Motor superyachts are private motor yachts exceeding 24 metres (approximately 79 feet), the length threshold used by most flag states and classification societies to define a superyacht for regulatory and manning purposes. They are fully custom or semi-custom projects built to owner specification at specialist yards, and represent the upper segment of the private motor yacht market by both price and technical complexity.
Hull construction depends on intended use: aluminium is standard for semi-displacement and fast-displacement designs where weight efficiency matters; steel is used for full-displacement hulls and expedition builds where impact resistance and structural rigidity are priorities. Composite materials appear on performance-oriented superyachts where planing speeds are required, though this limits range and hull longevity relative to metal construction. Semi-custom superyachts are built on pre-engineered platforms with owner-specified exterior styling and interior arrangement, reducing build time and cost compared with fully custom projects at the expense of some flexibility in hull design.
Propulsion is typically twin or triple diesel engines with shaft drives; engine outputs range from 1,000 to over 10,000 horsepower depending on hull size and speed requirements. MAN and Caterpillar are among the established suppliers at this level. Diesel-electric and hybrid systems are increasingly specified, particularly on displacement hulls where load profiles favour electric drive at low speeds. New superyachts start from approximately €5 million at the lower end of the size range and rise to several hundred million euros for large custom builds; market depreciation is substantial in the first five years of ownership.
