Best sub-50m yachts

During 2020-21 the Burgess brokerage team has seen around 50 percent of all yacht sales in the 30-50m bracket, proving that it’s stronger than ever. We have seen both sailing and motor yacht sales increase, as former charterers take their first steps into yacht ownership and the privacy, yachting lifestyle and pride of possession that comes with owning a superyacht.

Many first-time owners will have chartered a yacht in the Med, Caribbean, Pacific or Indian Ocean, building a list of features they’ll look for in their first yacht. This size of yacht also gives charterers a chance to experience the multi-faceted aquatic lifestyle. Whether your interest is in motor yachts or sailing yachts, a charter on the other type of yacht can give you a taster of what ownership would be like before you invest.

If you’re looking to buy a sailing yacht over 50m, the choice is rather narrow with shipyards like Baltic, Royal Huisman and Vitters being the obvious ones. Below 50m, however, your options increase both in terms of the styles and the number of sailing yachts available.

Recent circumstances have driven an increased interest in yacht ownership, and if you’re considering the joys of owning a superyacht, we are here to help.

What are the benefits of a sub-50m yacht?

There are many benefits to owning a sub-50m yacht, smaller bills being the most obvious. But it’s not just cost. Sub-50 metre yachts tend to have a more personal feel to them and they are easier to operate with fewer crew members. Their size is ideal for romantic getaways and also for island hopping – you get to explore anchorages and harbours that larger yachts simply cannot visit.

Many yachts in the 30-50m size bracket are semi-custom models, or built on a standard platform. They usually have a GRP hull and superstructure which makes them lighter and more economical to buy, run and service. There’s less inherent risk involved in buying from a selection of well-known models rather than choosing from a shortlist of full custom builds. Benetti, Custom Line, Overmarine, Sunseeker and Westport are just a few of the shipyards that build a series of yachts with the same hull under 50m.

The cost of refitting, restyling or renovating a 30-50m yacht also tends to be much lower than it is for a larger vessel. This can offer a new owner a unique opportunity to buy a yacht and make it their own from the start, at the fraction of the cost of a new custom build.

Lower cost of operation

Yachts between 30-50m are more cost-efficient to run than larger yachts – their running costs per metre are proportionally lower. A 30m (98.4ft) yacht can have annual running costs of around GBP 800,000 whereas a yacht twice the length can cost three times as much to run. Generally speaking, as it depends on the type of yacht, her age and condition and so on, for every 10m increase in length, the annual costs tend to increase by around GBP 500,000 until it reaches 60m. Upwards from there it increases by around GBP 750,000 per 10m.

Larger yachts burn more fuel, not only for propulsion but for power generation too. More space, cabins and guests all require larger air conditioning units and higher hotel system loads which must all be accounted for. A 30m (98.4ft) yacht and a 45m (147.6ft) yacht may have similar fuel costs with perhaps GBP 10,000-GBP 20,000 difference but increase the size of yacht to between 45-60m (147.6-196.8ft) and the increase could be GBP 60,000-GBP 90,000.

Crew numbers and their costs also increase disproportionately with the size of yacht. A typical 30m yacht might have a crew of five with the total cost of salaries under GBP 200,000. A 40m yacht might have a crew of eight which more than doubles the salary costs to around GBP 500,000, while on a 50m yacht, one could expect 11 crew costing GBP 600,000 a year. But increase the yacht’s length overall by 10m more, to a 60m yacht, and a crew of 14 could bring the crew salaries to around GBP 900,000.

More environmentally friendly

For the environmentally-minded owner, a 30-50m yacht is better. Fewer raw materials are used in the yacht’s production, and fuel consumption for propulsion and power generation is lower too. Hotel loads can be managed by larger battery banks, rather than constant power generation. A sailing yacht is the ultimate eco-friendly yacht, offering a way to cruise far and wide with a reduced environmental footprint, retaining a luxury lifestyle without burning hundreds of gallons of diesel.

Yachts of any type in the 30-50m range also lend themselves well to shorter, eco-friendlier trips, using less fuel. Harbour berths too are easier to come by; rather than launching the tender and running it back and forth, you can simply step ashore of an evening. You can also cruise and holiday with fewer guests, without the guilt of transporting empty cabins and the staff needed to serve non-existent visitors. Fewer people on board reduces the carbon footprint of guests travelling to the yacht as well as fuel consumption while on board. All this is good for the planet.

Get the best of both worlds when cruising and docking

Larger motor yachts have a cruising speed of around 10-15 knots. Many 30m yachts will happily cruise at between 20-30 knots with maximum speed at 30 knots or above. Being faster, many sub-50m yachts can travel twice as far in a day, giving a greater variety of destinations and options for you and your guests.

Whether you spend the night in a harbour or an anchorage, a 30-50m yacht can offer an excellent lifestyle and on board experience. Larger yachts lend themselves better to out-of-port life; touch-and-go helipads make transfers easier, but not being able to fit a large yacht into a harbour makes shopping or sightseeing visits dependent on transfer by tender. Sub-50m yachts, on the other hand, can usually find a berth in port. Entering and leaving ports is less problematic in smaller yachts and port operations procedures can often be achieved in half the time, maximising your time at sea.

Perfect for island hopping

The versatility of 30-50m yachts makes them the best choice if you like to keep on the move and explore different islands and anchorages. A beach picnic ashore on one secluded sandy bay for lunch, a different west-facing beach for an evening barbecue to watch the sun sink below the horizon.

A faster cruising speed enables your captain to get to remote bays before larger yachts, enabling your crew to choose the best location for the day’s activities – before the larger yachts arrive. As we mentioned, port operations in a smaller yacht are easier and quicker so more time is available to do what you enjoy on board.

More intimate than larger yachts

There is much to be said for larger yachts, but rarely do they have the same friendly feel as a 30m yacht, which is perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner or an intimate cruise with family or friends. More space is not always a good thing. Whether you want to relax in the saloon as a family or have a romantic meal for two on the sun deck it’s wonderful to have the secluded feel of your yacht without feeling overwhelmed by space.

Sub-50m yachts are far more inclusive. You’ll hear a giggle from your children or the laughter from your guests in the beach club – you don’t miss out on what’s happening on board. You do, however, still have plenty of private space on a 30-50m yacht to be alone if you want to or need to. You have the choice.

A larger market should you choose to charter or sell

The sub-50m sector is also an evergreen market, it’s popular with owners as a way of experiencing the yachting lifestyle without the financial commitment of commissioning a large, full custom superyacht. As such, when the time comes to sell your 30-50m yacht, you know there will be people in the position you are in now, those looking to buy the most popular size of yacht for the first time.

It’s also a buoyant sector for charter. If you wish to offset some of the cost of ownership, more charterers are looking for this size of motor yacht or sailing yacht than for yachts above 50m.

Best sub-50m motor yachts

While yachts around the 30m mark are faster, the 40-50m market offer many of the benefits of the smaller yachts but with much more interior volume. Volume is measured in Gross Tonnage, one gross ton being 100 cubic feet or 2.8 cubic metres. A typical 30m yacht may have a volume of around 150GT, but 40m yacht may have a volume of 350GT. Increase the length to 45m and you could have closer to 500GT. For a small increase in overall length the owner gets a lot more usable space inside.

BASH IV is a 49.9m (163.7ft) motor yacht, built with the second hull of the renowned Mungusta 165 line and the construction of a 2007 Overmarine, blends elegance, space and speed. Undergoing a refit in 2015, her stylish and modern interior and external design is the work of Stefano Righini. A serviced and maintained yacht to the highest standards, only used privately, she offers sophisticated and contemporary accommodation for 10 guests, including full beam owner’s suite.

With her bar, relaxed lounge seating and recently upgraded entertainment system, transforms the large open plan main deck into the perfect space for socialising. BASH IV provides a high level of privacy with guest accommodation being only accessible via a staircase aft of the wheelhouse.

The entertainment doesn’t stop on the main deck, she features a special and unique cinema room on the lower deck, big enough to accommodate those on board for movie evenings. BASH IV also has a flybridge with a beautiful dining area; and a tender garage that holds a 6m Castoldi Jet tender and two Sea-Doo RXT jetskis.

BASH IV offers the smart investor a compelling package and an excellent pedigree. Her seaworthiness is proven, and she recorded a comfortable range of 700nm. Registering remarkable top speeds of 38 knots and cruises at 30 knots, powered by triple 3,650hp MTU engines with low hours.

PRINCESS ANNA is a 44.8m (147ft) tri-deck motor yacht constructed in composite by Italian shipyard Intermarine in accordance with ABS classification and commercial compliance. Delivered in 2002, she is just out of the dock from a major multi-million-dollar refit, including a fresh new interior, a state-of-the-art AV system, new appliances, refurbished teak decks and new tender and toys. A meticulously maintained yacht, used to charter the Bahamas year-round, she offers comfortable accommodation for 10 guests, including full beam owner’s suite with large walk-in wardrobe.

The focal point of PRINCESS ANNA’s fantastic layout is the expansive guest deck spaces and numerous lounging areas. Her spacious and inviting sun deck equipped with sun loungers, full wet bar, oversized jacuzzi and cinema screen for movie nights under the stars. She celebrates the outdoor living environment on the bridge deck aft with al fresco dining.

She exhibits bright and warm luxury interiors with several entertainment areas throughout with a sky lounge inclusive of games tables, large TV screen and portside sit-up bar. The multi-use main deck furnished with formal dining and media lounge including a 100 in HD TV for the full cinema experience. Aft deck lounge accessible via sliding glass doors leads down to a swim platform and tender garage, with two of the four tenders being a 9.1m (36ft) Cigarette chase and 5m (16ft) Castoldi jet.

Powered by twin 1,350hp Caterpillar diesel engines, PRINCESS ANNA has a cruising speed of 12 knots, a top speed of 16 knots and a transatlantic range of 3.850nm a passage she has made 18 times and counting. Upon arrival, naiad fin stabilisers guarantee comfort and stability.  

The composite-hulled 43.9m (144ft) MUCHOS MAS has some special open-air spaces that make her stand out. It is the way the outdoor areas on MUCHOS MAS are linked and yet individual which sets her apart. She was built to Lloyd's classification by Crescent Custom Yachts, Canada, in 2016 and is offered for sale in excellent condition.

On the sundeck, there is a large jacuzzi forward with a waterfall next to a sit-up bar. Opposite is a large sunpad, while aft is a large wet bar and BBQ. There is a gym space under the hardtop and a boat deck astern that converts to a sun lounger area. Steps forward of the bar to port lead to the foredeck where there’s a comfortable Portuguese bridge lounge and a second jacuzzi, forward facing seating and sunpads.

Steps aft of the sun deck lead to the aft bridge deck. This has a formal al fresco dining area and relaxed seating, while glass balustrades give uninterrupted views. Steps lead down to the main deck aft. There is an inside-outside bar at the entrance to the saloon, with sunpads and banquette seating around a table aft. Steps either side lead down to the beach club.

MUCHOS MAS can sleep 11 guests in five cabins. The lower deck has four double cabins, two convert into a twin cabin arrangement and the aft two cabins can be joined to create a full-beam VIP suite with a private lounge. Her exterior and interior were designed by Jonathan Quinn Barnett and his tasteful use of burl walnut, grey tweed and white oak give her a sophisticated elegance throughout.

Best sub-50m sailing yachts

The sub-50m sailing yacht sector has possibly the largest variety of any of the superyacht segments. Whether you seek a traditional sailing yacht or a stylish modern yacht that can be raced, there is something for everyone. Here are three to look out for:

The 46.3m (151.9ft) ANTARA is a highly accomplished motor sailing ketch built and designed by the renowned Perini Navi. She holds a host of podium finishes at various regattas such as St Barths Bucket, Palma, Superyacht Cup, and Perini Navi Cup. Initially delivered in 1991 she has benefitted from multiple comprehensive refits with nearly every aspect of her machinery, interior and exterior upgraded.

She can accommodate 10 guests in four spacious satin-finished teak cabins with the VIP cabin featuring a queen-sized berth with Italian carrara marble en suite. Full-beam owner’s suite with new steam shower and cleverly concealed private gym with weights and stationary bike.

Her large and open flybridge equipped with lounge seating, spiralling staircase and jacuzzi surrounded by large sunpads. ANTARA’s shaded aft cockpit features informal lounging, bar and open-air dining aft featuring a curved banquette aft perfect for entertaining. Walkaround sidedecks lead to a versatile foredeck space where the yacht tenders are stowed during passage. Steps either side lead to the main deck aft where a new swim platform extends from the transom for swimming.

Naturally lit, bright and cosy main deck features large windows and divided into the forward dining/bar and formal saloon aft, separated by a raised pilothouse. The is equipped with a large coffee table surrounded by several armchairs and two large sofas. A 50in TV is concealed behind retractable artwork on the forward wall. The yacht’s Creston controlled AV systems and surround sound are both controlled by iPads.

ANTARA is a relentlessly well maintained and upgraded yacht with twin 640hp MTU diesel engines, reaching a top speed of 12.5 knots and a range of 3,500nm at her cruising speed of 10 knots.

This 37m (121.4ft) pedigree sailing ketch NORFOLK STAR, designed and built by renowned Italian shipyard Perini Navi, is in superb condition having recently undergone a multi-million euro refit in 2020, as well as her five-year Lloyd's survey. This included a new main engine, two new generators, PLC system, Inmarsat VSAT dome, 505 Williams jet tender, Doyle sails and Reckmann rigging.

The interior and exterior furnishings have been recovered, all surfaces and marble has been professionally cleaned and coated. The teak decks have also been professionally sanded. No expense has been spared to bring this yacht to market in pristine order for a new owner. On deck, the main cockpit is split into two areas: lounge and dining. Both can comfortably sit up to eight people. Immediately behind the shaded cockpit is a large sunbathing area. Down below, NORFOLK STAR's bright deck saloon has panoramic views. Her interior is finished in cherry wood, and the large hull portholes give the interior a particularly light and airy feel. From the deck saloon steps forward lead to the main saloon and formal dining area.

This yacht offers a family-friendly layout with accommodation for up to seven guests. On the lower deck, the full-beam owner's suite is aft with walk-in wardrobe, en suite bathroom with bath, plus a separate study. Next door are two twin cabins, also en suite, one of which has an additional berth. Once aboard, NORFOLK STAR looks after her guests with Samsung LED TVs and Creston Control AV System. At anchor, the boarding ladder drops into place on the starboard side, and all the watertoys come out and under power her 550hp engine gives her a range of over 3,000nm at 11.4 knots.