Length Overall (LOA) has long been the traditional metric for determining a yacht's size. LOA measures the full extent of a yacht from the tip of the bow to the furthest point of the stern, providing a clear indication of the yacht's length.
Though length remains a key factor in determining a yacht's overall dimensions, this measurement has become less effective in accurately portraying a yacht's true size.
Fifty years ago, Length Overall (LOA) was closely aligned with Gross Tonnage (GT), making LOA a reliable size indicator. As yacht design has evolved, however, this relationship has diverged, with yachts of similar lengths now varying significantly in volume.
For example, two yachts with the same LOA may differ greatly in size—one might be sleek and elongated, while the other is broader and taller, offering far more internal space.
At YachtBuyer, we understand that while LOA is useful, Gross Tonnage better reflects a yacht's true size. That’s why we created the YB100, a ranking system that prioritizes GT to offer a clearer picture of the world's biggest yachts.
Bremer Vulkan & Kusch Yachts
Built: Germany (2000)
Designer: Kusch Yachts & Pastrovich
Built: Italy (2020)
Designer: Giorgio Cassetta, Zaniz Jakubowski Design & Reymond Langton Design
Evergreen Shipyard
Built: Japan (1999)
Designer: Diana Yacht Design & Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design