2022 Pros and Cons: Motor Yachts vs Sailing Yachts

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Motor Yachts vs Sailing Yachts : Looking for the perfect yacht is an exciting task! But as there are thousands of choices to choose from and numerous factors to consider, it can very well easily be overwhelming for first-time yacht buyers and sailing experts alike. You shouldn’t be worried though as we have numerous yacht-buying guides for you. For starters though, one thing that you need to settle first is this question: would you purchase a motor yacht or a sailing yacht?

We got you covered if you don’t know yet which among the two is perfect for you. This article will discuss:

  • Motor yachts
  • Pros and cons of motor yachts
  • Sailing yachts
  • Pros and cons of sailing yachts
  • Motor sailer

After reading this article, we are confident that you’d be able to confidently figure out which one is best for you, your lifestyle, and your unique sailing needs.

 

Motor Yachts: Pros and Cons

You should opt for a motor yacht if you’re after speed and power. An engine runs a yacht that is motor-powered. It will not require a sail to be able to go from one place to another. Hence, your sailing trips will not be dependent on the wind. Motor yachts primarily have one or two engines used for primary propulsion. Using it will not require sails, one does not need to be familiar with how sails work. No extensive training and application of sailing knowledge and techniques will be required. Check out Simpson Marine if you want to research premium motor yachts that are currently available in the market.

You should also consider one if you’re after the following advantages:

PROS:

  • Sleek and stylish aesthetic
  • No sail restriction
  • No rigging restriction
  • Spacious living accommodation
  • Can house beach clubs
  • Can house gyms
  • Cab house elevators
  • Best for a luxury yachting lifestyle
  • Best if you want to sail with family and friends
  • Best if you want a yacht that comes with a flexible layout
  • Best if you want a yacht with a spacious deck
  • Drier cruising experience if be compared to sailing yachts
  • Steady cruising capacity
  • Can reach high speeds
  • Best for people who want to cruise numerous areas in a limited period
  • Not wind-dependent
  • Easier to handle
  • Best for amateurs in sailing
  • Best for adventure-seekers
  • Best for eager world-travelers
  • Best for people who prefer water sports
  • Best for people that need more storage
  • Can house helipads
  • Can house research facilities

CONS:

  • Can be more expensive
  • Will not be dependent on the wind
  • Will require more maintenance
  • Will require more crew
  • It will not be ideal for sailing enthusiasts that enjoy solo exploration
  • It will not be ideal for sailing experts that want raw sailing adventures
  • It will require a bigger dock

Sailing Yachts: Pros and Cons

You should opt for a sailing yacht if you’re a traditional yacht enthusiast. A sailing yacht comes with a sail that will give you the absolute high of feeling the wind and the sun on your skin as you navigate the flow of the water.

 

PROS:

  • Best for traditional sailing activities
  • Works with the wind
  • Best for sailing enthusiasts that prefer alone time
  • Peaceful sailing can be enjoyed as no loud engines will be necessary
  • No need for extensive gas usage
  • Privacy is easily optimized
  • Best for sailing enthusiasts that enjoy planning
  • Best for chill travels across different cruising grounds
  • Best for practical sailing enthusiasts
  • Physically demanding
  • Time-consuming
  • It will require an expert crew if owned by an amateur sailing enthusiast
  • It will require an expert crew if owned by a sailing enthusiast that does not enjoy physical work
  • Comes with a shallow draught
  • Can easily access remote bays
  • The owner will easily become part of a big sailing community
  • Chance to be part of regattas
  • Chance to participate in traditional yachting events
  • Can also come with engines

CONS:

  • Limited space
  • Storage constraints
  • Works with the wind
  • Not best for amateurs in sailing
  • Can’t be operated easily by non-experts in sailing
  • Requires advanced planning
  • Logistical challenges are normal

Something in Between: Motor Sailer

If you want the best of both worlds — engines and sails — you should opt for a motor sailer. A motor sailer perfectly combines the mechanism of a motor yacht and a sailing yacht. It can perform in any kind of sea expedition as it can work on 100% sails and on a 100% engine. With one, you’d get to enjoy all the thrills and perks of traditional sailing without fully turning your back on sailing with the use of engines. With one, you could easily choose to use sails if you want a peaceful and quiet day at the sea. You could also easily choose to use engines if you don’t want to strain yourself from the demands of physically adjusting sails. A motor sailer will give you the best of both worlds as you’d still feel one with the wind and the sea with your sails and still get to have the security of having mechanical assistance should the need arise. With one, you can still sail even if the wind is not in your favour. With a motor sailer, you’d also have a yacht that has more space that can accommodate additional guests.