Motor yacht charters cost €25,000–€500,000+ ($27,000–$540,000+) per week. Faster than sailing yachts, larger interior volumes, full crew included. Most popular choice for first-time charterers and groups wanting maximum comfort.
Motor Yacht Charter — What You Need to Know
A motor yacht charter is the most common form of superyacht charter — a power-driven vessel with a full crew, private chef, water toys, and the freedom to set your own itinerary. This guide covers everything from vessel selection and rates to crew, destinations, and the motor vs sail question.
Motor yacht vs sailing yacht — quick comparison
| Factor | Motor yacht | Sailing yacht |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 12–18 knots | 6–8 knots under engine |
| Interior volume | Larger for LOA | Smaller (mast, keel) |
| Fuel cost (APA) | Higher (30–35%) | Lower (25–30%) |
| Noise at sea | Engine hum | Silent under sail |
| Weather dependency | Low | High (wind dependent) |
| Beach club | Standard on 45m+ | Rare |
| Rate vs size | Higher/m | Lower/m |
| Best for | Comfort, speed, space | Experience, budget, silence |
Types of charter motor yacht
Displacement motor yacht
35–55mFull displacement hull. Maximum fuel efficiency at 10–13 knots. Excellent sea-keeping in rough weather. The most comfortable ride and quietest onboard. Best for long-range cruising: Atlantic crossing, Norway, Mediterranean to Caribbean.
Rates: €25k–€130k/wk
Semi-displacement motor yacht
40–70mThe most common charter type. Combines reasonable speed (14–18 knots) with good fuel economy. Works in both protected and open waters. Typically has beach club, swim platform, and full water toy inventory.
Rates: €40k–€280k/wk
Planing motor yacht
30–50mHigh-performance hull reaching 22–35 knots. High fuel consumption (high APA). Excellent for short hops between destinations. Popular for day charters. Less common at 50m+ due to engineering complexity.
Rates: €30k–€150k/wk
Explorer yacht
40–80mDisplacement hull optimised for range (4,000–10,000nm+). Carries extra fuel, provisions, and tender/submarine. Can reach Antarctica, the Arctic, and remote Pacific destinations unreachable by conventional charter yachts.
Rates: €60k–€350k/wk
Leading charter motor yacht builders
Feadship
Full-custom 50m+
Engineering excellence, resale value retention
Lürssen
Full-custom 60m+
World's largest private yachts, military-grade engineering
Benetti
Semi-custom 35–100m
Volume leader, strong resale, wide size range
Heesen
Semi-custom 45–75m
Fast steel yachts, Dutch quality, competitive lead times
Sunseeker
Production 30–50m
Best-known charter brand, strong resale liquidity
Oceanco
Full-custom 65m+
One-off designs, ultra-HNW clientele
Motor yacht charter — FAQ
What is a motor yacht charter?
A motor yacht charter is a crewed holiday aboard a power-driven superyacht. Unlike sailing yachts, motor yachts use engines rather than sails — they're faster (12–18 knots cruising vs 6–8 for sailing), have larger interior volumes for their length, and are not dependent on wind conditions. The typical motor yacht charter includes a full crew of 4–15+ and all water toys.
How much does a motor yacht charter cost?
Motor yacht charter rates range from €25,000 (~$27,000) per week for a well-specified 35m to €500,000+ (~$540,000+) per week for a 80m+ flagship. Mid-range (45–55m) typically runs €70,000–€150,000 (~$76,000–$162,000) per week. Add 30–35% for APA (fuel, provisioning, port fees) and VAT where applicable.
Is a motor yacht or sailing yacht better for charter?
Motor yachts cover more distance in less time, have larger interior volumes and beach clubs, are more stable in beam seas, and don't depend on wind. Sailing yachts offer a quieter experience under sail, lower fuel costs (lower APA), and access to shallower anchorages. Most charter clients choose motor yachts for maximum space and comfort; sailing yachts suit those who want an active, wind-dependent experience.
How many crew does a motor yacht charter have?
Crew numbers depend on vessel size: a 35–40m motor yacht typically carries 4–5 crew (captain, chef, mate, one or two stewards); a 50m carries 7–9; a 65m carries 12–15; an 80m+ flagship carries 20–30+. Crew costs are included in the base charter rate — you never pay extra for crew beyond the APA (for provisioning of crew meals etc.).
How fast does a charter motor yacht travel?
Charter motor yachts cruise at 12–18 knots depending on hull type and engine configuration. Displacement hulls cruise at 10–13 knots; semi-displacement at 14–20 knots; planing hulls at 20–35 knots. A typical 50m motor yacht will cruise at 14–16 knots — covering 150–180nm per day. This means getting from Cannes to Corsica (100nm) in under 7 hours.
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