Buying your first yacht or upgrading to a larger model is exciting, but deciding what size yacht you should buy can feel overwhelming at first.
The right size depends on your budget, how you plan to use the yacht, and your experience operating it.
In this guide, we’ll help you narrow it down by:
- Explaining how your intended use influences ideal yacht size
- Breaking down common yacht sizes by category
- Showcasing top yacht models from acclaimed builders
- Providing extra buyer tips to make your decision easier
Let’s dive in and find the perfect size yacht for you.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Yacht Size
✅ Budget: How much are you willing to invest? Factor in purchase price plus maintenance, insurance, dockage, and fuel costs.
✅ Purpose: Are you cruising for leisure, fishing offshore, or entertaining guests?
✅ Owner-Operated vs. Crew-Operated:
- Under 60 ft: Often owner-operated with joystick controls.
- 60–80 ft: Some experienced owners self-operate; many prefer hiring a captain.
- 80+ ft: Typically requires a professional captain and crew.
✅ Regional Use: Planning to cruise in Florida or the Bahamas? Look for yachts with a shallow draft (under 5 ft) for greater access to sandbars, marinas, and shallow anchorages.
Motor Yachts — What Size Should You Buy?
Motor yachts are ideal for luxury cruising, entertaining, and long-distance travel. They are loaded with comfort features such as spacious salons, full galleys, staterooms, and entertainment areas.
Best Motor Yacht Sizes for Different Purposes:
- 40–49 Feet
➔ Perfect for couples and small families (Owner-operated)
➔ 1–3 staterooms / sleeps 2–6 people
➔ Typical range: 250–300 nautical miles
- 50–59 Feet
➔ Ideal for larger families or entertaining frequent guests
➔ 2–3 staterooms / sleeps 2–8 people
➔ Typical range: 300–400 nautical miles
- 60–70 Feet
➔ Best for luxury long-range cruising and larger parties
➔ 3–4 staterooms, crew quarters
➔ Typical range: 400–500 nautical miles
Pro Tip: Plan for about 10–15% of the yacht’s value annually for maintenance, insurance, dockage, and operating costs.
Top Motor Yacht Picks:
Prestige 420 Fly — Best Small Motor Yacht
- Modern, spacious, elegant design
- V-Drive propulsion for smooth balance
- Quick Specs: 42′10″ Length / 3′7″ Draft / 13′5″ Beam / 309 gal Fuel
Absolute 47 Fly — Best Mid-Size Luxury Choice
- Italian design meets efficient luxury
- Features panoramic windows, Volvo IPS with joystick docking, and impressive fuel efficiency
- Quick Specs: 48′10″ Length / 4′1″ Draft / 14′6″ Beam / 422 gal Fuel
Princess Y95 — Flagship for Ultimate Luxury
- Performance hull, inspired styling
- Speeds up to 24 knots
- Quick Specs: 95′6″ Length / 6′5.5″ Draft / 22′3″ Beam / 2948 gal Fuel
Top Motor Yacht Brands to Explore: Prestige Yachts, Princess Yachts, Azimut Yachts, Sunseeker, Absolute Yachts
Shop Motor Yachts »
Sportfishing Yachts — What Size Should You Buy?
Sportfishing yachts are purpose-built for offshore fishing adventures and tournament-level performance while offering overnight comforts for multi-day trips.
Best Sportfishing Yacht Sizes for Different Purposes:
- 40 Feet & Below
➔ Perfect for day trips and nearshore fishing
➔ Sleeps 2–4 people
➔ Typical range: 250–300 nautical miles
- 40–49 Feet
➔ Great for small offshore tournaments and weekend trips
➔ Typical range: 300–400 nautical miles
- 50–59 Feet
➔ Ideal for bigger groups and extended offshore runs
➔ Typical range: 400–500 nautical miles
- 60–80 Feet
➔ Tournament battlewagons with extensive range and accommodations
➔ Typical range: 500–800+ nautical miles, depending on fuel capacity and cruising speed
Pro Tip: Large sportfishing yachts often feature custom towers for better visibility and cockpit space for serious action.
Top Sportfish Picks:
Viking 72 Convertible — Tournament King
- Luxurious 4-stateroom interior + giant cockpit
Quick Specs: 72′8″ Length / 5′9″ Draft / 20′ Beam / 2594 gal Fuel
Valhalla V55 — Ultimate Center Console Beast
- Record-breaking performance center console
Quick Specs: 55′7″ Length / 48″ Draft / 15′6″ Beam / 1200 gal Fuel
Viking 90 — Sportfishing Meets Motor Yacht Luxury
- Full-beam master, six-stateroom layout
Quick Specs: 90′ Length / 5′11″ Draft / 23′2″ Beam / 3801 gal Fuel
Top Sportfishing Yacht Brands: Viking Yachts, Valhalla Boatworks, Hatteras Yachts, Custom Builds
Shop Sportfish Yachts »
Cruising Yachts — What Size Should You Buy?
Cruising yachts (also called express cruisers) are perfect for weekend trips, coastal cruising, and relaxing day adventures.
Best Cruiser Yacht Sizes for Different Purposes:
- 30–39 Feet
➔ Weekenders and sandbar hopping
- 40–49 Feet
➔ Family cruising and entertaining small groups
- 50–70 Feet
➔ Extended vacations with luxury accommodations
Pro Tip: Express cruisers with outboard engines offer easy maintenance and improved shallow-water accessibility.
Top Cruiser Picks:
Princess V50 Open — Sporty and Sophisticated Express Cruiser
- Sleek, modern design with an open cockpit and full-beam owner’s stateroom
- Twin Volvo IPS engines with joystick control for easy handling
- Quick Specs: 50′10″ Length / 3′9″ Draft / 13′6″ Beam / 346 gal Fuel
Absolute 48 Coupé — Italian Style Meets Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
- Massive glass windows and a redefined cockpit-to-salon connection
- Two spacious cabins plus crew quarters, with eco-efficient Volvo IPS propulsion
- Quick Specs: 48′10″ Length / 4′1″ Draft / 14′6″ Beam / 422 gal Fuel
Prestige 460 S — Sporty Coupé with Luxury Comforts
- Electric sunroof, L-shaped cockpit, and integrated galley for entertaining
- Two staterooms plus a full-beam master suite; IPS drives with joystick control
- Quick Specs: 46′10″ Length / 3′5″ Draft / 14′1″ Beam / 328 gal Fuel
Viking 54 Sport Coupe — Stylish Fish & Cruise
- Shares the award-winning hull design of the 54 Convertible for unmatched ride quality
- Ideal for those who want a sleek, low-profile design with fishability and cruising comfort
- Quick Specs: 54′6″ Length / 4′10″ Draft / 17′8″ Beam / 1486 gal Fuel
Princess V65 — Ultimate Family Express Yacht
- Deep-V hull for smooth planing and performance up to 38 knots
- Spacious cockpit, retractable sunroof, full-beam master suite, and four staterooms
- Quick Specs: 66′10″ Length / 4′9″ Draft / 16′9″ Beam / 1083 gal Fuel
Top Cruiser Yacht Brands: Princess Yachts, Prestige Yachts, Tiara Yachts, Sea Ray
Shop Cruising Yachts »
Center Console Yachts — What Size Should You Buy?
Center consoles are a top choice for boaters who want high-performance handling, versatile layouts, and serious fishability, all in one sleek package. With open walkaround decks, powerful outboards, and cutting-edge electronics, they’re ideal for coastal cruising, offshore fishing, or day boating with friends and family.
Best Center Console Sizes for Different Purposes:
-
30–39 Feet
➔ Perfect for inshore/offshore versatility and day trips
➔ Easy to trailer and store; often owner-operated
➔ Typical range: 200–300 nautical miles
-
40–49 Feet
➔ Ideal for serious offshore fishing and all-day comfort
➔ Room for a small cabin, head, and generous tackle storage
➔ Typical range: 300–400 nautical miles
-
50+ Feet
➔ The ultimate offshore performance machines
➔ Multiple rows of seating, advanced helm systems, full cabins, and massive fuel capacity
➔ Typical range: 400–600+ nautical miles, depending on engine configuration
Pro Tip: Modern center consoles with quad or quint outboards can rival the performance of large sportfishers, while offering easier maintenance and more deck space.
Top Center Console Picks:
33′ Valhalla — Elite Entry-Level Offshore Performer
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Built by Viking with serious fishability and style
-
Twin Mercury outboards, tackle centers, seating for six
-
Quick Specs: 33′6″ Length / 22″ Draft / 9′9″ Beam / 327 gal Fuel
41′ Valhalla — Flagship Versatility in the Mid-Size Class
-
Triple or quad outboards, hardtop with full helm enclosure
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Available with a Seakeeper and cabin options
-
Quick Specs: 40′6″ Length / 28″ Draft / 11′7″ Beam / 557 gal Fuel
55′ Valhalla — Record-Breaking Center Console Beast
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World’s largest center console with SVVT hull design
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Powered by up to five Mercury 600s for over 3,000 HP
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Quick Specs: 55′7″ Length / 48″ Draft / 15′6″ Beam / 1200 gal Fuel
Top Center Console Brands: Valhalla Boatworks, Midnight Express, HCB, Scout Boats, Boston Whaler
Shop Center Consoles »
New vs. Used Yachts: Size Considerations
- New Yachts offer the latest technology, warranties, and customized options — but you might need to stay smaller to fit budget constraints.
- Used Yachts often allow you to buy a larger yacht at the same price, with room for upgrades and personalization later.
Example:
You might buy a brand-new 50-ft motor yacht — or a 5-year-old, 65-ft yacht with similar amenities for a similar budget.
Find the Right Yacht Faster with Yacht Shopper
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- Set saved searches by type, size, and features
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Stay ahead in your yacht search and find your dream boat faster!
Sign Up for Yacht Shopper »
Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Size Yacht
Choosing the right yacht size isn’t just about dimensions — it’s about matching your dreams, lifestyle, and comfort level.
From weekend getaways to tournament fishing to luxurious world cruising, there’s a perfect yacht size for every kind of adventure.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Yacht?
Whether you’re just starting your yacht-buying journey or narrowing down your options, our expert team is here to help. From choosing the right size to exploring top brands and models, we’ll guide you every step of the way. No pressure, just honest advice.
Contact our experienced yacht brokers for a personalized consultation
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