What Is a Motor Yacht?
A Motor Yacht is a type of cabin cruiser distinguished by its luxurious living spaces, including an owner’s bedroom and salon area.
Due to the emphasis on spacious living areas, Motor Yachts have larger hulls, earning them the designation “yacht” rather than “boat.” In Japan, the term “yacht” often brings to mind sailboats with sails, but internationally, the term “yacht” is used for relatively large boats used for recreational purposes.
Motor Yachts navigate using engines, with sizes exceeding 35 feet, and boats smaller than this are referred to as simply “boats.” Larger vessels may even exceed 130 feet, sometimes referred to as “megayachts.”
Uses of Motor Yachts
Motor Yachts are used by high-class individuals for cruising and onboard parties, offering a comfortable maritime lifestyle for journeys lasting from a week to several months. Cruising allows passengers to enjoy life on the sea, traveling around the world while residing in well-appointed cabins, akin to their homes.
Onboard parties provide an opportunity to entertain guests away from the hustle and bustle of towns, amidst the vast sea and beautiful natural surroundings. Motor Yachts are used as social venues or for inviting close friends to spend elegant moments together.
Additionally, they can be taken offshore for exhilarating fishing, dropping anchor for scuba diving, or anchoring in tranquil coves to appreciate nature.
Principles of Motor Yachts
Motor Yachts commonly adopt inboard engines for propulsion, generating power that is transmitted to the propeller through a shaft, creating thrust through rotation. A rudder is positioned behind the propeller to change the vessel’s direction by turning the handle.
Inboard engines, often equipped with 4-stroke diesel engines, offer advantages such as fuel efficiency and durability, despite their heavier weight.
Types of Motor Yachts
Motor Yachts are mainly classified into the following types, although there are numerous variations due to the wide range of available models.
1. Cabin Cruiser
A type of Motor Yacht emphasizing residential features, equipped with cabin space, bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. Suitable for extended cruising and family or friends’ boat trips.
2. Flybridge Yacht
Featuring a spacious open deck (flybridge) on the upper part of the vessel. Typically includes lounge areas, dining spaces, bars, and sunbathing spaces for indulgent cruising.
3. Trawler Yacht
A robust Motor Yacht suitable for long-distance navigation, primarily using diesel engines for efficient and economical journeys. Offers spacious cabin space for a comfortable onboard experience.
4. Megayacht
A highly luxurious Motor Yacht with a very large size and extravagant amenities. Fully equipped with bedroom suites, living areas, dining rooms, pools, jacuzzis, helipads, gyms, cinemas, and opulent interior designs, catering to affluent individuals seeking the utmost in yacht experiences.
Other information on Motor Yachts
License Requirements for Operation
To operate a boat or yacht with an engine, individuals need a national qualification called a boat license. While there are multiple types of boat licenses, most vessels can be operated with either a “First-Class Small Vessel Operator License” or a “Second-Class Small Vessel Operator License.”
1. First-Class Small Vessel Operator License
Applicable to boats weighing less than 20 tons, with a length of less than 24 meters and no navigation area restrictions. Allows navigation worldwide (for journeys exceeding 100 nautical miles offshore from the coast, a person with a Class 6 Maritime Technician (Engine) qualification or higher must be on board). Widely used for small boat captains, including cruisers and ocean yachts.
2. Second-Class Small Vessel Operator License
While the size limit for boats is the same as for a first-class license, it is limited to navigation in calm water areas and within 5 nautical miles of the coast. This license is suitable for approximately 9 kilometers from the coast and is ideal for running within sight of the shore.