Kevin JohnsonYachts are more expensive toys for the wealthy. These vessels enable their owners to travel in ultra-luxury and comfort. They leverage innovative design and construction to deliver the best experience. Shipyards deliver about 400 yachts, with over 24 meters yearly. The top yacht brands have at least one superyacht under construction.
Most superyacht owners collaborate with builders to realize their visions and dreams. These expensive custom yachts exemplify the ingenuity of modern designers and engineers. Shipyards produce motor yachts and sailing yachts with different styles, hull shapes, sizes, and materials. They offer custom, semi-custom, and production series, allowing buyers to choose a customization level that fits their budget. But which are the best yacht brands?
Here is an in-depth analysis of the 20 best yacht brands:
1. Lürssen
Founded in 1875, Lürssen is a German family-owned shipyard specializing in yachts, naval ships, and specialty vessels. The company has 8 shipbuilding facilities in Germany, including Lemwerder, Berne, and Bremen-Fähr-Lobbendorf. Each plant specializes in a specific yacht size from 197 to 722 feet long.
Image source: Lürssen
Lürssen is one of the world’s leading luxury yacht builders. The brand specializes in custom-built superyachts. In Jun 2024, Lürssen delivered the HAVEN superyacht, its second new build in two months. The 82-meter superyacht has a sleek exterior, contemporary interior, and low profile with elegant, feminine lines from bow to stern. [1]
Pros: Lürssen has built over 13,000 vessels since its founding, including some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated yachts. The brand is a global leader in superyacht construction and emphasizes customization, luxury, and technological innovation.
Cons: Lürssen designs and constructs super-expensive yachts.
Price Range: $320,000-$180,000,000
2. Benetti
Benetti is a luxury yacht shipyard founded in 1873 and based in Viareggio, Italy. The brand delivers 100 units yearly, making it the world’s largest superyacht builder by production capacity. Each Benetti yacht is unique and custom-built for the owner.
Image source: Benetti Yachts
Benetti designs and builds vessels using composite materials from 34 to 44 meters. The brand also produces boats with steel and aluminum. Its fleet has 6 categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now, B.Century, and Custom. In Sep 2024, Benetti won the “Best Custom Yacht” with the new FB282 M/Y Iryna at the World Yachts Trophies 2024 by Yachts France magazine. The M/Y Iryna is a customized Benetti B.Now 67M yacht. [2]
Pros: Benetti is a nautical giant known for its timeless style and construction excellence. The brand blends modern amenities with classic designs to create cutting-edge yachts. Since 1873, Benetti has refined and improved its craftsmanship and design.
Cons: Benetti offers super-expensive yachts. For example, its 2019 Luminosity was priced at $147,000,000 in 2024.
Price Range: $314,000-$150,000,000
3. Royal Huisman
Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard founded in 1884. The brand is known for its luxury and performance yachts. In Jun 2024, Royal Huisman delivered its new Special One, the world’s largest sportfishing yacht. The 52-metre yacht has an all-aluminum Alustar superstructure and six decks. It is designed for high-end sportfishing and luxurious living. [3]
Image source: Royal Huisman
Pros: Royal Huisman has over 140 years of shipbuilding experience. The brand has several entries in the world’s top 10 largest sportfisher and sailing yachts, including the 2024 Special One, 2020 Sea Eagle II, and 2004 Athena.
Cons: Royal Huisman specializes in large sportfishing and sailing yachts. Its portfolio offers limited options for consumers seeking small to mid-sized vessels.
Price Range: $29,100-$12,629,000
4. Feadship, Netherlands
Feadship is a Dutch yacht brand founded in 1849. It operates four shipyard facilities in the Netherlands, which produce full-custom superyachts. Over 250 Feadship yachts operate globally, including Madame Gu, Moonrise, Symphony, and Anna. In Sep 2024, Feadship announced details of the new 75-metre electric fuel cell yacht C concept. The brand will develop this yacht to celebrate its 75th Diamond Anniversary. [4]
Image source: Feadship
Pros: Feadship is synonymous with extreme customization and innovation. The brand uses advanced materials and the latest technologies to create iconic custom-made yachts.
Cons: Feadship only builds full-custom yachts. The brand doesn’t cater to consumers seeking ready-buy vessels.
Price Range: $61,000-$66,137,000
5. Fincantieri Yachts
Fincantieri is an Italian shipbuilder specializing in full-custom luxury yachts. The brand has 18 shipyards across four continents and three R&D centers. In Jul 2024, Fincantieri celebrated the keel laying of “Four Seasons I” at its Ancona shipyard. It is the first ultra-luxury vessel for Four Seasons Yachts with an all-suite, residential-style design. This 207-meter yacht has the latest environmental protection technologies and 95 suites with extensive terrace decks. [5]
Image source: Fincantieri Yachts
Pros: Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest Western shipyards. The company has built over 7,000 vessels since its founding 230 years ago. Its collection offers 20 yacht models with different designs and sizes.
Cons: Fincantieri specializes in custom luxury yachts over 230 feet. It isn’t the best option for consumers seeking small yachts.
Price Range: $39,000,000-$160,000,000
6. Sunseeker Yachts
Sunseeker is a British yacht brand founded by brothers Robert and John Braithwaite in 1969. The company combines advanced materials, cutting-edge technologies, and tailored designs to create luxury-performance motor yachts. In Sep 2024, Sunseeker Ocean 156 won “Best Innovation” in the 80′ to 98′ category at World Yacht Trophies 2024 in Cannes. This yacht delivers an elevated boating experience and ultra-luxury comfort. [6]
Image source: Sunseeker Yachts
Pros: Sunseeker is an innovative yacht brand. Its high-performance yachts combine speed and luxury, perfect for thrill-seekers who prioritize comfort.
Cons: Sunseeker primarily caters to consumers seeking high-performance motor yachts, such as sports cruisers and racing boats. It doesn’t serve all yachting enthusiasts.
Price Range: $49,200-$13,460,000
7. Oceanco
Oceanco is a Dutch custom yacht builder founded in 1987 and owned by Omani billionaire Mohammed Al Barwani. The brand specializes in 262-459 feet yachts. Its fleet includes the H3, Koru, Seven Seas, Bravo Eugenia, Infinity, Dar, Black Pearl, and Kaos. In May 2024, the Oceanco H3 won the Best Rebuilt Yacht at the World Superyacht Awards Gala in Venice, Italy. [7]
Image: Oceanco Yacht
Pros: Oceanco is an innovative yacht brand with state-of-the-art shipbuilding facilities in the Netherlands. It delivers 2 new yacht models yearly.
Cons: Oceanco builds yachts from 80 to 140 meters long. Its superyachts are expensive.
Price Range: $6,456,000-$322,821,000
8. Amels
Amels is Damen Yachting’s yacht brand based in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The brand owns the Dutch’s largest superyacht boatyard and builds full-custom and limited-edition vessels from 180 to 272 feet LOA. In Sep 2024, the sixth Amels 60 completed her first sea trials after two months. This latest Amels 60 is based on the brand’s Limited Editions concept. [8]
Image source: Amels Yachting
Pros: Amels is one of the world’s best superyacht builders, with over 100 years of experience. The brand is known for delivering projects on or ahead of contract. As of Sep 2024, Amels had seven yachts on order or under construction.
Cons: Amels has limited models. However, the Amels 60 and Xplorer 60 series are world-class vessels.
Price Range: $4,597,000-$84,838,000
9. Heesen Yachts
Heesen is a Dutch luxury yacht builder founded in 1978. Its famous vessels include the Galactica Star, Serenity, and Super Nova. In Jul 2024, Heesen launched YN 20457 Santosha for its new 57-metre category. This luxury superyacht proclaims the brand’s expertise in custom yacht building and innovative design. [9]
Image source: Heesen Yachts
Pros: Heesen is a world leader in luxury superyacht design and construction. The brand is known for its Dutch craftsmanship and commitment to innovation. Its new Santosha yacht exemplifies the balance between elegance and practicality.
Cons: Heesen specializes in custom superyachts 30 meters to over 80 meters long. It doesn’t offer smaller 24-meter yachts.
Price Range: $750,000-$110,626,000
10. Perini Navi
Perini Navi is the Italian Sea Group’s yacht brand, with over 35 years of experience. The brand offers luxury, racing, fast-cruising sailing, and Picchiotti motor yachts. Its iconic 288-foot Maltese Falcon is one of the world’s largest sailing yachts. In Jun 2024, the Artexplorer Perini Navi catamaran won the “Sailing Yachts over 40m” and “Deck Design” categories at The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2024. [10]
Image source: Perini Navi
Pros: Perini Navi is the go-to brand for modern sailing yachts. It has delivered many award-winning sailing yachts, including the Artexplorer, Maltese Falcon, Nautilus, and Badis I.
Cons: Perini Navi specializes in sailing yachts over 50 meters or 164 feet long.
Price Range: $1,500,000-$44,098,000
11. Bertram Yachts
Bertram is a leader in the marine industry and a yacht brand founded in 1960. The brand is known for crafting world-class American and European luxury yachts and sportfishing boats. In Jun 2024, the shipbuilder launched the new Bertram 34 Center Console model. This 34CC yacht caters to sportfishing enthusiasts and leisure cruisers. [11]
Image source: Bertram Yachts
Pros: Bertram offers rugged, versatile sportfishing boats and flybridge yachts. The brand uses innovative designs to provide convenience and luxury onboard.
Cons: Bertram specializes in sportfishing boats rather than yachts. It offers only the CC, XC, and Offshore yacht series.
Price Range: $300,000-$2,595,000
12. Sanlorenzo
Sanlorenzo is a renowned Italian yacht builder founded in 1958 by Gianfranco Cecchi and Giuliano Pecchia. It was the world’s first mono-brand to produce yachts over 24 meters. Its 5 shipyards build 24m-40m yachts with composite and 44m-73m superyachts using metal. In Sep 2024, Sanlorenzo unveiled the new 26.6m SP92 and 29.95 SL86Asuperyachts at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Both vessels proclaim the brand’s innovative tech and design. [12]
Image source: San Lorenzo
Pros: Sanlorenzo combines timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology, creating world-class yachts and superyachts. Each Sanlorenzo vessel focuses on sustainability and comfort.
Cons: Sanlorenzo restricts buyers to 4 yacht ranges: SL, SD, SX, and SP. However, each line has several models. For example, the SX range has the SX100, SX76, and SX88 models with unique features. This approach ensures there is something for every buyer.
Price Range: $280,000-$25,200,000
13. Nobiskrug
Nobiskrug is a German shipyard with two shipbuilding facilities in Northern Germany. The brand ventured into yacht building and delivered its first custom-built superyacht in 2000. Its boatyard builds 197-1398 ft vessels. In 2023, Nobiskrug signed a contract for a superyacht order. The yacht features handcrafted, bespoke interior outfitting. [13]
Image source: Nobiskrug
Pros: Nobiskrug has over 115 years of shipbuilding experience and several award-winning vessels in its fleet.
Cons: The Nobiskrug shipyard is undergoing reorganization after the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) takeover. It is still grappling with production capacity issues.
Price Range: $520,000-$59,500,000
14. Riva Yachts
Riva is an Italian yacht brand owned by the Ferretti Yachts Group. The brand offers the Open, Sportfly, and Flybridge models from 8 to 54 meters long. Its yachts stand out thanks to their elite styling, cutting-edge technology, and quality. In Sep 2024, Riva showcased its iconic vessels at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024. [14]
Image source: Diva Yacht
Pros: Riva has nurtured an excellent shipbuilding reputation and heritage since the 1800s. The brand is known for comfort, luxury, and timeless elegance.
Cons: Riva doesn’t offer yachts over 54 meters long.
Price Range: $100,000-$16,300,000
15. Zeelander Yachts
Zeelander is a Dutch yacht builder specializing in luxury yachts. It offers Zeelander 5, 6, 7, and 8 series. Each has a top speed of 40 knots. In 2024, the brand delivered the first 23.9-metre Zeelander 8 flagship series built at its Groot-Ammers facility. [15]
Image source: Zeelander
Pros: Zeelander exemplifies the Dutch’s shipbuilding heritage and craftsmanship. Its best-in-class yachts blend timeless and contemporary designs with ultimate luxury, delivering comfort in all seasons.
Cons: Zeelander doesn’t offer affordable entry-level yachts. Its cheapest option costs over $700k.
Price Range: $710,000-$5,749,000
16. Wally Yachts
Wally is a French yacht brand based in Monaco, founded in 1994 by Luca Bassani. The brand joined the Ferretti Group in 2019. However, it has retained its original yacht design and construction traditions. The brand introduced Wallywind in 2022 to offer customizable, high-performance sailing yachts from 110-150ft. In Sep 2024, Wally unveiled the first yacht in its new Galma Wallywind collection at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024. [16]
Image source: Wally
Pros: Wally’s sail and motor yachts are known for their avant-garde, boasting head-turning styling and groundbreaking functionality. They stand out in ports worldwide thanks to their plumb bows and sleek profiles.
Cons: Wally celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. The brand doesn’t have over 100 years of experience and heritage like Lürssen, Benetti, Feadship, and Royal Huisman.
Price Range: $299,000-$4,413,000
17. PRESTIGE Yachts
Prestige is a yacht brand owned by the Beneteau Group. Its M, S, F, and X series offer 14 yacht models ranging from 40-80ft. The F-Line has served yachting enthusiasts for over 30 years. In Aug 2024, Prestige introduced the new F5.7 yacht. This vessel has three cabins designed with fine materials and sophisticated finishes, creating a soothing atmosphere. [17]
Image source: Prestige Yachts
Pros: Prestige leverages Beneteau’s 100+ years of boatbuilding experience to deliver elegant yachts. Its vessels are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and maneuverability.
Cons: Prestige prioritizes functionality and comfort over aesthetics.
Price Range: $202,000-$3,664,000
18. Horizon Yacht
Horizon is a Taiwanese yacht manufacturer founded in 1987. It is one of the world’s largest yacht builders by total feet of yacht delivered. The brand offers eight luxury yacht series with unique styles and functions. In Aug 2024, Horizon expanded its FD Series with the new FD100 Hull 11. This tri-deck yacht blends elegance, innovation, and a deep connection with the sea, delivering an unparalleled yachting experience. [18]
Image source: Horizon Yachts
Pros: Horizon emphasizes innovation, technology, and craftsmanship. The brand creates elegant luxury yachts using unique designs and the latest advanced composite technologies.
Cons: Horizon has operated in the yacht-building industry for less than four decades. It can’t rival the experience, history, and heritage accumulated by 100-year-old brands like Lürssen, Benetti, and Feadship.
Price Range: $110,500-$12,950,000
19. Nordhavn
Nordhavn is a yacht brand founded in 1978 and based in Dana Point, California. The brand offers trawler-styled motor yachts designed and produced by Pacific Asian Enterprises. Its models range from 41 to 120 feet. In Apr 2024, the brand delivered the first Nordhavn 51 (N51). The N51 has two large staterooms with ensuite heads, a saloon, and an off-watch captain’s berth in the pilothouse. [19]
Image source: Nordhavn
Pros: Nordhavn is the go-to brand for adventure boaters seeking innovative trawler yachts. Each Nordhavn yacht has a stylish and modern interior.
Cons: Nordhavn specializes in trawler-styled motor yachts. It doesn’t cater to all yachting enthusiasts.
Price Range: $283,355-$9,487,500
20. Delta Marine
Delta Marine is an American custom yacht builder based in Seattle, Washington. The brand manufactures yachts up to 300ft in length using composite construction with aluminum and steel. It also offers naval architecture and design services through its in-house team or by collaboration with third-party designers. In Dec 2022, Delta sold its 72m ALBATROSS for $95,000,000 in record time. [20]
Image source: Delta Marine
Pros: Delta is a custom luxury superyacht builder recognized for excellence in creating masterpieces of innovation and design.
Cons: Delta’s high-end superyachts cost around $100 million.
Price Range: $100,000-$95,500,000
References & more information
- Lürssen Maritime GmbH (2024, Jun 17). Lürssen delivers HAVEN: The dawn of a new era in superyacht design. Lürssen.com
- Benetti Yachts (2024, Sep 18). Benetti wins World Yachts Trophies 2024. Rhapsody Magazine
- Jusufi, D. (2024, Jun 12). World’s largest sportfish Special One delivered. Boating, Int.
- Spicknell, S. (2024, Sep 18). Feadship unveils first details of new 75m electric fuel cell superyacht C concept. Superyacht Times
- Fincantieri Yachts (2024 Jul 10). Fincantieri celebrates the keel laying of the first ultra-luxury vessel for Four Seasons Yachts at the shipyard in Ancona. Port News
- Revill, L. (2024, Sep 16). Sunseeker Ocean 156 Wins for Innovation at World Yacht Trophies 2024. Yacht Buyer
- Buitendijk, M. (2024, May 8). Oceanco’s H3 wins the Best Rebuilt Yacht Award. SWZ Maritime
- Jusufi, D. (2024, Sep 12). Sixth Amels 60 with “striking” blue hull completes sea trials. Boating International
- Heesen Yachts (2024, Jul 31). Heesen Yachts unveils YN 20457 Santosha: The first in the new 57-metre Series. RU Yachts
- Perini Navi (2024, Jun 4). ARTEXPLORER wins at the prestigious International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2024. The Italian Sea Group
- Bertram Yachts (2024, Jun 25). Bertram announces the new premium 34 Center Console model. Sail World
- Revill, L. (2024, Sep 11). Sanlorenzo Reveals Two New Yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival 2024. Yacht Buyer
- Rankine, H. (2023, Dec 14). Nobiskrug signs a contract for a major order. Yachting Pages
- Riva Yachts (2024, Sep 23). Riva Yachts: Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Riva-Yacht.com
- Jusufi, D. (2024, May 9). Zeelander Yachts’ flagship is weeks away from delivery. Boat Int.
- Wally Yachts (2024, Sep 27). Wally’s new wallywind110 debuts at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Wally.com
- Prestige (2024, Aug 23). Discover the new Prestige F5.7 yacht. Prestige-Yachts.com
- Horizon Yachts (2024, Aug 13). Horizon Unveils the FD100: An Oceanic Masterpiece Embodying the Essence of the Sea. RU Yachts
- Flannagan, F. (2024, Apr 5). The First Nordhavn 51 Successfully Delivered To Owners. Superyachts
- Collier, H. (2022, Dec 5). Delta Marine Announces Record Sale of 72m M/Y ALBATROSS. Superyachts
- Featured Image by Giuseppe Famiani
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