personal yacht definition

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Boat vs. Personal Watercraft: Here’s The Difference

If you’re in the market for your first water-faring vessel, then you may wonder about the differences between a boat and a personal watercraft. In this explanatory guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.

What are the differences between a boat and a personal watercraft? Boats and personal watercraft are different in areas such as vessel shape and size, speed, storage, carrying capacity, maintenance, and price. 

If you want to learn even more about what separates personal watercraft and boats, this guide will explain more fully. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know which vessel you should buy!

What Is a Boat?

Technically, a boat is a watercraft, but it’s not a personal watercraft. (If that doesn’t yet make sense, it will soon).

Boats come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, but what separates them from ships is their size. Ships are larger and thus have a greater carrying capacity than boats. 

A boat can be used in all sorts of different bodies of water, from placid bodies like lakes and streams to bays and oceans. 

Boats are also available powered or unpowered. A powered boat requires those on board to use a pole, paddle, or oar to manually propel the boat forward as well as do other maneuvers. 

A powered boat usually has an engine, be that an outboard or inboard engine, that allows the boat to reach variable speeds on the water. Batteries, a steam engine, and an internal combustion engine are other sources of power. 

An engine needn’t always be the source of power. A boat with sails is also considered a powered vessel. The boat would rely on the wind to navigate. 

The Types of Boats

There are many, many types of boats out there. Perhaps in the future, I’ll explore the full list, but for now, I just want you to have a clear idea of what constitutes a boat.

Thus, these are the most popular types of boats.

• Banana boat: No, not like the sunscreen company. A banana boat is an inflatable boat shaped, appropriately enough, like a banana. Often used for cargo, a banana boat can carry passengers as well, usually up to 10.
• Jon boat: Jon boats are flat or almost flat bottom boats commonly made of polyethylene (plastic), aluminum, fiberglass, or even wood sometimes. They’re often rectangular in shape with a blunt nose. Jon boats are relatively cheaper than other boats and easier to transport due to their being lightweight.
• Ski boat: Ski boats are inboard boats with a unique propeller and engine configuration that allow the boat to achieve fast speeds.
• Pontoon boat: The classic pontoon is a large, rectangular, flat, slow-traveling boat. Supported by dual pontoon tubes, a pontoon can be as large as 30 feet and carry large numbers of passengers. Pontoons are beloved for their stability.
• Jet boat: If you have the need for speed, a jet boat will satisfy. These highly maneuverable boats feature a propulsion system that sends water behind the boat as you race.
• Lifeboat: You don’t use a lifeboat for recreational boating, but rather, these types of boats exist to save lives. A lifeboat will carry life jackets, medical supplies, and possibly food and water as well.
• Motor yacht: An upscale type of boat, a motor yacht includes up to two engines, typically diesel engines. These boats turn heads and make people yearn for the good life on the sea.
• Cabin cruiser: An enclosed type of boat, cabin cruisers are very luxurious as well. The boat has a galley and runs on a generator so it can offer air conditioning. Designed for saltwater bodies, a cabin cruiser utilizes rudder steering, a wide berth, and a deep V-shaped bottom.
• Game boat: A game boat is for game fishing. With a fiberglass shell and gas or diesel engine, a game boat features a cooking galley, plumbing system, and sleeping quarters so you can take an extended fishing trip.
• Runabout boat: A runabout boat is a casual type of boat for water skiing, fishing, and boat racing. The capacity of one of these boats is tremendous, as a runabout can fit upwards of eight people. 
• Trawler boat: Another style of fishing boat, a trawler features a displacement hull and a slow speed. The fuel efficiency is great so you can travel longer without going through your fuel supply.
• Cuddy cabin: A cuddy cabin has an aluminum or fiberglass skeleton, fishing features, plenty of storage, and an enclosed deck. You can also use a cuddy cabin for watersports.
• Catamaran: The sailing catamaran has two long hulls equidistant to one another. Each hull lacks volume but has a shallow draft and a high rate of displacement. You can cruise on one of these boats for a fun day trip. Catamarans come in handy for fishing too.
• Center console boat: A center console boat is the one for you if your boating adventures sometimes take you off the beaten path. Designed for offshore waterways, even the rougher ones, a center console also makes an excellent fishing vessel.
• Dinghy boat: A dinghy refers to a sailboat, rowboat, or inflatable boat. These are non-powered boats that require you to use sails or oars to steer. Some might have outboard engines, but this is considered uncommon.
• Houseboat: Houseboats are designed for full-time living on the water. While that’s not for everyone, houseboats have what you need, including plenty of amenities inside for sleeping, cooking, bathing, and living.
• Deck boat: A deck boat is a boat measuring 25 to 35 feet long. The boat is characterized by its wider beam, V hull, and power drive. Deck boats have even more room for passengers than you would expect!
• Bowrider: Considered a good family boat, a bowrider offers a swimming platform for diving, plenty of space, and room for at least eight people. The V-shaped hull allows a bowrider to traverse all sorts of waters. 

What Is a Personal Watercraft?

Next, let’s switch gears and discuss what a personal watercraft is. 

A personal watercraft is sometimes called a jet ski, a water scooter, or simply a PWC. 

You can select from two personal watercraft styles, the first being a stand-up PWC and the second a sit-down PWC.

A stand-up personal watercraft requires the rider to–as you might have guessed–stand while riding. 

A sit-down personal watercraft, which is sometimes referred to as a runabout, allows the rider to sit while riding. 

Jet skis and other types of personal watercraft feature an inboard engine. The engine activates a pump jet with an impeller that allows the rider to steer and receive enough thrust to move forward on the water. 

Boat vs. Personal Watercraft

Now that you have a much clearer picture in your mind about what a boat and personal watercraft are respectively, let’s go over the differences between boats and personal watercrafts. 

Boats come in a multitude of shapes, as the section on the various types of boats should have proven. 

Some are large and boxy such as pontoon boats. Many more feature refined V-shaped hulls.

There’s a reason for this recurring feature. A V-shaped hull enables a boat to slice swiftly and easily through the water, which also increases the boat’s speed potential (more on this to come).

That’s why you so commonly see personal watercraft with V-shaped hulls as well. 

PWCs, like boats, are on the market in a variety of sizes. 

• Sit-down personal watercraft can measure anywhere from 40 to 50 inches wide and 120 to 130 inches long. 
• A stand-up personal watercraft has an average width of 25 to 30 inches and a standard length of 80 to 100 inches. 

Some boats are sized about the same as a personal watercraft.

Much more often though, a boat will outsize a PWC by a significant margin, especially if we’re comparing a jet ski to a pontoon boat, a houseboat, or a yacht. 

Storage Capacity 

Whether you’re taking a day trip with your entire family or even plan on staying a night or two on your vessel, storage capacity is important.

You can’t exactly camp out on a personal watercraft. The vessel simply doesn’t have the size or the amenities for that.

Thus, the storage capacity is about commensurate with what you’d expect of a PWC’s size. You might have front, under-seat, or rear storage, but we’re talking storage compartments. That’s all. 

These compartments are designed to hold your phone, some drinks, a few snacks, and other essentials, but nothing extensive.

Boats, given that they’re usually larger than PWCs, do have a greater storage capacity.

At the very least, you’ll find dedicated storage areas and cubbies for more significant storage than that mentioned above.

For enclosed boats designed for multiday boating excursions, you’ll have more ample storage still for keeping clothes, shoes, and everyday essentials safe from the water. 

Passenger Capacity

A personal watercraft, at the very least, is made for a single passenger. At most, these vessels can carry four people.

PWC models with such a high passenger capacity are uncommon, though. More than likely, most personal watercraft you see will be able to carry two people, maybe three tops.

The passenger capacity of a boat varies by a huge degree. 

Some boats are more intimate and only allow for two or three people including the driver. Other boats can easily carry groups of between four and eight people.

The biggest boats may easily be able to transport a dozen people. 

Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining your vessel, is that easier to do with a boat or a personal watercraft?

While I would say that depends on the size of the boat, a PWC is generally the easier to maintain of the two. 

The internal mechanisms that drive a personal watercraft are less complex than that of a boat, which makes the PWC easier to understand and thus personally upkeep. 

A personal watercraft such as a jet ski is also often smaller than a boat as well. With fewer parts in general, be those moving or unmoving parts, you won’t spend as much time or as much money on maintenance.

Offseason Storage Options

A personal watercraft is small enough that you can lift it from the water, cover it, and store it in your garage until winter ends and the warm, long days fill the calendar again.

Granted, not all PWCs are that lightweight. Some weigh hundreds of pounds and others over a thousand pounds. You can’t lug those around nearly as easily.

When it comes to storing a boat, if yours is smaller, then you can follow the PWC storage method and slap a cover on the boat and stash it in your garage away from direct sunlight.

Much more often though, you’ll have to pay to keep your boat in an enclosed, climate-controlled environment.

The last significant difference between a boat and a personal watercraft is the price. 

The average cost of a new jet ski is between $5,000 and $20,000, with most buyers paying somewhere in the ballpark of $12,500. 

As for the cost of a new boat, it’s all over the map depending on the factors discussed above such as shape, size, and carrying capacity. 

Here’s a list that goes over the types of boats and their accompanying prices when bought new:

• Yachts – $30,000 and up
• Cabin cruisers – $100,000 to $500,000
• Houseboats – $100,000 and up
• Trawlers – $90,000 and up
• Speedboats – $75,000 and up
• Cuddy cabins – $50,000 and up
• Fishing boats – $25,000 to $100,000
• Deck boats – $20,000 to $50,000
• Pontoon boats – $15,000 to $50,000
• Sailboats – $12,000 and up
• Bow riders – $15,000 to $50,000
• Catamarans – $10,000 and up
• Jon boats – $500 to $3,000

Unless you’re interested in buying a very simple boat for daytime use like a jon boat, then you’re going to pay significantly more money for a new boat than a new PWC. 

Once you get into used boats versus used watercraft, the line can become blurrier. 

Generally, older boats will sell for cheaper prices commensurate with the costs of a new jet ski.

If you want a newer used boat in better condition, you’d still end up paying more for a used boat than a used personal watercraft.  

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What Does Yacht Mean? (The Definition and History Explained)

Ah, the luxurious lifestyle of the yacht.

Whether youve seen one in the harbor or on a distant horizon, the image of a yacht has a certain allure and mystique.

But what exactly is a yacht? From the definition to the different types, the history, and the lifestyle, there is so much to explore.

In this article, we will uncover the mysteries of the yacht, and explore the different types, the races, and the luxury amenities that come with them.

Get ready to set sail!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yacht is a term used to describe a recreational boat or vessel that is used for pleasure trips and sailing.

It typically refers to a larger, more luxurious boat than a regular fishing or leisure boat.

Generally, yachts are meant for longer trips, usually with more than one person on board.

Yachts can range in size depending on the type of boat and its intended use, but all will typically include luxury features and amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The Definition of Yacht

Yacht is a term often used to describe a variety of large and luxurious recreational boats, typically used for personal pleasure or sport.

Yachts can be defined as any boat or vessel that is used for leisure and recreational activities.

While the term yacht may be used to describe any kind of boat, it is most commonly used to refer to large, expensive boats designed for recreation, luxury, and leisure.

These vessels are typically larger than other recreational boats, and can range from modest day-sailers to luxury mega-yachts with all the amenities of a home.

Yachts are usually crewed by professional or paid crew and can be used for activities such as fishing, cruising, racing, and even as a floating holiday home.

Yachts may be owned either by individuals or by companies, and typically contain a variety of amenities such as staterooms, sleeping areas, dining areas, and entertainment areas.

Yachts are often used in the charter industry, where they are rented for short-term use, and can be found in harbor cities and coastal towns around the world.

Yachting is a popular recreational activity that has been around for centuries, and can be traced back to ancient Greece.

Yachting has long been associated with wealth and luxury, with the earliest yachts being owned by wealthy aristocrats.

In modern times, yachting has become more accessible to people of all backgrounds, with a variety of yachting activities and vessels available to meet a variety of budgets and preferences.

The term yacht is derived from the Dutch word jacht, which translates to hunt.

The term was originally used to refer to small, fast vessels used by the Dutch navy to chase and capture pirates.

Over time, the term has come to refer to large, luxurious recreational vessels that are often used for pleasure and leisure.

Yachts have become a symbol of wealth and luxury, and are often associated with the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Types of Yachts

When it comes to yachts, there are several different types available.

The most common type is the sailing yacht, which is propelled through the water by sails and is typically smaller than other types of yachts.

Motor yachts, on the other hand, are powered by an engine and are typically larger than sailing yachts .

Another popular type of yacht is the sport fishing yacht, which combines the luxury of a motor yacht with the convenience of fishing.

These yachts often have advanced navigational equipment, fishing tackle, and other amenities.

Finally, there are luxury yachts, which are the most luxurious of all yachts and typically feature amenities such as jet skis, hot tubs, and full-service bars.

No matter which type of yacht you choose, they all provide a luxurious experience on the water.

Yacht Racing

Yacht racing is one of the most popular activities associated with yachts, and it has a long and storied history.

Yacht racing dates back to the 1800s and has been a popular pastime ever since.

The sport is often divided into two main categories: offshore and inshore racing.

Offshore racing involves navigating the open waters of the ocean, while inshore racing is confined to the waters near shore.

In both types of racing, yachts compete against each other to see who can complete the course in the shortest amount of time.

Yacht racing is typically governed by the rules and regulations of the International Sailing Federation, which sets out a standard for the equipment and safety of the yachts and the sailors onboard.

Yacht racing is a highly competitive sport, and it is a great way to test the skills and strategies of the crew.

There are a variety of different classes of yacht racing, ranging from small dinghies and keelboats to large ocean-going yachts.

The most prestigious class of yacht racing is the America’s Cup, which is the oldest and most prestigious sailing race in the world.

The America’s Cup has been held since 1851 and is now held every four years in a different location.

Yacht racing is an exciting and challenging sport, and it is one of the most popular activities associated with yachts.

Whether it is a day sail or a full-fledged race, yacht racing is a great way to experience the thrill of sailing and the camaraderie of the crew.

Yacht Charters & Cruising

When people think of yachts, they usually think of luxury and leisurely cruising around the ocean.

Yacht charters have become increasingly popular, allowing people to enjoy the freedom of the open seas without having to purchase their own yacht.

Yacht charters offer a variety of packages, depending on the size and amenities of the yacht, the type of cruise being taken, and the number of people being accommodated.

Chartering a yacht is a great way to explore a variety of destinations and enjoy a variety of activities, from fishing and swimming to sightseeing and sunbathing.

Yacht charters typically include a professional crew to manage the vessel, as well as a variety of amenities such as a chef, cabin crew, and a variety of water toys.

Some charter companies even offer special packages for romantic getaways, corporate retreats, or special occasions.

Safety is always a priority when it comes to yacht charters, and all vessels must adhere to strict safety regulations.

All vessels must be inspected and certified by the relevant maritime authority and must be equipped with the necessary safety equipment.

Yacht charters are typically subject to local laws and regulations and must be operated in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Whether youre looking for a private escape or a unique corporate event, yacht charters offer a luxurious and convenient way to explore the open seas.

From discovering new destinations to enjoying the comforts of home away from home, yacht charters provide an unforgettable experience for all.

The History of Yachts

The term yacht has been around since the 1600s, and it has come to represent a broad range of luxurious recreational boats.

The word itself is derived from the Dutch term jacht, which translates to hunt.

In the 1600s, yachts were used for military purposes, such as scouting and patrolling.

Over time, however, the term yacht has come to refer to any large, luxurious recreational boat.

Modern yachts are typically larger than other recreational boats, and range from modest day-sailers to luxury mega-yachts with all the amenities of a home.

Yachts are typically crewed by professional or paid crew and can be used for activities such as fishing, cruising, racing, and even as a floating holiday home.

The evolution of the yacht has been quite remarkable.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, yachts were primarily used by the wealthy and elite to show off their wealth and status.

Yachts of this era were often quite elaborate and ornate, with richly decorated decks, lavish interior spaces, and even an onboard orchestra.

As technology improved, so did the capabilities of yachts.

In the late 1920s, the modern sailing yacht was invented and became the norm, allowing for a more comfortable and efficient sailing experience.

In the mid-20th century, motor yachts were developed, making navigation and speed much easier.

By the latter part of the 20th century, yacht builders began to focus more on luxury and comfort, with modern yachts featuring amenities such as spas, fitness centers, multiple decks, luxurious cabins, and more.

Today, yachts are still seen as a symbol of wealth and status, and there is a great deal of competition in the luxury yacht market.

There are many different types of yachts to choose from, from modest day-sailers to mega-yachts that can cost millions of dollars.

Yachts of all sizes can be used for a variety of activities, from fishing, cruising, and racing, to simply enjoying the beauty of the open sea.

The Yacht Lifestyle

Yachting is more than just a leisure activity; it is a lifestyle.

From the outside, it might appear to be a glamorous and luxurious pursuit, but there is much more to it than that.

Yachting is a unique way of life that is rich in adventure, exploration, and relaxation.

It is an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to explore the world in a more intimate and luxurious way.

Yachting provides an opportunity to experience the world in a way that is both exciting and luxurious.

Whether it be racing around the world or simply enjoying the gentle breeze of a summer day, yachting is a great way to explore the world.

You can explore remote destinations, experience different cultures, and even explore the depths of the sea.

With a yacht, the possibilities are truly endless.

The yacht lifestyle is also a great way to relax and enjoy the finer things in life.

With a yacht, you can enjoy the luxury of a five-star hotel, complete with a dedicated crew to cater to your needs.

On board, you can enjoy fine dining, top-shelf drinks, and all the amenities of a luxurious hotel.

You can also take advantage of the yacht’s amenities, such as a gym, swimming pool, spa, and even a movie theater.

The yacht lifestyle also offers the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships.

With a yacht, you can travel to different ports and meet new people from all over the world.

You can also host events on board, from intimate dinner parties to large gatherings.

At the end of the day, the yacht lifestyle is about living life to the fullest.

It is about exploring the world in luxury and relaxation.

It is about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you are a racing enthusiast or simply looking for a way to escape from the everyday grind, the yacht lifestyle is an unparalleled experience that is sure to provide a lifetime of memories.

Luxury Amenities of Yachts

When it comes to luxury and comfort, yachts are in a class of their own.

From plush furnishings and spacious cabins to state-of-the-art entertainment systems and private chef-prepared meals, yachts have all the amenities of a home but with the added benefit of being able to take them anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re looking to cruise the Mediterranean, fish the Pacific, or just relax in the Caribbean, yachts are the perfect way to do it in style.

Most yachts come equipped with fully-stocked wet bars, hot tubs, and even private movie theaters, making them the perfect place to entertain family and friends.

There are also plenty of options when it comes to entertainment, from game rooms to fishing equipment, and even water-sports equipment for those looking for a more active vacation.

Yachts also come equipped with the latest navigation and communications systems, so you can stay connected with the world even when you’re out at sea.

With satellite-based communication, you can even stay connected with friends and family back home.

Finally, when it comes to luxury amenities, yachts are the perfect way to pamper yourself.

From private spa treatments to personal chefs and masseuses, yachts provide the perfect opportunity to indulge and relax in style.

Final Thoughts

Yacht is a term that has a long and fascinating history, and today there are a variety of yachts that range from modest day-sailers to luxurious mega-yachts.

Yachts can be used for a variety of activities such as racing and cruising, and also offer a unique lifestyle with various luxury amenities.

If you’re looking to experience the luxury of a yacht, consider chartering one for a special occasion or take a sailing course to learn more about the yacht lifestyle.

No matter what, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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What is the Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht?

Key differences between ‘boats’ and ‘yachts’.

Boats and yachts are two different types of watercraft normally used for a range of recreational and commercial activities. Whilst people tend to use these terms interchangeably, there are numerous distinct differences between a boat and a yacht. There are six main differences that you should bare in mind when looking at boats or yachts , to help you gain the best understanding. 

6 Differences Between Yachts and Boats

The first key difference between a boat and a yacht is their size. A yacht is typically bigger than a boat and whilst there is no strict definition of what a yacht is, the general consensus is that if it is over 40 feet in length, it is usually considered a yacht. Boats can also vary in size, starting from small dinghies to larger motorboats or ferries but as a whole are definitely smaller than yachts.

Typically, boats are used for more recreational activities including fishing, cruising and watersports. As well as this, they can be used for commercial use and transportation with cargo or ferries. This is why boats that aren’t ferries or cargo tend to have a smaller, more simplistic design. Each boat is designed specifically so they function for their activities. On the other hand, yachts are usually used for cruising, entertainment and pleasure. They are designed with a more aesthetic design in order to enhance the experience of passengers.

3. Luxury Features

Another factor that easily sets boats and yachts apart are their luxury facilities. In general, boats do not have luxury facilities and whilst they might have an underdeck area, this will only be small and not include any kind of ‘luxuries’. Yachts however are usually equipped with multiple luxury features including spacious cabins, full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, swimming pools, hot tubs, television systems and in some cases, even helipads. These are purposefully designed to heighten the onboard experience of passengers.

One thing you should expect to see when comparing yachts and boats is a difference in cost. Because boats are fit for a smaller, more simplistic purpose you should expect these to cost less than a yacht. You could, on average, buy a boat ranging from a few thousand pounds right up to £700,000 but a yacht would come at prices from about £100,000 to £10,000,000 . This is for many reasons including the size, purpose and functionality of a yacht compared to a boat.

5. Maintenance

Whilst it is important to consider the costs of buying a boat or a yacht , it is also important to consider the upkeep that is going to come with that. In general, a yacht requires more maintenance than boats due to them being larger and having more complex systems. They would require specialised cleaning, regular upkeep of their facilities including swimming pools, hot tubs, rooms etc and regular servicing of their mechanical systems. Boats would still need to undergo upkeep, but not to the extent that a yacht would. As a result, the price and work level are usually lower for boat maintenance .

6. Engine Power

The last difference to note between boats and yachts is the power of their engines. There are a lot of boats that won’t even have an engine, it could range from a small boat requiring manpower to operate to larger boats using wind and sails to move. Boats that do have an engine can reach quite high speeds and run for some periods of time, but their engine capacity is not comparable to a yacht. A yacht engine tends to be more powerful overall, which allows them to travel through rougher water and travel for very long periods of time.

Should I Buy Myself a Boat or a Yacht?

It is important to do your research about the boat or yacht you are looking to buy in order to make sure you are getting the watercraft fit for your purpose. If you are looking to partake in watersports or short trips, a boat is definitely more suitable for you. However, if you are looking for a more luxurious travel style then a yacht may be the one for you. 

If you are looking to sell or buy, Clipper Marine might be the perfect option for you. We have experience selling a range of yachts and boats and can offer our expertise when setting the asking price, marketing the boat to potential buyers.

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The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Boats – Top 20

As we all know, a boat is a type of watercraft that has been specifically designed for navigating near-shore areas or inland waterways such as rivers and lakes.

What makes a boat different from a ship is its smaller size and lesser carrying capacity compared to the latter.

However, the definition of a boat –its size, shape and capacity-varies according to its purpose. To understand better, you might want to read about the major differences between boat and ship .

According to modern naval terms, a boat is defined as a watercraft that is small enough to be carried abroad a ship (some boats are measured up to 1000 feet in length).

Similarly, many boats are intended to provide service, not in near-shore areas but in the offshore environment.

Interestingly, contradicting the “ships can carry boats, but boats can’t carry ships” argument, even sometimes the US Navy submarines are called boats.

Historical evidence suggests that the boat has been used for transportation since pre-historic times. However, from the oldest known boat named dugouts, the evolution of the watercraft has now reached luxurious motor yachts.

Apart from recreational purposes, boats have also served an integral purpose in the modern commercial world by allowing active transportation of both passengers and cargo, wherever short distances are concerned.

Table of Contents

Types of Boats

Technically, there are several different types of boats, and it’s impossible to list down all the types. But, primarily, boats can be classified into three main sections as follows:

• Unpowered or man-powered boats (like rafts, gondolas, kayaks, etc.),
• Sailboats (sail-propelled)
• Motorboats (engine-powered)

Here we have a list of the major types of boats in the above-mentioned categories of vessels, along with boat pictures used around the world.

Related Read:   5 Biggest and Magnificent Sailing Ships of All Time

1. Fishing Boats

Built exclusively for fishing, fishing boats in different sizes are used on both salt and freshwater bodies. The immediate qualities of these boats include stability, strength, and durability to survive the fishing ventures across various kinds of waterways.

Fishing boats can be both manned and un-manned types. The all-purpose fishing boats generally include a front bow, rod lockers, a trolling motor system, an outboard power and live wells.

Compared to the boats meant for lakes and rivers, the boats fishing in the offshore environment will be taller in size and strong-built to withstand saltwater and harsher conditions.

On the other hand, the aluminium fishing boats weigh less and are highly durable.  The bass boats designed with slim profiles, and consist of 2-3 anglers on board, are type of a boat used for fishing.

Related Read:  Types of Fishing Vessels

2. Dinghy Boats

A dinghy can be a small inflatable boat usually made of rubber and comprises cross thwarts and rowlocks that act as seats and oars, respectively.

Commonly powered by sails, oars and small outboard engines, Dinghies are popularly known as sailboats, rowboats or simply inflatables.

These boats team up with more significant vessels and come in handy when the mothership cannot navigate in narrow areas. These rowboats can also be utilised as companion boats and are taken to camping expeditions or fishing in shallow waters.

Related Read: Differences Between a Ship and a Boat

3. Deck Boats

As the name suggests, Deck Boats come with an open deck area that provides plenty of seating arrangements for a small group of people.

The boat features a V-shaped hull with a wide beam to accommodate more passengers than a pontoon boat. Usually measures 25-35 ft in length, they are provided with a stern power drive and are popularly used for recreational activities like swimming, water sports etc.

4. Bowrider Boats

Known as a quintessential family boat, Bowriders offer room for eight or more passengers across its cockpit, bow cockpit and helm. In addition, the bow area of these boats has been constructed in a unique way to allow a spacious seating arrangement.

Moreover, these runabout-style vessels contain a swim platform for putting on wakeboards or for swimming activities feel-good leisure boating.

With its classic V-shaped bottom, Bowrider Boats offer a splendid ride across different water conditions. The usage of sterndrive power is the typical rule, but the demand for outboard engines is increasing rapidly.

4. Catamaran Boats

Unlike other boats, Catamaran is a multi-hulled watercraft that features two parallel hulls of equal size. Catamaran Boats feature less hull volume, shallower draft, and higher displacement than vessels with a single hull.

Excellent for fishing purposes and even for leisurely cruising abilities, Catamarans are being built for various purposes across the world.

Related Read:  Main Types of Catamarans Used in the Shipping World

6. Cuddy Cabins Boats

Well-suited for fishing, yachting, sailing and other water sports, Cuddy Cabins Boats is one of the most family-friendly vessels.

Featuring a closed deck over the boat’s bow, the boat allows a convenient storage space and easy navigation. The cuddy cabin boats are usually built of fibreglass and aluminium, and the minimum length is around 4.75 meters.

7. Centre Console Boats

Essentially a boat that features a hull with no cabin or foredeck and the helm station in the centre of the boat, Centre Consoles are great fishing platforms.

These boats are ideal for sports fishing and work in harsh offshore waterways with plenty of ocean fish. The essential equipment consists of bait wells, gunwale rod holders, fish lockers and outriggers, to name a few.

In addition, the deck provides a powerful insulation system for icing the fish storage.

Related Read:  Lafayette – The World’s Biggest Ship for Fish Processing

8. Houseboats

There are houseboats of different shapes and sizes worldwide, offering the luxury of living on water and providing excellent recreational and holiday accommodation facilities.

Houseboats, also known as Float house, incorporate broad flooring and modern amenities such as entertainment, fine dining, and proper sleeping arrangements.

The boats offer fun activities like relaxed cruising, water sports, family sailing etc. While most of the houseboats are motorized, there are boats incapable of operating under their own power since they are usually kept stationary at a location.

Related Read:  Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships in 2017

9. Trawler Boats

With features including a displacement hull and fuel-efficient engines, trawlers are intended to smoothly manoeuvre through the water bodies without exhausting much horsepower or consuming excessive fuel.

This quality makes the trawler a brilliant option for long-range cruising activities, as all modern facilities can be found aboard the boat.

10. Cabin Cruiser Boats

Offering all the essential features of a home, Cabin Cruiser boats are great for relaxed sailing. Designed with a galley and a berth, these boats offer modern comforts like heaters, air conditioners, and power generators.

In addition to a deep-V bottom, the Cabin Cruisers employ a secure shaft drive mechanism plus rudder steering and therefore are mainly suited for movement in the salty water.

11. Game boats

Powered by diesel or petrol engines, these fibreglass boats are large in measurement and are useful for the game fish pursuit, especially pelagic fishes like tuna and marlin.

Equipped with sleeping berths, plumbing systems, and cooking galleys, these boats allow passengers to continue their activities for a couple of days or more.

12. Motor Yacht Boats

The latest design in the evolution of boats, the motor yacht, is a watercraft primarily used for leisure activities. The motor yacht has a standard length of 12m and above, with one or two diesel engines per navigation requirements in inland waters or the oceans.

The motor yacht can vouchsafe for an enjoyable family trip for a long period of time that it sails on the water. There are different types of yachts in the market, including day sailing yachts, weekender yachts, cruising yachts, luxury sailing yachts etc. to meet the various requirements.

13. Personal Watercraft (PWC) Boats

The PWC boats, also known as water scooters and jetski, are customized boats for adventurous activities. This recreational watercraft allows individuals to explore the waters at their own ease and participate in games such as water-skiing and sports fishing, etc. There are two types of PWCs – “sit down” and “stand-up” models; while the former is intended for two or more people, the latter can only be used by a single rider.

14. Runabout Boats

Capable of accommodating four and eight people, Runabout Boats are typically used in racing, fishing, water skiing, etc. The movement of these open boats is controlled by a steering wheel and forward controls, as located behind a windscreen. Runabouts are usually declared entry-level vessels for casual sports and boating activities.

15. Jet Boats

Powered by a jet of water ejected from behind the vessel, Jet Boat is notable for its high manoeuvrability. The structure of a jet boat is quite similar to that of a bow-rider, as it offers a lot of seating areas and a swimming platform. In addition, the advanced propulsion system is securely enwrapped in the hull to protect it from any external damage.

16. Wakeboard/ Ski Boats

The wakeboard boats and the ski boats look quite the same but differ in their fields of action. The inboard ski boats require a powerful range of acceleration, and the shape of the engine and propeller accentuates it. On the other hand, the inboard wakeboards feature a V drive engine system, deep hulls, and a huge wake to set in motion.

17. Banana Boats

A banana boat is a type of watercraft that is solely utilized for recreational activities and family entertainment. As the name suggests, it is a banana-shaped inflatable watercraft and easily floats on water. It does not have an inbuilt motor system. A banana boat has the capacity to seat around three to ten people. Interestingly, at the same, the vessels being used primarily for the transportation of bananas as cargo is also called Banana boats.

Related Read:  Top 10 Most Expensive Private Yachts In The World

18. Lifeboats

In emergencies, lifeboats come to the rescue! The lifeboats are small watercraft attached to bigger vessels like cruises, and their main function is to carry passengers to a secure area if the concerned vessel is met with an accident. The lifeboats are well-equipped with immediate food and water supplies and other necessities to pacify the frightened voyagers in case of a shipwreck.

Related Read:  Common Reasons for Ship’s Lifeboat Engine Starting Failure

19. Pontoon Boat

Used popularly for inland waters and other small water bodies, Pontoon boats are flattish in shape, relying on tubes (pontoons) to float on the water. Typically, the length of the Pontoon boat ranges from 15-30 ft with a shallow draft. It consists of multiple aluminium tubes supporting the broad platform providing excellent stability.

They are used for recreational activities like cruising and fishing etc. The shape of a Pontoon boat helps designers plan the seating arrangements and other facilities according to the requirements.

20. Sedan Bridge Boat

Typically ranging from about 35–65 feet in length, Sedan Bridge Boat by Sea Ray Company offers the pleasure of excellent visibility to the navigator. With an extended bridge area, the boat makes the passengers feel like a big ship bridge and offers accommodations down below to suit extended stays on the water.

Apart from the above-mentioned ones, several other types of boats are also available in the market.

The list of the boats continues with vessels such as Skiff or Jon Boats, Hydrofoil boats, Cigarette boats, Cuddy Boats, Tug Boats , High-Speed Crafts, Bumper Boats, Pilot Boat, Fire Boat, Well boats, Kayak, Bay or Flat Boats, All-Purpose fishing Boats, Deck Boats, High-Performance Boats, Rafts, Surfboats, Narrowboats, Folding Boats, Log Boats, Go-fast Boats, Catboats, Junk Boats, Ferry Boats, Canoe Boats, U-boats, Dory boats etc.

Over to you…

If you think any other type of boat should be added to this list, let’s know in the comments below.

You might also like to read:

• A Guide To Types of Ships
• Types of Sailboats: A Comprehensive Classification
• Different Types of Submarines and Underwater Vessels
• Different Types of Barges Used in the Shipping World
• LNG Tankers: Different Types And Dangers Involved
• What is Karadeniz Powership? 
• Top 11 Books On Boating

Disclaimer : The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

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13 comments.

Though the personal watercraft boat seems like it would be an adventure, I’d prefer the classic fishing boat with an outboard power and live wells. I love fishing and this probably suits my needs just fine. It could also be that I don’t know how to swim either and this just seems safest.

Add another catergory Power Sailer. My Imexus 28 Trailer Sailer has a 180hp inboard whilst being generally sailing oriented. This catergory has some early examples like the Lancer 27, a big volume seller in the Macgregor 26Xand M and others like the Hunter X and Mackmam 28 All having large outboards fitted. Jimmy Buffett had one built I believe which was much bigger yacht again featuring a pair of 70 hp inboards I think. Just another catergory to add to the list. Regards Graeme

Well explained, I got some information about the bout on your article. I have shared it with my friend, who is planning to buy a boat. I am sure this post helps him to choose the right type of boat for him. He joined a yacht show in Thailand and like a boat from Boat Lagoon Yachting. Thanks for sharing.

@Johan: Glad the information came handy

I find it helpful that you made a list of boats with a detailed description of each. When I learned that a person can get a fishing boat so that they can be used to get saltwater and freshwater fish, my suggestion for boat buyers is to invest in a custom dock by a local contractor before buying one. Doing this will help them have a safe place to keep it safe while not in use.

Got any recommendations for a single man boat? I’m writing a character who likes the freedom of getting on his (modest) motor boat and taking off for the afternoon/evening. Below deck accommodations w/b great too. But I wouldn’t want to cost to be more than $20k. Any help is appreciated! Oh, and, he likes to go fast!

Nice post very informing. btw how do I know the difference between boats that are different that look the same?

I lovw boats so much! these are so cool! have you ever gone on a pizza boat they are the best things ever! carrbean pizza boats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i want to marry one one day. Lol.

This is really informative and i loved it i work with a marine company as a social media strategist and i was scouring the web for contents and i stumbled on this i thought i knew boats but now i know better thanks for the information btw i was wondering if you could give me permission to use some of these pictures for the content i’m creating. i’d love to hear from you soon. Regards

good information about boats

Banana Boats!! Seriously!!!

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Personal Water Craft

Recent history.

Personal Water Craft (PWC) have become a major force in boating, accounting for a significant portion of new boat sales annually. There are more than one MILLION PWCs in use today.

That is a huge number of boats, and unfortunately there is an equal amount of misunderstanding to go along with them. Did you know that a PWC was even considered a boat? Many people don’t, and think of them more as toys that require no training or knowledge of how they work. To start, think of the terms used for a boat - they will be the same for a PWC.

When PWCs first came on the market, they were generally designed for only one person and were designed for high maneuverability. They were usually only available as stand-up models, and had few features.

Over the last several years, two, three and even four seat models have become the top sellers. These craft are much more substantial than earlier craft, and are even capable of pulling a water skier. Today's models generally come with a good deal of storage space for gear, and have a very traditional "dashboard" with gauges. Remember, your PWC operator's manual will tell you the specifics of your boat, including tips on safe operation, and how many people you can safely carry.

What they are

Personal Water Craft are considered by the Coast Guard to be Class A inboard motor vessels and as such must adhere to the same Coast Guard regulations and standards as any other powerboats in this category, such as they must have a fire extinguisher on board, and must have an appropriate sound signaling device such as a horn or athletic whistle.

They are also subject to USCG manufacturing and load capacity standards, which may be found on the capacity plate and in the owners manual.

They must be registered with the state, and must also obey the Nautical Rules of the Road.

Even though PWCs are considered to be boats, there are a few differences that you need to know.

Virtually no PWCs have running lights as all manufacturers recommend that they only be used during daylight. In fact, many states ban the use of PWCs at night.

Many states require that Personal Floatation Devices be worn at all times while on a PWC. Many states also regulate the operation of personal watercraft within their borders by prohibiting them from specified lakes and boating areas, or by placing geographic or time restrictions on their use.

Some states require an adult to be on board when a minor is operating the craft, or may require completion of a boating safety course before a minor can legally operate a PWC.

How they work

PWCs are operated by two-cycle inboard gasoline engines that drive a jet water pump. Water is taken in through a water pick-up on the bottom of the PWC, drawn into an internal propeller (an impeller) that creates a jet of high pressure water which exits through a nozzle on the back of the PWC.

There is also a moveable "gate" that can be dropped over the nozzle to provide reverse thrust on some models. Be careful, this is not designed to be used to stop a PWC operating at a high speed.

PWCs are designed to be extremely maneuverable. They are built for quick, sharp turns, low-radius circling, and rapid acceleration. However, they are only maneuverable with the throttle engaged – TO MAINTAIN STEERAGE, YOU MUST APPLY THROTTLE! For instance, the best way to avoid hitting an object is NOT to slow down, rather, you should apply throttle and steer away to avoid impact.

PWCs are self-righting if you fall off. Don’t abandon your vessel if it overturns. Simply turn it over on the direction marked on the hull or as indicated in the user’s manual that you read prior to use. Righting your craft improperly may make it more difficult than necessary to re-board, and you could cause internal damage to your PWC. To re-board your craft, approach the rear of the PWC, pull yourself up into a kneeling position, take your seat, start it up and continue on your trip. This sounds easier than it is – it is often quite difficult to re-board a PWC, especially in rough water or when fatigued. A good idea is to practice in calm shallow water before venturing out.

Most models have an automatic cut-off lanyard (which must be attached to the operator’s wrist or life jacket at all times) or self-circling feature to prevent a PWC from going far from a driver who has fallen off.

Practice boarding your PWC in a calm, shallow area with your friends or family. If you have difficulty getting back on a PWC from the water, you should most likely avoid using your PWC in areas where there is a strong current or high waves. There are "ladders" available to help you climb back on – definitely a worthwhile investment. Finally, don't forget to re-attach your cut-off lanyard.

When operating a PWC, keep clear of shallow water (less than two feet deep) or beds of sea grass or other vegetation. Since a PWC sucks water in to power its water jet, it is best not to operate in these waters. This will help keep dirt and debris from fouling the impeller, which could lead to power loss or damage to your PWC.

Operational Requirements

Legal requirements.

As Personal Water Craft are considered to be type "A" motor craft, they must adhere to certain Coast Guard requirements as follows.

• Your PWC must be equipped with a marine-rated fire extinguisher and emergency signaling devices.
• All PWCs must be registered according to state regulations, and have a registration number displayed. Follow state guidelines for specific regulations.
• You must adhere to the manufacturer's listed capacity limits for people and equipment. Each PWC has an attached capacity plate that states what you may carry. Additional information may be found in your operating manual.
• Personal Floatation Devices must be worn by riders. Chose a properly fitting, Coast Guard approved PFD and WEAR IT.
• You may be required to take a boating education course prior to operating your PWC. Check your local laws.

Other gear you should consider

• Eye Protection - water spray can greatly affect your vision. Goggles or wrap around glasses offer the best protection.
• Foot Protection - Shoes or sandals will protect your feet and give you added traction.
• Gloves - Gloves will allow you to keep a tight grip on wet controls.
• Wet Suits - In colder water a wet suit will provide extra comfort by keeping you warm. Nettle suits will protect you from stinging nettles in the summer.
• Helmet - Many PWC accidents include head and neck injuries. Wearing a helmet and a high impact PFD with a neck brace will greatly reduce the effects of a high speed impact.

Pre-ride Inspection

It is always a great idea to check your watercraft prior to every outing. This will allow you to make sure that your watercraft is in top operating condition. Some things to check are:

• Battery - Make sure that your battery is fully charged, and all electrical wires are properly connected, tight, and not frayed.
• Controls - Make sure all operating controls are working properly - steering controls, stop button, lanyard cut-off, and throttle.
• Drain Plug - drain your bilge - and be sure your plug is properly secured before launching.
• Engine - Check your engine - fluid levels, hose connections, oil level/leaks, and finally make sure the engine compartment cover is properly secured.
• Fuel - Make sure that you don't have fuel leaks, and fill the tank. Plan on using 1/3 of your gas to get there, 1/3 to get back, and keep 1/3 as a reserve. Many PWCs are equipped with a fuel selector or reserve switch to help you avoid running out of fuel. If you run out of fuel, switch the tank setting to "reserve" and go to the dock. Don't forget to reset the switch once you've filled up again.
• Hull - Check the outside of your PWC--check for hull damage, check the jet pump cover and inlet for damage/fit, and secure the seats.
• Protection - A properly fitting life jacket, gloves, wetsuit, eye, head and foot gear, and a helmet will all help protect you from injury.
• Safety Gear - Make sure you have the required safety equipment - a fire extinguisher, signaling device(s) and all other legally required equipment. It's also a good idea to have an anchor, extra line, a boarding ladder, drinking water, and suntan lotion.

PWCs and the Environment

• Refuel on land to reduce any chances of spilling oil or gas into the water.
• Slow down when filling the tank, don't over-fill, catch any accidental spills with an absorbent pad, and dispose of it properly.
• Check and clean your engine well away from shorelines. Water and oil don't mix and can harm the water's delicate micro-organisms as well as the animals who feed on them, potentially upsetting the entire food chain.
• In shallow waters, boats may stir up the bottom, suspending sediments which limit light penetration and depleting oxygen. This can affect fish and bird feeding. To avoid this effect, ride in main channels, and limit riding in shallow water.
• When it is necessary to ride in shallow water, keep watercraft at an idle speed. In coastal areas be aware of low tide. The waters may be substantially more shallow at these times revealing sea grass beds and other delicate vegetation.

Even though PWCs don't have an exposed propeller, you must take caution if you operate near shore. Vegetation such as sea grasses are delicate nursery grounds where many of the fish in our waters originate. Weeds, grasses and other plant life are not good for your PWC. Ingestion of these into your craft may cause engine or pump problems, and reduce performance. Stay Away.

When possible, operate well away from shore because, typically, wildlife inhabit the vegetation along the shore's edge. The least amount of disturbance is in the marked channels or the deeper areas of a lake or river. If at all possible, stay in main channels.

Excessive boat wakes may contribute to shoreline erosion, especially in narrow streams and inlets. Erosion is a concern for all shorelines including rivers, lakes, and oceans.

The slow destruction of shorelines affects the habitats of plants and animals. Near the shore avoid high speeds which create wakes and observe posted no wake zones.

Be aware that the noise and movements of boats may disturb bird populations. Steer clear of posted bird nesting areas.

Many migratory birds are easily stressed and especially vulnerable during their migration period. Birds will typically fly away from disturbing noises and any unnecessary expenditure of energy can harm a feeding or resting bird. Bird rookeries are especially vulnerable to noise from boats, including personal watercraft. Nesting birds may fly from the nest exposing unprotected eggs and hatchlings to the sun's heat or predators.

Wildlife Harassment

Do not harass wildlife by chasing or interrupting feeding, nesting, or resting. Harassment is defined as any action that may cause an animal to deviate from its normal behavior. It is illegal and can unduly stress wildlife. Mammals such as sea otters, sea lions, manatees and whales can be injured from direct impact by boats traveling at high speeds. Ride at controlled speeds so you can see any animals ahead of you. Avoid area of high animal population. If you hit an animal report it to your local wildlife commission. There may be a chance to save its life.

Docking & Beaching

One of the great features of having a jet drive is the ability to easily beach your PWC.

When docking or beaching, look for evidence of turtles, birds, alligators, manatees, and other animals along shore. Avoid docking or beaching where plants such as reeds, grasses and mangroves are located.

These plants are essential to the ecosystem because they control erosion and provide a nursery ground for small animals vital to the food chain, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

Endangered Species

Many species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 was created to protect these animals. It is illegal to trade, kill, hunt, collect, harass, harm, pursue, shoot, trap, wound or capture species designated as endangered, or in danger of extinction, such as threatened, rare, and species of concern. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for listing the hundreds of species in decline.

Be aware of the endangered or threatened species found in your riding area that are protected by a "safe haven". These protect them from human development, and creates an environment where they are allowed to survive and flourish.

Here are just a few endangered animals you might encounter while riding: brown pelican, manatee, southern sea otter, wood, stork, American alligator and whales.

Special Habitats

• Mangroves are a distinctive type of tree that have adapted to living in or near saltwater. There are four types of Mangrove trees, two of which are threatened with extinction. Many shore birds such as pelicans and roseate spoonbills nest in mangrove forests and islands. Mangroves shelter other marine life, control erosion and filter runoff. They also build up the shoreline and serve as a buffer that protects the land from storms and winds.
• Don't operate in un-marked mangrove channels, you're disturbing mangroves, birds, and other animals who reside in this area.
• Coral is a living organism which provides a safe haven for hundreds of marine creatures. This firm, yet fragile species is vulnerable to the effects of human intrusion. If you are riding near coral, do not use an anchor, and be careful when diving to avoid coming in contact with these delicate organisms.

Marine Plant Life

• Kelp forests support a lush underwater community teeming with fish, invertebrates, sea urchins and sea otters. Found close to shore, the kelp canopy covers the surface of the water and extends down, sometimes thousands of feet, to the bottom of the ocean floor. In warm months, this seaweed can grow as much as a foot a day.
• Sea grasses are nursery grounds normally found in protected waters called estuaries where fresh water and salt water meet. Most of the world's fish have their beginnings in estuaries and their associated sea grass habitat. Sea grasses are very delicate and their destruction can lead to degradation to the entire marine cycle.
• As a responsible PWC operator, stay away from both of these environmentally sensitive areas.

Preventing Accidents

Be aware of what is around you. The leading cause of PWC accidents is striking an object (usually another PWC). If you are operating your PWC in a congested area, slow down and look at what the boats around you are doing. To avoid being struck yourself, always look for other boats before making sharp or sudden turns.

Because PWCs are so small and maneuverable it is best to always give the other boats the right of way. Larger boats may not see you, and may not be able to get out of your way in time to avoid contact. Keeping a proper lookout can save your life.

As with any boat, operate at a safe speed. It is very easy to get thrown from a PWC, especially if you hit wakes or turn too quickly. Operating at a safe speed for the conditions will lower the risk of an accident.

If you lend your PWC to a friend, make sure they know the Rules of the Road and how to operate your PWC. A large portion of PWC accidents occur with rental PWCs or when people other than the owner are operating the vessel.

PWC Etiquette

With the rapid rise in the number of personal water craft, there have been many complaints about their use and misuse. Many people would love to see them outlawed altogether, and there are currently many local jurisdictions that are attempting just that.

With common sense and common courtesy, both PWC users and traditional boaters can coexist and enjoy their time on the water. Following some simple operating procedures can help eliminate the majority of complaints against PWCs.

Noise is probably the number one complaint about PWC use. Though manufacturers are continually developing quieter motor and exhaust systems (PWC motors all operate within legal limits for noise) there are many complaints about noise.

The best way to avoid noise complaints is to follow the Rules of the Road and also to avoid operating at high speed near the shoreline and other boaters. Riding through surf and boat wakes is not only dangerous, but in many states it is illegal to do either.

Don’t operate close to wildlife or aquatic vegetation. Even though PWCs probably have less of an impact on nature than many traditional boats, it is prudent to avoid boating in areas that could be harmful to the environment. Avoiding vegetation and debris will also spare your delicate propulsion machinery from unnecessary damage.

Obey the law! If all PWC users faithfully obeyed the law, there would be far fewer complaints, and consequently far fewer usage restrictions. PWC operators control their own destiny regarding new restrictions.

The PWC industry itself is a leader in responsible use of their products. The Personal Watercraft Industry Association has created a code of ethics for PWC users that really is valuable for all boaters.

PWC Code of Ethics

• I will respect the rights of all users of the recreational waterways, both on public waters and on adjacent private property.
• I will be considerate at the launch ramps and docks. I will get on and off the ramps quickly and not delay others. I will follow the navigation rules of the road around all other vessels. I will learn and observe my state’s rules on wake jumping.
• I will give all fishing, anchored, or drifting vessels plenty of room.
• I will always operate at headway speed in "no wake" zones.
• When approaching the shore, I will be especially aware of swimmers and other craft near the shore.
• I will not disturb wildlife. I will avoid areas posted for the protection of wildlife.
• I will not litter the shore side and I will be careful with my fuel.
• I realize that my travel speed should be determined by my equipment, ability, weather and wave conditions, and especially other vessel traffic. In case of emergency, I will volunteer assistance.
• I will not interfere with or harass others. I realize that people judge all personal watercraft by my actions.
• I will pay close attention to the noise my vessel may make and be aware of how others on boats and on shore react to that noise.

You Can Make A Difference

We all have a duty to the next generation to protect our bountiful natural resources. Take a moment to learn what the environmental concerns are in your riding area.

If you're interested in observing wildlife while riding, keep an idle speed to reduce wake, noise and turbidity (stirring up the bottom). Know your riding area for the safety of the environment, for your own protection, and for your personal watercraft's protection.

What’s the Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht?

If you’re in the market for a new boat, you may be weighing your options between a powerboat, a yacht, or something else. But what’s the difference? To help you choose a craft that best suits your lifestyle and needs, this article is going to weigh the main differences between a boat and a yacht.

Boats and Yachts

With so many different types of yachts to choose from, it can be hard to know your Flybridges from your Tri-Decks if you’re just starting your search. Although there is a growing number of terms used to describe the different types of yachts out there, many of the terms overlap or are used interchangeably.

If you’re on the market for a yacht, the team here at Van Isle Marina has compiled a review of the different terms you’ll likely come across when cruising through yachts for sale .

The term ‘boat’ is used to describe any water vessel, propelled by either sails, an engine, or manpower. It’s not very specific, which means yachts, dingeys, and everything in between technically falls under the blanket term ‘boat’.

The term ‘yacht’ brings a little more prestige and sophistication with its origin story, being derived from the word “hunter” in Dutch. Hundreds of years ago, the Dutch navy built and sailed yachts to literally hunt down pirate ships in shallow waters. That’s part of the reason why both powerboats and sailboats can be classified as ‘yachts. It didn’t take long for other nations to catch on, using the Dutch idea for navy ships and eventually racing vessels and private, recreational vessels.

The size is one of the most common factors used to determine whether a boat should be classified as a yacht or not. When it comes to size, there are no official rules, so it depends on who you ask. Some will say the boat needs to be at least 35 feet to qualify as a yacht – others will say even longer. If you’re yacht is more than 75 feet, you’re approaching Super Yacht range, and if it’s more than 250 feet you’re in Mega Yacht territory.

Despite the uncertainty around size-based classification, typically, you’ll know it when you see it. That massive vessel that looks like it could sleep a 10+ and needs a dozen ropes to secure it to the dock? That’s definitely a yacht. And that small, single-level boat with not a lot of room to stand? That’s definitely a boat.

The downside of using size as the only determining factor is it’s black and white. If you set the boundaries with size, there’s no room for gray area. Let’s explore more…

Luxury Living

Yachts are an international symbol of luxury and wealth around the world. The yacht is synonymous with luxury, which can actually help us when classifying boats as yachts or not. If the boat is built with luxury top of mind, it is probably a yacht.

How do you spot luxury? From the shore, the exterior of a yacht is typically sleeker with distinct accent styles. But the real luxury becomes evident when you step on board. Yachts are built with spacious living areas, full size kitchen and bathrooms, advanced TV and audio systems, and designer-style furnishings. You might even find hot tubs, a pool, and a helicopter pad in ultra-luxurious cases.

If you’re closing in on the purchase of your new boat and you’re still unsure whether it’s a yacht or not, the price tag should give you some indication. Yachts are known to cost far more than boats, due to their level of luxury and comfort, size, and usage. For a brand-new yacht, you can easily pay $100,000+ per foot, which means you’re looking at millions of dollars for the total price.

There are other costs to consider as well. Because yachts are larger, most will require a professional crew (or at least a captain) on board. Then there’s maintenance and insurance, both of which will cost more for a yacht.

Another key differentiator between boats and yachts is what their purpose – what they’re being used for out on the water. There is no nailed down definition of what makes a yacht a yacht, but most boaters consider a yacht to be any type of sea vessel that is used strictly for recreational or pleasure purposes like cruising , entertaining, water sports, fishing , or year-round accommodations.

The only purpose of a yacht is recreation. But more specifically, yachts are designed for personal pleasure and leisure, whether that’s long, ocean-crossing journeys or anchoring near a buzzing port town.

On the other hand, if the vessel is doing a job or being used for a specific activity, it’s not a yacht. If the boat is involved in any commercial activity, it’s only a boat. Even if it’s being used recreationally, for example fishing or watersports, the boat is still a boat.

Handling Conditions

When you’re out on the open ocean, you’ll have high winds and dangerous waters to deal with. In these conditions, size will definitely work to your advantage. And while you’re closer to shore, you can expect the conditions to be much calmer.

When it comes to dealing with conditions, one worthwhile classification system places boats into one of 4 categories, labelled A through D:

Class A : These are large yachts capable of handling high winds (force 8 on the Beaufort scale) and up to 13-foot waves in the open ocean. These boats are certainly yachts and are built for the open ocean.

Class B : While these yachts aren’t quite designed for the open ocean, they’re very capable craft. Also known as “ offshore vessels ”, Class B yachts are best suited for waters less than 200 miles (321km) from shore.

Class C : Class C boats are typically known as ‘boats’, as they’re designed for inshore and nearshore excursions – not the open ocean. These boats are fine with waves a few feet high, but anything higher than that is dangerous.

Class D : These boats are typically small ones and are not built for harsh conditions. These craft can handle winds of up to 25km/hour and waves just a couple feet high.

Types of Yachts

A yacht is first defined either as a sailing yacht, motor yacht, or gulet yacht, and then as a sports yacht or luxury yacht.

• Sailing Yacht: a yacht mainly propelled via wind and sails
• Motor Yacht: a yacht propelled via one or more motors
• Gulet Yacht: a hybrid yacht with both sails and motors
• Open Yacht, Cruiser, Cabin Cruiser, Express Cruiser: an otherwise uncategorized standard yacht for cruising and entertaining
• Luxury Yacht: a yacht that includes high-end finishes and features and the latest in modern performance technology. The term ‘luxury’ can precede any type of yacht, i.e. “luxury motor yacht”, “luxury sailing yacht”, etc.
• Sports Yacht : a yacht geared towards fishing, water sports, or cruising with a sleeker design and more powerful motor for faster cruising speeds. The term ‘sports’ can precede other types of yachts as well, i.e. “sports motor yacht”.
• Catamaran Yacht: a yacht with two hulls (pontoons) often made of fiberglass that can be used in shallow waters.

Yacht Style Categories

Yachts can further be grouped or defined according to their form and function, such as with flybridge, sedan, pilot house, and sportfish yachts, for example.

• Classic Motor Yacht: a yacht that was built between the 1920s and 1970s (before today’s modern technology began dominating modern yacht manufacturing). A modern yacht can be built based on the classic motor yacht style.
• Sedan: a popular yacht style with deck space above the hull and living quarters below. The living quarters of a sedan yacht are enclosed and single-level.
• Flybridge: a sedan-style yacht with an open deck and more comfortable living space above the main bridge of a vessel.
• Daybridge: a multi-level yacht that is even more open than a flybridge. Belize Motoryachts are known for creating this distinctive style of yacht.
• Open or Enclosed: a term used to describe the layout of and access to the flybridge. In an enclosed flybridge, access to the above flybridge is enclosed inside the living space. In an open flybridge, access to the flybridge above is open to the elements.
• Downeast Style: a low-profile yacht with a large working cockpit and small helm station. This highly recognizable style is inspired by the mid-1900s traditional Maine lobster boat. Back Cove yachts are a shining example of downeast-style inspired yachts.
• Pilothouse: A multi-deck yacht like a flybridge with a larger interior main deck.
• Sky Lounge: an enclosed area at the top of the vessel that provides the benefits of the view but with several amenities, protection from the elements, expansive windows and sometimes a sunroof.
• Cockpit Motor Yacht: a yacht with more cockpit space than deck space.
• Sportfish or Sport Fishing Yacht: A yacht used for fishing with a large cockpit, storage space, and the ability to handle rougher seas. These can also be referred to as Flybridge Sportfish or Sportfish Express and are built for longer durations out on the water.
• Convertible: a yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht with a sportfish yacht to have entertaining space when you need it, and also fishing space when you need it.
• SUV: a yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht and sport yacht.
• Tri-Decks : a superyacht with three levels of staggered, enclosed living space.
• Expedition Yachts: a large yacht with a deeper displacement hull for more stability and comfort during longer-range trips.

There are dozens of governing bodies, societies, and other organizations that set standards, classifications, and definitions in the world of boating. There are different authorities like this all over the world, so it’s a good idea to check-in with local groups or areas you plan to visit.

If you’re in the market for a new boat or yacht, head over to Van Isle Marina on Harbour Road in Sidney, BC. You can browse our selection of yachts for sale on our website, but be sure to stop by the marina to check out our facilities, fuel dock and Sea Glass Waterfront Grill .

250 656 1138

2320 Harbour Road, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 2P6 [email protected]

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Quick facts about PWCs or Personal Watercraft

The official definition of a personal watercraft varies from state to state, but they are generally recognized as a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power, and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing in the vessel. PWCs are manufactured by BRP (Sea-Doo®), Honda (AquaTrax®), Kawasaki (JET SKI®), and Yamaha (WaveRunner®).

Who rides personal watercraft?

Many people are surprised to learn that 99 percent of all personal watercraft sold today are multi-passenger vessels, with three-seat models making up the vast majority of sales. These are family vessels, purchased by families who want to spend a day together on the water, and have found PWC to be affordable, approachable, and easy to store, transport, and maintain.

How many PWC are there?

The National Marine Manufacturers Association reports that 41,600 new PWCs were sold in the U.S. in 2010, with an average price of $11,123. The majority of all PWC sold today include new-technology 4-stroke engines. NMMA estimates that in 2010, there were approximately 1.3 million PWC in use in the U.S.

What about PWC emissions?

Some anti-access groups cite a study that compared an unregulated old-technology PWC with a regulated 1998 model car, which is an apples to oranges comparison. The fact is, with the introduction of "new-technology" engine improvements such as catalysts, direct injection, and four-strokes, marine engine manufacturers have achieved up to a 90 percent reduction in hydrocarbon and NOx emissions in a matter of years, as opposed to the decades it took the automobile industry to achieve the same reductions. New technology enabled PWC models to meet EPA’s marine engine standards years ahead of schedule; they are among the most environmentally friendly motorboats on the water today. All PWC manufacturers offer personal watercraft with four-stroke engines. Lake Tahoe-which has the strictest environmental requirements in the country-welcomes the use of more than 30 models of direct-injection and four-stroke personal watercraft because they are uniquely environmentally friendly.

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Yacht classification definitions

The merchant shipping sector is ruled by safety regulations developed since the beginning of the 20th century, and is familiar with international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL and Load Lines. But the application of common safety requirements to pleasure vessels is something relatively new – a continuous work in progress – and is very much dependant on the service and the flag of the yacht.

Defining the problems

Definitions do not help. How often have we read of large yachts, superyachts, megayachts, gigayachts or other bombastic adjectives? How many times have we mentioned MCA, RINA, and Lloyd’s, without having a clear idea of who’s doing what?

A good starting point for understanding the subject is to clarify the main definitions and the roles of the main players:

Large yacht

A large yacht is a pleasure vessel with a load line length equal to or over 24m. Almost all the flag administrations have adopted safety codes dedicated to large yachts and this is, therefore, the only definition having a universal meaning in the international regulatory framework of yachts.

Commercial yacht

A motor or sailing vessel in commercial use (i.e. charter) for sport and pleasure, carrying no cargo and not more than 12 passengers.

Private yacht

A pleasure vessel solely used for the recreational and leisure purpose of its owner and his guests.

Flag administration

The government of the state whose flag the yacht is entitled to fly . This administration sets the safety regulations, manning requirements and fiscal aspects relevant to the yacht registration.

Different flag administrations can inspect the safety aspects of yachts with their own inspectors (see MCA for example) or delegate this activity partially or totally to other recognised bodies such as the classification societies.

The main flag authorities in the yachting industry are: The UK-MCA, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Italy and Luxembourg.

Classification societies

Organisations that establish and apply technical standards in relation to the design, construction and survey of ships.

Classification rules are developed to assess the structural strength and integrity of the essential parts of the hull, the reliability and function of the propulsion, steering systems, power generation and all the other features installed on board which contribute to guarantee the main essential services.

In addition to this ‘third party check’ function, class societies carry out statutory duties on behalf of the major flag administrations in accordance with specific delegation agreements signed with each government.

The main class societies involved in yachting are: American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd, Lloyd’s Register, and RINA.

Large yachts: Applicable rules and certificates

Private yachts

The mandatory requirements for these boats are very light. For the majority of flag states, a registration survey and a tonnage measurement, carried out by an authorised surveyor, are sufficient.

The only mandatory international conventions are those relevant to the marine environment: MARPOL and the Anti-Fouling System Convention.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is intended to eliminate the intentional pollution and to minimise the accidental pollution of the marine environment caused by harmful substances.

The Anti-Fouling System Convention’s purpose is to eliminate the presence of harmful substances for the marine environment contained in anti-fouling paints applied to ships.

Classification

While classification is not mandatory, building and maintaining a private yacht in class is the only evidence that the boat has been designed, constructed and operated in compliance with appropriate technical standards. It is therefore highly desirable, especially in relation to insurance and re-sale purposes.

Commercial yachts

All flag administrations require commercial yachts to be certified in accordance with a specific large yacht safety code.

The most popular of these safety codes, and the first that was developed, is the MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2) published in 2004. It replaced the Code of Practice for the Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels (LY1) published in 1997.

LY2 is applied by the Red Ensign Group Flags (UK, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, Bermuda, Gibraltar, British Virgin Islands, etc.) and is recognised as a reference standard for all the yachting industry.

Other flags have developed similar codes. Luxembourg, Italy, Marshall Islands, Malta, Belize and The Netherlands are some examples.

While introducing a stricter set of rules and regulations compared to private yachts, commercial registration offers yacht owners the possibility of making a profit from the chartering activity of their boats, and allows them to take advantage of all the other benefits of a commercial operation (in particular VAT exemption on the purchase, sale, bunkering, provisions, dry-docking, and others).

Mandatory certificates

The number and type of the mandatory certificates depends on the size of the vessel; the following is an indicative list:

• International Tonnage Certificate : A measurement of the internal volumes of the yacht expressed in gross tons (GT). This measurement should not be confused with displacement tonnage, which quantifies the weight of a vessel.
• Large Yacht Code Certificate : Covers life-saving appliances, fire protection and means of escape, navigational and signalling equipment, intact and damaged stability, manning and crew accommodation.
• Class Certificate : This mainly deals with the yacht’s hull, machinery, electrical equipment and outfitting.
• International Load Line Certificate : This certifies the weather-tightness of the yacht.
• Safety Radio Certificate : This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 300GT This concerns the radio communication and distress installations.
• MARPOL Annex I Certificate : This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 400GT This deals with the disposal of oil and bilge water from machinery spaces.
• MARPOL Annex IV Certificate : This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 400 or the yacht is certified to carry over 15 persons. This deals with the disposal of sewage from ships.
• MARPOL Annex V : This is applicable to all ships. It covers the disposal of rubbish.
• MARPOL Annex VI : This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 400GT as well as to all main and auxiliary engines with a power exceeding 130kW. It concerns the emissions from main and auxiliary engines (NOx and SOx).
• Safety Construction and Safety Equipment : These are additional prescriptions on machinery, electrical parts, life-saving and navigational equipment for yachts with a gross tonnage above 500GT.
• International Safety Management Certificate : This is only applicable to yachts having a gross tonnage greater than 500GT. A certified management company is requested to carry out this service, preparing operational manuals, procedures for drills, and taking care of the maintenance of the yacht and its installations.
• International Ship and Port Security Certificate : This is only applicable to yachts having a gross tonnage greater than 500GT and deals with the anti-piracy certification. A certified management company is requested to provide the ashore assistance and establish on-board procedures and operational manuals.

The GT Factor

The gross tonnage value (GT) is a key issue, not only as a reference for the registration fees applied by the different flag administrations, but also because it determines whether an international convention, rather than a particular safety standard, applies to a yacht.

The table below summarises how the conventions and relevant certificates come into force depending on the gross tonnage of the yacht. In particular, the following values may have a critical impact:

300GT: In many codes, when you reach this value the yacht must be certified in unrestricted service (stricter requirements regarding stability, load line and life-saving appliances).

400GT: This is the threshold for almost all the environmental conventions such as MARPOL and Anti-fouling System.

500GT: This is the threshold for the application of the SOLAS Convention, meaning stricter requirements on machinery, safety systems, materials of construction, fire protection, life-saving appliances and navigational equipment. Furthermore an external certified management company is requested for the ISM and ISPS certifications.

The tonnage issue could also arise on existing yachts when undertaking major refits or modifications, in that any change to the internal volumes of the boat – such as adding enclosed deckhouses or superstructures, or modifying the hull transom or bow – will modify the tonnage value with the risk of subjecting the yacht to stricter mandatory rules.

UPDATE: Since this article was originally published, LY2 has been superseded by Large Commercial Yacht Code Revision 3 (LY3) .

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Yacht definition.

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For yacht definition there have been expressed different views. Many continue to disagree and argue their own position on what is a yacht . Nevertheless everyone will certainly agree on one thing. In any case it concerns a “pleasure craft” or else yacht is a “recreational vessel”.

The yacht definition in a phrase is: “any watercraft which features accommodation and used solely for pleasure, be it leisure or races or even a getaway”.

Formerly the yacht definition had narrower content. Nowadays, yacht is any vessel intended for pleasure which can accommodate people. And yet the origin of the word had to do with harsh necessity rather than pleasure. But how was this change? Let’s navigate a while into history!

The term YACHT is originated from the obsolete Dutch word “jaght”, which comes from the Middle Saxon “jacht” meaning hunt or to pursue, which is also the short for jachtschip which means hunting ship / ship for chasing. “Jacht” has Proto-Germanic root just like German “Jäger” which means hunter.

The arrival of King Charles II of England in Rotterdam, May 24 1660

She was a swift lightweight chasing vessel which was used by authorities in the coastal parts of the Low Countries by the Sea to pursue outlaws (1) . During the 17th century has been used by the Dutch as a recreational vessel (2) as well as in informal improvised races both in the Netherlands and in their establishment in North America, which later renamed New York. Such a vessel was used in 1660 for the transfer of the Merry Monarch (Charles II) from Scheveningen of The Hague, United Netherlands in Dover, England following the resolution of the English Parliament to proclaim him king and invite him to return.

Until fairly recently yachts were considered as large and luxurious vessels for the personal use and entertainment of important and wealthy persons. The starting point of this perception is claimed to be that by selecting an important person as Charles II the particular vessel for the carriage of, in connection with such an important purpose as the resumption of his crown, remained in the English perception of that era and therefore into the language, that this foreign watercraft is a vessel for important people. In a public speech, Charles praised the “jaght” which was given to him as a gift at Breda during his exile (3) . Charles and his brother the Duke of York James II, built similar vessels. Particularly two of them competed for prize at the Thames. In deed it was from this royal family that sailing for pleasure was spread between the nobility and the wealthy in England.

Cleopatra’s Barge

Dutch and English carried on this luxurious pleasure to America. There in Massachusetts, later on in 1816 the recreational vessel Cleopatra’s Barge was built. With this yacht the matter of opulence and luxury ascended to another level. Out of this level the standards for construction of yachts in the coming years were set.

As regards to the shipbuilding type, pleasure vessels did not remain on the lines of the Dutch craft. As early as the starting point of the new lifestyle they followed other known lines of the era as well such as schooners, brigantines and cutters.

From the mid-19th century onwards, transition happens from sail-powered to steam-powered vessels and from the use of wood to the use metal in the construction. Steam engines emerge and afterwards internal combustion engines. The machines start to be used also in the yachts as were in the naval and the merchant ships. At the beginning machines are installed along with sails that remain for a few years as a backup means of propulsion. The new means of propulsion require storage for fuel and reinforced structure. Consequently pleasure vessels are built large to very large and very luxurious also. Therefore these yachts belonged to the private property of very rich people.

Steam Yacht

In the same period, i.e. from mid-19th century and then, begin to appear in publicity feats with particularly small watercrafts. Their skipper alone and unaided (single handed) sails long distances at the high seas, like the Channel crossing, the Atlantic crossing or even circumnavigating the world. Alongside, books are issued with regards to this kind of adventures at sea. This way it is propagated that small vessels are seaworthy. Small yachts win popularity while many are getting inspired to try yachting. From the time of the Great Depression and after, there has been a reduction in the construction of large and expensive yachts. The trend henceforth is toward the smaller yachts. From there and beyond and in particular from the mid-20th century onwards more and more small size yachts appear. The reason is that as the yacht’s size decreases, the construction cost is reduced at a faster rate than the rate at which the size decreases. Further to this, from the 80s and after they were developed construction methods under which the cost per unit of production was increasingly reduced. The new construction methods use new materials such as fiberglass, and deploy mass production processes based on standard designs. On the other hand there has been a substantial rise in the standards of living, mainly in Western Europe and North America. As a result, there has been more available income for allocation to more affordable in terms of construction cost yachts, either in the form of acquisition or in the form of rental. In this way we saw the considerable flourishing of a new form of holidays and tourism with chartered yachts.

Yachting today is affordable for everyone, especially aboard a yacht rental.

Consequently yacht definition widened from the narrow confines of the large and luxurious pleasure vessel. Now it includes any vessel meant for pleasure which features accommodation. And this is regardless of the primary means of propulsion that can be the sails or the engine of.

So let’s stake out yacht definition: The word emanated from a relatively small and manoeuvrable type of vessel. That vessel was above all very fast because her purpose was to chase other vessels. In the 17th century she was used in competitions where the objective was the speed and the story was the persecution. This and other types were used by important and wealthy persons for pleasure in general. They were built in larger sizes and with great luxury because cost was not an issue for their owners. The more the luxury and the comfort the yachts had the more they were losing their racing character. From the mid-19th century and then small yachts start to appear. These yachts combine the racing character with the recreation prospect providing at least comfortable accommodation if not luxury. By the second half of the 20th century and after the small vessels offering cruising speed and comfort are greatly increased. Nowadays they predominate numerically over the very large and luxurious ones due to the greater acquisition possibilities of by many more people. Well, all these are yachts!

The prevalent element in yacht definition which differentiates her from other vessels, perhaps the unique one, is the kind of use. That is to say, whether used for personal pleasure, something which includes accommodation and at least basic amenities and thence and beyond merely recreational cruise or race. Flagrant example is that following the termination of second World War many individuals bought small warships and turned them into yachts. Therefore a vessel is defined as yacht not just by the design of, but mainly by the way it is used.

Today you don’t need to have high incomes so to enjoy aboard a yacht. No need to buy because you can rent a yacht for a few days and be entertained in any sea of the planet you want. Yachts built for offshore sailing are safe in all sizes. Moreover they provide a wealth of amenities that previously would have been considered a great luxury.

Let’s contemplate that in 1492 Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas onto his flagship that was just 58 feet or 17.7 meters. We easily realize that the board size that once served the necessities of trade, war, and expansion of hinterland through discoveries, today is a common size for navigable pleasure. Today, we can easily enjoy sailing holidays and we can live regally in the terms of once upon, even for a few days.

So we managed to fit all pleasure crafts (or almost all) within yacht definition. If someone wants to know more about what exactly is included today in yacht definition should look for the types of sailing yachts of catamaran yachts and of motor yachts.

—————————

Yacht definition notes:

• Under the name “jaght” there were also other types of Dutch crafts. One example is the armed three-masted merchant vessel that was used in the 17th century on routes to and from the East Indies. Another example is the “d’Halve Maen” with which Henry Hudson explored in 1609 for the northwest passage of America.
• Pleasure crafts have existed among all seafarer nations from the depths of history. Yet here we look at the origin of the word yacht and what is included into yacht definition.
• The jaght was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company. Charles II named her “Mary” in the honor of his sister.

Further reading:

What is a yacht and what isn’t included in this term: What vessels today meet the conditions to be classified as yachts.

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Yacht Types and Sizes

Which yacht types and sizes exist in the world.

Are you curious which yacht types and sizes exist in the world? Spoiler: there are plenty!

In this article, we explore different types of yachts, such as motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and trimarans.

We talk about their unique features, advantages and disadvantages.

We also cover the difference between serial, semi-custom and custom yachts and see which one is right for you. 

Finally, we learn about how yacht size is measured and how it affects overall yacht volume and operations.

Let’s get started! 

YACHT TYPES

If you consider buying a yacht, you need to decide on its type.

Which yacht type do you prefer: motor yachts, sailing yachts or catamarans?

These three categories are the most popular types of yachts, although there are also other ones.

Let’s look at each of them separately.

Yacht Types: Motor Yachts

Motor yacht is the most common type of a superyacht. Around 80% of world’s yachts are motor yachts.

These luxury boats are powered by strong engines, do not have sails and over time have become symbol of a classy and laid-back lifestyle.  

Pros of Motor Yachts: 

• Powerful and fast 
• Greater technological advances 
• Greater deck space, more living volume 
• Easier to find suitable crew members 
• Easier to operate than a sailing yacht 
• Easier to host guests of all personalities 

Contras of Motor Yachts:

• Less sustainable, higher fuel consumption 
• Less adventurous feel (if you are looking for it) 
• Shorter range (can only be powered by motor) 
• Engine noise 

Motor yacht is probably the first thing which comes to your mind when you think superyachts.

Classy and sleek design, plenty of deck space, comfortable staterooms and lots of entertainment options – all this you can find aboard a motor yacht.

Motor yachts come in different types and sizes and with different purposes. The latest trend is explorer motor yachts, which are explicitly equipped for cruising in cold polar regions.  

Yacht Types: Sailing Yachts

Sailing yachts are the second most popular yacht type. If you love the wind and want that classy sporty feel while aboard, then a sailing yacht is the right yacht type for you.

Another advantage is that when not powered by motor, sailing yachts are very quiet. It is only the sound of waves and wind (and an occasional seagull) around you.   

Pros of Sailing Yachts: 

• Unique feel of adventure 
• Can combine peaceful cruise with racing  
• Very quiet when powered by sail  
• Lower fuel consumption 
• Lower maintenance cost 
• Can sail in shallower waters  

Contras of Sailing Yachts: 

• Tend to be slower that motor yachts (in case you like speed) 
• Less stabilization  
• Smaller cabin space 
• Might have less lifestyle equipment available (Jacuzzi, gym, cinema) … 

There are only two types of people out there: sailing yacht fans and motor yacht fans. Rivalry between fans of the two yacht types has become legendary.

Probably, you already know which group you belong to. Nevertheless, we still recommend you charter both sailing and motor yachts to be sure you are making the right choice. If you are still unsure, read about the third yacht type below. 

Yacht Types: Catamarans  

Catamaran is defined as a vessel with two parallel hulls which are joined together. Due to its form, catamaran is the most stable of all yacht types.

If you are looking for stability and comfort, or have family members who easily get seasick, buying a catamaran is a valid option to consider. 

Pros of Catamarans: 

• More fuel efficient & sustainable 
• More stability  
• Can be used in shallow waters 

Contras of Catamarans: 

• Less volume for staterooms 
• Higher dockage rates than for a monohull 
• Different sailing feeling compared to a sailing boat 

Catamarans offer a great opportunity for taking family vacations, which will leave every family member happy. Since they are more difficult to sink, they are also considered the safest boats.

If you are looking for extra stability, comfort and space, but also do not want to compromise on adventures and possibility to explore shallow waters, catamaran is right yacht type for you. 

Yacht Types: Trimarans 

Big brother of a catamaran, a trimaran, has even three hulls – one main hull in the center, and two smaller hulls on each side.

You will not see them as often, but there are certainly also big fans of trimarans out there. Trimarans are designed for racing or leisure but are also widely used for military and shipping purposes. 

YACHT PRODUCTION TYPES: SERIAL, SEMI -CUSTOM, CUSTOM YACHTS

Now that we’ve covered yacht types, let’s investigate which production options are out there. Unlike the automotive industry where most of the car models come from production lines, the yachting world offers future owners more possibilities.  

SERIALS YACHTS 

This is the most common and less expensive way to get to your new dream boat. Serial or production yachts are yacht models which are produced by shipyards in various quantities based on model and size.

Serial does not mean that you cannot tune it to your taste though. Manufacturers offer different sets of modifications with certain yacht models. You will likely get to choose between several layout models and different equipment options.

Obviously, if you order a newly build yacht, you are likely to get more space for your improvements, than if you decide to refit an already existing yacht. 

SEMI-CUSTOM YACHTS  

A good way for owners who wish more character and comfort to their boats but at the same time do not want to order a fully customized vessel, is to order a semi-custom yacht.

Semi-custom yachts stand between serial and fully customized boats. You save a lot of time and effort by picking an existing engineered platform from which to start planning.

Then, together with experienced naval architects and designers, you enhance it up to your expectations by customizing layout (possibly including superstructure) and interiors.

Ordering a semi-custom yacht gives you more freedom to decide how your yacht will look like. Construction time is also much shorter in comparison with a fully customized yacht, since many parts are already designed, engineered and possibly even pre-built.

By ordering a semi-custom yacht, you can shorten construction time from two – three years up to several months!

Shipyards are also less likely to fall behind the delivery schedule, since they have produced similar yachts before and know which time is needed for delivery.

Most semi-custom yachts are designed to suite majority of potential future owners, which means that layout, size, engineering etc will be well thought-through in advance.

Due to extensive previous testing & refining of semi-custom hulls by the shipyard, it is possible that your new yacht will turn out more reliable and problem-free than a fully customized yacht. 

CUSTOM YACHTS 

If you wish to be unlike anybody else and want to take your dream a step further, a fully custom-built yacht is exactly what you need.

Almost anything is possible and achievable in today’s superyacht building industry. The only considerations are your budget and international safety and security standards, more on which you can read in our article on Safety and Security Onboard Superyachts. 

With a custom-made yacht, you can be sure you will get exactly the boat you want, tailored just for your preferences, no other yacht in the world being similar.

Consider longer delivery time and substantially higher cost, since R&D expenses are not shared between yachts of the same series.

Many owners buy a smaller replacement yacht, while they are waiting for their customized dream boat to leave the docks. 

A fully customized superyacht is surely the most exclusive type of a yacht one can own.

Yacht Sizes

Now let’s look at different yacht sizes. But first, let’s find out what yacht size actually is.

How is yacht size measured?

Length Overall (LOA) is the most widely used metrics of yacht length. It is measured from the aftmost tip of the hull to the furthermost point of the stem, measured parallel to the waterline. It is probably the only yacht length definition you need to know as an owner.  

*For yachting geeks out there, here are other yacht size definitions used in the industry:

Length of Deck (LOD) : deck length excluding bow sprits and other projections. Makes particular sense for sailing boats, since their Length Overall can considerably vary from their Length of Deck.

Length of Hull (LH or LOH): Length of hull including fixed fendering but excluding any bow sprits. It can be shorter than LOA.

Length of Waterline (LWL): length of a boat at the level where the boat sits in the water.

Interesting fact: Did you know that with each additional 1 meter of length, the internal volume of a yacht increases by 6-7 cubic meters? A 40-meter yacht is not just twice longer than its 20-meter companion. According to Cube Law, it is also 6-7 times larger in volume!  

Motor yacht sizes by group

Let’s look at different sizes of motor yachts. To make things easier, we divided them into 4 groups.  

Please note that the following crew and guest numbers per yacht size are only approximate.  

Factual crew numbers will depend on specific yacht length, cruising style, owner preferences and whether the yacht charters or not.

Factual guest numbers will depend on yacht registration type, especially with larger yachts.

22 – 40 meter motor yachts

Motor yachts in of this size are most likely serial production yachts. This means that you can buy a specific yacht model which has been designed before, and choose your own details, such as finishings and furniture.

Yachts of this size will need 4-6 crew members: yacht captain, one or two deckhands, one or two stewardesses, a yacht chef, and presumably an engineer.

22-40 meter long motor yachts normally can host up to 8 guests.

40-60 meter motor yachts

Motor boats of 40 meters length and larger are considered superyachts also within circles of superyacht industry professionals.  

This is where operations and crew requirements become considerably more sophisticated. There are also more semi-custom and custom boats in this size segment.

A 40-50 meter motor boat will require a crew of approximately 9-13 crew members, depending on specific owner requirements and cruising / charter preferences.  

A possible crew setup would be: yacht captain, first officer, bosun, two engineers, three or two stewardesses, two deckhands, one or two chefs (often a guest and a crew chef).

Crew of a 60 meter motor yacht will count around 20 members.

40-60 meter long motor yachts normally can host up to 12 guests.

60 – 80 meter motor yachts

Here the yachts grow much larger, and so do the costs of maintenance.

A yacht of 60 meters length will have a crew of 20-23 members. A yacht of 80 meters length can have a crew of up to 80 members.

The maximum number of guests will depend on yacht registration type. Many owners choose to keep maximum of 12 guests, since it allows for a simpler regulation regime.

80 – 180 meter motor yachts

A 100 meter motor yacht will require 80-100 members crew. Its tonnage will exceed 500 GT, which means that the yacht will fall under more regulations: STCW, SOLAS, ISSC, ISM and others.

A 170 meter motor yacht can have up to 100 crew members.

The largest yacht worldwide at the time of writing is Azzam, at 180 meters built by Lürssen. Azzam can host 36 guests and a least 80 crew.

Maximum guest number on a yacht of this size can still be only 12 guests. But if the yacht is registered as a passage vessel, it can be significantly more.

How does yacht size affect my yachting experience?

Size does matter after all.

Let’s look at factors that change with the growing size of a yacht.

While thinking of upgrading to a bigger vessel, do not forget that as the yacht size grows, following factors also increase: 

• Yacht price 
• Availability and price of marina dockage 
• Fuel consumption 
• Number of full-time crew members 
• Time you can spend away from ports 
• Quantity of water and other supplies the yacht can carry 
• Functionality and entertainment options 
• Complexity of repairs  
• Applicability of laws & regulations 
• Time needed to sell the yacht  

Budget is the main factor which determines how big your boat can be. To learn more about the cost of yacht ownership, read this article.

During the past decade, superyachts increased in size dramatically, and this trend continues. According  to an article  by Boat International, there has been around 10.000 yachts over 24-meter LOA in the world. Around 80% of them were motor yachts.

Most of the owners start small and upgrade their boats over years. Once you owned a smaller yacht for some time, you will understand exactly what you love about it.

Also, you will know what you want to improve. So why not initiate a new-build of a new more exciting and possibly larger boat? You can still have the older yacht at your disposal, while waiting for the new delivery.  

SUMMARY: YACHT TYPES AND SIZES

In this article, we classified all yachts into 3 main types: motor yachts, sailing yachts & catamarans. We also discussed their pros & contras.

We explained the difference between serial production, semi-custom and custom yachts.

Finally, we learned how yacht size is measured and how it affects various aspects of yacht operations. We looked at crew and guest numbers for each yacht size.

Another important factor to consider is whether you want to commission a new-built yacht or buy a second hand one . More on this in our next article .   

Drop us an email if you need help with choosing a yacht or booking a yacht charter. We will define your needs and find the best solution together.

Are you a motor yacht, sailing yacht, or catamaran fan?  

Comment below! 

Article by Olympiada Wohlin-Elkovsky from Yachtowner.co

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The Complete Guide to Personal Watercraft

A Personal Watercraft (PWC) is a small vessel which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on it. The US Coast Guard defines it as an inboard boat and it uses a water jet pump as the primary source of motive power.  

A PWC is not a toy despite the fun that you can have with one. If you operate a PWC, you have the responsibility of knowing and obeying boating regulations and practicing boating safety. Personal watercraft are subject to the same rules and requirements as any other powerboat plus additional requirements specific to PWCs

PWC Regulations

In addition to the general regulations in effect for motorboats PWC owners must also be aware that there are local laws and ordinances around the country that further restrict PWC operations. They include:

• Age of the operator
• Hours of operation
• Special no wake zone provisions
• Assigned operating areas and restrictions
• Speed and distance limits. 

Make certain you know the laws that apply to you in your area of operation. For example, some states prohibit wake jumping or require no-wake speed when within 100 feet of the shoreline. Because PWCs are not equipped with navigation lights, operation is prohibited at night and during times of restricted visibility.

Federal Regulations for All Personal Watercraft:

• be registered and display a registration number in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• have properly fitted, CG approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) for each person on board (In most states they are required to be WORN by a PWC operator or passenger.)
• PFDs should have an impact rating equal to, or better than, the PWC maximum speed
• have a CG approved, Class B-1 fire extinguisher aboard the PWC
• have a lanyard connected to the start/stop switch if your PWC is equipped with such a switch. This will stop the engine if the operator falls off.

• Never start your engine without attaching the lanyard to your wrist or PFD. If you fall off, the engine automatically stops running so your craft will not travel a great distance and you can easily swim to it. It will prevent the PWC from running unattended in areas populated by swimmers or other watercraft.
• The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) also recommends that the operator wear eye protection, a wetsuit, footwear, and gloves.

How Your PWC Operates

PWC operators need to keep in mind that a jet drive requires moving water through the drive nozzle for maneuverability. 

• You must have power applied in order to maintain steering control . 
• If you release the throttle to idle or if the engine shuts off during operation you will lose all steering control. 
• In either situation, the PWC will continue in the direction it was headed before the throttle was released or the engine was shut-off. Operation of the steering control will have no effect. 
• If you are approaching a dock, shore, or other vessel at a speed greater than you can control and you release the throttle to idle or shut off the engine, you will have no maneuvering capability and the PWC will continue its forward movement.

Newer PWCs have a reverse mechanism that you can use to slow the forward motion of the vessel. 

• These PWCs are equipped with cowlings that allow them to operate in reverse. 
• The reverse cowling is a specially designed diverter that can be lowered over the jet nozzle. 
• The water jet produced by the jet nozzle hits the reverse cowling and is directed back toward the front of the PWC, thus producing a force that propels the PWC backward. 
• Although this feature is convenient for low speed operations in close quarters, it can be quite dangerous if used in situations for which it was not designed.
• Operating in reverse can greatly reduce the ability to steer. Using the reverse feature at other than idle speed can throw the operator forward, and perhaps off, the PWC. 
• In addition, using reverse at high speed can raise the stern of the PWC, pushing the bow down and under water. If your PWC has this feature you should use it with caution only after you have tested its capabilities and limitations at low speed in open water.

Stability and Steering

PWCs are less stable when idle and gain stability as you gain speed. Think of it like a motorcycle or bicycle that is harder to balance if you’re not moving.

• The force of the water being propelled under the PWC and out the back adds some support to the hull during movement. 
• Because typical PWC utilize mechanical steering devices and directional jet nozzles to turn their craft, their center of gravity and pivot point are far forward and this can create an abrupt tail sliding instability problem.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended load capacities

Tips for Operating a PWC

Most PWC accidents occur from running into another object, most often, another PWC. Operating in a crowded our congested area requires special precautions. Look at what other boats around you are doing

• Always look around and behind you before making a turn.
• Remember that you must obey all rules of operation as they apply to motorboats.
• Larger boats may not even be able to see you if you are too close and may not be able to get out of your way in time.

Re-boarding

Should you fall off your PWC don’t abandon it. If it has not righted itself, turn it over. Most PWCs carry a label that shows how to do this. If yours does not, check your owner’s manual.

• Approach the PWC from the stern and pull your self up onto your knees on the boarding platform.
• From there continue to pull yourself back up on the seat.
• Be sure to attach the kill switch lanyard to the kill switch and to your body or PFD.
• Start up and get back underway.

You should practice reboarding prior to operating the PWC to make sure you are able to do it alone. Remember, a PWC is less stable when idle in the water.

Reserve Fuel Tank

PWCs are equipped with reserve fuel tanks that can be switched to if you run out of fuel. With proper planning you should never have to use your reserve tank. Always plan your outing according to the 1/3 rule to avoid running out of fuel.

• Use 1/3 of your fuel going out
• 1/3 coming back
• 1/3 in reserve
• Do not count the reserve tank in this 1/3

Common Issues and Complaints About PWCs

Most complaints to law enforcement officials regarding the operation of PWCs fall into the following categories. Avoid these breaches of common courtesy and consideration.

• Wake jumping: This is not only irritating to boaters attempting to be watchful and maneuver in heavily congested areas, but it is extremely dangerous. In one case, a wake-jumper in Florida got tangled up in the props of a cabin cruiser and was killed.
• No wake zones: If you want to get on the wrong side of a responsible boater, disobey no wake zones. You are likely to find yourself with a ticket, since most boaters and shoreline property owners will not hesitate to report violators of slow-no-wake areas.
• High speeds too near shore or other boats: Most states require 100-200 feet of separation between boats and the shore when moving at more than no-wake speeds. (No wake means the slowest possible speed your boat will go and still provide maneuverability.)
• Noise: Excessive noise near shore or near anchored boats is sure to draw negative attention. Be considerate of property owners and other boaters.

Environmental Concerns About PWCs

• Pollution: Refuel on land to reduce chances of spillage into the water. Don’t overfill your fuel tank. Check and clean your engine well away from shorelines.
• Turbidity: In shallow waters where PWCs can easily operate, the bottom gets stirred up, suspending sediment which cuts down on light penetration and depletes oxygen. This can affect bird and fish feeding. To avoid this, operate your PWC in deeper water. If you do have to traverse shallow water, run at idle speed.
• Vegetation: In coastal areas be aware of low tide. Low water levels expose sea grass beds and other delicate vegetation. Disturbances can cause erosion and long lasting damage. As a side effect, ingesting seaweed and seagrass is not good for your engine. Feed it clean water and it will run and maneuver much better.
• Wildlife harassment: A PWC near shore can interrupt feeding and nesting wildlife, and cause animals to deviate from their normal behavior. And that, by law, is illegal. Mammals such as otters, manatees, and whales can be injured by direct contact with a boat, and it is believed that the noise from watercraft can even adversely influence breeding cycles and cause birth defects. So avoid areas of high animal populations.

Remember, our waterways belong to everybody! If all boaters act responsibly and courteously, obey the rules, and protect the environment, our seas, lakes and rivers will provide all of us a lifetime of enjoyment and recreation.

The Bottom Line

As fun as a PWC is, they need to be treated more like cars than toys. They can be dangerous if not used properly. You should always understand how it works before you get on. You also need to know the laws and regulations that apply where you’re going to be boating. You can still have plenty of fun with a pWC while being responsible at the same time.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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Pleasure Yachts and Recreational Boats

18 April 2016

Pleasure yachts and recreational boats are pleasure vessels used for personal, family, and sometimes sportsmanlike recreation. Such watercraft are divided into two main categories: motorboats (or motor yachts) and sailboats . They are used for holidays, for example at sea in an archipelago or coastal area, on a river, lake, canal or waterway. Pleasure craft are normally kept at a marina or a dry-dock facility. They may include accommodation for use while at anchor or moored to the port. Pleasure yachts are also commonly called “Private Yachts” .

Pleasure yachts and recreational boats comprise motorboats, sailboats, luxury yachts, superyachts and mega-yachts. They are solely designed for sport or leisure purposes and carry not more than 12 persons. Other smaller pleasure craft will also be briefly described at the end of this article.

Luxury yachts (over 24 metres), superyachts (over 30 metres) and mega-yachts (over 50 metres), are very expensive large yachts, privately owned, professionally crewed sailing or motor yachts.

Opposed to Commercial Vessels (also called Coded Vessels), pleasure yachts and recreational boats in Europe, are vessels used for sport or recreational purposes and do not operate for financial gain. These Private Boats and Yachts in Europe cannot be used for charter unless they comply with all of the following (some restrictions may apply):

• They are VAT paid (tax paid) and sailing under a recognized European Flag*,
• They are classified as CE Compliant,
• They benefit from an insurance policy covering charter guests,
• Their Owners declare all charter revenue,
• Their Owners remit VAT (pay taxes), on every charter they carry-out, through a registered and valid intracomunitary VAT number,
• The cumulative charter period is limited to 3 months per year and alternating with private use of the boat,
• Their safety and security equipment is compliant and they can attest of a valid revision,
• All charters on the boat carry a valid Charter Agreement, and proof of payment, inclusive of VAT applicable in the country of embarkation, which they can show to European Customs or any other Maritime Authority in case of control,
• They never carry more passengers on-board than the maximum indicated in the Builder’s Certificate,
• If they are crewed, all crew members must be under a valid labour contract, insured and their professional qualifications must by compliant to the type of vessel and flagstate, including updated diplomas to provide emergency and medical care to save life on ships at sea,
• If they are used as bareboat rentals, then the driver piloting the boat must also carry the appropriate diplomas and insurance.

*Through Allied Yachting Management program, Temporary Admission for Charter purposes can be arranged in France for pleasure yachts and recreational boats carrying a non-European Flag and not VAT paid.

Note: Pleasure yachts and recreational boats generally do not qualify for tax-free or tax-reduction on fuel, bunkering or consumables.

In the category of motorboats, pleasure yachts and recreational boats are typically 40 feet (12 metres) or longer with combustion single or twin engines, motor yachts are ideal for sea cruising or navigating along the Mediterranean coastline. Equipped with sleeping berths, a galley, electrical generator, air conditioning and plumbing, they have the capacity to stay on the water for days. Motor yachts are ideal for entertaining yachting enthusiasts in Europe. Some larger luxury yachts, superyachts and mega-yachts also have sufficient range and capabilities to sail from continent to continent. We invite you to read our 2 detailed articles in Allied Yachting FAQ section on Types of Motor Yachts by Size , Types of Motor Yachts by Shape or Deck Configuration and Motor Yachts by Type of Hull or Displacement .

While motorboats feature ample deck space and swim platforms, with a helm in the cabin and on the fly bridge offering piloting options for sunny and rainy days, motor yachts tend to lean toward more comfort with large indoor salons, sleeping berths and other amenities to enhance your enjoyment on a long cruise.

Some categories of motorboats are:

• Day cruiser or day-boat (no cabin, sparse amenities)
• Weekender boat (one or two basic cabins, basic galley appliances and plumbing)
• Cruising yacht (sufficient amenities to allow for living aboard for extended periods)
• Sport fishing yacht (yacht with living amenities and sporting fishing equipment)
• Luxury yacht (larger yachts, with more luxurious finishings/amenities)

Other types of motorboats are: Fishing boats, bay or flat-bottom boats, bow riders, cabin cruisers, centre consoles, cuddy cabins, deck boats, high performance boats, jet boats, houseboats, inboard ski boats, trawlers, walkarounds, multi-hull powerboats and pontoon boats.

Sailboats differ from other types of boats in that they are propelled partly or entirely by wind; they use sails to transform the power of the wind into power that moves the boat through the water. The term sailboat covers a wide variety of sailing craft, each with its own characteristics and styles. In general, sailboats are distinguished by size, hull configuration, keel type, number of sails, use and purpose. Please refer to the articles on our FAQ section for more details on Types of Sailing Yachts by Age and Types of Sailboats by Type of Rig .

OTHER RECREATIONAL WATERCRAFT

Most pleasure yachts and recreational boats are equipped with other recreational watercraft commonly called “Tenders and Toys” . You can find in this category rowboats, canoes, kayaks, surf boards, wind-surfs, kite-surfs, paddle-boards, water bikes (or water scooters) like Jet-skis or wave-runners, chase-boats, dinghies, tenders (inflatable, rigid and semi-rigid), seabobs etc…

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What Does Yacht Certified Mean and Why You Would Want It

If you are unfamiliar with yacht certification, you are encouraged to learn more about what it means and why it is so important for both current and prospective boat owners.

The term “Yacht Certified” refers to a quality control process governed by the NMMA, an organization that ensures that yachts and boats are constructed to industry standards. As many as 90% of boats currently on the water in the U.S. carry an NMMA certification placard.

The NMMA certification process serves to remove these headaches by requiring participating manufacturers to pass physical inspections.

What Does Yacht Certified Mean?

Yacht certification is handled by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). The program is designed for manufacturers, so that they may show prospective boat buyers that the vessel has been built to meet or exceed the standards of the American Boats & Yacht Council (ABYC).

Every model of a manufacturer’s fleet must be inspected annually for Yacht Certification. If a company decides to participate in the NMMA program, they run every design plan by the organization and continue to produce vessels that meet these same standards.

What Are the Standards?

Standards are applied to the critical components of the yacht so that consumers know that they are purchasing a boat that has passed an extensive physical inspection. The following components are emphasized during the inspection process:

• Bilge pumps
• Bilge blowers
• Fuel hoses and tanks
• Steering parts

How Do Boats Qualify to Be Yacht Certified?

To meet the definition of a yacht, the boat must be 26 feet or longer. The NMMA does build capacity tags for boats shorter than 26 feet, so the certification process indeed covers a wide range of vessels.

Manufacturers apply for certification on their behalf and pay annual membership fees. They must also meet inspection filing deadlines once they have become NMMA members. As such, membership in the Yacht Certification program shows that a company is determined to meet or exceed industry standards.

How Do You Know A Boat Is NMMA Certified?

You will know a boat is Yacht Certified if you see a sticker showing “NMMA Certified using ABYC standards.” This will be located overtop either the capacity or yacht plate at the helm of the boat. You can ask your dealer if you don’t happen to notice the placard. If you go to a boat show, you may notice a directory that explicitly shows which boats among the lineup are NMMA certified.

Why You Would Want Yacht Certification

Prospective buyers can take advantage of the NMMA certification program as a way to ensure consistent quality across the board, regardless of manufacturer. For new owners, it is challenging to shop for boats. Prospective buyers don’t usually get to take a boat for a test drive, as they would with a vehicle.

Approximately 90% of all boats currently on the water in the United States are certified by the NMMA. From a manufacturer’s perspective, it is an excellent way to build trust with consumers.

Safety Standards of a Yacht Certified Boat

Since you won’t generally be able to go for a test drive, it’ll give you peace of mind to know that a vessel is a yacht certified by the NMMA. Research has shown that NMMA-certified boats are seven times less likely to receive safety recalls than non-certified boats.

While it’s true that the U.S Coast Guard inspects every new yacht for safety, the NMMA certification is an expansion of the standard federal inspection checklist. There aren’t any Coast Guard requirements for steering systems, storage batteries, or exhaust systems, among many other components.

Passenger Capacity on a Yacht Certified Boat

Recreational vessels longer than 26 feet in length are excluded from passenger capacity and stability standards. In smaller boats, you’ll notice marked placards somewhere along the interior, which clearly states passenger capacity and the maximum allowable weight.

Equipment Issues Can Be Hard to Diagnose

Just as is the case with cars and trucks, boat issues can be hard to diagnose. When you finally land your dream boat, the last thing you want on your hands is a mechanical issue that’ll land it in the shop for several days, if not weeks.

There are thousands of trained technicians who can determine whether a given component passes the ABYC test. If there are any issues, they can be resolved immediately while the vessel is still at the factory.

One of the many categories inspected to meet ABYC standards is electric wiring. This is significant because marine electrical systems are susceptible to a host of complicated problems, including bad connections, improper inverter installations, and poor choices for conductor materials.

Quality Assurance

The regulations of NMMA Yacht Certification state that participating manufacturers must have at least one staff member who is knowledgeable about ABYC standards. Participating staff must attend training sessions and successfully pass exams testing their level of competency.

As a prospective buyer, you’ll know that any craft that is NMMA Yacht Certified has been constructed under the guidance of a trained industry expert. This provides manufacturers with a convenient process for quality assurance.

Consistency

Every year manufacturers update their fleet to include new technology. There is no way of knowing the actual consequences of such modifications unless the boat is tested and approved by an independent technician.

The NMMA yacht certification program requires manufacturers to ensure that their boats are up to code every model year, even if no significant modifications have been made to the design schematic.

Consumer Satisfaction Index (CSI)

The Yacht Certification program provides makers with an established structure for tracking customer feedback. At the very least, companies must send their customers a census-type survey within the first 12 months of ownership. The NMMA then asks that the survey results are tabulated and forwarded up the chain to the manufacturer’s internal management.

Members also have the option to take part in the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Awards. This is a great way for prospective buyers to continuously view the top-rated brands and dealerships from this page.

How Long Do Yacht Certifications Last?

Certification inspections take place at the factory where the boats are originally manufactured. The dealerships do not generally take part in any certification process, so it’ll be more challenging to determine whether a used boat is up to code. You may find out that the vessel was originally Yacht Certified, which certainly helps with models that haven’t seen too much wear or tear.

Manufacturers provide owners with certification programs confirming the quality of used boats. Membership in such services involves having the yachts routinely maintained by certified technicians. The incentive for owners to enroll in such programs is that this coverage should help boost the resale value of their yacht.

Are There Any Other NMMA Certifications?

The NMMA has certification categories for many different types of watercraft, including personal watercraft. The organization also helps ensure that boat trailers are manufactured per code. Boat trailer inspections emphasize trailer and tire capacity ratings, brakes, and hand winches, among other critical components, to provide owners with peace of mind while they transport their prized possession.

Final Thoughts

Yacht Certification is a manufacturing quality vetting process hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). The standards are established under the guidance of the American Boats & Yacht Council (ABYC).

The advantage of the certification process is that consumers can be assured that the critical components of the boat have been inspected by a trained representative of an independent organization, a true neutral party.

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Personal Watercrafts Defined

HOW ARE PERSONAL WATERCRAFTS DEFINED

Personal Watercraft are defined as a Jet driven vessel that the rider sits, kneels, stands, or lays “ON”.  As opposed to sitting “IN” a boat, kayak, canoe, or rowboat.  Many people ask what the difference is between a Wave Runner and a Jet Ski.  Great question.  The answer is simple.  It is the way you ride them.  They all fall under the category of Personal Watercrafts or PWC’s.   Personal Watercraft must abide by all local, state, and federal laws while on the water.  In Connecticut, you must have your modern day PWC certificate to operate a Personal Watercraft.

THERE ARE SEVERAL MODELS OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

First is the most popular Personal Watercraft being a sit-on style.   The rider operates the watercraft from a seated position.  Often referred to as Waverunners they typically hold two or more people (check the capacity plate).   Pending the capacity plate, the sit-on style may tow a skier or tuber.

The second is the stand-on style.  The rider uses the watercraft standing up.  Riders do more freestyling and racing as a result.  Operators can also kneel on this style of personal watercraft.  They are not designed for towing a skier or tuber.

Third, we have the lay-on style.  Not as popular as the first two.  The rider uses the watercraft in a laying down position hence built for one rider.  Towing a skier or tuber with this style is not an option.

Often referred to by their trademarked brand names all of these vessels are Personal Watercraft.  We always hear Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or Sea-Doo.  Most of these manufacturers make all three styles.  This is sometimes confusing so to clarify it is kind of like Scotch Tape, Band-Aid, and Chapstick where the brand name is referred to as the generic product.

People can also water ski or be towed in a tube or other inflatable riding device behind a sit on PWC’s as long as the capacity is for at least three persons.  In other words, the person being towed must be able to fit on the PWC.  You always need three to ski hence you’d have to be able to seat three in order to tow someone using the personal watercraft.

Above all, Personal Watercrafts are Power boats on the pecking order.  All the rules of navigation apply.

Now, interestingly enough, the United States Coast Guard defines a personal watercraft, among other criteria, as a jet drive boat less than 13 feet in length (Class A), so as not to be compared to the more conventional sized jet boats…..gotta love it!

Most importantly, be smart, be safe, and remember there are no egos when passengers’ lives are in your hands.

Please visit our Public Course Schedule to view all of the classes we have available for you.  Zoom classes are now available.  There has never been an easier way to get your Boating Certificate

Here is a great link to the CT DMV’s page for registering your PWC  Registration of Personal Watercraft aka Jet Ski (ct.gov)

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What does the noun yacht mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun yacht . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun yacht ?

How is the noun yacht pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun yacht come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun yacht is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for yacht is from before 1584, in the writing of S. Borough.

yacht is a borrowing from Dutch.

Etymons: Dutch jaght(e .

Nearby entries

• yabber, v. 1841–
• yabbering, n. 1839–
• yabble, n. 1827–
• yabble, v. 1808–
• yabbler, n. 1901–
• yabby, n. 1887–
• yabby, v. 1941–
• yabbying, n. 1934–
• yabu, n. 1753–
• yacca, n. 1843–
• yacht, n. a1584–
• yacht, v. 1836–
• yacht basin, n. 1929–
• yacht broker, n. 1882–
• yachtdom, n. 1901–
• yachter, n. 1828–
• yachtery, n. 1861–
• yachtian, n. 1842–
• yachtie, n. 1874–
• yachting, n. 1836–
• yachting, adj. 1847–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for yacht, n..

yacht, n. was first published in 1921; not yet revised.

yacht, n. was last modified in July 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into yacht, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1921)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View yacht, n. in OED Second Edition

Please submit your feedback for yacht, n.

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Citation details

Factsheet for yacht, n., browse entry.

'Indescribable' Crew Errors Led to Sicily Shipwreck, Yacht Maker Says

'Indescribable' Crew Errors Led to Sicily Shipwreck, Yacht Maker Says

Rescue personnel work at the scene where a luxury yacht sank, off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, August 22, 2024. REUTERS/Louiza Vradi

By Matteo Negri

MILAN (Reuters) - A series of "indescribable, unreasonable errors" by the crew led to the shipwreck in which British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and six others died earlier this week, the yacht manufacturer's CEO told Reuters on Thursday.

The British-flagged Bayesian, a 56-metre-long (184-foot) superyacht with 22 people aboard - 12 passengers and 10 crew - capsized and sank on Monday within minutes of being hit by a pre-dawn storm while anchored off the coast of northern Sicily.

"The boat suffered a series of indescribable, unreasonable errors, the impossible happened on that boat ... but it went down because it took on water. From where, the investigators will tell," Giovanni Costantino said in an interview.

Costantino helms The Italian Sea Group, which includes Perini Navi, the Italian high-end yacht maker that built the Bayesian in 2008. The vessel has been refitted twice, last in 2020, but not by Perini.

The CEO ruled out any design or construction errors, which he called unlikely after 16 years of trouble-free navigation, including in more severe weather than on Monday.

He blamed the Bayesian's crew for the "incredible mistake" of not being prepared for the storm, which had been announced in shipping forecasts. "This is the mistake that cries out for vengeance," he said.

Costantino said passengers should have been summoned out of their cabins and assembled at a point of safety while the boat was being prepared for the storm by pulling up the anchor, closing doors and hatches, lowering the keel to increase stability and other measures.

Six out of 12 passengers died in the shipwreck, and five bodies were found inside the wreck. Emergency services are still trying to locate the body of the last missing person, Lynch's daughter Hannah.

Had correct procedures been followed, all passengers would have gone back to sleep after one hour "and the next morning they would have happily resumed their wonderful cruise," Costantino said.

Another yacht anchored near the Bayesian escaped unharmed. The captain of the sunken yacht and other crew members have not commented publicly on the disaster, while Italian prosecutors investigating it are due to hold a press conference on Saturday.

(Reporting by Matteo Negri; Writing by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Richard Chang)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Experts puzzle over why Bayesian yacht sank. Was it a 'black swan event'?

The Bayesian set off on a leisurely cruise around Italy's southern coast on a sunny day in late July.

The luxurious super yacht − which boasted one of the largest masts in the world and carried a crew of business moguls, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his family and a chair of Morgan Stanley − set sail from the Amalfi Coast, bound for Sicily.

Less than a month later, the ship had sunk 160 feet under the water , leaving its cook dead and six of its passengers, including at least two Americans, missing and prompting a massive search that has drawn international attention.

Now, experts are trying to piece together why in the early hours Monday the Bayesian was quickly pulled under the waves amid a storm that saw at least one tornado spin up over the water.

Breaking news to start your day smart. Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing newsletter.

A perfect storm led to Bayesian sinking, experts say

The combination of unlikely factors that could have contributed to the ship's fate constituted a "black swan event," Matthew Schanck, chairman of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, told USA TODAY.

The Bayesian was well-built: A 2008 product of Italian ship maker Perini, it was constructed in accordance with international maritime standards and commercially certified by the U.K.'s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, according to Schanck.

The bout of bad weather that swept the area when the ship went down was also out of the ordinary in the northern Mediterranean, "which isn't renowned for prolonged, significant stormy weather," he said.

"The fact that those two elements have then resulted in the foundering of a super yacht is pretty extraordinary," Schanck said. "These things don't happen every day."

After the ship sank just before 5 a.m. local time, 15 people, including a 1-year-old, were pulled from the water. Some were rescued from a life raft by the crew of a ship docked nearby.

Ricardo Thomas, the ship's cook and a native of Antigua, was found dead, according to authorities.

As of Tuesday, six people were missing, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter. Several missing passengers were involved in Lynch's trial on fraud charges, including Jonathan Bloomer, a Morgan Stanley chair who served as his character witness, and one of Lynch's attorneys. Lynch, accused of fraud after he sold his company to electronics giant Hewlett-Packard, was acquitted of all charges weeks ago.

Who is Mike Lynch? UK entrepreneur among those missing after superyacht sinks off Sicily

Tornado formed over unusually hot water

Storms in the area that night may have whipped up a water spout, a tornado over the water , according to local meteorologists.

It was likely triggered by the water's unusual warmth, said Rick Shema, a certified consulting meteorologist who served in the Navy.

"The water spout was an uncommon occurrence," he said. "But again, these things happen, especially in warmer water."

At 83.7 degrees, water in the area was more than 3 degrees hotter than average on the day the Bayesian sank, likely the result of climate change, Shema said.

"Hurricanes can form at 80 degrees. This was almost four degrees higher than that," he said.

The water spout may have spun up when cooler air dropped from mountainous places nearby onto the hot water, he said. "A water spout is a vortex, basically like a tornado, spinning real fast, sucking up water and moisture as the column rises," he said.

Although water spouts only reach around 120 mph, as compared with tornadoes on land, which can reach up to 300 mph, "you don't need 200 mph to sink a ship," he said.

"Even an average tornado, 120 miles an hour, that's a lot of wind," he said, "which would heel the boat over for sure."

Water spouts spring up suddenly, Shema said. Before they strike, winds can be slow, but "once the water spout comes over, bam, it's on," he said.

Before sunrise, the ship's crew may not have seen the water spout coming. "The visibility was probably a big factor," he said.

With the windows of the yacht opened, as they likely were in the hot weather, the water spout could have triggered water that flooded through the portholes, Shema said, causing the ship to sink.

Tragedy strikes: Scramble to find survivors after Bayesian yacht sinks off Sicily coast

Search continues, but shift to recovery phase approaches

Italian authorities said the Bayesian was probably at anchor when the storm struck, meaning it couldn't maneuver and ride the waves, according to Mitchell Stoller, a captain and maritime expert witness. Other ships in the area that turned on their engines rode out the storm, he said.

"When you're at anchor and you see weather, you start your engine and you put the wind on the bow. You don't let it get on the side," he said.

Schanck said another key question concerns the position of the keel, a heavy weight underneath the boat that acts as a counterbalance to keep it upright, when the ship sank. When lifted, "that's going to affect the stability of the vessel, because, obviously, you've now raised the center of gravity of that vessel," he said.

The Bayesian was floating over 160 feet of water at the time, deep enough that the keel would likely be deployed. But the fact that "the vessel heeled over so heavily makes me question that," Schanck said.

The cause of the disaster may not be known until the ship can be examined in more detail, experts say. Prosecutors in a nearby town have already opened an investigation.

Schanck said investigators will have plenty to work with once the operation moves into a recovery phase.

"The vessel is intact and in good condition on the seabed," he said. "There's a lot of eyewitness accounts from other vessels in the area and the shore."

As the search entered its second day on Tuesday, the rescue effort may shift in that direction soon. "I suspect, later on, today or tomorrow, we'll probably see some mention of a recovery operation being stated," Schanck said.

The decision to would depend on whether rescuers find signs of life in the ship and air pockets or survivable spaces, Schanck said. At this point, survivors on the water's surface looks unlikely. "My professional opinion is that the casualties will be located within the vessel," he said.

"There is a risk versus benefit in all maritime search and rescue incidents," he said. "Where we start transitioning to a recovery phase, that line shifts."

Contributing: Reuters

Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at [email protected]. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.

A superyacht captain shares 3 things people who want to charter a luxury vessel should know

• Vacationing on a superyacht may sound like it's all Champagne and sunbathing.
• But before boarding a luxury vessel, superyacht captain Kelly Gordon advises keeping certain things in mind.
• Yachting is a summer pastime with risks and nuances for clients and crew.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez soaking up the sun. Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian's wedding . Beyoncé's carefree jump into the ocean.

One of these images is likely what comes to mind when you hear the word "superyacht," a phrase generally used to describe a yacht over 80 feet in length.

While ultra-luxurious vessels are associated with all things carefree, tragic events such as the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht off the coast of Sicily on Monday is a reminder that yachting is a pastime with unique risks and nuances. It's unclear what the protocols were on the Bayesian.

For those keen on the idea of chartering a superyacht, captain Kelly Gordon, 42, told Business Insider there are a number of important factors to consider before hopping on board.

Gordon fell in love with yachting after she stepped aboard a yacht for the first time in her mid-20s.

Hellbent on reaching captain level, Gordon quickly worked her way up the chain of command. She's spent most of her time sailing the Bahamas and the Caribbean and is now based in Florida, where she works as a captain on a 108-foot-long privately owned vessel.

Gordon, who has over 12,600 followers on Instagram , shares three factors to keep in mind before boarding a chartered superyacht.

Think of the process of chartering a superyacht as buying a house

One of the most important things to do when chartering a superyacht is to work with a charter broker, Gordon says.

"The charter manager's job is to No. 1: find you a safe boat," Gordon said, adding that in her experience, "Not all programs put safety as high up on the list as it should be."

She also likes to equate charter brokers to Realtors in that they take on the role of finding you the best option for your taste.

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"You find one that you gel with really well and has a good reputation, and then you discuss with them what your budget is, where you want to go, what your activity levels are, what your personalities are like," Gordon said.

Pairing clients with a crew that aligns with their characteristics is a huge part of a charter broker's job, Gordon said.

"If you think about it, you're living with that crew for 24/7, around the clock," she said. "You're not going put someone that just wants to sit and read books all day with a crew that's extremely active."

Find a crew that is competent and prioritizes safety

Charter brokers also help match clients with a competent crew that prioritizes safety.

"I don't know that many people realize just how much their life is in our hands when we cast those lines and we go to sea," Gordon said.

Part of that is having a safety briefing, which Gordon carries out every time she welcomes clients onto a chartered vessel before leaving a dock.

A thorough safety briefing includes informing clients about the location of safety equipment and lifejackets and the procedures for events such as a fire, a person falling overboard, or the boat sinking.

"You should have a safety briefing, and if you don't get one, you should ask for one," Gordon said.

The process, she added, can be different on privately owned yachts, where passengers may be familiar with the vessel.

The Bayesian is a private yacht owned by tech tycoon Mike Lynch; it's not yet known what kind of safety protocols staff and guests were trained on.

Make sure there's a member of the crew on watch 24/7

"A lot of charter guests think when they go to sleep, the crew goes to sleep," Gordon said.

But that shouldn't be the case, she added. "You want to be on a boat knowing that someone's up, because if the weather changes or the anchor starts to drag, you need somebody that's up and ready to go and get everybody else to handle it."

Among the biggest weather risks are tornados, which can be extremely difficult to predict and prepare for whether you're on land or at sea.

"I'm from the Midwest, where tornados pop up," Gordon said. "It's hard to see a tornado coming, and if you do see it coming, the tornado goes where it wants to go."

Most often, that leaves people near the weather event with just minutes to ready themselves, which is even trickier "in the middle of the night."

While rapid changes in weather are tough to contend with, Gordon recommends researching the areas you are sailing in beforehand, like you would when visiting a new country.

"It's no different than if you're going on vacation on land," she said. "You want to know where you're going. Don't put that just all on the crew."

While the research doesn't have to be as extensive as the crew should be doing, it's important to still be "responsible for your own self as well as your family and your guests."

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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23 Lesser-Known Facts About Kamala Harris

Beyond the headlines, Ms. Harris has taken ballet, collected Converse sneakers and felt the influence of her grandfather, a diplomat.

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By Andrew Trunsky and Alyce McFadden

• Published Aug. 22, 2024 Updated Aug. 23, 2024

Kamala Harris’s long political résumé is well known and expansive: Before becoming vice president, she was a U.S. senator. Before that, she was the California attorney general and the district attorney in San Francisco. Here are some things you might not know about the Democratic Party’s nominee for president.

1. Her name translates to “lotus flower” in Sanskrit . It’s a near-mythical symbol in Indian culture, representing beauty, prosperity and fertility.

2. She has broken the most ties in U.S. Senate history. As vice president, she has often been called upon to cast a deciding vote when the Senate is deadlocked. Last year, she cast her 32nd tiebreaker, beating the previous record of 31 set by John C. Calhoun, who was vice president from 1825 to 1832.

3. She’s short (compared to presidents past). Five-foot-four, to be exact. If elected, she would be one of the two shortest presidents in American history. (The other is James Madison.) But her height checks in at just about average for an American woman.

4 . She knows how to deliver fries with that . Ms. Harris worked at McDonald’s between her freshman and sophomore years in college. She fried the fries, worked the ice cream machine and staffed the cash register.

5. Her best friend set her up with her future husband, Doug Emhoff . Their first “date” was an hourlong phone call, and they made plans to get dinner that weekend in Los Angeles, where he was based. “I could hardly wait to fly down,” Ms. Harris wrote.

6. She loves Doritos. In her memoir, she described the night in 2016 that Donald J. Trump won the presidency (which was the same night she got elected to the U.S. Senate). “No one really knew what to say or do,” she wrote. “I sat down on the couch with Doug and ate an entire family-size bag of Classic Doritos. Didn’t share a single chip.”

7. She attended both a Black Baptist church and a Hindu temple as a child . “My mother understood very well that she was raising two Black daughters,” she wrote in her memoir. “And she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud Black women.”

8. Her prosecutorial style left some in Washington flummoxed. When Ms. Harris served in the Senate, she drew attention for her sharp questioning of witnesses. In 2017, as she was grilling then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions about his role as campaign surrogate for Mr. Trump and contact with Russian officials, a visibly flustered Mr. Sessions objected. “I’m not able to be rushed this fast,” he complained at one point. “It makes me nervous.”

9. She spent her high school years in Montreal . “It was a difficult transition,” she wrote, “since the only French I knew was from my ballet classes.”

10. She failed the California bar exam on her first try. “I couldn’t get my head around it,” she wrote. She soon realized her preparation amounted to “the most half-assed performance of my life.” She passed on her second attempt.

11. She tangled with Jamie Dimon. Ms. Harris got into a heated disagreement with Mr. Dimon, J.P. Morgan’s chief executive, when she was the attorney general of California. It happened during the financial crisis, when she was pursuing relief from big banks for homeowners who had faced foreclosure. “We were like dogs in a fight,” Ms. Harris recalled in her memoir. 12. But their most recent encounter was calmer. She eventually secured more than $20 billion in relief from the banks, and despite their history, Ms. Harris and Mr. Dimon had lunch at the White House in March.

13. She likes to cook . Ms. Harris loves food. She has ribbed her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, about his “ white guy tacos ,” shared her turkey cooking tips and said that she liked to read recipes to unwind . In 2019 Ms. Harris posted a series of cooking videos to YouTube, including one with the actor Mindy Kaling that has been watched more than six million times. “Senator Harris, I say this with respect, you’re kind of a show-off,” Ms. Kaling quipped. “Right?” Ms. Harris replied.

14. She goes way back with Barack Obama. She hosted a San Francisco fund-raiser for his 2004 Senate run, then was the first major office holder in California to endorse his 2008 presidential bid, even as most Democratic heavyweights threw their support behind Hillary Clinton. The endorsement, seen by some as a political risk, paid off. Mr. Obama endorsed her bid for California attorney general in 2010, and on Tuesday he praised her as a uniter on a mission to “build a country that is more secure and more just, more equal and more free.”

15. But she once turned down a job offer in his administration. It was 2014, and Eric Holder, Mr. Obama’s attorney general, called her and said he was planning to step down. He asked if she was interested in succeeding him. She considered the offer but ultimately declined.

16. Mr. Obama once publicly opined about Ms. Harris’s looks. The former president called Ms. Harris “by far the best-looking attorney general in the country” — and later apologized. The remark came at a fund-raiser in 2013, right after he also complimented her on her smarts and dedication to the law.

17. Her grandfather was a diplomat. Ms. Harris’s maternal grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, was a civil servant in India. When she was a child, Mr. Gopalan served as a diplomat in Zambia. She has said he was among her “ favorite people ” and “ subconsciously influenced ” how she thinks.

18. She was a political activist in college. During her freshman year at Howard University in Washington, D.C., she spent many weekends on the National Mall protesting apartheid in South Africa.

19. She remains close with her line sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha. At Howard, where she competed on the debate team and graduated in 1986, Ms. Harris joined the Black sorority. In July, she said that she kept a signed copy of a book by one of its founders, Norma Boyd, in her West Wing office “as a testament to our enduring legacy.”

20. She also belongs to a prominent, invite-only nonprofit for Black women. Ms. Harris joined The Links Incorporated in 2018. It’s one of the oldest groups of its kind in America — a service organization focused on Black Americans and other people of African ancestry. Members have included Rosa Parks, Betty Shabazz and the civil rights lawyer Constance Baker Motley.

21. Her footwear is distinct. Ms. Harris has a large collection of Chuck Taylors: a black pair, a white pair, Chucks with and without laces, Chucks for hot and cold weather, and “the platform kind for when I’m wearing a pantsuit.”

22. Her love of dancing has persisted from her childhood to the West Wing. While she was in Montreal, she started a dance group called Midnight Magic. More recently, videos of her dancing in public — to Q-Tip at a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hiphop, down an escalator , with a marching band of children — have gone viral on social media.

23. Thursday will be doubly important for Ms. Harris. She is set to formally accept the Democratic nomination on her and Mr. Emhoff’s 10th wedding anniversary.

An earlier version of this article misidentified a video in which Kamala Harris was dancing. It was from an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop, not her 50th birthday.

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Alyce McFadden is a reporter covering New York City and a member of the 2024-25 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Alyce McFadden