Buying a yacht to charter requires careful consideration and research.
To simplify the process, we've outlined the available yacht types and the types of charterers they are likely to attract.
Motor Superyacht: The Large and Luxurious
Large and luxurious, the modern motor yachts are often the preferred choice for chartering due to their spaciousness, stability, and exceptional comfort. They cater well to families, first-time charterers, and large groups, typically offering top-tier watersports equipment and premium entertainment amenities, supported by highly professional crew onboard to manage guest experience.
In the realm of larger motor yachts, a discerning charterer will expect expansive interiors and exteriors, and an array of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, Jacuzzis, advanced entertainment systems, numerous dining and relaxation areas, and a wide selection of water toys.
It's important to note that, given their popularity, large modern motor yachts are readily available in the charter market. To distinguish an individual yacht and secure charters in a competitive landscape, it's essential to highlight the vessel's unique selling points (USPs).
Performance Motor Yacht: More Than Just a Quick Thrill?
A high-performance motor yacht will likely attract a thrill seeking charterer. Generally sleek, stylish and head turning, these specialist motor yachts can provide a thrilling charter experience.
This type of yacht will excel in shorter charters and with smaller groups, as their focus on speed for covering more cruising ground in less time.
Providing a certain level of luxury living and a genuine sense of glamour, it is recognised that a performance yacht will have fewer onboard amenities, but the charter guest who books this type of yacht is likely more interested in the sound system and water toys, than a quite reading nook and some shade for an afternoon siesta.
As the beneficial owner, will this be the type of yacht you personally enjoy during periods when it's not chartered to a third party?
Classic Motor Yacht: The Charming Charter
Many charter clients will seek the undeniable character and charm of the classic motor yacht. Perfect for families or groups of friends to relax and enjoy, this style of yacht, whether authentic classics or modern vessels inspired by a bygone era, exude nostalgia and craftsmanship.
With warm interiors and elegant decks, they provide a blend of relaxation and timeless charm. Many genuine classic yachts available for charter have undergone comprehensive refits, offering the luxury of modern construction while preserving classic details. A pleasant hour or so is often spent by a charter guest exploring the yacht’s history, especially when the visitor book includes a famous autograph or two.
For a charter group seeking a distinctive on-water experience filled with history, nostalgia, comfort and captivating tales, the classic motor yachts are the perfect choice. Is this the type of yacht that you, as the owner, would also enjoy?
Chartering Explorer Yachts: The Spirit of Adventure
Whilst there are still relatively few true explorer yachts, the demand for remote exploration is increasing, with more yachts entering the charter market to cater for this increasing demand.
Explorer yachts are particularly appealing to charterers with a spirit of adventure and a desire to explore less-travelled destinations. The yachts are powerful and stable and designed for long range cruising to destinations that might otherwise be unreachable. Safe, reliable and stable, explorer yachts provide the charterer the thrill of discovering uncharted waters, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.
Many explorer yachts have ice-class hulls, capable of breaking ice floes and sheets, which means even the unchartered waters of Antarctica or the coastlines of the Arctic are no longer out of reach of the yacht charter market.
Explorer yachts offer interiors and deck spaces akin to large modern motor yachts, with additional features ensuring a warm welcome on board even in cold climates.
They typically offer an extended range of water toys and tenders to enhance the charter experience in remote areas. Alongside scuba diving and fishing gear, some may even provide submarines and seaplanes for added adventure. Helipads are increasingly common to assist easy transfers to remote locations.
While the demand for exploration is growing, it is still a niche market and falls short in comparison to mainstream cruising destinations. For those considering purchasing an explorer yacht for charter, offering unique itineraries and emphasising your yacht's advantages over competitors is crucial. In this scenario, the destination often takes precedence over the yacht itself, so showcasing exceptional and exclusive voyages is paramount.
Sportfishing Yacht: Charters With Bite
Sportfishing yachts combine aspects of explorer and performance motor yachts, making them ideal for extended sea voyages while offering impressive speed. However, their standout feature is their amenities tailored specifically for big game fishing, making them well-equipped for exploring remote fishing grounds around the world.
In this specific area of the yacht charter market, the thrill of catching big game fish like marlin, tuna, or sailfish can be a memorable and exciting experience.
Potential charter guests in this niche are likely to be knowledgeable about sportfishing, so it's crucial to highlight the unique selling points (USPs) of your yacht or its cruising location. For example, a shallow draft is advantageous for sportfishing in places like the Bahamas. Other selling points include a knowledgeable crew familiar with the best fishing spots, fish fighting chairs, a variety of tackle and rods, and the latest technological equipment.
For novice anglers, sportsfishing charters provide an excellent learning opportunity. Clients can acquire new fishing skills and techniques while under the guidance of experienced crew members.
Invest in what you, as the owner, will also enjoy. There is little pleasure in owning a train set if you don’t like trains.
Catamaran Charters: Double the Hull, Twice the Pleasure
Multihulls: The exceptional advantage of chartering a catamaran lies in its shallow-water capabilities, granting almost beachside access to picturesque destinations like the Bahamas and the South Pacific.
For charter groups, the twin-hull design can separate kids from adults, families from in-laws, or provide the versatility of offering quiet accommodations for those who like to turn in early while others stay out on deck.
Stable and stylish, with superb storage availability across its wide beam and ample space for relaxation and dining, it's well-known that once charterers experience a 'cat,' they won't look back if they've previously booked monohulls.
