What are the 10 best brands of yachts?

Buying a yacht isn’t a simple case of choosing a colour, a size, or a list of amenities. Every shipyard is unique in its own right and, however stunning their vessels may be, finding the perfect fit often boils down to your exact needs, preferences, and budget. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) or Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) are good showcases of the latest offerings from the shipyards. If you’re looking to buy a yacht, touring yachts at these shows accompanied by a Fraser Broker offer an insight into the latest innovations. Below, in no particular order, we profile a list of some of the best brands of yachts to consider.

Lürssen

Building some of the largest and most innovative German yachts in the world, Lürssen creates extraordinary vessels from 50m/164' to 180m/590' in length and has on its fleet some of the most respected yachts on the water today. With more yachts among the world's top 20 largest yachts than any other shipyard, Lürssen’s portfolio includes 180.6M/592’ AZZAM, 160M/524’ BLUE, 156M/512’ DILBAR, 155M/508’ AL SAID and 147M/483’ A+ (ex TOPAZ).

Feadship

Creating purely custom vessels, Feadship is universally recognised as one of the best shipyards in the industry. Feadship has spent decades forging a reputation for excellence, setting the standard for Owners who expect nothing but the finest quality in every aspect of their build. Among a vast fleet of groundbreaking launches are 110m/361’ ANNA, PREDATOR (72.8m/238′) and 78.2m/256’ VENUS, the world’s first mastless motor yacht, with her antennae and domes hidden within an architectural statement.

Oceanco

Oceanco specialises in creating custom yachts up to 160M/524’ of both motor and sailing varieties. With a focus on larger motor and sailing yachts and a passion for innovation, the shipyard promotes Dutch build quality and collaborates with top names in the yachting industry to produce custom superyachts in aluminium and steel. Just some of its game changing projects include 106.7M/350’ BLACK PEARL, SEVEN SEAS, a 109m with innovative use of glass and natural materials, and award-wining BRAVO EUGENIA.

Amels

Known for impeccable quality, Amels started creating boats in 1918 and now operates under Damen Yachting as part of the Damen Shipyards Group. Amels yachts are customised to suit their owners and built on a proven platform that can reach over 100 metres in length. 89M HERE COMES THE SUN was the flagship of the Amels fleet since 2017 and underwent a full custom refit at the yard completed in 2021 after a 6M extension. PROJECT TANZANITE, an Amels 120 full custom and the largest superyacht in build in the Netherlands, will be head of the fleet upon delivery in 2025.

Heesen

Dedicated to building superyachts in aluminium and steel, Heesen is a leader in semi-custom, fast delivery superyachts in the 50-57m range. Heesen’s revolutionary Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) is one of the shipyard’s key achievements. Devised by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, this hull form drastically reduces fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent.

Royal Huisman

Royal Huisman specialises in building custom yachts up to 90M/295’ in length, utilising materials such as aluminium and carbon composite, sometimes a combination of the two. The yard's long-standing culture of perfectionism encompasses both today’s advanced technologies and traditional shipbuilding skills, ensuring that every yacht is a masterpiece of precision and quality.

Nobiskrug

Nobiskrug has been a pioneering force in yacht-building since before the era of the superyacht began. With routes dating back over 115 years, Nobiskrug's journey into yacht-building began in 2000 with the completion of 92M/301’ TATOOSH. Other extraordinary innovations include high-tech hybrid superyacht 80M/262‘ ARTEFACT and 143m/469’ SAILING YACHT A.

Benetti Yachts

Named the world’s leading builder of Custom Mega Yachts for ten consecutive years by ShowBoats International (now Boat International USA), Benetti is an icon of Italian luxury yachts. Benetti was the first yard to realise the potential of composite materials in superyacht production, and continues to use these materials to design and build full-custom displacement and semi-displacement motor yachts up to +90M/295’.

Sanlorenzo

Since its creation in 1958, Sanlorenzo’s has been a stellar example of high-quality motor yacht manufacture, representing a distinct boutique segment of the yachting industry. The Italian shipyard is renowned for semi-custom yachts constructed to reflect the individual preferences of Owners. Noteworthy yachts such as PARA BELLVM from the 500Exp line and TOLEMAI and LA LA LAND from the 44X-Space series demonstrate Sanlorenzo's ability to craft vessels that combine luxury with exploration.

Baltic Yachts

Specialising in advanced composite sailing yachts, Baltic Yachts capitalise on the properties of materials such as carbon fibre and use a rigid, precision-engineered structure to create extremely light, fast and stiff performance custom sailing yachts up to 60M/218’, with semi-custom yachts in smaller size ranges. Baltic Yachts have produced several award-winning yachts, including 54M/176ft PINK GIN VI, the largest Carbon Composite sloop-rigged sailing yacht in the world at the time of her launch in 2017.

When looking for a yacht for sale, consider the elements that matter to you the most to narrow down your possibilities, before contacting a Fraser Broker to gain the insight you need. 

Purpose

Do you wish to explore the Arctic Circle or host parties off the coast of the French Riviera? While these two activities are not always mutually exclusive, some types of yachts are better suited to certain uses than others. Ask yourself whether your ideal vessel should be a luxury yacht, an explorer yacht, or a fast cruising motor yacht.

Size

How many guests do you plan to entertain on board? If you never expect to be hosting more than a few people, brands that focus on oversized superyachts may be the best in their category, but they won’t be the best for you. Of course, the argument is reversed if your goal is to welcome many guests regularly.

Budget

Setting a budget will help you compare the various models yacht manufacturers can offer you for a similar price.

Amenities

What do you consider essential on board your yacht? Think about all the facilities you expect your ideal vessel to offer.

Trial

Selecting the perfect yacht isn’t something that can be done from behind a computer screen. It should be an authentic, in-person experience.

Choosing to charter a yacht with Fraser Yachts is an ideal stepping stone towards purchasing, enabling you to try various sizes and styles of yacht. Ready to buy? Get acquainted with our yachts for sale and start your journey towards ownership today.