Roughly two-thirds of the global charter fleet is power-driven. A 50-metre motor yacht typically cruises at 12–14 knots, comfortably crosses a hundred and fifty miles in a daylight passage, and provides about thirty percent more interior volume per metre of length than the equivalent sailing yacht.

What they cost, all-in

Entry-level motor yacht charter (35–40m) starts around €25,000–€45,000 per week base rate in shoulder season. Mid-range (50–60m) sits at €100,000–€180,000 per week. The top of the market — 80m+ flagships — exceeds €500,000 per week. Add APA (~30%) and crew gratuity (~12%) for the all-in.

Who motor yachts suit

Families with children. Larger groups (10–12+ guests). Anyone who wants to wake up in a new harbour every morning. First-time charterers — the experience is closer to a private floating villa than to a sailing trip. Anyone planning a passage longer than overnight.

Who they don't suit

Couples chasing intimacy and quiet — a sailing yacht is gentler under way and uses a smaller crew (typically 4–6 vs. 10+ on a similar-LOA motor yacht). Anyone for whom the journey is the point.