In this article I will review the different types of propulsion found in yachts and the benefits of each. This will help to understand why certain yachts have the powertrain they do. 1. Straight Shaft Inboard 2. V-Drive Inboard 3. Jet Drive 4. Surface Drive 5. Pod Drive 1. Straight Shaft Inboard Illustration of a Straight Shaft Inboard Yacht Straight Shaft inboards are the most traditional type of propulsion in use today. It is comprised of a rear-facing engine connected to a transmission which has a driveshaft going straight out of the bottom of the boat. Running Gear of a Straight Shaft Inboard Yacht See in the photo above a boat hauled out of the water the shaft coming out of the bottom of the boat. It is held in place by a strut right in front of the … [Read more...]
Buying A Yacht
Different Types of Yachts Explained
In this article, I hope to dispel the confusion surrounding the categories of yachts that exist and explain what each means. There is definitely a lot of overlap in the categories or “types” out there... The types below are put into these categories: 1. Express, Express Cruiser, Cruiser, Sports Cruiser 2. Flybridge, Sedan, Sedan Bridge, Sport Bridge 3. Motor Yacht, Pilothouse Motor Yacht, Cockpit Motor Yacht, Skylounge 4. Tri-Deck, Mega Yacht 5. Sportfish, Express Sportfish, Flybridge Sportfish, Convertible 1. Express, Express Cruiser, Cruiser, Sports Cruiser These are all terms to describe a yacht with a single deck above the hull and living quarters below. This type is known for its sporty and sleek look, like the sports car of the yacht world. The below … [Read more...]
Buying A Pre-Owned Yacht
In this article you will learn the steps involved when purchasing a Yacht available for sale as a brokered (pre-owned) boat. This is a basic guide and cannot act as a substitute for a trained and knowledgeable broker, but will give you an understanding of the process. Step 1. Finding the Right Type, Make and Model. There are a lot of different yacht models and types to choose from. I would start by thinking about what type of boating you imagine yourself doing and what type of layout would best suit your needs. This is where a knowledgeable broker can really help point you in the right direction, through experience he can give you real advice on what boat you could make the best use of. As a start, ask yourself these questions: What is your perfect day on the water? Will I be doing a … [Read more...]
Why Use a Professional Yacht Broker?
Boat transactions usually involve large financial investments. Transactions today usually exceed $500,000, and in some instances can exceed $5,000,000. If you had a $500,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to handle it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $500,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in yacht brokerage without the professional assistance of a qualified Yacht Broker. But if you are still not convinced of the value of a Yacht Broker, here are a dozen or so more reasons to use one. When Buying A Boat Professional Yacht Brokers have resources available to them that most yacht buyers do not have. In particular their access to … [Read more...]
Marquis Yachts Introduces New Line of Ultra Luxury Day Boats
I am excited to see the return of Marquis Yachts to the yachting industry! After a 2 year hiatus the brand returns with a completely new ultra luxury day boat concept. The 420 is the first of this new series, to debut at the Fort Lauderdale International boat show in November 2019. The 420 Marquis will be followed by 50 and 60 foot versions in the next couple years as well. Looking to meet the and enhance the lifestyle of the new generation of luxury boaters, this fresh and innovative lineup is meant to embody the style of it's owner with killer looks and the quality to back it up...beauty that is more than skin deep. Marquis 420 Deck Layout The Pulaski, Wisconsin based company made the strategic move to the burgeoning day boat market after it's wild success with … [Read more...]
Building a New Yacht With Hatteras
Building a new yacht with Hatteras can be a very fun and exciting process! From the initial planning stages through construction and final delivery, you get the pleasure of seeing your dream become reality. All this with the piece of mind that the Hatteras name carries...you know that you will get the highest quality, safest and most reliable yacht available today. Additionally, the Hatteras of today has invested heavily into R&D to deliver the latest technology and designs to keep up with the demands of the new class of yacht owners...available with gyro and zero-speed fin stabilization, joystick docking with position hold, resin infused lighter and stronger hulls, and the latest in interior woodwork and décor. Hatteras falls into the category of a "Semi-Custom" builder, which … [Read more...]
Finding the Right Crew for Your Yacht- Part 2
In Part 1 of this series we explored some example crew setups throughout the yacht size range from 58ft to 150+ft…which can be from 1 to 7+ crew total. How many and what type of crew works best for you is largely dependent on the level of service and care you want for both yourself while aboard and your yacht in general. Let’s say that you just bought a new yacht that is going through the final rigging process and will be delivered in 3 months. With an idea of the different crew options and the type of program you would like to run, you set out to find the people that will make your yachting experience truly wonderful. What is the first step? Step 1. Finding the Right Captain. The captain is far more than just a person who drives the boat. He is a manager of your vessel and all … [Read more...]
Superior Hatteras Factory Support and Service
The Hatteras factory support and service is second to none in the yachting business Hatteras goes to great lengths to not only deliver a superior quality product, but with the service and care to match as well. Instead of following the old dealer model, where service has to be done only at the dealer you purchased the yacht from, Hatteras will take the steps to get your boat fixed wherever it is. For instance, clients that purchased a new Hatteras from me at Tom George Yacht Group can get their boats repaired under warranty in Panama City, Jacksonville, Kennebunkport, Key West, etc...you name it. Hatteras can either coordinate warranty work through local service people wherever you are (as long as they are reputable, insured) or send their own service techs to make … [Read more...]
Finding the Right Crew for Your Yacht- Part 1
So you have made the decision to get into yachting…great! Yachting is a pastime that can provide you, your friends and family with truly unforgettable life experiences. For the select few that have the financial capability to enjoy yachting it can provide the utmost in quality time, relaxation and adventure. Two of the most often overlooked aspects to yachting is figuring out a plan for how the yacht is going to be cared for and what level of service you would like to have aboard your yacht…both can be solved by finding the right crew to match your expectations. Even the newest and most beautiful yachts can become a total headache if the proper crew is not in place to take care of it and provide desired services to the owner and guests. These are some of the items that will need … [Read more...]
The Hatteras GT45x (45 Express)
http://youtu.be/n1JoeDVmMRU This amazing new addition to the Hatteras line is raising the bar for what we would expect in an express sportfish. She has the raw performance and seakeeping ability of her Cabo predecessors, but the table manners and fit and finish of the finest Hatteras Yachts. Having sea trialed her myself multiple times I was highly impressed by the ride, here are a couple of the high points: 1. Fast- with optional CAT C-18 1150hp motors she will cruise in the 32-35kt range and top out at over 42kts...this is really fast for a 45ft. express with a 16'4" beam! 2. Solid- with a resin infused solid fiberglass unibonded hull, shoebox fit bolted and bonded hull and topside, all cabinetry bonded to the hull, and a generally overbuild nature you feel secure when … [Read more...]
Gyro Stabilizers and Fin Stabilizers, What you Need to Know
Both Gyro and Fin Stabilizers are a great way to reduce the rolling and pitching on a yacht. Having this technology onboard will make cruising and time at anchor more enjoyable, especially for those that are prone to motion sickness. Image of a Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizer What is a Gyro Stabilizer? It is a computer controlled gyroscope, which is comprised of a flywheel that spins at speeds of up to 10,700RPM and is tilted fore and aft in a range of up to 140 degrees to counteract the wave motion imposed on a yacht. Modern Gyros have been in use in recreational yachts since about 2007. This video of a Seakeeper Gyro Explains it perfectly: Benefits of a Gyro Stabilizer: Greatly reduces pitch and roll Applications from 30' to over 100' Works while at anchor, at the dock, … [Read more...]
Caterpillar Three60 Precision Control, Making Maneuvering a Breeze
CAT Three60 Precision Control Electronic Levers and Joystick Are you looking at purchasing a new yacht and weighing out what propulsion system would be best for you? The Caterpillar Three60 Precision Control system is definitely worth considering if you want the ultimate in docking, slow speed control and position holding capability. These traits have in the past few years become synonymous with pod drives, but Caterpillar has used advanced computer and mechanical technology to employ these same principles to the shaft drive platform. This is how they do it: "CAT Three60 simultaneously actuates engine controls, transmissions, thruster(s) and propellers with a simple movement of the joystick controller. It provides fully proportional power in any direction with propeller control down … [Read more...]
Pod Drives in Yachts: Volvo Penta IPS, Cummins Mercruiser Zeus and ZF Marine
There are currently 3 different manufacturers producing pod drives for recreational boat applications, Volvo Penta has IPS, Mercruiser has Zeus and ZF Marine has the ZF pod. In this article I will explain each in hopes that you will have a better understanding of them and their primary applications. Volvo Penta IPS Volvo Penta was the first company to come up with a pod drive system back in 2005, beating out the Cummins Zeus pod by over 2 years. Today there are more than 10,000 IPS units installed in more than 250 boat models worldwide...making it the most widely used pod drive system in the world by a long shot. This is largely due to the range of applications the IPS pods will work for, there are 9 different power packages available with 3 different pod sizes, and the ability to … [Read more...]
The Truth about Pod Drive Powered Boats and Yachts
This is a no BS assessment of my experience with Pod Drive powered yachts, from my personal experience as well as talking with numerous captains and owners. Mercruiser Zeus Pod Drive Volvo Penta IPS Pod Drive Since hitting the scene for the first time in 2006, Pod Drives have been a huge subject of discussion throughout the industry...are they truly the next evolution in propulsion technology that will knock out the ages old shaft drives? Let's take a look at the pods themselves without all the fancy computerized technology. They are basically based off the old sterndrive technology that came around in the 1960's and is still around today...a system that reduces drag and has a more direct line of thrust than traditional shaft drives, resulting in better fuel economy … [Read more...]
Yacht Controller: Is it Something You Need?
The yacht controller can truly be a great asset to your yacht and enhance your boating experience. Docking and low speed maneuvering is made simple so that even the most novice captain can look like a pro. The yacht controller is used to position your yacht precisely where you want from any vantage point on the vessel...you are able to move freely around your yacht while maintaining total control of the engines and thrusters. From my experience I have heard nothing but good things about the system, from yacht owner-operators to professionally captained ones. Owner-operators can dock their yacht even in rough sea conditions with ease, taking away the hassle and anxiety of docking. Professional captains love the system because it makes their job much easier and frees … [Read more...]