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If you are fortunate enough to have the means to buy a yacht, especially your first yacht, choosing the right brand, model, and features on board can make a tremendous difference in your overall enjoyment. Many yacht owners cruise with their families on board, including children, which may add some complexities.
Of course, our recommendation is to always seek the professional advice of an experienced yacht broker and review your plans to have kids on boards, along with how you plan to use your boat.
So, what are the things to really consider while boat shopping? If you're planning on buying a yacht and are going to have your family on board, you will want to seriously consider the following factors:
- Is the quality of the boat you're buying on par with how you expect to use it?
- What safety features are on board?
- Does the layout of the boat make it easy for young kids or older adults to move around?
- Is there plenty to do on board for children?
- Are you going to need overnight accommodations and, if so, how many beds?
- Do you have a weather radar and navigation on board?
- Is there enough storage for everything you need for boating with kids?
Whether you are planning a day at the sandbar, an overnight fishing trip, or a multi-night, on-water vacation, making sure you have the right boat or yacht for all of your needs is crucial for a safe, enjoyable trip. The United Yacht Sales team is here and ready to make sure to make the best choice for you and your family. To speak with one of our professional yacht brokers, you can email us at Marketing@UnitedYacht.com or contact our main office at (772) 463-3131.
(Below: The Aquitalia 78 FLY features wide side decks with railings, along with being covered, making it safe and easy to move from bow to stern.)
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SAFETY FEATURES ON BOARD
If you plan on children being present on your yacht on a frequent basis, the safety features on board are an important consideration when selecting a boat for family use. Stability, quality, safety gear, hand holds, navigational equipment, and so much more go into making a yacht safe. Look for boats that meet the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) requirements. If the yacht you desire was built in Europe, ask your broker if the boat meets the CE Certifications.
- Stability and Design: A family-friendly yacht should have a stable hull design that reduces rocking and provides smooth cruising, even in choppier waters. Power Catamarans, for instance, are known for their exceptional stability and are a popular choice among families.
- Gyro Stabilization: If you're serious about your yacht being safe and stable, make sure it includes a Seakeeper Gyro or has the ability to be outfitted with one after purchase.
- Rails and Non-Slip Decks: Secure handrails, high guardrails around the perimeter, and non-slip decking minimize the risk of slipping or falling overboard. These are crucial, especially when kids are running around or during rough conditions.
- Life Jackets and Safety Gear: A good family yacht comes equipped with a full range of safety equipment, including properly sized life jackets for all ages, life rings, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and emergency flares. Many family-oriented boats also feature child-safe netting or gates that limit access to potentially hazardous areas.
- Ease of Handling: Safety also extends to the ease of navigation. A boat with intuitive controls, reliable navigation systems, and possibly autopilot capabilities makes it easier for parents to manage the vessel while still keeping an eye on the family.
- Good Electronics: From weather apps, to navigational screens, to cameras throughout the yacht for the captain, having newer electronics on board can provide the level of control and information you need to stay safe on the water.
(Below: This Viking sportfishing yacht comes with a dedicated Seakeeper area as most owners now want to reduce the rolling while at sea.)
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SPACIOUS & FUNCTIONAL FAMILY-ORIENTED LAYOUT
Space is a luxury on any boat, but for families, a thoughtful layout is vital to ensure comfort on board. For families with babies, your sunpad can quickly turn into your changing table, for example. Look for details like having flush transitions between the cockpit and the salon, for example. Nothing like tripping over the entranceway to ruin a day on the boat.
- Separate Sleeping Areas: A good family yacht includes multiple cabins to accommodate parents, kids, and possibly even guests. Privacy helps maintain peace and allows everyone to unwind comfortably. Many yachts now have the master suite on a separate level with a private staircase.
- Roomy Galley and Dining Area: A well-equipped galley (kitchen) with ample storage, a refrigerator, a stove, and a microwave enables families to prepare meals just like at home. A dining area large enough to seat everyone at once fosters family bonding and shared meals.
- Indoor and Outdoor Lounging Space: From shaded deck lounges to air-conditioned saloons, a family boat should provide various spaces to relax. These areas are perfect for playing board games, reading, or enjoying snacks after a swim.
- Bathroom Facilities: Ideally, the boat should have more than one bathroom (or “head”) to avoid queues and make life easier, especially during overnight trips. Showers with hot water add a layer of comfort and hygiene that is much appreciated.
- Hardtop or Bimini: Depending on the style and size of your yacht, you may have a hardtop on your flybridge or a bimini top. Whichever is included, having a method of getting out of the sun is important for everyone, including the younger or older members of your family.
ENTERTAINMENT ON BOARD
A yacht that keeps family members of all ages entertained is more likely to be used frequently and memories created. Yachts with swim platforms, places to jump into the water, and ability to store toys can help keep the kids active all day long, but what about in the evenings? Look for yachts with things like televisions (pretty standard now), wifi, and Starlink. But don't forget to encourage the younger boaters on board to disconnect and enjoy the stars. Boats with underwater lights also produce lots of fish to watch in the evenings.
- Water Toys and Gear: Boats that come equipped with or have storage for kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and inflatables encourage family fun on the water. A swim platform or easy-access ladder makes getting in and out of the water safer and more convenient.
- Fishing and Exploration Equipment: For families that enjoy angling or exploring, boats with rod holders, livewells, fishboxes, and outriggers are all essential to catching fish offshore.
- Buy The Dinghy: If you're headed to the Islands on your yacht, make sure you have a dinghy, inflatable or smaller boat with you. Many islands in the Bahamas, for example, require a boat with a really shallow draft. You may need to anchor out and use your inflatable to visit.
- Tech and Connectivity: Entertainment systems like Bluetooth speakers, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi routers can keep teenagers connected and provide downtime activities during evenings or bad weather. Charging ports and sufficient power supply are also crucial for modern family needs.
(Below: Many flybridge yachts now have a tv in the salon, as well as up on the bridge.)
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STORAGE & ORGANIZATION
Families bring a lot of gear, especially when children are involved. A yacht or boat that offers smart storage solutions will feel more comfortable and less chaotic. If you're a family that plans on spending more than a night on board, storage for clothes, extra food, and other supplies is crucial to have for your trip.
- Dedicated Storage Spaces: Boats designed with ample storage — under seats, in cabinets, and within deck compartments — allow for easy organization of toys, clothes, snacks, life jackets, and gear. A clutter-free environment promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
- Refrigeration and Cabinets: Depending on the size of your boat, you may have a variety of refrigeration options that range from a full-size unit like you'd find in a home, to multiple refrigerator doors, and even refrigeration in the cockpit or on the flybridge.
- Laundry Options: On larger yachts, having a washer and dryer is a valuable convenience for families spending extended time aboard.
- Equipment Storage: Safe and convenient storage for ropes, anchors, and other boating essentials ensures that deck areas remain free of tripping hazards, contributing to both safety and comfort.
REDUNDANT SYSTEMS FOR CRUISING YACHTS
If you're a family that plans on doing some serious cruising, find a yacht with redundant systems might be a good choice. Both for comfort and safety, long-distance cruising yachts should have two engines, two generators, and other important systems on the vessel. Other points to consider for a family include:
- Reliable Systems: Engines, plumbing, and electrical systems should be known for their reliability and ease of servicing. Boats with intuitive layouts and good manufacturer support are easier for non-expert owners to maintain.
- Self-Cleaning or Washdown Systems: Boats that feature built-in washdown systems or are designed with easy-to-clean surfaces make post-trip cleanup much less burdensome — an appreciated benefit after a full day of family fun.
- Fuel Efficiency: Efficient engines and eco-friendly designs not only lower operational costs but also teach kids environmental responsibility. Hybrid or electric options are growing in popularity for eco-conscious families.
- Ease of Docking: Features like bow and stern thrusters, joystick control systems, and automatic anchor windlasses simplify the docking process — which can be especially helpful when managing small children while maneuvering into tight marina spaces.
A GOOD EXAMPLE OF A FAMILY-ORIENTED YACHT: THE PRESTIGE 630 FLY
When considering all of the above factors the 630 FLY from Prestige Yachts meets many of the criteria of a good family-oriented yacht. At 63-feet, it can be easily handled by a couple, there is plenty of room for kids on board, the interior is spacious and has overnight amenities, as well as room for an inflatable RIB. While the 630 FLY doesn't have redundant systems for long-distance cruising, it can go north-to-south for the season along the east coast. United Yacht Sales has two Prestige 630 FLY's currently available.
- "KNIGHTLIFE" - 2017 Prestige 630 Fly in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- "NO RUSH" - 2018 Prestige 630 Fly in Stuart, FL.
Choosing a family-friendly yacht or boat involves balancing safety, comfort, entertainment, and practicality. Whether it’s for weekend excursions or extended cruising, a boat that feels like a floating home — secure, spacious, and fun — will bring countless hours of joy and lasting memories. Investing in a vessel with the right mix of these five features ensures that time on the water remains a cherished family tradition for years to come.
ABOUT UNITED YACHT SALES
United Yacht Sales has the world's largest network of boat buyers and sellers in the industry, thanks to our team of over 250 yacht brokers in 104 different locations. Whether buying a luxury boat or selling one, we have the right expert on staff to assist you in navigating the brokerage market for your type of yacht. If you're looking at selling a boat, there is no quicker way to get activity than listing it with United. Our entire team is immediately notified every time a listing agreement is made with United Yacht Sales and many boats are sold before they ever even make it online. Our support team is among the best in the industry at marketing your yacht. 100% of our marketing budget goes towards advertising our clients' listings, a claim not many other firms can make. To get started listing your yacht, fill out our online form What's My Yacht Worth?
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