigger and bigger boats. And the rest, they say, is history.

9. Custom Line Yacht

Custom Line was started in 1996 as an addition to Ferretti’s flybridge fleet, which had boats between 12 and 25 meters long.

Today, Custom Line is an exclusive line of yachts with all the features of fiberglass flying bridge planing boats longer than 30 meters and many ways to make them your own.

Ferretti has made headway into the Middle East, where its legendary comfort (while driving and at rest) is valued.

10. Rossinavi

Rossinavi is an Italian company that builds custom steel and aluminum superyachts from 28 meters and up. It is based at the Rossi shipyard in Viareggio, in the northwest of Italy.

In the 1970s, Claudio and Paride Rossi started the first Rossi shipyard. They focused on woodworking and mechanics. Because the family has always been very knowledgeable about architecture and principles, they were at the top of their field.

Rossinavi is an expert in building with aluminum and steel, and each yacht is made with unique parts. To ensure everything is correct, the superyacht shipyard gets all its components only from approved and authorized manufacturers.

11. Sanlorenzo Yacht

Gianfranco Cecchi and Giuliano Pecchia started the Sanlorenzo shipyard in Viareggio in 1958. They made boats in the shed of the old Canottieri Berchielli, their headquarters.

It wasn’t until 1972 when Giovanni Jannetti managed the company that it became popular for its luxury, beauty, strength, dependability, and stunning interiors.

Sanlorenzo designs and builds luxurious Italian sailing yachts and superyachts from resin-infused fiberglass, aluminum, and steel. The designer’s specialties include maritime architecture, yacht layout, high-tech layout, sales, and marketing.

12. CRN Yacht

Sanzio Nicolini, an entrepreneur, started the shipyard in Ancona in 1963 to build steel and aluminum yachts for the upscale patrons. After two decades, CRN’s clients were mostly Middle Eastern royalty and wealthy Greeks who preferred large yachts.

Today, CRN has become one of the best Italian yacht brands – a global leader and symbol of Italian design, elegance, and competence. The CRN fleet currently numbers over 200 ships, including military and commercial vessels and luxury yachts.

A worldwide symbol of advancement in Italian shipbuilding, CRN creates yachts from the owner’s imagination using his own hands.

13. Picchiotti Yachts

Picchiotti built Italy’s first motor yacht, L’Espresso , in 1902. In 1905, it launched the yacht Espero and built Giacomo Puccini’s famous little lake boat called Liu’ .

Picchiotti helped revive the leisure yachting industry after World War II by building the M/Y Kon Tiki in 1947, M/Y Anita in 1955, and the Solitaire , a 42.4m motor yacht in 1977.

In 1982, the Picchiotti fleet’s flagship – the 103-meter Al Said – was built in Marina di Carrara at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania, now part of The Italian Sea Group.

Picchiotti, under the Perini Navi group, supplied 3 newly manufactured yachts of the Vitruvius Explorer Series between 2010 and 2014: the 50m Falco Moscata , formerly Exuma ; the 55m Galileo G ; and the 73m Nautilus , formerly Grace E .

The Best Sports Car From Every Major Brand

D efining a sports car in the modern age is not as straightforward as it may seem. It used to be a small two-seater car with a soft top, such as an MGB or Triumph Spitfire. But few cars like that are still produced. Mazda's MX-5 is about the only mainstream car that fits that description left, so sticking with a traditional definition would make for a very short list. In modern parlance, most people might think a sports car is something with two doors built with an emphasis on fast driving and little consideration for practicality. That opens the field up a bit, but still leaves a shorter list than in previous eras as auto manufacturing has largely shifted to four-door automobiles, especially SUVs.

Despite the shifts in the industry, many excellent sports cars remain on the market. The demand for fun cars with good performance will likely never go away, so manufacturers will always cater to this niche. Therefore, the lots of most dealerships have some car on offer with some degree of sporty styling and at least a moderately high-performing drivetrain. For a more detailed look at that selection, here are the best sports cars from every major brand available for sale right now.

Ford Mustang

The perennial favorite sports car from the Blue Oval has been in production for more than half of a century and is going strong today. The Mustang is a showcase of affordable performance that has stuck to the same basic formula throughout its production, an RWD car with two doors and a big engine up front.

The 2023 Mustang, with a base price of $29,145, comes with a choice of engines including the base EcoBoost four-cylinder engine up to the range-topping 470-horsepower V8 of the Mach I. The Mustang has come a long way over the years, and the current model offers fully independent suspension that offers excellent handling while maintaining reasonable levels of comfort. Interiors are also significantly improved over previous generations and offer excellent quality with a long list of convenience features from a large touchscreen infotainment center to customizable digital gauges.

Even with the 330 horsepower of the base model, which is more than the power of GT models of the '90s, the Mustang is an excellent choice for a sports car. While it is relatively affordable, top-of-the-line models are near $60,000, which puts them into another tax bracket but offers a lot more fun.

Chevrolet Corvette

The latest generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, the C8, strays a bit from the design of a traditional sports car because its engine has been moved behind the passengers. The original 1953 Corvette, however, was the epitome of an American sports car with its curvy fiberglass body, lack of a roof, and American iron -- it would be a couple of years before a V8 replaced the original underpowered straight-six -- powering the wheels from up front. This model has evolved much over the years from a fun and sporty runabout to a full-force powerhouse capable of keeping up with exotic supercars from Italy for less than half the price.

Today's Corvette is driven by an all-aluminum LT2 V8 attached to a lightweight frame of aluminum as well. Continuing with tradition, the body is made of fiberglass, making the overall weight of the car remarkably low. Motivation comes courtesy of the base model's 490 horsepower and is transferred to the wheels via a dual-clutch automatic transmission. For those seeking a bit more excitement, Chevrolet also offers the 670-horsepower Z06 , which gains its tremendous power boost from having a flat-plane crankshaft and dual-overhead camshafts along with many other advanced engineering upgrades.

The current Corvette is considered by many to be the coolest car available from an American company and is unique among its peers. Compared to European rivals the Corvette can be had for bargain basement prices with base models a bit more than $60,000 and the top-of-the-line Z06 convertible setting you back a hair less than $110,000, or about $200,000 less than a comparable Ferrari.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

While the Challenger platform is getting a bit long in the tooth, Dodge has managed to keep it fresh by simply stuffing as much power as possible under the hood. In its more than a decade of existence, the styling of the Challenger has been refreshed and updated but has only been cosmetic upgrades. The car still retains the classic shape drawn from its retro inspiration back in 2008 when it came out and still looks fresh today.

The first release of a ridiculously powered Challenger came in 2015 with the SRT Hellcat, which was powered by a supercharged 6.4-liter HEMI V8 making an incredible 707 horsepower. It was the talk of the town for being the most powerful American production car ever and became an instant hit. Not satisfied to rest on their laurels, Chrysler engineers set out to break that record with the new SRT Demon 170 now squeezing an astonishing 1,025 horsepower from its 2023 model, which is up from the already ludicrous 840 horsepower of the inaugural 2018 model.

2023 marks the year the most powerful American production sports car became available, but it also marks the end of an era as Challenger production ends after this. The Demon 170 is also the most expensive Dodge ever produced at $100,361. As parent company Stellantis shifts its focus over to electric drivetrains, the value of this car, which is limited to about 3,300 units, is sure to increase.

Toyota GR Supra

Toyota showed the world that it could build a world-class sports car when it introduced the MkIV Supra back in 1993, which has since become a motoring legend. Leaving the American market in 1998 and the Japanese market in 2002, Toyota had an omission in its lineup until it brought back the Supra nameplate in 2019 with an all-new model developed in partnership with BMW.

Without a suitable engine to power a new sports car, Toyota chose to adopt BMW technology to save costs but did not merely slap Toyota badges on a BMW Z4. The car's styling and suspension are unique to the Toyota and the engine is tuned specifically for this car. The results of this collaboration are an attractive, sporty, and engaging car with plenty of potential that differs itself considerably from its BMW brethren.

Three years on since its introduction, Toyota offers the GR Supra, so named Toyota's Gazoo Racing in-house performance tuner. It offers a 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharged engine that gets the Supra from 0-60 in just 4 seconds thanks to its 382-horsepower output. Inside the car, you may notice familiar BMW touches such as the Toyota branded iDrive system along with certain knobs and switches, but the exterior is all Supra, and that looks pretty good. Plus, for a sporty car with brisk acceleration that can be bought fully loaded for less than $60,000, the new Supra is hard to beat.

Since its debut in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 , or Miata in North America, has been the favorite among many drivers. Its clever packaging incorporating modern Japanese mechanicals and electrical systems into a traditional British sports car format struck a chord when it arrived and became a sales success from the start.

While the original car was never high-powered and fast, having only 116 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds, its nimbleness, low weight, and balanced chassis made it a pleasure to drive and that is what made it stick with buyers. While many of its stats have improved, the nature of the car has remained. The current MX-5 is modestly improved in performance, now making 181 horsepower, but the rest of the car is significantly more refined. It retains a perfect 50/50 weight balance with improved traction thanks to things such as torque vectoring for superior control. Transmission options now include six speeds in either manual or automatic forms, and driving with either is still a blast.

After 30 years, the MX-5 is still a favorite and one of the few traditional sports cars on the market. While it is also a favorite among amateur racers, it appears as long as everyday consumers keep buying it, Mazda will keep making it.

Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the simple Mazda MX-5 is the opulent and powerful Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63 . While walking a fine line between that of a luxury roadster and an all-out performance coupe, the AMG SL delivers the best of both. Powered by a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 making a healthy 577 horsepower, this luxury cruiser launches up to 60 in just 3.5 seconds. To help tame all that power to the ground, the SL is driven by all four wheels, meaning you will miss out on any tire-squealing fun in the corners in favor of incredible grip keeping the car headed in the same direction it's pointed. That's maybe less adolescent fun, but practical for genuine high-speed driving, especially with AMG's active ride control including an advanced active hydraulic anti-roll stabilization.

Inside the car, you will find many familiar Mercedes touches styled with a bit of extra flair to match the car's sporting credentials. There is no shortage of powered adjustments all around the cabin from the seats to the touch screen. For top-down driving, air vents below the headrest funnel air to the back of the neck, and the touch screen is motorized to adjust the angle to reduce glare. As is expected from Mercedes-Benz, this car offers the pinnacle of luxury sports car ownership but comes with a commensurate price tag. While the base price sits at $178,350, most models will push up and over the $200,000 mark with options.

The all-new Z from Nissan replaces the 13-year-old platform of the 370Z, which was overdue. Nissan's first model to wear the Z debuted in 1970 with the 240Z featuring an inline-six 2.4-liter engine making 151 horsepower. While that car made a good impression and has since turned into a valuable classic, the new Z seems to attempt to channel some of the energy of the original.

While the new car is a fresh and thoroughly modern concept, it displays cues to the original such as the inset headlights and long sloping rear hatch. This continues with the crease running from the fender to the door, the shape of the rear quarter windows, and the horizontal tail lights. We find a more typically modern affair inside with a nod to the past in the triple gauge set sitting high on the center of the dashboard. It is a fitting tribute and successor.

Unlike the original, this car is propelled by a 3.0-liter V6 -- down from the 3.7-liter in its successor -- fed by twin turbochargers to produce 400 horsepower. Manual transmissions may be getting rare, but the Z offers a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic driving the rear wheels only. All this gives the car a time to 60 mph of 4.5 seconds, which is not the fastest by today's standards, but certainly quick enough for most of us and more than enough for public roads. You won't be carrying much luggage in this car, but you will likely enjoy driving it, and that is really the point.

BMW Z4 M40i

While closely related to the Toyota GR Supra, the BMW Z4 M40i is a different and distinct automobile. Developed not to be BMW's all-out high-performance car, the Z4 is more aptly called a luxury sports car. This model is a strictly soft-top roadster with much better-than-average performance on a lightweight platform. The M40i is the high-performance version of this model and carries a turbocharged 3.0 straight-six making 382 horsepower -- the sDrive30i is a four-cylinder car with 255 horsepower. With a low curb weight of 3,457 pounds, 0-60 is just 3.9 seconds, which is fast by any measure.

Although this car is very fast, it is only offered with an automatic transmission as it is not a strictly high-performance model. For fast driving, BMW offers cars like the M8. For those who appreciate a sporty and fun car that offers luxury with a bit more than modest performance, the Z4 is a good choice. Inside you will find Vernasca leather-wrapped seats and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the latest version of iDrive in a typically nicely trimmed interior, although it may feel a bit cramped and the top can be lowered in 10 seconds while on the move.

The current Z4 fills the BMW lineup today much as it has in the past, by offering an upscale car with good performance for those whose priority is in spirited driving over practicality. Pricing ranges from $55,000 to $75,000, which may not be the best value, but then again, nobody buys a BMW for value.

Subaru joined Toyota in development of a new affordable sports car years back and ended up with the Toyota FR-S (now GR86) and its version, the BRZ. Now in its second generation, the BRZ continues as a fun and affordable sports car that offers good performance in a package offering a pure driving experience.

The BRZ went through a major redesign just a year ago after having been on the market for a decade. The updated car remains an attractive RWD sports car offering seating for four, but really only has room for two. It's not meant to be practical, but the suspension and weight balance do make it great to drive and something that feels at home on the track. The 2.4-liter engine shared by Toyota and Subaru models is a traditional Subaru boxer design that offers 228 horsepower. With its modest power rating, this car is not ever going to be a track monster without serious modification, but it does offer enough to be highly engaging and fun to take to its limits without losing control.

The interior is nice enough and comparable to modern Subaru quality, but this car is still all about the drive. It is built upon a relatively simple formula that has been working for more than a decade, so Subaru has not done much to mess with it. This is a perfect choice for those who love driving and have a smaller budget but it also makes a perfect track car without much effort from a few mods.

Jaguar F-Type R75

The big Jaguar coupe is more of a luxury grand tourer, but what to call it doesn't matter once you are behind the wheel of this svelte and powerful machine. The F-Type has been around for some time -- a decade, an eon in car terms -- but remains competitive and stylish still. However, Jaguar has announced the retirement of this model after the 2024 model year, but not before going out with a bang. The F-Type has been available up until now with a four-cylinder in the base model and a beefy six-cylinder in the uplevel car. In an unusual move, Jaguar has scrapped all engine options and fitted the F-Type with a supercharged V8 as the only option, which is available with either a 444 horsepower rating or, in the R75 trim, 575 horsepower.

Jaguar is moving toward all-electric propulsion, and that makes this car a fitting sendoff. One of the things this manufacturer has always been known for is crafting elegant, luxurious, and sporty automobiles. The F-Type is no exception. Although the platform is 10 years old, it is still captivating and still an excellent drive. The age does show in some of the components inside the car as the infotainment and navigation are a bit dated and not up to today's standards. Shortcomings notwithstanding, the interior is an exquisite place to be and very easy on the eyes. Furthermore, once you mash down on the pedal and push the adaptive suspension to its limits, any niggles with the technology will dissolve.

While Jaguar's new electric vehicles will certainly be excellent cars demonstrative of typical English luxury, the last F-Type may make us pine for the good old days. If there is a way to say goodbye and make you long for more, the F-Type is it.

When Toyota introduced the Lexus brand, it created a new benchmark for sophisticated luxury cars. In the intervening years, that brand has come to be known as the reliable partner of bankers and doctors, but not so much the brash and flamboyant well-to-do playboy. That image may be wrong and the RC F could prove it.

You can purchase a new RC with either a turbocharged four-cylinder or bump up to the 311-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and get a car with excellent performance, but for pushing the boundaries of good taste, opting for the 472-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 RC F is the obvious choice. Despite being generously powered, the RC is still shrouded in a relatively modest shell that is careful not to announce its present too flamboyantly, although the F trim provides a few aggressive hints that this is not a car typical of someone from accounting.

Perhaps the best reasons to have an RC F are typical of why you should want a Toyota. The car is well-designed with engineering that ensures it will work as intended year after year. And even though Lexus prides itself on building quality vehicles, it still comes with a generous warranty of four years for the car and six for the powertrain. Out of all the sports cars available, for anyone who wants one to drive every day, the RC F is a solid bet.

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