The Morris Liberty 44 Express Cruiser
Classic New England Aesthetics with Yacht Finish Construction

As evidenced by various industry reports, there is a trend to go bigger and bigger with an increased demand for superyachts (yachts 80' and over) which is still going strong. Many in the industry however, see a new trend emerging as well, where smaller sized yachts (ranging from 30-50 feet), are establishing themselves as a luxury boating alternative.

The result, smaller yachts with high end interiors, higher levels of performance, and more elegance.

The Drive To “Down Size”

Many boat builders believe that changes in their clients’ lifestyles are sparking this trend. With the influx of baby boomers who are retiring and more millionaires entering the market as first-time buyers, these cruising yachts have become a popular option that offer style and speed in a manageable size. Chuck Bolt of Yachting Promotions, Inc. – producers of the Palm Beach show – has seen this trend rise in the past few years. “There is no doubt that the popularity in smaller yachts is gaining strength. Boat builders are recognizing and responding to this market demand, as evidenced by this year's show where hundreds of yachts in this size range, valued anywhere from $250,000 to well over a million dollars, will be in abundance,” said Bolt.

The Exquisite SanJuan48 Flybridge

Why Go Smaller?

While the superyacht sector continues on a fast growth track for a specific segment of the market, rising fuel costs and the high price of maintenance can make first-time yacht buyers cautious. A smaller sized yacht gives them the opportunity to ease into the yachting lifestyle. A representative from Sea Ray noted that, “Many of our customers are first-time buyers who want to own a yacht, but don’t want to hire a crew to run it. They take pleasure in the freedom a smaller yacht provides while still enjoying all the luxuries of yacht ownership.”

Sea Ray's 44 Sundancer: Cockpit and a Luxurious Interior

Boat builders also recognize that there are many experienced yachters who have owned superyachts, but are retiring and looking to turn in their “mega” family-size yacht for a more intimate vessel. Innovative designers have created yachts that are in the 50 feet and under range that are more versatile without sacrificing those “big boat” amenities.

Donald Flippen from Bertram Yachts noted that when they began manufacturing boats in 1960, Bertram’s clients were first-time yachters looking for something small, and they fell in love with their yachts in the 30-ft. range. “Although many of our clients went on to purchase superyachts, our loyal customers are now retiring and looking to downsize again into yachts more fitting for this stage of their life,”said Flippen. To meet this need, Bertram, like many builders, have expanded their market by rebuilding yachts like they had in the 60’s to bring a comfortable sense of nostalgia to their customers.

Bertram 450 - Comfortable in the Extreme

Aside from the first-time yachters and retirees, the smaller sized luxury yacht helps to serve another purpose as well. For boaters with vacation homes, these smaller yachts are becoming their “second boat away from home.” Bentley Collins, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Sabre Yachts & Back Cove Yachts, points out that “A lot of these buyers are folks who are doing something different. Either they are big boat owners moving down, or they own a superyacht and are looking for a boat to keep at their ‘other home’, something they can just jump in, go for a ride or simply take out for a few hours of fishing.”

Sabre 42 Hard Top Express Motor Yacht

In response to this trend, yacht builders are expanding their lines to include this style of yachts with high end interiors, higher levels of performance, more elegance and stronger visual impact than the industry has ever seen in these sizes before.