Building a superyacht is the ultimate lifestyle experience. A custom yacht, built to your precise specifications and design preferences, offers you the freedom to curate your own yacht experience and to travel wherever and whenever you desire.
More UHWNIs and billionaires are turning to luxury yachting due to the exclusive and private experience it provides, with many choosing to build a luxury yacht to their unique specifications.
Indeed, the 2022 Global Order Book recorded 1,024 yacht projects in build or on order, a rise of 24.7 percent compared to 2021. And this year looks to be just as busy, with the 2023 Global Order Book showing a record number of superyachts on order or in the building process, currently standing at 1,203 ongoing projects.
According to the Global Order Book 2023, the top 10 ranking shipbuilders are Azimut-Benetti, Sanlorenzo, Ocean Alexander, Feadship, Princess Yachts, Sunseeker, Lurssen, The Italian Sea Group, Damen Yachting, and Overmarine. But, while these might be the top-ranking shipyards, it does not mean that they will be the right fit for some superyacht construction projects.
Building a luxury yacht can be a time-consuming and complex experience with multiple decisions to make, starting with choosing the right shipyard. Every custom yacht project is unique, and multiple aspects will need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right shipyard for your new build luxury yacht.
Here are just a few of the considerations leading yacht brokers say you should consider when choosing a shipbuilder for your luxury yacht project.
Technical Expertise
Building a superyacht is highly complex and involves multiple steps, from naval architecture to decisions on propulsion systems, materials, onboard amenities, and the boat’s interior layout. Look for shipbuilders with experienced teams and a history of constructing vessels similar to your vision. Some of the most prestigious custom superyacht builders include Lurssen, Heesen Yachts, Feadship, Nobiskrug, Perini Navi, and Amels, but this list is not exhaustive.
Some shipbuilders will focus on building high-performance sports motor yachts, while others will specialize in constructing sailing yachts or expedition vessels. Very niche requirements, such as building a large expedition vessel to ice-class standards or a luxury high-performance sailing yacht, will quickly narrow down potential shipbuilders. As well as the type of vessel you have in mind, consider the shipbuilder’s ability to handle customizations, advanced propulsion systems, onboard amenities, and other specialized requirements you may have. A luxury yacht is a reflection of your personal style and taste, so it’s important to choose a shipyard that can bring your vision to life.
After-Sales Support
When planning a superyacht new build, consider the shipbuilder’s after-sales support and warranty policies. Even after your luxury yacht is delivered, you may require assistance, maintenance, or repairs. Evaluate the shipyard’s commitment to customer satisfaction and willingness to provide ongoing support. A shipbuilder with a responsive customer service department and comprehensive warranty coverage can provide peace of mind throughout your yacht’s lifecycle.
Chemistry
An often-overlooked consideration is chemistry. You’ll want to work with a shipyard with whom you feel you can develop a positive relationship and that truly understands your vision. Building a luxury custom yacht can take several years, so it’s important that you feel you will gel with the team. Consider the shipbuilder’s project management practices, communication processes, and who your point of contact will be during the entire superyacht construction process. Finally, check how long key points of contact have been employed by the boatbuilder; a revolving door of employees may mean your project is constantly being handed over to different staff members, leading to a fractured process.
Sustainability
Many owners wish to limit their environmental impact and are keen to work with luxury yacht builders that can not only integrate sustainable features into their superyacht new build, but also adopt sustainable practices in their day-to-day operations. If this is an important factor, check potential shipbuilders’ sustainability practices.
Financial Considerations
Building a superyacht requires a substantial investment, and you want assurance that the shipyard has the financial resources to complete the project. Before proceeding with a yacht build, review the financial history and reputation of your selected shipyard to ensure your investment is secure. Additionally, carefully analyze the contractual terms, payment schedules, and warranties to protect your interests. Working with a reputable pedigree shipyard provides an enhanced level of protection.
Build Timeframes
The most prestigious shipyards often have extended build times, with some fully booked for several years. This is due to a particularly buoyant market, which has seen a boom in superyacht ownership and new builds. Evaluate the shipbuilder’s projected build timeframes and whether they match your ideal timelines. Building a luxury yacht can be a lengthy process, with some shipyards seeing build times of more than four years, so it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the estimated delivery schedule.
Those wishing to take ownership of a new yacht quickly often turn to a semi-custom yacht builder, which still offers plenty of customization opportunities. Some of the most prestigious include Benetti, Baglietto, Sunseeker, Ferretti, Azimut, and Nautor’s Swan. A semi-custom yacht also offers a more economical option, with the naval architecture design configurations already completed.
Others may turn to more niche shipbuilders, who may not boast the extended build times of the more prestigious pedigree yards but still have demonstrable experience constructing luxurious yachts of the highest quality.
Consider working with a luxury yacht brokerage
Many owners opt to work with a luxury yacht brokerage to guide them through the superyacht construction process. Working with a luxury yacht brokerage means you will have an expert by your side to help you navigate through all of the above considerations. An experienced yacht brokerage will be able to help you select the right shipbuilder, negotiate a comprehensive yacht-building contract that will protect you from delays and additional costs, and then project manage the entire build, including keeping the build within budget and removing pain points to ensure the process is indulgently fun.
