Construction and Classification of Motor Yachts

A characteristic feature of motor yachts is that they are powered solely by the work of a mechanical engine, unlike sailing yachts, which are mainly powered by wind force converted into propulsion through sails. The detailed construction of motor yachts varies depending on their classification. Specifically, due to structural differences, there are open boats, cabin boats, pontoons, hybrids, jet skis, and hovercrafts. Furthermore, differences in construction can also result from the intended use of the yachts. Thus, depending on whether they are, for example, smaller inland motorboats or sea yachts, their construction slightly differs, for instance, because the latter must be particularly durable.

However, aside from detailed classifications, it is worth remembering that certain structural elements are constant and apply to all types of motor yachts. For example, all sea yachts feature a bow surrounded by a railing, a foredeck, a wheelhouse, amidships, a hull, a cockpit, and the yacht's aft deck (achterdeck). The basic structural elements of every motorboat, in turn, include: a bow handle (front part), a stern handle (rear part), port and starboard sides, the bottom, transom, and cockpit. The cockpit is the place where the steering and measuring devices are located. It is also where the yacht's crew usually stays.

Classification of motor yachts based on design categories

Due to the intended use of yachts resulting from the ability to navigate different waters, where various weather conditions prevail, motor yachts are divided into categories. Thus, the distinguished categories are:

• Category A - includes ocean yachts used for long voyages in conditions of wind stronger than 8 on the Beaufort scale and with significant wave heights exceeding 4 m.
• Category B - classifies offshore yachts designed for offshore voyages in conditions of wind not exceeding 8 on the Beaufort scale and waves no higher than 4 m.
• Category C - distinguishes coastal yachts adapted for coastal voyages, on lakes or rivers, sailing in winds up to 6 on the Beaufort scale and significant wave heights up to 2 m.
• Category D - refers to yachts sailing on sheltered waters of small lakes, rivers, and canals in winds up to 4 on the Beaufort scale and significant wave heights up to 0.5 m.

What aspects do motor yacht classifications cover?

Besides the division of motor yachts into design categories, there are other classifications of this type of vessel. One of the most popular is the division of yachts based on the method of staying afloat, which includes displacement and planing boats. The former are characterized by their hull always being submerged in water, meaning the hydrodynamic lift acting on it is minimal. Planing boats, on the other hand, are distinguished by their hull being almost entirely lifted out of the water thanks to the lift force. Another important division of yachts is their distinction based on application. Thus, one can find racing yachts (so-called planers), sports yachts, and tourist (recreational) yachts.

Further areas of motor yacht classification relate to the construction of the boats themselves. The first division considers the type of material from which the yachts are made. On the market, one can find wooden, plywood, veneer, metal, laminate, or rubber boats. In terms of construction, there are cabin and open yachts. Additionally, concerning the type of power source, there are also combustion and electric yachts. The engine's location classifies these vessels into yachts with built-in stationary engines and yachts with outboard engines. The last known division relates to the type of propeller, thus distinguishing screw and jet boats.