Buying a yacht is a dream purchase for many people – whether it’s the result of years of hard work or a lucky lottery win. There is something romantic about heading out to sea on an adventure and arriving in any port you choose. It’s even better when those yachts have all the conveniences and luxuries you dreamt of. But which is the right type of yacht for your needs? Standard, super, mega, or giga?
Before we look at each of these types of yacht in more detail, we need to discuss the problems buyers face when buying a yacht. There is no standardisation on lengths and, therefore, too many arguments over labels. You could find one person insisting they have a mega yacht because of the length and complex floor plan, while others argue it is too small. With that said, some characteristics separate them, so let’s compare them.
Standard Yachts
Let’s start with the standard yachts. It seems a little mean calling this standard when you can get some pretty impressive models. It is just that these are at the lower end of the scale compared to the super yachts, mega yachts, and giga yachts below. The main thing that separates these yachts from the rest is that you need to be hands-on. You get to take the wheel and captain your vessel as you set sail with your friends and family. You are also responsible for the upkeep, chores, and other details because there’s no crew. This means you can really get away from the world with your loved ones as you go island hopping or enjoy some leisure activities.
Some people love the classic cruiser yachts because they are a nice smaller version of some of the more extravagant vessels out there. You are still going to turn heads as you arrive in port, even if you don’t have the same luxuries on board. A popular choice at this level is the fishing yacht. These are specially designed for fishing trips with a sleek shape, plenty of space close to the water, and enough rod holders. Check out the different styles available when buying a yacht online and see which is the best fit.
Super Yachts
Next, we have the super yachts. These tend to be bigger, which allows for a lot more luxury amenities and living spaces. The layouts and options vary greatly between vessels. Some will be quite minimal and old-fashioned, with some nice areas for dining, entertaining, and catching some sun. Others will have more modern conveniences like a screening room and hot tub. Again, it pays to compare models carefully to see which one speaks to you most. The main difference, however, is the use of a captain and crew. This is where you get to have a hands-off experience and enjoy your time on the water even more. You can let the staff take care of all the cooking, bartending, cleaning, maintenance, and other chores. You also get a skilled captain to take control so you can enjoy the sights and spend more time with your guests.
Mega Yachts
Mega yachts are typically bigger and more extreme. Superyachts measure from 24 meters / 80ft and above, while these are often considerably more. This extra space allows for a more high-end layout that separates the guests from the crew. The hot tub area extends into a more lavish pool, the screening room becomes a cinema, and the lounge areas have more space to relax. Because of the difficulties categorizing super and mega yachts, it pays to just search by size and features rather than name when buying a yacht online. You might find something a little extra that’s still classed as a super yacht.
Giga Yachts.
Finally, we have the most extreme version of a yacht. This isn’t something you’re going to see available in online listings. This is something custom-built for billionaires. In December 2023, plans emerged for a new vessel that was 751 ft long when complete. The finished model will be a cross between a yacht and a cruise ship with all the space and facilities planned. There will be space for 52 guests, who can enjoy the cinema, casino, stores, pools, and all kinds of luxuries on board. They can even get on board via helicopter, thanks to the helipad on the top deck. It’s hard to comprehend, but it’s somewhere a billionaire could spend the rest of their retirement in comfort if they wanted to.
Which Is Best? Standard, Super, Mega, or Giga?
To be honest, it doesn’t really matter that much what category it is in as long as it provides everything you were hoping for. A lot of this comes down to ego more than anything else. If the super-rich want to build excessive vessels and create the term giga yacht for them, let them. It doesn’t diminish the quality and appeal of a super yacht if that’s the vessel that gives you the experience you were after. Also, there is a sense of diminishing returns with these larger yachts. After a while, they become so large that they are a nightmare to run and impractical. You can’t moor a giga yacht in a typical marina in Monaco and show it off. You also can’t make the most of those features without a lot of paying guests. By that point, you’re running a business as a small cruise ship.
The most important question to ask yourself is which type of yacht will give you the perfect experience. Are you keen to have that hands-off experience with a crew handling the work? If so, you need to start with the super yachts. These should have what you need for a relaxing break. Of course, if you have a massive budget and want something more extravagant, you can see if there’s a mega yacht that offers value for money. If this is all too much and you want a more simple vessel and a sense of control, you can go for one of the smaller cruisers or fishing yachts. They offer the same quality and aren’t an inferior choice.
Talk to your loved ones about their expectations from a vessel like this, compile a list of must-have features, and come up with an upper price limit. You are then ready to shop for the perfect yacht and make those dreams a reality.
