How Much Does a Yacht Crew Cost?

A yacht is a sizable investment and to maintain not only its value but to ensure it remains seaworthy, a well trained crew is an essential part of yacht ownership.

In this article:

Crew Numbers by LOA (length overall)
Yacht Crew Roles and Salaries
Yacht Crew Annual Salaries in US Dollars
Yacht Crew Case Studies

Yachts above 24m (66ft) will require a captain and crew for safe and legal and legal operation within both local and international waters.

There are recognised guidelines and advice as to the number of crew required on any size of yacht. The guides are there to ensure adherence to maritime regulations as well as providing a healthy working environment that can lead to crew longevity, and ultimately a pleasant atmosphere on board your yacht.

In addition, yacht designers plan for the right amount of crew by building crew quarters, often including a crew mess and even a crew galley where size permits.

Below, we have set out a guide for crew numbers for a given yacht length. These are reliable parameters, with the difference in crew numbers dependent on how the yacht is used. For instance, if the yacht is to be used lightly, for weekend or inshore cruising, the number might be the lower. For yachts used for charter, the number may be higher, as personal service is a huge part of the charter experience.

For larger yachts, a crew rotation system may be employed, with two or more people filling a single role. This most commonly applies to captains, engineers, and chefs with each person working a three or six-month shift."

Crew Numbers by LOA (length overall)

Yacht Size (m)	Crew Number
24-30	3-5
30-40	6-10
40-50	8-12
60-70	15-20
80-100	25-35
100+	30+

Yacht Crew Roles and Salaries

Captain

The person in charge of the yacht is responsible for the safe running of the vessel whether in port or at sea. The captain will usually take the helm, although on larger yachts the first officer may also do so.

Chief Steward/Stewardess

Stewards, stewardesses, or stews as they are more usually known are charged with ensuring the accommodation and living areas are properly presented and maintained. They are the client-facing crew and will provide service for dining and entertaining.

First Officer

The right-hand of the captain, deputizing and taking on the more straightforward duties, the first officer will be found on larger yachts with bigger crews and will normally be the person in charge in the captain's absence.

Chief Engineer

Maintaining the engines and other mechanical ancillary equipment. On larger yachts there may be several engineers, on smaller yachts, the captain may undertake this role.

Purser

Running a large yacht is akin to running a business, with paperwork, salaries, bills, and suppliers to deal with. The purser handles such matters.

Chef

Often the center of onboard life, the chef takes care of all culinary matters, creates specialist menus for guests, looks after provisioning, and runs the galley. Many superyacht chefs are highly qualified and Michelin-rated.

Deckhand

Depending on the size of the yacht, multiple deckhands will take care of the yacht’s exterior, cleaning, maintaining, running the tenders, acting as lookouts, and working as a team to ensure smooth safe berthing.

Yacht Crew Roles Explained

Yacht Crew Annual Salaries in US Dollars

Role	25m Yacht	30m Yacht	40m Yacht	60m Yacht	80m Yacht
Captain	60k-80k	80k-120k	120k-180k	180k-200k	200k+
First Officer	-	-	70k-80k	70k-90k	80k+
Chief Stew	-	-	50k-70k	70k-85k	80k+
Chief Engineer	-	45k-60k	60k-80k	90k-120k	100k+
Chef	-	60k-70k	60k-80k	80k-100k	100k+
Deckhand	30k	35k-40k	35k-50k	35k-60k	50k+
Purser	-	-	-	65k-80k	80k+