Yachts for lovers of fresh air. Wave protection from the top and a cockpit of maximum area forming a united space with the salon.

Semi-Enclosed Yachts

Yachts for lovers of fresh air. Wave protection from the top and a cockpit of maximum area forming a united space with the salon.

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Category Description

The yacht with a semi-enclosed saloon is a compromise for those who would like to have an open yacht but are concerned about the comfort of driving. Semi-enclosed yachts do have a hardtop above the helm station and the salon, but no aft doors so nothing prevents the breeze from getting inside.

In addition, semi-enclosed yachts often have a large sunroof above the helm station, retracting which actually turns them into completely open ones. On the other side, the sunroof provides shelter from rain and scorching sun rays. Most semi-enclosed yachts are entry-level vessels between 10 and 15 meters in length. 

How are semi-enclosed boats built?

The process of building a yacht with a semi-enclosed salon is virtually the same as building any yacht from composite.

The hull is made as one piece in a mold that can be used several times. The process starts with applying the first coat of resin known as the seal coat. Then the first coat of fiberglass cloth is laid down into the mold. Then, again, resin. The whole process is repeated several times.

Each layer should take time to cure before the other one is applied. Usually, it takes 3 to 6 hours for the resin to settle. Foam core material is used between the layers of fiberglass.

The hardtop is shaped separately in a different mold and later joined with the hull.

What types of engines are used on a semi-enclosed yacht? 

Various manufacturers use diesel and gas engines with sterndrives, pod drives, and classic shaft drives. 

Sterndrives are the most popular choice for semi-enclosed hardtop boats.

Sterndrives have a propeller at the stern of a boat. The engine is mounted in the aft (rear) part of the vessel. For planing hulls, this layout is more efficient than placing the engine(s) in the center of the hull, as is the case with the shaft drive. In addition, sterndrives are cheaper than shaft drives and there are many options from different manufacturers for both diesel and gasoline engines, while shaft drives work with diesels.

Today, outboard engines are successfully competing with sterndrives. Comparable in price, outboards are easier to install, change, and maintain. Troublesome maintenance is the main disadvantage of sterndrive power plants.

Just a few years ago, horsepower restrictions were the main weak point of outboard engines over other types of propulsion. But nowadays the limits of maximum power for outboard engines have significantly expanded. Today’s market offers outboards mighty enough to propel even a 15-meter boat.