A yacht can be used for many summer activities. Whether a person is cruising with his or her family, fishing or involved in a racing competition, a good yacht can enhance the maritime experience. There is no standard way to define a yacht, but it can be distinguished from a boat if it has certain aesthetic features and is at least 33 feet long.

Size and Standards

If the vessel is 79 feet or over, the Commercial Yacht Code brackets it as large and will likely hold it to stricter standards during construction. If a yacht’s length exceeds 131 feet, it is classified as a superyacht, which must be professionally crewed. Some large yachts are private, meaning their purpose comes down to the owner’s desires. Other large yachts are commercial, meaning they are used for a business and can’t carry more than 12 passengers at a time.

Purpose

Yachts are built for different purposes. Charter yachts tend to emphasize aesthetics and comfort since they are built for visitors. These yachts usually come with cabins that provide overnight accommodations. Racing yachts are more focused on speed and efficiency. If a vessel has a long waterline, it will generally move faster. A narrow hull can help a yacht drag smoothly across the water and a good steering wheel makes it easier to circumvent weather conditions such as waves and wind.

Systems

A yacht consists of many moving parts. On-board tanks are used to store water, which can either be desalinated with a water maker or replenished onshore. Toilets use seawater for sanitation before ejecting it into holding tanks. Marine engine room parts provide electrical power and refrigeration. More contemporary yachts may use equipment such as radios to aid with communication, notify operators about water depth and provide operators with directions.

Industry

Because yachts have become a large commodity over time, specialists are now hired to represent buyers and sellers. Yacht brokers take care of purchasing negotiations, help with examinations and delivery, and market yachts for commission. Payment can either be a percentage of the purchase or a set bottom line. Compensation is usually clarified in advance through a Central Marketing Agreement. Yacht charter programs are also becoming increasingly popular, which allows individuals to rent a yacht for an event or vacation.

Yachts are great for luxury, watersports and sometimes travel. These vessels come in many shapes and sizes to suit particular needs. Whether a person is a buyer or a seller, there are a plethora of activities to enjoy on a well-made yacht.