What Is The Best Size Cruising Yacht?

Making the right decision when it comes to choosing what cruising yacht to buy can mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime or the quick realization that you should have gone bigger. Of course, everything depends on the various ways you plan to use your boat through the span of your ownership experience. This is truly where having an honest discussion with a reputable, professional yacht broker can save you the heartache of making the wrong choice.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the best size cruising yacht:

What are the most common sizes of cruising yachts?
What are the top cruising yacht builders?
What are some examples of available cruising yachts for sale?

If you have dreams of exploring the Bahamas, completing the Great Loop, or just want to be able to entertain friends on the water, a boat designed for cruising might be the best type to consider. Cruising boats often have particular characteristics for comfort purposes so that the owner and their guests can enjoy their trip with many of the same amenities as home. Comfort features like larger water tanks, air-conditioners in each cabin, an extra generator, and additional storage are all examples of attributes of a boat that are generally important for this type of owner.

To determine what the best size cruising yacht is, there are a number of questions you must consider such as how many guests you plan to invite on board at one time, how many nights do you see yourself staying on board, how far you plan to cruise, and what amenities from home are most important to you. For example, a full sized refrigerator and galley appliances may be necessary should you plan to stay at sea for weeks at a time. Cruising to Alaska may mean you need a more fuel-efficient yacht with larger fuel tanks. This is where an in-depth conversation with your broker can make a difference.

(Below: Fleming Yachts are often called 'The Ultimate Cruising Yacht'.)

1. What Are The Most Common Sizes Of Cruising Yachts?

It's easier to break down the various sies of yachts in groups of 10-feet. Unless there is a drastic difference in the layout of the boat, there isn't much noticeable difference between a boat that has a 2 or 3 foot difference in length overall.

35 to 39-feet: Considered a smaller cruising boat, this length of vessel is capable of comfortable overnight trips, coastal cruising, generally has lower overall fuel costs, and normally is equipped with some kind of small cabin with a convertible berth for sleeping. An example of a boat in this range could be a downeast style.

example of downeast cruising boat

40 to 49-feet: This is an excellent size range for a first time cruising yacht owner. With today's joystick and docking technology, a 40-foot plus size cruising boat can offer more of a seating area, a higher range, and normally has 2 cabins with a shared head.

example of 49 foot cruising boat

50 to 59-feet: A popular range for experienced cruisers, at under 60-feet this is still ideal for the owner/operator who wants to cruise without a captain. This begins the small motor yacht range where vessels can have up to 3 staterooms if desired. Owners of cruising boats in this range can stay on board for a greater amount of time.

example of 56 foot cruising yacht

60 to 69-feet: For some, a captain might be needed in this range if you haven't had the previous ownership experience of a similar-sized vessel. Getting insurance in this range can also depend on your overall experience level. Cruising boats in this range can have up to 3 or 4 cabins and accommodate up to 8 guests. There are also modest crew cabins available in this size range.

example of 68 foot cruising yacht

2. What Are The Top Cruising Yacht Builders?

Trying to select the best cruising yacht builder is similar to choosing what auto manufacturer you like the best or home builder. Everyone has their own unique style and taste and many builders are quite similar in quality. If you've hired a yacht broker to assist you in your search, their experience and knowledge regarding certain builders or particular models can be invaluable.

One method of due diligence in choosing the right cruising yacht is to look at some of the more prestigious awards that are given in the industry. For example, you can easily search the Boat Builder Awards, the World Yacht Trophies, and the European Powerboat Awards to see what builders won in their category.

Many of the industry magazines, such as Power & Motor Yacht and Yachting Magazine, continually post reviews of boats, as does BoatTest.com. While it's rare to see many negative remarks about any of the tested boats, the editors adhere to a strict ethical code of providing truthful and objective opinions about each boat. Other factors to consider are what brand of engine and equipment are chosen by the builder. No matter what cruising boat you decide to purchase, it won't be long before it needs to be serviced. Popular engine and equipment manufacturers are easier on warranty claims, receiving replacement parts, and serviced in general.

Here are some of the top cruising boat builders according to number of boats on the market:

There are more cruising yacht builders than what is listed above, some are still producing new boats and some aren't, but still have boats on the brokerage market. Search all boat brands here.

3. What Are Some Examples Of Good Cruising Yachts Currently Available For Sale?

Below are 15 examples of available cruising yachts for sale on the brokerage market today, in order by size. Each one is listed with a United Yacht Sales broker, so please contact us today if you see one that interests you. Not sure where to start? Call our main office at (772) 463-3131 and we'll connect you with a professional agent that can answer all of your questions.

2009 HAMPTON ENDURANCE 700 SKYLOUNGE

hampton endurance cruising yacht for sale

"THREE OF A KIND" is a head turner in any harbor. The spacious interior of the 70’ Hampton Endurance is perfect for long-distance cruising and entertaining guests. Whether you’re a cruising couple or wish to put the yacht in charter and utilize the aft crew quarters, the possibilities are endless. She features a power frequency converter allowing her to be plugged into shore power anywhere in the world!

2002 HATTERAS 63 MY

hatteras 63 cruising yacht for sale

From the Power Boat Guide, “Introduced in 2000, the sleek styling of the Hatteras 63 Pilothouse reflected the growing popularity of European motor yachts in the American market first seen in the mid-1990’s. Built on a modified-v hull with a wide 18’3” beam, prop pockets, and a relatively deep keel, the 63 is no lightweight compared with other yachts her size. While many Eurostyle pilothouse yachts have both the galley and dinette on the pilothouse level, the galley in the 63 is forward on the main deck level.

2004 AZIMUT 62 FLYBRIDGE

azimut 62 flybridge cruising yacht

The Azimut 62 Evolution, as her name states, was the evolution of the very popular 58FLY she was designed to replace in 2004. The 62E was in fact more popular and sold more than twice the number of units than the 58FLY in the five-year run for the model. She is well suited for both entertaining and family style cruising.

2013 SEA RAY 580 SUNDANCER

This Sea Ray 580 Sundancer has everything a cruising enthusiast could ask for, aside from a flybridge. The 580DA features two massive cabins including a full-beam master stateroom that has a private dinette and en suite bathroom. The spacious VIP cabin is forward and shares the day head. The aft cockpit area features a two-station entertainment center complete with a wet bar, refrigerator, ice maker, and grill. Everything you need for life on the water!

2020 PRESTIGE 590 FLY

prestige 590 yacht for cruising

This lightly used Prestige 590 is the best value on the market. She has less than 150 original hours on her Cummins 600 Zeus Motors and maintained with an open check book. Three staterooms plus the optional air conditioned crew quarters, Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizer, Teak Cockpit and Platform, Full Raymarine Electronic Package plus KVH Tracvision Sat TV, U/W Lights, and more.

2018 SEA RAY L550 FLY

sea ray l550 fly best cruising boat

The "L" in Sea Ray's L-class range stands for Luxury and it abounds onboard "LADY GAIL", a beautiful and professionally maintained Sea Ray L550. She is powered with twin CAT C-12.9L diesel engines with the upgraded 800 gallon fuel capacity for extended cruising trips. The 3-stateroom, 2-head layout is perfect for bringing along family or friends.

2007 FAIRLINE TARGA 52

fairline targa 52 cruising boat

With spacious accommodations, an enormously accommodating cockpit area for relaxing and entertaining in style…and up to 31 exhilarating knots on tap, the Targa 52 is a luxury long-range sports cruiser guaranteed to turn heads as you power effortlessly past. This cruising boat features a 3-stateroom layout, cockpit air conditioning, and even a convertible roof.

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?

What Is The Best Size Cruising Yacht?

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