A recreational boat is known as yacht, and there are two different classes- power yachts and sailing yachts. Yachts are mainly used for leisure purpose, and this is what differentiates them from working ships. The length of a yacht starts from 25 feet, and can go up to hundreds of feet. Any yacht above 100ft is known as mega yacht, and more than 200ft is called super yacht.

Types of Yachts

Till 1950s, all yachts were made of steel or wood, but these days, much wider range of materials is used. Most common material of construction now is the fibreglass, followed by steel, aluminium, ferrocement and carbon fibre. Sailing yachts vary in overall length, and can be 20ft-100ft long. Privately owned yachts are usually 25-45 ft, and as the length of the yachts increases, the cost of making and maintaining them increases exponentially.

Day sailing yachts are small, usually less than 20ft in length, and are also called dinghies. They have a retractable keel, daggerboard or centreboard, and they usually do not have cabin as they are meant to be used on hourly or daily basis, and not for overnight usage. Some yachts have a cubby, which is the raised solid roof in the front part of the hull to offer basic shelter from wind, or to store equipment.

Weekender yachts are slightly bigger in size, but are under 30ft. They usually have lifting keels as seen in the trailer sailers, which allows them to operate even in shallow waters. When there is no water, the hull shape allows it to sit upright. Such boats are designed for short journeys lasting 2-3 days, and there is a simple cabin consisting of a saloon, with sleeping space for 2-3 people.

Cruising yachts are usually 25-45ft in length, and are most common yachts for private use. The design of these vessels can be quite complex, as there has to be a good balance between handling qualities, good light-wind performance, interior space and comfort. The most commonly used design has a teardrop-platform hull, flat, wide bottom, and deep keel to provide good stability.

Yacht Broker

Yacht broker works as an agent, and is paid the commission on the sale price of the yacht. Yachting is quite common in Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas, and many people from North America and Europe visit these places for leisure boating. A yacht broker specializes in the sale of small plain boats, or fully crewed luxury yachts. There are also many Internet sites that offer finest luxury yachts for sale. You can search the yachts as per category, or by brand, and can also sell your used yacht. Yacht broker on these sites offer charter services, and help in many ways to either sell or buy a yacht that suit users requirements, and meet their budgets.