Charter Guide

How to Read Yacht Specs

Yacht listings are full of technical numbers. This guide explains each specification in plain language so you can choose the right vessel for your charter with confidence.

Why specs matter for your charter

When you browse yacht listings, the numbers can feel overwhelming. But behind every specification is a real difference in your experience on board — from how steady the yacht feels in open water, to whether it can anchor in your favourite bay, to how much space you and your guests will have. This guide walks you through the key specs and explains what each one means for you as a charterer.

Dimensions

These numbers describe the physical size of the yacht. They directly affect comfort, stability, and where the yacht can go.

Length (LOA)

The total length of the yacht from bow to stern, measured in metres. This is the single most common way to describe a yacht's size.

Longer yachts generally have more interior space, more deck area, and a smoother ride in waves. But they may not fit into smaller marinas or shallow anchorages.

Example: A 50m yacht offers significantly more living space and stability than a 30m yacht, but a 30m vessel can access smaller harbours and more secluded bays.

Beam

The width of the yacht at its widest point, measured in metres.

A wider beam means more interior volume, larger cabins, and greater stability. Yachts with a generous beam-to-length ratio tend to feel less ‘rolly’ at anchor.

Example: A 50m yacht with a 10m beam has nearly twice the interior volume of one with an 8m beam.

Draft

How deep the yacht sits below the waterline, measured in metres. Think of it as the minimum water depth the yacht needs to float safely.

This is critical for your itinerary. A deep-draft yacht cannot anchor in shallow bays or visit certain islands. If you plan to explore the Bahamas, Greek islands, or other shallow-water destinations, check this number carefully.

Example: A yacht with a 3.5m draft needs at least 4–5m of water under it. Some popular Caribbean anchorages are only 3m deep.

Gross Tonnage (GT)

A measure of the yacht's total enclosed internal volume — not its weight. One GT equals 100 cubic feet of enclosed space.

GT determines port fees, crew certification requirements, and regulatory classification. A higher GT generally means more usable interior space, but also higher operating costs.

Example: A 500 GT yacht has roughly five times the enclosed space of a 100 GT yacht.

Build & Design

How and by whom a yacht was built tells you a lot about its quality, ride character, and suitability for different conditions.

Builder

The shipyard that constructed the yacht. Well-known builders have established track records for quality, after-sales support, and resale value.

A yacht from a reputable builder (e.g. Lürssen, Benetti, Feadship) is more likely to be well-engineered and properly maintained, which directly affects reliability and safety on your charter.

Year Built / Refit

When the yacht was originally launched, and when it last underwent a major renovation.

Newer yachts and recently refitted vessels tend to have modern amenities, updated safety equipment, and fresher interiors. A yacht built in 2005 but refitted in 2023 may feel as current as a new build.

Example: A 2015 yacht refitted in 2024 will likely have updated AV systems, refreshed soft furnishings, and current safety equipment.

Hull Type

Describes how the hull moves through water. The three main types are displacement, semi-displacement, and planing.

Displacement hulls push through the water slowly but very steadily — ideal for long-range cruising and comfort in open seas. Planing hulls rise up and skim over the water at speed, but can feel rougher in choppy conditions. Semi-displacement is a compromise between the two.

Example: A displacement yacht cruising at 12 knots is smooth and fuel-efficient. A planing yacht at 25 knots covers distance faster but burns more fuel and may be less comfortable in waves.

Hull Material

What the hull is made from. Common materials include steel, aluminium, and GRP (fibreglass).

Steel is the strongest and most common for large yachts — it handles rough conditions well. Aluminium is lighter, allowing higher speeds. GRP is affordable and low-maintenance but less robust for ocean crossings.

Capacity

These numbers tell you how many people the yacht can comfortably accommodate.

Guest Capacity

The maximum number of guests that can sleep on board overnight, as certified by the yacht's flag state.

This is a legal limit, not a suggestion. It determines how many people you can invite. Note that day guests (who don't sleep on board) are usually allowed in addition to this number.

Example: A yacht certified for 12 guests typically has 5–6 cabins. If your group is 14, you'll need to look for a larger vessel.

Cabins

The number of guest staterooms. Each cabin is a private bedroom, typically with its own bathroom (en-suite).

More cabins means more privacy for your group. The cabin layout (master, VIP, doubles, twins) determines who sleeps where. Ask your broker for the cabin configuration.

Crew

The number of professional crew members who live and work on board. This includes the captain, engineers, chefs, stewardesses, and deckhands.

A higher crew-to-guest ratio generally means better service. A 50m yacht with 14 crew for 12 guests will deliver a more attentive experience than one with 9 crew.

Example: A crew of 13 on a yacht for 12 guests means roughly 1:1 service — exceptional by any standard.

Performance

Speed and range determine how far you can go and how quickly you can get there.

Cruising Speed

The comfortable, fuel-efficient speed the yacht maintains during passages, measured in knots (1 knot = 1.85 km/h or 1.15 mph).

This is the speed you'll actually travel at for most of your charter. A cruising speed of 12 knots means you cover roughly 22 km per hour. Plan your itinerary based on this number, not max speed.

Example: At 12 knots, a 60 nautical-mile passage (e.g. Nice to Corsica) takes about 5 hours.

Max Speed

The fastest the yacht can go with engines at full power.

You'll rarely use max speed — it burns far more fuel and can be uncomfortable. It's mainly relevant for getting out of bad weather quickly or reaching a destination in a hurry.

Range

The maximum distance the yacht can travel on a full tank of fuel at cruising speed, measured in nautical miles (1 nm = 1.85 km).

Range determines whether the yacht can make ocean crossings or needs to refuel frequently. For Mediterranean charters, range is rarely a concern. For transatlantic or remote Pacific cruising, it's critical.

Example: A range of 4,000 nm at 12 knots is enough to cross the Atlantic. A range of 800 nm is fine for island-hopping in Greece.

Fuel / Water Capacity

How much diesel fuel and fresh water the yacht can carry, measured in litres.

Larger fuel tanks mean longer range. Larger water tanks mean more independence from shore-side supply — important for remote anchorages. Most modern yachts also have watermakers that produce fresh water from seawater.

Propulsion

Engine specifications affect speed, fuel consumption, reliability, and noise levels.

Engine Count

How many main engines the yacht has. Most motor yachts have two (twin engines).

Twin engines provide redundancy — if one fails, the other can still bring you safely to port. They also improve manoeuvrability in tight harbours.

Engine Power (HP / kW)

The power output of each engine, expressed in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (kW). 1 HP equals roughly 0.75 kW.

More power means higher top speed and faster acceleration. But for most charters, what matters more is reliability and fuel efficiency. Well-maintained engines from reputable manufacturers (e.g. Caterpillar, MTU, MAN) are a good sign.

Classification & Flag State

These tell you about the yacht's regulatory oversight and safety standards.

Flag State

The country where the yacht is registered. This determines which maritime laws and safety regulations apply.

Some flag states (e.g. Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands, Malta) have rigorous inspection programmes. The flag state also affects insurance requirements and crew certification standards.

Classification Society

An independent organisation (e.g. Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, DNV) that inspects the yacht's hull, machinery, and safety systems.

A yacht ‘in class’ has been independently verified to meet international safety standards. If the classification has lapsed, it may indicate deferred maintenance — a red flag.

Quick checklist for charterers

Check the draft against your planned destinations. Shallow-water cruising requires a draft under 3m.
Match guest capacity to your group size. Remember that children count towards the guest limit.
Look at the refit date, not just build year. A well-maintained yacht refitted within the last 5 years is often better than a newer but neglected one.
Crew ratio matters. More crew per guest generally means better service and a more relaxed experience.
Displacement hulls are best for comfort. If you or your guests are prone to seasickness, choose a displacement or semi-displacement yacht with stabilisers.
Check the RightYacht Score. A verified RYS score means the yacht has been independently inspected for safety, crew competence, and operational standards.

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