The term motor yacht generally refers to a larger powerboat equipped with a cabin and a deck.
The length of the boat does not necessarily play a role in the definition.

Motor Yacht - Leisure Pleasure or Status Symbol?

You can speak of a motor yacht from as little as 6 meters.
If the boat is longer than 18 meters, it is called a "maxi yacht". These can be as long as 30.5 meters. Beyond that they can of course be even longer, but then they no longer serve primarily the purpose of sailing but act as a status symbol.
For some time now, owning a yacht has been not just a store of value but is also meant to improve your own standing.

motor yacht

The world's super-rich are willing to pay up to $440 million and beyond to look better than their rivals.
The current star among yachts is worth around $935 million and is one of Roman Abramovich's possessions.

From sporty and elegant to majestic and gentle, there are all kinds of designs. Some yachts have only the bare essentials to live on board for a while, others are equipped for extensive leisure activities.
All the better boats by now have ample seating, yet many motor yachts also offer additional comfort zones. A cabin with its own bathroom, a kitchenette and a small storage room are now part of almost all standard yachts.

Motor Yacht - Classification

Depending on the waters you travel, there are certain regulations that must be observed. These also include details on the motorization of the motor yacht.
To sail in EU waters, a CE certificate is required. In addition, a distinction is made between four categories ranging from A to D. Such category classifications provide information about seaworthiness.

Only boats in category A are suitable for the open ocean.
Category B, on the other hand, is suitable for offshore trips, withstanding waves up to 4 meters high.
For coastal trips, category C is enough, which is also equipped for winds up to force 6.
In sheltered waters, where waves are usually only 0.5 meters high, category D is sufficient.

  • Category A - Open ocean
  • Category B - Offshore
  • Category C - Coastal waters
  • Category D . Sheltered waters

Motor Yacht - What Do I Need?

What matters here are the length and power of the motor yacht.
If the boat is shorter than 15 meters and has less than 15 hp, you don't need an additional license, but you should definitely know the waters and the exact rules of conduct. If, however, you want to operate a longer boat or it exceeds 15 hp, a sport boat license (Sportbootführerschein in Germany) is recommended.

motor yacht

If you are even operating a boat 21 meters long, you additionally need a crew. That crew can be as small as two people. But you need a skipper and a steward.

But whichever model you choose, what matters above all is that the motor yacht is seaworthy and safe.