Cruising yachts that move through the water with less resistance than a displacement hull with added ability to throttle it up.

Semi-displacement Yachts

Cruising yachts that move through the water with less resistance than a displacement hull with added ability to throttle it up.

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Manufacturers of semi-displacement Yachts

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Category Description

Semi-displacement yachts are a compromise between the displacement and planing-hull types. The cruising and maximum speeds of semi-displacement yachts are higher than those of displacement yachts at about 15 and 25 knots, respectively.

Semi-displacement boats can go in a so-called transitional mode when the nose starts to rise out of the water. This is vital when you need to escape a storm and quickly return to a safe harbor. In the transitional mode, a semi-displacement yacht burns a lot of fuel. For long distance journeys it's better to go in the displacement mode. That way, the range of most semi-displacement yachts exceeds 1000 miles, and some yachts of this type have tanks big enough to cross the Atlantic (some 3500 nautical miles) without refueling.

In terms of hull shape, semi-displacement yachts are similar to displacement yachts, but with a flatter and wider stern.  

How are semi-displacement yachts built?

Compact semi-displacement yachts are made of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). The vessels which exceed 100 ft are made of aluminum. Naval architects use the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method to optimize hull performance in various conditions. To reduce fuel consumption, designers use additional technologies such as hybrid propulsion and the Hull Vane fixed stern foil.

Some semi-displacement yachts resemble commercial trawlers, while others look like planing yachts and have flybridges. There is a vast variety of designs in this hull type for every taste. Due to their flat stern, semi-displacement yachts have a large cockpit and swimming platform that can be used to store a tender.

What types of engines are used on semi-displacement yachts? 

Most semi-displacement yachts use diesels with shaft drives. Some of them have a long keel to protect the props, while others hide their props in tunnels along the bottom. Many modern semi-displacement yachts are equipped with gyro stabilizers that reduce pitch and roll movement for a smoother ride.