What is the Difference between a Boat and Yacht: Yacht vs. Boat Transport

One of the most common questions that sailing enthusiasts get is how to tell the difference between boat and yacht transportation. Not only are there distinct differences between how these two types of sea vessels operate, but also in how they can be transported from one place to another.

This article compares yacht vs. boat differences and the best ways to approach boat and yacht transport around the world.

Size Difference Between Boat and Yacht

One key distinction between boats and yachts are their size. Yachts are typically between 35 feet and 160 feet long. However, they can be even larger than this, which gets you into superyacht territory. Yacht styles that determine size include standard luxury yachts, superyachts, megayachts, and sport and flybridge cruisers. In contrast, boats are typically much shorter and only between 15 and 30 feet long.

Speed of Boats vs. Yachts

Small boats are often very fast and have cruising speeds of between 14 mph and 35 mph. However, yachts tend to be a bit slower, which encourages the passengers to enjoy the journey rather than rush to the destination. Yet some modern yachts can cruise at around 20 mph because they have extra-large and powerful engines.

How Boats vs. Yachts Operate

Most yachts rely upon large engines that have a lot of power to propel them forward. This helps yachts cruise for long distances and pick up speed on the water. Some boats have engines, while others are powered by a sail or by hand. This operational difference also determines how large of an onboard crew you need, as yachts typically require a full crew but boats can be operated by a single person.

Where Boats and Yachts Set Sail

People who operate boats usually stick to lakes and rivers because of the calm waters and shallow harbors. Meanwhile, yachts do very well in deep ocean waters and are able to withstand more turbulence at sea. Yachts are wonderful for long ocean trips because of their high-tech gadgets onboard and protective features from the elements of nature.

How Boats and Yachts Are Commonly Used

Boats are often used for fishing and casual recreation, while yachts are the epitome of luxury and comfort. Yachts are equipped with high-end kitchens, bathrooms, bars, and other features that make them ideal for parties and cruising in style.

Price of Yachts vs. Boats

Because of the high-end fixtures and features onboard most yachts, the price tags are also typically higher for these sea vessels than boats. This is due to the many amenities onboard yachts and the prestige they carry.

Boat and Yacht Transport Options

Something similar between boats and yachts is that owners are often interested in having them transported from one place to another. Example situations include buying a yacht in a different location than where you live, wanting to sail in a destination on the other side of the world, and planning to compete in a sailing competition.

We have been seeing more people than ever before wanting to transport their yachts, especially between the East Coast and West Coast of the U.S. Due to the delicate and high-end features of yachts, yacht transport is often more challenging than standard boat transport. Although we specialize in yacht transport by sea, we are willing to work with you to transport any type of boat with our heavy lift and customized transportation logistics expertise.

To learn more about boat and yacht transport or to see how much sea transportation will cost you, request a free quote on our website.