motorboat or sailboat

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Powerboat vs. a Sailboat

The decision between owning a sailboat vs. owning a powerboat can be a tough choice. The marina costs for both will be the same (depending on their size), and they both will have maintenance expenses related to their motors and other equipment. The real differences lie in how you intend to use it and what kind of experience you hope to have on the water.  

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If you want to fish and relax on the water, then the powerboat is the right choice for you. If you feel a sense of pride in navigating the water and weather with your own bare hands, then a sailboat will be more your style.

We’ve put together a list of pros and cons in owning and operating a powerboat vs. a sailboat to help you make your decision between the two lifestyles.

A powerboat is an ultimate Bay and ocean boat and is great transport for bays or short fishing trips into the wide-open water. Whenever you get the urge, you can hop in, turn the key, and go wherever your heart desires.

• Low Clearance. If you have bridges between you and many of your planned destinations, you’ll want to get a powerboat. No need to worry about mast height preventing you from taking a trip.

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• Motor Sound. If you don’t like the constant noise of a powerful engine, then the loud motor on the powerboat will be a con for you.

A sailboat is the perfect boat for people who want to connect to the water and weather on a primal level and understand how to navigate the world on their own power. If you want to live the ultimate boating adventure and explore the world by boat, then a sailboat is the boat you want.

• Quiet. Because sailboats rely on wind instead of the power of a motor, the ride is quiet. Only the sounds of the surrounding water, the whistling wind and the snapping of the sails to keep you company.
• Energy-Consuming. Sailing is a very hands-on lifestyle. It is often said that those with powerboats live for the destination, while those with sailboats live for the journey. A journey in a sailboat requires constant adjustment of the sails, steering, and sometimes even adjusting your plans if the weather turns.

Whether you decide on a powerboat or a sailboat, Atomic Tuna Yachts has the perfect boat for you. Contact us to find out what boat is right for you and your lifestyle.  

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Your source for the latest news on yachts, boats and more. Read through our articles to find out how to compare boats and find the right fit for you!

Sailboat or Motorboat – Learn the pros and cons

Aug 24, 2022

less than a min

Are you more of a sailboat or a motorboat person? Both vessels are great for adventures and relaxation on the open sea. But they both have different vibes and feel whether you’re in them or just looking at them from afar.

A sailboat is vintage, adventurous and full of soul. It has a classic look and requires you to be very knowledgeable about sailing . They offer slow voyages where you can enjoy the sea breeze and the open waters, panoramas and marinas.

A motorboat also referred to as a powerboat is faster and has a more contemporary design compared to sailboats. It operates with an engine which means you get to feel some vibrations compared to sailboats where all you feel is the sea and the waves. But let’s dive deeper.

Pros and cons of sailboats

Sailboats are quite hands on vessels and they allow you to become more aware, more knowledgeable and definitely an expert on sailing . They rely on wind so these boats are a greener option for the environment. They do however need you to take courses and training sessions to become a real expert.

These boats are usually less expensive than motorboats and they have a lower boat maintenance cost.

Pros and cons of motorboats

Motorboats are powered by a boat engine . They are much easier to operate than sailboats. All you need is a vessel licence and a good navigation system.

In addition, motorboats are fast, reliable and stable on water. They offer plenty of deck space as there is no sail and rig to occupy most of the top area of the boat.

Motorboats are better for shallow water too as they have a flatter hull that allows them to reach closer to shore. This feature makes them more appropriate for fishing. Not only do you get to go closer to the shore or enter canals, but you also have more space for fishing gear on deck .

They are however more expensive both in purchase price as well as boat maintenance costs. Also, powerboats are not as clean as sailboats.

Their engines emit gas and other substances to the environment. In addition, motorboats are noisier and less comfortable to sail in than sailboats (although this might also depend on the boat – a new motorboat can be more comfortable than an old sailboat).

If you’re still not sure which option is best for you, check out different models and compare them with each other at TheBoatDB .

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Sailboat vs. Motorsailer | How They Compare & How They Differ?

Sailing as a hobby is a fun, relaxing, and often invigorating experience. People from all backgrounds can enjoy setting sail and taking in the fresh humid air. If you’re just getting acquainted with the sailing world—or even if you’ve been around boats for years—there are tons of things to learn. There are many different types of sailboats, and there are various uses for each type. Many people consider sailboats vs. motorsailers and how they compare and differ. When making a purchase, you want to make sure you’re getting the best boat for your needs.

What are the differences between traditional sailboats and motorsailers? There are big differences in cruising when it comes to sailboats vs. motorsailers, but the main difference is that sailboats are powered by the force of the wind, while motorsailers use an engine to sail.

Read on to learn how sailboats and motorsailers compare, as well as some things they have in common.

Sailboats vs. Motorsailers: What’s the Difference and How Do You Choose?

People have been sailing on the water for centuries. Since their beginning, boats have been used for many different reasons, from trade to protection to sport! Depending on your personal preferences, you may choose either a pure sailboat or a motorsailer.

While a motorsailer is a type of sailboat, it still has many aspects that set it apart from the pure sailboat, specifically what makes the boat move forward in the water. Choosing which boat is best for you should be based on your preferences and skills when it comes to sailing. (And remember, you don’t have to get tied down to just one boat. Many sellers provide the option of renting boats for those who want to test the waters first. No pun intended. )

When you’re deciding to purchase either a traditional sailboat or a motorsailer, you must consider what your goals are with sailing and cruising. Asking yourself the following questions before you start shopping is a great way to narrow down your search:

• Are you a beginner in sailing?
• What is your budget?
• Do you plan on traveling long distances?
• Do you want to have passengers with you, or do you prefer to sail alone?
• Do you plan on living aboard the boat?
• What type of body of water do you plan on sailing?
• What do you plan on using your boat for?

Each boat comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. It’s up to you, the sea voyager, to do your research, learn about each type, talk to professionals, and decide which is best for you.

Fortunately for you, we put together this complete guide to learning about and purchasing these vessels. Continue reading to learn about some facts and features of each to get started on your journey.

Sailboats: How They Work and If They’re Right for You

When you close your eyes and think of sailboats, what do you see? You may think of peaceful, quiet afternoons on a breezy bay, cruising in the wind. However, over the years, these boats have advanced to become capable of so much more than their humble roots. Sailboats can race, go long distances—whatever you can dream of!

But what exactly are sailboats? Sailboats are small, personal vehicles that are propelled by sails smaller than sailing ships. They use the force of the wind to sail forward.

There are many different types of sailboats that range from small sailing dinghies to large, luxurious yachts over 200 feet long. The classification all depends on their size and purpose.

How Do Sailboats Work?

Sailboats don’t have to be complicated. They have a few common parts that each have their purpose when it comes to propelling the vessel. To put it simply, sailboats are powered and propelled by the wind.

Each common sailboat has the following components:

• The Hull is the shell of the boat that contains its internal components. It has a symmetrical shape that balances the boat and reduces the backward pull from its movement in the water.
• The Tiller is a piece that can be compared to a car’s steering wheel.
• If the tiller is the steering wheel, the Rudder is the boat’s “tire.”
• The Mainsail is the larger sail that takes in the bulk of the wind to propel the boat forward.
• The Mast is a long vertical pole.
• The Boom is a long pole that’s parallel to the deck. This can be rotated 360 degrees horizontally to give the mainsail as much wind as possible.
• The Jib is a smaller, triangular sail that adds power to the mainsail.
• The Keel is a slim plank that extends from the bottom of the hull. It provides balancing underwater that keeps the boat from tipping.

When the boom is pivoted perpendicular to the wind, the mainsail will puff outward. It’s pretty well-known about sailing that you want the wind at your back in order to give your boat the most force to move forward.

These types of boats mainly rely on ballast for stability, which can be 30-50% of the boat’s weight.

Exploring the Types of Sailboats

Your options are endless when it comes to the traditional sailboat. There are many different types of sailboats, which are all categorized by their components:

• Hull type: catamaran, monohull, trimaran
• Keel type: fin, wing, bilge, daggerboard, or centerboard
• Mast and sail configuration: sloop, fractional rig sloop, yawl, schooner, ketch, yawl, cutter, cat

Want to move fast? The speed a boat can reach will depend on its build and its size. Racing boats tend to be sleek, light, and slim. Large, bulky ships tend to cruise more slowly due to drag and friction.

Who Are Sailboats Good for?

Sailboats have a long history; in the past, they were used as early as Ancient Egyptian times. The Egyptians used sails to travel upstream against the Nile River’s current. They were also used to create international trade routes.

Today, people use them for many things, but most often for recreation. Cruising and racing are some of the most popular hobbies of sailboat owners. Small dinghies tend to be better for racing. There are even professional sailboat racing teams!

You can cruise a sailboat in a variety of bodies of water like lakes, rivers, canals, coastal waters, and, of course, oceans. Many people choose sailboats for quick daytime sailing or weekend getaways. Sail solo, or bring a crew of your friends aboard for a great time!

Pros and Cons of Using a Traditional Sailboat

As with anything using a traditional sailboat comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few you should consider:

• Over the years, advanced technology has allowed manufacturers to make sailboats more sturdy, but remain light at the same time. This allows them to move swiftly with little wind but remain durable cruise after cruise.
• Sailboats are a great option for people who want to learn the process of manual sailing.
• Because sailboats rely on environmental factors, you often have to wait for ideal weather and wind conditions before hitting the water. You need a calm patch of waves and ideal wind to have a good cruise.
• Next, sailboats don’t roll very much; they reach an angle of heel and pretty much remain there. The heel will depend on how much wind you get and how much sail you have. And the sail will depend on how hard you want to push the boat to get to your destination. This process will require some packing up, often more than what is required for cruising with a motorsailer.

When considering the cost of a sailboat, understand that it goes beyond simply the purchase price. You must also account for costs like insurance, dock fees, regular maintenance, upgrades, and more. Speak with a professional sailboat salesperson as you’re making your decision. Try to get the best recommendations for your budget and your needs.

Motorsailers: How They Work and If They’re Right for You

Motorsailers are a type of sailing vessel that is powered with an inboard engine in addition to its sails. Owners of this boat have the option to use the power of the engine or wind to the sails to move the boat.

These hybrid boats are great at aiding with propulsion backup and roll reduction. The added bonus is that you get to enjoy the fun of sailing, while also having the option to kick back and let the engine do its work if you want.

How Do Motorsailers Work?

The first version of the motorsailer came about after the invention of the steam engine. Back then, navies were wary about these new engines and instead relied on a large sailing rig as a backup for propelling their fighting ships. Unfortunately, many of these first powersailers were faulty and did not work well. Since then, we’ve made many advancements to the design and capabilities of the motorsailers we see on the water today.

Motorsailers can be equally powered by both the internal engine and the sails. These boats often have a large fixed propeller to aid in movement along the water.

Don’t confuse these boats with a powerboat. While they have a large engine like a powerboat, the motorsailer can still work well with wind alone. Many engines in boats are used as a backup, but the motorsailer’s engine was built to propel the boat forward with similar displacement speeds as traditional trawlers.

A cool feature of the motorsailer is its enclosed cockpit, also known as a doghouse. Some models may also come with a higher freeboard than pure sailboats. The inboard drive unit protrudes through the keel, which is sometimes more shallow than a vessel built purely for sailing.

Although many models of motorsailers are spacious and known for their luxury, much of the boat’s space is dedicated to fuel storage.

Exploring the Types of Motorsailers

The types of motorsailers vary. Many are built with luxury accommodations and are great options for living aboard. The size of motorsailers ranges from 35 feet or longer, up to 245 feet, often with two to three cabins. Motorsailers are a great option if you want to cruise overnight and sail in the day time.

Motorsailers come in a variety of types, which all depend on the ratio of sail propulsion to power. (These range from 30 percent sail/ 70 percent power up to 70 percent sail/ 30 percent power.)

Who Are Motorsailers Good for?

Motorsailers are great for long cruises because they are more comfortable, coming with a lot more space than traditional sailboats. They can be customized inside to be as welcoming as your home on land.

You can comfortably take them offshore in between ports or other anchorages fairly quickly. It all depends on the boat’s fuel tanks and its rate of consumption.

Once you get to know how to use motorsailers, you can get great sailing synergy. This can produce a net gain in speed over what would be possible by just using one method of propulsion. Three knots of fuel can get you seven to 10 knots of boat speed.

These types of boats are great for people who are trying to decide between a pure sailboat and a powerboat. If you can’t make that final decision, these boats are an ideal combination for indecisive boat-goers.

Pros and Cons of Using a Motorsailer

• The motorsailer is often more convenient for a lot of people than pure sailboats. It allows you to have those lazy days when you don’t feel like setting up your sails.
• These vessels can sit in flat water with minimal rolling. This minimizes the amount of packing up and strapping down for your decorations and personal kit. You just need to make sure you have ideal bilge keels or gyro-driven stabilizers.
• Motorsailers can tackle a wide range of weather and sea conditions without damage or discomfort. They’re able to keep up a decent speed even if there is little to no wind. They’re also pretty nimble with the sail alone under a decent breeze.
• This boat may be bulkier and heavier, which allows for more space for accommodations inside the boat.
• One disadvantage of the motorsailer is the heeling angle. The wide stern and heavy displacement isn’t ideal for sailing. However, many owners of these boats still can cruise this way in a decent manner. The big keel can tend to slow you down a bit, but many sailors can cruise at a decent speed.
• There is often a smaller rig on these boats, which may affect the sailing speed. Motorsailers come with more weight because of the engine and their larger gas and water tanks.
• Many sailors say that because the boat is built half for sailing and half for powering, it’s only half as good at each use. While there may be some truth to this statement, many owners of motorsailers get along just fine and enjoy their powering and sailing.

There are many benefits to purchase (or even rent) a sailboat or motorsailer. Consider the facts and features for each of these boats when you’re choosing which boat to purchase or rent. And remember: there is no right or wrong answer to sailing. It’s all about your preferences, your style, your budget, and your needs.

It’s Time to Get Sailing!

Now that you understand some of the different types of sailboats and how they compare to motorsailers, it’s time to get out on the water. Choose the vessel that works for you, then enjoy your journey.

And if you’re new to sailing, check out more articles like this one on this blog to continue learning. You have countless options when it comes to your sailing experience. Determine what your interests are, learn about them, and join a community of sailors to keep growing your knowledge around this great hobby.

I am the owner of sailoradvice. I live in Birmingham, UK and love to sail with my wife and three boys throughout the year.

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Sailboat vs. Powerboat: What's the Best Liveaboard?

So you've chosen to live on a boat—the first step towards a pretty awesome dream. Now you gotta start figuring out the logistics. First of which is the choice of the kind of boat you wanna be using - sailboat or a powerboat?

This article gives you all you need to know to make that choice, all the pros, and cons of both so you can easily decide which one is a better liveaboard for you.

What's the best liveaboard, sailboat or powerboat? Generally, sailboats tend to be better liveaboards, since they are more spacious, cheaper to buy, cheaper to operate, and provide better peace of mind than powerboats. Sailboat hulls are also among the most stable designs available. Powerboats are faster, but typically also smaller, and are a lot more expensive to run.

Here are the best liveaboard for different categories:

Let's dive deeper to help you decide what is best for you!

Considerations for a liveaboard boat:

What type of boat is the best liveaboard, peace of mind, ease of use, communication devices, the romance of it all.

In deciding which boat type is best to live on, you need to consider the following categories:

• Comfort - here it is a tie
• Speed - here powerboats win
• Peace of mind - sailboats are a winner
• Cost - sailboats win again
• Ease of use - powerboats take the prize
• Communication - slight win for sailboats
• Ecology - sailboats win
• Romance - subjective, but sailboats tend to win

First of all, a small word of caution - while researching the age-old 'sailboat vs powerboat' question, be careful when reading opinions - instead, look at simple facts. Unfortunately, this is a bit of a PC vs Mac kind of situation, with two zealous camps that would swear by their choice no matter what. Objectivity is tough to find.

So remember - it is all about facts and how these suit your specific needs. I myself do have a bias but will keep it to myself. I've spent a fair amount of time on both sailboats and powerboats, so I'll just be honest, and will let you choose.

Since we are talking about liveaboards, let's start with comfort, because over time, that will become one of the most important aspects for most.

There is no clear 'winner' in this category, as there are pros and cons to both, but when we get to the subcategories, things start to be a bit more clear.

So, for instance, when it comes to space, powerboats tend to be more open. By design, they are usually boxier, which makes for a larger amount of interior space.

Sailboats, on the other hand, take hydrodynamics into account, so their hulls are narrower and sleeker, which is great for efficiency but eats away at the space.

The same goes for deck space. Since on a powerboat, there are no masts, sails, or lines to get in your way, it is more comfortable to move around. Powerboats also often have a flybridge, creating another 'floor' which adds to the overall usable space. And adds a whole lot to visibility.

Things change quite dramatically when we get moving or into rougher seas, though. Thanks to the heavy and deep-reaching keels, sailboats are way more stable and will keep more level.

As opposed to powerboats that don't have these keels, have shallower drafts, and as a result, high center of gravity, so the movement of the waves translates to the hull a lot. They dance around on waves, so expect plenty of broken mugs and hard times when cooking.

The seasick ones will suffer, and so will comfort. This is to such an extent that smart people of the world developed gyroscopes for powerboats that keep them more level. But that is a solution for larger boats only, and it's also an expensive and power-consuming one.

Then again, when under sail, sailboats heel, especially if going 'against' the wind. Meaning your world will suddenly shift potentially tens of degrees. Those who don't like heeling, be aware.

When talking about comfort, I gotta mention the noise and vibrations. When I was speeding around the islands of Croatia on a 46 ft Jeanneau powerboat, I honestly dreaded the moments under power and couldn't wait to get to my destination so I could turn the engine off. Even if you enjoy the roar of a motor, it gets seriously annoying after a while.

For liveaboards, speed usually isn't a priority, but you should know what to expect from your purchase.

Yes, powerboats are generally faster than sailboats. The average cruising speed of a sailboat is somewhere around 6 - 8 knots, while powerboats can easily go around 20 or more if you put your foot down.

But wait, there is a twist! You see, the hull speed is the same for both sailboats and powerboats. Once you want to go over it, the power demands increase drastically, and the power to speed efficiency curve just drops to hell.

Now whether that is good or bad depends on whether you mind that or not. We will discuss cost, comfort, and other implications of high fuel consumption later. But it is safe to say that for passages where efficiency is a thing, the powerboat's power actually doesn't bring much extra speed.

But to be fair, powerboats pick a direction and go straight towards it. Wind power and direction have less influence on their speed and direction than on that of sailboats that have to tack, meaning they have to go a longer route and whose speed drops with the wind.

Very important factor. After all, it is supposed to be your home, and if your home doesn't bring you comfort but rather constant stress, it isn't much of a home, is it? So peace of mind is a big part.

Now there isn't a huge difference between the reliability of a powerboat and a sailboat. They both respond similarly to crashes and waves rolling over them, though a sailboat is harder to capsize.

What needs mentioning is the means of propulsion. Accidents happen, and if your engine breaks on a powerboat, you will either have to tow yourself with a dinghy if you have one, or pay for a tow service.

Neither is a very comfortable option if you are in the middle of a long passage, hundreds, if not thousands of miles from the coast.

A sailboat, on the other hand, has an engine, mainsail, and the foresail, so unless all three of these break, you always have a backup. Actually, even if your sails rip and mast breaks, there is a fair chance you will be able to fashion some sort of a sail to get moving.

This ties into another topic, which is the range. A sailboat has, theoretically, an unlimited range . That gives you peace of mind when planning journeys since you won't have to calculate how much fuel to take on longer journeys and whether there are fuel stop options on the way. And if you realize your passage is too long for your diesel tank, you won't have to fill your boat with stinky fuel cans.

Unless you've got an electric engine and solar panels, that is. Which is a thing these days, one I hope to see more of.

Of course, we have to talk about the cost of it all. This will be a deciding factor for many. Let's first address what's on everybody's mind - fuel. A powerboat will consume large amounts of it, and it costs.

With a consumption of around 6 l/nm, the aforementioned Jeanneau ate up around $1,100 daily on fuel, and though we were covering quite a lot of distance that a liveaboard necessarily wouldn't, this isn't a negligible budget item for many.

Sailboats have motors too, but they don't use them that often and even if they did, all the time, because of better hydrodynamics, they need less fuel to get around.

Moving on to upkeep costs, with sailboats you'll need to pay for the maintenance of sails and rigging. Most boat owners replace sails every 5 - 10 years, and for a 30 something footer, this will cost around $4,000. Give or take a lot depending on the usage, materials, and all that jazz, but you get the point.

Then again, powerboat engines are significantly more expensive, and since they are used more often, they will require maintenance and replacement more often. So all in all, none is a clear winner when it comes to maintenance costs.

Last but not least, there is the purchase cost. This is a tricky one to answer - generally, powerboats are more expensive to purchase, but when buying a boat, there are so many variables to consider, like size, power, condition, equipment, that you would be better off looking at specific offers that are in your geographical and financial range than going by a rule of thumb.

Unlike the previous matter, this has a clear winner. Powerboats are way easier to use. They require less upfront knowledge to get from point A to point B.

If a person who has never been on a boat gets on a powerboat, I am confident they will be able to get to their destination without much hassle (if the seas are calm).

On the other hand, operating sails isn't intuitive. On the contrary, I mean - sailing against the wind? What the hell, right? Yet it is possible.

On a powerboat, you just press a lever and go; not much more effort is needed. On a sailboat, you gotta move around more and work with sails. Now whether that's a good or a bad thing I'll leave up to you.

I'm not sure if this belongs here or to the 'peace of mind' category, but powerboats have a much shallower draft.

With a sailboat, you need to be aware of your keel that goes several meters deep, and you won't be able to go to shallow places that would be reachable by powerboats.

In practice, this isn't really a thing that would make your sailing experience any different from that on a powerboat, but you gotta be mindful of it when going close to the shore.

This is something to think about, though it isn't often considered. The main communication tool of sailors is the VHF, which is a line of sight thing. So having a tall mast to put your transmitter on is a definite plus as you will gain miles and miles of additional range.

Then again, with satellite communications, you have to take into account mast shadow, which creates interference - something powerboats don't have to deal with.

I know, I know, many of you are rolling your eyes now. But the greenness of it all is a hot topic these days and is becoming hotter every year (Global warming joke, get it? Haha.). So there is a fair chance that many of the aspiring boat owners take this into account too.

And the winner here is clear - unless you've got a solar-powered boat, a sailboat is a much more eco-friendly option. And your home won't be called a 'stinky' by the fellow seamen.

This one is rather intangible, and some might say unimportant - but let's be honest, it is what we all got into sailing for, not for spacious salon layouts, good mileage, or hydrodynamic hulls, but for the romance of it. Now which side you will stand on here is a matter of opinion rather than something you can measure, so I'll give you mine, and you see what you wanna do with it.

On powerboats, you get the feeling of power and speed that an equally priced sailboat just won't provide. Which is cool, I gotta give them that.

But sailing to me seems more romantic. Not in the hearts and flowers kinda way, but in the Jack Sparrow one. You feel free, the sense of adventure is there, sailboats seem to have a soul that powerboats don't.

Powerboats are a set of parts that go, but on a sailboat, all these parts put together create freedom. And yes, I kinda stole Jack Sparrow's quote here.

I've heard somewhere that when you get on a powerboat, you do it to get somewhere. But when you get on a sailboat, you're already there.

I'm not exactly sure why, perhaps it is the unlimited range, thus the possibility to theoretically go anywhere without needing much, perhaps it is the fact that a sailboat is more in tune with the sea and weather and wind, but it just feels homier.

And finding this homey feeling on the sea is what you came here for.

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2024 Pursuit OS 445: An Overview

Boat safety 101: exploring the serenity and adventure of boating, the moment of truth – 6 signs you need a new boat, is it possible to wakesurf on a pontoon boat, 2024 aquila 47 molokai review, 2024 sea-doo switch 13 sport review, 2024 aspen c120 review, the pros and cons of owning a sailboat.

Sailing is an age-old tradition that has captivated the dreams of many. From traversing the seven seas to embarking on a weekend adventure, owning a sailboat can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But before investing in one, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of sailboat ownership.

Pros of Owning a Sailboat

First, let’s look at the main advantages of owning a sailboat.

Most modern sailboats have small motors for docking and maneuvering in close quarters. However, the main mode of locomotion remains the traditional sails, which provide a unique experience as you ride the wind to your destination. Plus, you’ll learn a new set of skills that can be used throughout your lifetime.

The freedom

Owning a sailboat gives you your own piece of sea-faring freedom. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want! No more waiting around for someone else to take you out on their boat, and forget expensive airfare to get to an exotic destination. With your sailboat, you can explore places that aren’t even accessible by land.

Maintenance

Compared to owning a motorized boat, sailboats require much less maintenance. Parts and repairs are much cheaper, and the motor requires less upkeep. You’ll also save on gas since you won’t need to refuel as often.

Doubles as a living quarter

You don’t often hear of people living on speedboats, but people do live on sailboats. For those wanting to get away from the rat race, a sailboat can be an excellent alternative to traditional living quarters.

Environmentally-friendly

Finally, sailboats are very environmentally friendly. For one, they don’t make a ruckus like motorboats. Motor noise can harm and disturb wildlife, but your sailboat won’t have that problem. Also, sailboats use the wind as their main energy source instead of fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Cons of Owning a Sailboat

The main disadvantages of owning a sailboat are as follows:

Weather dependence

Sailboats rely heavily on the wind and weather conditions for power. If there’s no wind, you won’t be able to use your sails and will have to resort to a motorized backup. Doing so might mean breaking the peace and tranquility of your journey.

Slow speeds

While it is technically possible to traverse the ocean on a big enough sailboat, the fact of the matter is that most sailboats are quite slow. A motorized boat might be a better fit if you’re looking for faster speeds and more power.

Smaller size

If you’re planning on throwing lavish parties or carrying a lot of cargo, then you’re going to need a bigger boat. Most sailboats are small compared to motorboats, so they won’t be ideal if you have larger needs.

Learning curve

Sailing requires a certain level of skill and knowledge, which can take some time to master. If you’re completely new to sailing, renting a sailboat before investing in one might be wiser. You’ll quite literally learn the ropes before diving in.

Owning a sailboat can be a gratifying experience. But just like any major purchase, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Think about what your needs are, consider all of the available options, and make sure you’re ready for all that comes with sailing.

Happy travels!

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Better Sailing

Sailboats Vs Powerboats: Why Sailboats are Better

Are you thinking of which boat to purchase and which will cover your needs? Then, continue reading this article so as to find out the pros and cons of sailboats and powerboats as well as why are sailboats better than powerboats. Sometimes, it can be difficult to choose between having a sailboat or a powerboat. Both will have the same marina costs (depending on their size), and they will both have maintenance fees connected to their motors and other gear. The key distinctions are in how you want to use it and the type of water experience you plan to have. If you want to go fishing and relax on the water, a powerboat is the way to go. A sailboat will be more your style if you take satisfaction in navigating the water and weather with your own hands. So, let’s dive deeper into the subject, follow me!

Sailboat Pros

A sailboat is ideal for people who wish to connect with the ocean and weather on a primitive level, as well as learn to navigate the world on their own. A sailboat is a boat to choose if you want to have the ultimate boating adventure and see the world by boat. Also, sailboats are literally powered by the wind. Although most sailboats have modest motors for docking, some owners take pride in their abilities to sail and dock while relying solely on the tide and wind. In other words, a great plus of sailboats is that they’re more environmentally friendly than powerboats. Let’s see other key advantages of sailboats:

• There are small boats that have trolling motors onboard. However, many sailors use the motor as little as possible and prefer to rely on the wind and tides. As a result of not having a large engine, you save money on both fuel and maintenance costs. And, as you minimize motor usage you subsequently minimize your impact on fuel consumption.
• A sailboat is the only boat that can cross large distances , even internationally. Meaning that you don’t have to wait for the proper weather conditions, as your sails can take you anywhere on the globe. But, of course, you would need a seaworthy vessel capable of crossing oceans. And, you should always check the weather forecast beforehand, even if you have a sturdy sailboat.
• Because a sailboat’s engine is much smaller than a powerboat’s and isn’t utilized nearly as often, fuel and maintenance costs are far lower. Also, their engines are cheaper to operate as they use less fuel.
• On a sailboat, it’s easier to socialize because it’s quieter, and the captain controls the boat from the stern, allowing them to easily communicate with everyone.
• Under calm conditions, sailboats don’t create much noise, just the noise of the wind and waves. Meaning that most of the time your voyage is silent since sailboats rely on the wind rather than the force of an engine.
• Though it may appear that the powerboat is geared for the adventurous, the sailboat is the one offering the greatest adventure. You can plan the perfect experience that is only limited by your imagination and stamina by mapping your voyage according to the weather and tides. There is no need for fuel; all that is required is labor.
• Sailing provides an active way of life. People who own powerboats are said to live for the destination, whereas those who own sailboats live for the voyage. A sailboat journey necessitates continual sail adjustment, steering, and, on occasion, changing your plans if the weather changes. Meaning that you have to pay attention to detail as well as be vigilant during the whole voyage. And, that’s why single-handed sailing is considered to be a challenging way of sailing.
• A good day on the water on a sailboat provides a sense of fulfillment that a powerboat cannot provide . It comes from using the power of nature and your own body to move to and from your desired location.

Sailboat Cons

• Small to medium sailboats have less room on and below deck due to the shape of the hull and the requirements of the masts and sails. So, you’ll need to purchase a larger sailboat to get a comparable amount of space and additional amenities.
• You can’t sail if the wind isn’t on your side , so your voyages may not go as planned. When you live and travel by boat, you have to organize your travels according to the elements and weather patterns.
• While powerboats can have multiple levels and provide sun protection, a sailboat’s masts, sails, and rigging provide less sun protection when you’re on the deck.
• When it comes to the expense of maintaining different boats, it’s often six of one, meaning half a dozen of the other. Bear in mind that the most significant expense for sailboats is the sails and rigging . As with everything, the wear on sails depends on how much use they get, but sails should typically be replaced after about 3,500-4,000 hours of use, and the rigging should be replaced every ten years or so.
• The shape of a sailboat’s hull means that it can sit on a lower level in the water . So, you can’t sail in shallow waters easily or get too close to beaches and tight coves when anchoring.
• You will probably need more time to understand how to sail a boat because it isn’t that simple as turning on the engine and sail the seas. Meaning that you have to understand how to work the equipment onboard, and how wind direction, speed, tides, and other factors will affect your journey. Apart from that, if you’re a beginner at sailing, you would need to take some sailing courses as well. This can add to the cost of the overall sailing preparation.
• As a matter of fact, sailing is an activity that takes a lot of time . It necessitates extensive training, meticulous preparation based on tides, winds, obstacles, and destinations, and attention to detail for the duration of the voyage. Of course, this is not always a disadvantage. Instead, for some people, this is a big plus.

Powerboats Pros

A powerboat, often known as a motorboat or speedboat, is a boat with an engine that propels it forward. Some motorboats have inboard engines, while others have an outboard motor on the back, which combines the internal combustion engine, transmission, and propeller into a single portable unit. Some powerboats even have a hybrid inboard-outboard engine, with the internal combustion engine on the inside and the transmission and propeller on the outside. Powerboats come in a wide range of sizes. Many say that a powerboat is the ultimate bay and ocean boat, and it’s ideal for short fishing trips out into the open water. You can get in, turn the key, and go wherever your heart desires whenever you want. So, let’s now see the pros of having a powerboat:

• A powerboat is an appropriate choice for you if you have a need for speed . It is true that only fast sailboats will be able to match the speed of a powerboat’s two engines. And, even like this, there’s no comparison in terms of experiencing speed. On a quiet day, most sailboats can reach speeds of 7 knots, whereas powerboats may reach speeds of 15 to 20 knots.
• Powerboats have more interior and deck space than sailboats. A powerboat also has more facilities, such as larger cabins and stand-up galleys. This, of course, depends on the kind of powerboat you will purchase. Not all powerboats have bigger interior space.
• Powerboats aren’t as reliant on the wind as sailboats are. You simply jump in and go when you want to travel somewhere. On the other hand, this means more pollution as you will be using the engine at all times…
• It is a fact that sailboats necessitate extensive training. Powerboats rely on their engines to overcome nearly all environmental constraints that could cause the trip to be delayed or altered. The rest is quite straightforward after you’ve grasped the water’s principles. So, if you’re a beginner, you will need less training if you aim to purchase a powerboat.
• Because powerboats sit relatively low in the water, they can readily dock in shallow areas, allowing you to get closer to beaches and other shallow waterways.
• Powerboats have lower clearance than sailboats. So, you’ll want to get a powerboat if you have bridges between you and many of your intended destinations. You don’t have to be concerned about mast height prohibiting you from going on a voyage.

Powerboats Cons

• Powerboats are more expensive to operate, despite the fact that they are easier to handle and provide greater space. You have to rely on the engine to go around, and you’re going to use a lot of fuel each time you go out, which can rapidly add up. So, it’s also less environmentally friendly than sailing, which consumes very little fuel.
• Your powerboat’s range is limited by the capacity of its fuel tank. Unfortunately, maintaining the fuel tank will be costly. Furthermore, the price of gasoline is typically volatile and unpredictable.
• Repairing a boat engine, whether you have one or two, is also going to be expensive. So, what you have to do in this case is to frequently maintain your engine, just like you would for your car. Like this, you will keep it operating smoothly for as long as possible.
• Because powerboats have shallower drafts and a higher center of gravity than sailboats, they don’t manage wind as well as sailboats . This can make a journey in windy weather less pleasant and uncomfortable.
• The noisy motor on the powerboat will be a con for you as well as the persistent noise of a powerful engine. The motor is also loud and stinky, which is an important con as it minimizes the pleasure of being out on the water. That scent is especially unpleasant for persons who feel seasick.
• Powerboat engines are also more pricey. If you need to replace or repair the engine on your boat for whatever reason, you should expect to pay a lot of money. As a result, it’s critical to get your engine checked and maintained on a regular basis to keep it working properly.
• Basically, expect to spend more on a powerboat and have an experience that is more focused on the water activities than on the pleasure of being on the water.

Reasons Why Sailboats are Better than Powerboats

• Sailing is not only wonderfully peaceful, but it is also incredibly environmentally friendly. I’m not totally against fuel, but we have to accept that using wind power instead of gas is a fantastic approach to protect the earth. And if that isn’t enough to persuade you, consider the smell. Wind energy is environmentally friendly. It doesn’t have any scent to it. There are people who enjoy the odor of gasoline. However, I prefer the smell of the salty sea or the blossoming woodland that surrounds the lake. Of course, you’ll utilize your engine from time to time, which is good. It’s fantastic, though, to be able to go without the scent and noise.
• Sailboats are the first to arrive. Meaning that you have right of way over motorboats if you’re sailing rather than motoring. If a motor vessel is huge and difficult to maneuver, it may take precedence over the sailboat. Very big motor vessels in wide channels, huge motor vessels (over 65 feet) in small channels, and motor vessels in distress are the only exceptions. When a sailboat passes a motor vessel, the latter has the right of way. However, note that if you utilize the engine on a sailboat, you are deemed as a motorboat.
• Although it may appear to be a bold statement, sailboats are far safer than powerboats . Because of the properties that sailing requires, sailboats are more stable than powerboats. Meaning that they tend to be heavier and have a deeper draft. Most sailboats also feature a centerboard or keel, which makes capsizing practically difficult. Moreover, sailboat hulls are made of heavier materials. All of these characteristics contribute to the sailboat’s increased stability on the water.
• The Achilles heel of the powerboat is its speed. Because it is so quick, it is also less safe. For starters, a powerboat can travel far quicker, which makes it more dangerous in general. The hull of a powerboat has a much smaller draft than that of a sailboat, allowing it to travel quicker. It’s also light, a feature that allows it to fly. When planing a boat, the bow comes out of the water, thus reducing water resistance . This is fantastic in calm conditions, but it can be dangerous in strong gusts. But, the powerboat may tip over if the wind catches the hull.
• Sailboats are not only safer, but they are also more dependable. In other words, when a powerboat runs out of fuel, it’s game over. To save yourself and your boat, you’ll have to wait. A sailboat usually just has enough fuel to use when you don’t want to operate the sails. It also makes light-air sailing more efficient, as sailing in light winds may be exhausting and slow. If you run out of gas, though, nothing happens. And, even if the wind fully vanishes at the same time, it’ll only be a matter of time until you can get back at it and save yourself. However, on a sailboat, it is possible to become dismasted. But that is a one-time occurrence. Running out of fuel on a powerboat is a foregone conclusion because that’s what they’re built for: burning a lot of fuel.
• So, in addition to being less noisy and stinky, a sailboat is also far less expensive than a powerboat. A powerboat is famously expensive to operate, and with good cause. It consumes a lot of fuel. Actually, it’s roughly 25 gallons of fuel per hour if you have a really fast powerboat. That works up to about $300 per hour! Smaller powerboats, on the other hand, require a lot less. Inland water cruising at slower speeds minimizes fuel usage. Most powerboats, on average, utilize 1 gallon per hour. So an inland weekend trip will set you back anything from $30 to $80, which isn’t awful – but that’s only for the gas…
• You could end up tacking upwind for the remainder of the afternoon if you make a mistake when navigating the sea. Meaning that sailing works with nature. Instead, a powerboater would spin the wheel and head in that direction. True, the engine is probably the most advanced technology here. Have you ever thought about why a powerboat consumes so much fuel? After all, it’s on the water. This is because powerboats act against nature. Each wave must be plowed through and pushed ahead. As a result, you must first fill it with plenty of liquids. A sailboat propels itself ahead using drag and lift . It almost appears to be symbolic, as though it wishes to move on. All you have to do is pick the right sail point and let it go.

What to Consider Before Buying

If you still don’t know which one is right for you then you have to determine what matters the most to you. For example, speed or safety? Cruising around the world, or regular sailing? Big interior space or it doesn’t matter? When picking between a sailboat and a powerboat, there are numerous factors to consider. In the end, it comes down to what type of boating experience you want and how much time you will dedicate to sailing. Motorboats are generally more of a pastime, whereas sailboats are more of a way of life. With a powerboat, you can quickly enjoy a weekend cruise with your family without worrying about preparation before and during the voyage. However, be prepared to pay high fuel expenses and forego some of the benefits of being on the water.

A sailboat, on the other hand, is the vessel for you if you want to get closer to nature, yourself, and possibly sail around the world. Let’s not forget that a sailboat is more environmentally friendly than a powerboat. But, keep in mind that operating a sailboat necessitates more training, more time spent planning voyages as well as extra maintenance costs. Sailing with a sailboat, on the other hand, is a more pure boating experience that encourages you to concentrate on the task at hand and the environment around you.

Sailboats Vs Powerboats – Bottom Line

So, these are the pros and cons of a sailboat and a powerboat as well as the reasons why sailboats are generally better. However, let’s not underestimate powerboats; as you’ve seen they also come with many advantages. Generally, the difference between a sailboat and a powerboat is that a sailboat is quiet and consumes less fuel. Sailboats are also substantially less expensive to buy and maintain. They’re also more dependable and safer. Powerboats, on the other hand, are less demanding and go faster than sailboats. But, keep in mind that what matters most in sailing is the voyage and the overall sailing experience. And, as powerboats go faster, you will quickly reach your destination but they’re not able to circumnavigate the globe.

So, it’s all about your needs and preferences! I hope that this article will help you determine what you need from a boat and that you will eventually make the right choice. Wish you all safe & happy voyages!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Here’s the Difference Between a Motorboat and Sailboat Rental

Table of Contents

Some Good Motorboat Rental and Sailboat Rental Options

Have you ever wondered what the difference is when boaters and fishermen talk about when to rent a motorboat and when to rent a sailboat? What are some of the differences you might expect when it comes to deciding whether to rent a motorboat or rent a sailboat? By reading all of the details below, you should soon be able to clearly explain some of the biggest differences between a motorboat rental and a sailboat rental, and also know when to choose each particular type of rental. Boatsetter offers many types of boat for rent , and a lot of these boats are either motorboats or sailboats. Read along below to learn more about each type of boat rental.

Motorboat Rental or Sailboat Rental?

As the name of each type of boat implies, the biggest difference between a motorboat rental and a sailboat rental is the source of power. Sailboat rentals are generally powered by a system of sails, which can come in various shapes and sizes. Motorboat rentals come equipped with a wide range of different inboard and outboard motors . There are quite a lot of technical specifications involved with both kinds of vessels, but sailboats are mostly for people who want to navigate waters by using their own skill and effort. People who mostly plan to fish and relax while on the water might prefer the mechanical aspects of having a motorboat rental. Some boats have sails and motors, like the ones in the Rolex 52 Super Series Championship , held recently in Cascais, Portugal, in extremely challenging and variable windy conditions!

Did you know that it takes one of these sailors just 2-3 seconds to hoist a TP52 spinnaker to the top of the 22-meter mast, at which time the boat is already at a speed of well over 20 knots? So, unless you are an aspiring TP52 world sailor, it is best to start with boats that let you navigate either by sail or motor—in much calmer, gentler waters! Here is a list of advantages and disadvantages to help you choose which type of boat you’d like to try first.

Some Advantages of a Motorboat Rental

It is a good idea to rent a motorboat if you are in a bay or other open ocean area. These boats are ideal for short fishing trips. They are shallow in the water, so you can easily dock them, which is important to gain closer access to beaches and other waterways. Also, when you tow a motorboat, you don’t need to worry about the mast height as much as you would with a sailboat. Much like a car, you can simply get in, turn the key, and go wherever you like. Motorboats are generally much faster than sailboats, even in extremely windy conditions. Motorboats also have more deck space and more interior space. They often feature more amenities like cabins, restrooms, and other larger rooms. Because they are similar to cars, motorboats use their engines to conquer environmental factors so weather conditions are not often a problem. As long as you follow some of the basic boating rules for your chosen location, making the most of a motorboat rental should be quite simple.

Some Disadvantages of a Motorboat Rental

Motorboats rely on fuel so you can easily get stuck far from the shore if you run out. In certain boating locations, it can be expensive to keep the fuel tank filled. Likewise, when you have an engine or two, repairs and maintenance can get expensive. Next, since motorboats have shallower drafts and a higher center of gravity, they can’t deal with windy conditions as well as sailboats, so it can get quite scary out on the water at times. Finally, the loud engine noise on most motorboats can be distracting and annoying if you are out on the water trying to enjoy nature.

Some Advantages of a Sailboat Rental

Sailboats are perfect if you want to connect to the water and weather on a deeper level and enjoy nature to its fullest. It is much easier to relax and hold social events on sailboats because they are much quieter. Sailboats are extremely environmentally friendly because they simply use the wind for power. If you want to travel long distances across open waters, sailboats offer a far better and more economical option. While sailboats do often have small engines to navigate tight conditions and narrow waterways, they are not used very often, so fuel and upkeep costs are much lower than on a motorboat rental.

Some Disadvantages of a Sailboat Rental

Sailing can be very time-consuming because it requires a lot more training and planning. If you are new to the sport, it will take you longer to understand how to sail because you can’t just turn the key and go like when you have a motorboat rental. You have to understand how all of the sailing equipment works, and how wind direction, speed, and ocean tides might affect your trip on the water.

Also, sailboats usually have quite a lot less space on and below deck than most motorboats, which can often feature several levels that can provide shelter when the weather conditions turn bad. The shape of a sailboat’s hull makes it sit lower in the water, so it is hard to sail in shallow waters or get too close to beaches when anchoring. The biggest problem is if the wind is too light or variable, you can’t go where you want to, so you often have to adjust your plans according to the weather conditions .

When to Rent Each Type of Boat

Luckily, with Boatsetter, you don’t necessarily have to choose which type of boat to buy. You can learn how to rent one that meets your specific needs . If you don’t have much time available, it might be best to rent a motorboat for a quick jaunt on a local lake. When you have more time and especially when weather conditions are perfect, you may choose to rent a sailboat instead and follow some of your more exotic boating dreams.

Have you ever marveled at the spectacular motorboats and sailboats in marinas around the world? It is always a good idea to meet some of your fellow boaters and find out what they enjoy doing out on the water. Always remember that you don’t actually have to own one of these boats to live like a millionaire and enjoy the boating lifestyle. It is easy to arrange a motorboat rental or a sailboat rental for whatever length of time you choose.

On certain occasions, you may even want to hire a captain and a full crew for the boat, especially if you are an inexperienced sailor or if you are planning a day of drinking out on the water! We have so many good options available for you, so visit Boatsetter today to see how easy it is to rent a motorboat or to rent a sailboat.

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent  a boat,  list  your boat, or become a  Boatsetter captain  today.

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• A-Z of motor boats: your ultimate guide

Motor boats don't often take centre stage in our magazine, but we're about to change that. This in-depth feature explores the different kinds of motorboats, their manufacturers, how they differ from sailboats, and weighs their pros and cons. We'll help you figure out if a motorboat is the right fit for you, when to best venture out on one, and we'll delve into the requirements and conditions for a skipper's licence. In essence, we're bringing you the complete motorboat rundown. All hail the engine!

Differences to a sailboat

The age-old debate of powerboat versus sailboat is a classic theme in many a nautical conversation. We're not here to pick a side between those who favour sails and those who prefer motors. Instead, our aim is to present you with a balanced view, packing all the necessary facts, insights, and knowledge into one comprehensive discussion.

Draft and bridges

A motorboat's draft is significantly shallower, thanks to the absence of a keel. Furthermore, the lack of a mast means there's no need to worry about the boat's height when it comes to passing under bridges. So from a depth and overhead clearance perspective, you're in safe waters with a motorboat.

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you've never sailed under the renowned Pasman-Ugljan bridge, which has spelled disaster for numerous sailing boats, a motorboat provides the perfect chance!

Space and comfort

Broadly speaking, aside from mega yachts or specialist vessels, motorboats provide more space both below and on deck compared to similarly sized sailboats. They also typically feature multiple deck levels. So you can bask in the sunshine on one deck, and find shelter in the shade on another. Furthermore, on a motorboat, you don't have to fret about a precarious jib or the risk of tripping over winches or ropes. The deck tends to be more open and free from sailing gear, allowing for easier movement and relaxation.

If you have crew members who do not tolerate the heeling of a sailboat well, this concern is completely eliminated with motor boats. Unless you're faced with sizeable waves, the boat is likely to maintain stability and you won't need to worry about any significant tilting. This makes a motorboat a more comfortable choice for those sensitive to the motion of the sea.

You wouldn't find such a load on a motorboat

A leisure sailboat simply can't match the speed of a powerboat. While most sailboats average around 7 knots, motorboats can easily reach 15 to 20 knots. If you enjoy the thrill of speed and the feeling of wind in your hair, a powerboat is the perfect choice for you.

Consumption and costs

On the flip side, with the increased speed comes higher fuel costs. While on a sailboat, you might only need to refuel at the end of your trip or 2-3 times a week at most, resulting in a manageable fuel bill. However, if you're sailing for extended periods each day on a motorboat, you'll find yourself refuelling frequently, at a higher cost, and spending a significant amount of time waiting to fill up the diesel tank.

Level of effort and work

Starting a motorboat is straightforward; turn it on and off you go, cruising wherever you fancy. There's no need to fuss over ropes, the jib, sails, lazy bags, lazy jacks, or the whereabouts of the crank. Unlike on a sailboat where there's always something to keep you occupied, a motorboat offers pure relaxation and peace of mind. If you're seeking a laid-back cruising experience, a powerboat is the way to go.

Sailing direction

As long as there are no big waves and the Bora is not blowing against you, you can sail your motorboat comfortably pretty much anywhere you want. This isn't the case with sailboats, where you might have to cruise or alter your destination if the wind is blowing directly against you. While sailboat enthusiasts often say, "the journey is the destination," powerboat users are more about reaching their destination promptly and without fuss.

What is the difference between a motor boat and a sailboat?

Despite their differences, powerboats and sailboats do share some commonalities, with maintenance being the prime one. Regardless of the type of boat you own, upkeep is crucial. This includes taking care of the sails or engine and ensuring regular servicing. Moreover, marina fees apply uniformly to both. The harbour masters charge based on the length of the boat, irrespective of whether it's a sailboat or a powerboat. The only exception might be a catamaran, which typically incurs a higher fee due to its dual-hulled design, making it wider and potentially occupying the space of two conventional berths.

Disadvantages of motor boats

While motor boats offer numerous advantages, it's important to consider their potential drawbacks as well. Let's take off the rose-tinted glasses and delve into some of the downsides associated with powerboats.

Fuel dependency and non-environmental operation

Unlike a sailboat that can harness the wind as a natural and free power source, a motorboat is completely reliant on diesel fuel. Running out of fuel in the middle of your journey can leave you stranded. Furthermore, this dependence on fossil fuels also means that operating a motorboat has a greater environmental impact compared to sailing.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Speaking of ecology, check out our guide — Green sailing: 11 tips for eco-friendly yachting . 

Less stability in wind

Motorboats lack a significant keel, resulting in reduced stability when faced with waves and strong winds. Consequently, it is advisable to opt for motorboat rentals during the summer season, when occurrences of powerful winds and waves are comparatively infrequent.

Calm and the smell of the sea

The sound of the engine never leaves you during your voyage which can get on people's nerves. Likewise, the typical smell of burning diesel can start to bother you after a while.

Who is a motor boat best suited for?

A motor boat is well-suited for individuals seeking relaxation, tranquillity, and minimal effort. With the simple act of starting the engine, you can swiftly set sail without any additional concerns. Plus, a motor boat is highly recommended for those who desire to explore a wide range of places, including beaches and other scenic locations. It is particularly advantageous for covering long distances between islands and the mainland within the typical timeframe of a one or two-week vacation. Motor yachts are also a favourable choice for yachters who enjoy fishing, as they provide a comfortable and convenient means of transportation for navigating to different areas and indulging in fishing activities.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Find out what else you can do while sailing in our article — Top 12 fun activities to do on a sailing holiday .

Fishing is an great addition to a boating holiday.

For nature lovers seeking harmony and a closer connection to the natural environment, a sailboat is more preferable than a motorboat. Sailboats provide a serene atmosphere and allow for a deeper appreciation of nature. Additionally, if the aim is to foster teamwork and engage in shared experiences, a sailboat offers more opportunities as it involves handling ropes and sails.  But if you want to relax with a bunch of friends, there's nothing better than a powerboat.

Motor boat season

Unlike sailing boats that typically operate in Europe from April to November, motor boats have a more limited season. The majority of motor cruising occurs between June and September, with peak activity in June and July. Other times of the year, motor yachts are less commonly seen at sea. This is because before and after this season, conditions tend to be windier and the sea becomes cooler, which is more appealing to racers on sailing yachts rather than those seeking a tranquillity on a motorboat, particularly in destinations like Croatia.

YACHTING.COM TIP: What winds and weather will you encounter in the Mediterranean over summer? Check out our guide — The 7 most common winds you'll find in the Mediterranean . 

Motor boat licence

The licence needed to operate a motor boat depends on two criteria — the engine power and the area where you will be boating (whether sea or inland waters). If you want to cruise on a motor boat with an engine power of  less than 4kW , then you don't need a licence. This applies to houseboats or small boats, for example. You can sail a boat with a 4kW to 20kW  engine on inland waters with a VMP licence, but for the sea you'll need an international skipper's licence just as for a sailing boat and in some countries (such as Croatia), a radio licence . With engine power  above 20kW , for inland sailing and on the sea, you will need a certificate of engine experience for inland sailing in addition to the VMP.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Still hesitating about getting your skipper's licence? Take a look at our 5 reasons to take a skipper's course . Then check out our sailing courses and you'll soon be sailing the seas!

How to choose a motor boat?

Motor boats have a slightly different interior layout than sailboats. The smaller ones often have only one or two cabins and it is automatically assumed that the other couple sleeps in the saloon, often in the bow. Check before you make your final booking that you will have plenty of privacy. Small motor boats are designed for a couple or small family rather than several people who don't know each other.

Route planning

When choosing a boat, take note of how much the boat consumes. You may find that the fuel will cost you the same amount of money as the charter itself in a week's sailing. Plan your itinerary in advance so you know what to expect.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Want to enjoy your cruise to the fullest and without a care in the world? Try hiring a professional skipper or hostess for your yacht. They'll take care of running the boat, cleaning and cooking, leaving you to relax and spend time with your loved ones. Just ask our sales team.

Highly renowned motor boat brands in the charter industry

Here we have picked out the most popular types of motor boats from our search portal.

Probably the most infamous brand of motorboats is Merry Fisher. The Merry Fisher 795 models are among the best sellers and the Merry Fisher 895 is a common sight cruising the coastline of Croatia. Another sought-after model is the Antares 9 OB , which is generously equipped for a comfortable boating holiday, but if you're after something bigger, the Antares 11 Fly is a great choice. The Greenline 33 or its larger sibling, the Greenline 39 , are also fantastic options.

The popular Antares 9 OB model.

Other types of motor boats

Every motor boat is unique, and there can be a wide range of vessels categorized under the name "motor boat." Let's explore some intriguing and lesser-known motor boats that have distinctive features and stand out from the norm.

Small motorboat

Charter services also offer the option to rent small motor boats, which are perfect for day trips to secluded beaches, nearby islands, or bays that are inaccessible by foot. These boats are typically compact and may not have cabins, making them suitable for short excursions. They are particularly recommended for families who have rented an apartment by the sea and wish to explore the surrounding areas by water. In many cases, these small motor boats are equipped with relatively low-powered engines, and in several countries, you may not even require a skipper's license to operate them. We recommend, for example, the Zodiac Madline 2 or the slightly larger Four Winns H210 .

You can also rent a smaller boat.

Few people can buy a superyacht. And although many more people can rent one, it is still quite expensive. A superyacht or megayacht is considered to be a boat longer than 80 feet but you'll have to hire a professional skipper as only a handful of skippers have a licence for a boat of this length. For example, we offer the superyacht Azimut Grande 27 or MY Custom Line 52 m . These can cost up to 100,000 euros to hire for a week, but the price often includes a crew to look after the boat (including the professional skipper).

Superyacht Azimut Grande 27

The main difference from the motor boats we rent at sea is that houseboats sail on freshwater streams and are designed for exploring rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, and dams. Although houseboats generally have less powerful engines, this feature often allows them to be rented without a license in most destinations. It's important to note that these houseboats are far from mundane, offering a unique and enjoyable holiday experience on calm waters. Check out these breathtaking destinations you can explore on a houseboat.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Never been on a houseboat?  Take a look at our our guide —   First time on a houseboat: 25 things you need to know!

This is what one of the most popular houseboats, the Nicols Estivale Sixto Prestige, looks like.

Power catamaran

Recently, motor catamarans or power catamarans have become more and more popular. They combine the advantages of a catamaran (two hulls, stability, space, nets to lie on,...) while offering the speed, carefree and comfort of a motor boat. Never driven a catamaran? Check out our article — First time on a catamaran: what you need to know

Body of a two-hulled power catamaran.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Wondering what are all the types of boat you can charter? You will be surprised how many there are. Check out the article —  Boats for rent: what types of boats do charter companies offer?

How to operate a motor boat?

If you have sailing experience, driving a powerboat will seem like something very simple. You don't have to worry about ropes, sails, vignettes, masts or a flying jib. You simply start the boat and cruise wherever you want. Then it's the same as mooring with a sailboat.

One important aspect to be aware of when operating a motor boat is the  engine trim . Engine trim refers to the adjustment of the angle between the propeller and the bottom of the boat. Ideally, the propeller should be positioned vertically downward. As a motor boat gains speed, the bow of the boat may lift, causing the propeller to partially submerge. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the captain to intervene and adjust the engine trim to ensure that the propeller is aligned vertically and not at any angle other than 90 degrees to the water surface. This adjustment is crucial to prevent the boat from jumping or unnecessarily impacting the water with the bow. By maintaining the correct trim, the boat can navigate efficiently and provide a comfortable sailing experience for all on board.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Do you know how to operate the outboard motor on a dinghy? Read our article — Dinghy and outboard motor: what you need to know .

Where to sail with a motor boat?

We've selected 3 regions where you can enjoy a fantastic time with a motorboat and take advantage of its superior speed.

Vineyards and islands off Hvar

Start your journey from Split and make your way to the enchanting island of Solta or the sun-soaked Brac. For a glimpse of Croatia's renowned beaches, don't miss out on visiting Zlatni Rat. Proceed to the captivating island of Hvar, where we suggest exploring either the lively town of Hvar itself, the more serene town of Stari Grad, or the authentically charming Vrboska. Indulge in an overnight stay at a tranquil cove on the island of Ščedro, where you can delight in snorkeling alongside majestic clams. Depending on your available time and preferences, continue your voyage to the island of Vis and discover the picturesque village of Komiza, where you can experience the novelty of standing on a buoy or by the pier. During the day, take a trip to the island of Bisevo, home to the famed Blue Spila (blue cave).

Ionian Sea (and turtles!)

Rent a boat on the Greek island of Corfu. Upon taking over the boat on Saturday, take a leisurely stroll to the charming capital, Kerkyra, where you'll be enchanted by its delightful streets and atmosphere. Next, set sail south towards the island of Paxos, renowned for its breathtaking bays. During the day, make sure to indulge in a refreshing swim in Lefkada, a destination in the western part that boasts stunning beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean. Consider spending the night in the lively bay of Vasiliki, known for its vibrant nightlife and one of Greece's most famous kebab joints. The following day, continue your journey to Kefalonia and then proceed onwards to Zakynthos, famously known as the "island of turtles." If possible, sail as far south as you can towards Zakynthos, maximizing your exploration of this captivating destination.

Italian temperament

Experience the enchanting Bay of Naples, beginning in Baiae and venturing to Ischia, where you can navigate its waters at your leisure. Along the way, explore the quaint islet of Procida. Consider Ponza as an alternative to the bustling island of Capri. If time permits, visit the renowned Positano. Carry on to the breathtaking town of Amalfi, with its cliffside houses. Above all, indulge in la dolce vita.

Whether it's a motorboat or a sailboat, I'll find you the perfect choice. Give me a call.

Denisa Nguyenová

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Motor Yacht vs Sailboat Which one is Best For You?

Motor Yacht VS Sailboat , the legendary topic of conversation in the yachting world, if ever there was one! Approached with seriousness or with humour, it continues to spark debate and always will. Sailors and motor yacht aficionados have no lack of arguments to win supporters.

Don’t expect us to take sides! There are no sides, just 2 options and 1 question: which one is best FOR YOU? 

That is exactly what this publication is about. 

In the light of 23 years of expertise in yachting, WI teams have elaborated an inventory of the main specific characteristics and differences between Motor Yacht and Sailboat to help you decide which option best meets your expectations.

What are the main differences between a motor yacht and a sailboat ?

One might be tempted to explain the difference with just saying that the motor yachts are larger and more luxurious and sailing yachts much better adapted to world cruising explorations. Not so wrong but not so right either. Times have changed! Sailing yachts have become larger and more luxurious while motor yachts have been adapted to the specific requirements of exploration.

The essential differences also lie in other factors. Follow the guide.

Sailboat vs Motor yacht, or Sailing vs performances : two different ways of enjoying the sea

How do you picture yourself on your boat? Active or relaxing? There is nothing wrong with either style of holidays; there is one for everyone’s taste..

If you want to play a part in your cruise, participate in a collaborative effort, then a sailing yacht is a clear choice. As many yachting experts agree, motor yachts are pleasant to stay in and enjoy the destination while sailboats are more about enjoying the journey. 

In conclusion, sailing or performances : just two different ways of enjoying the sea.

Speed of a motor yacht vs feeling of a sailboat: is there truly a better option?

If what is important for you is to reach the next marina quickly and cover a lot of destinations, no doubt, the motor yacht is for you.

Though, let’s not underestimate sailboats. They can go as fast as the wind or even faster under the right conditions.

But, what about if the air is still or the wind blowing in the wrong direction ? That is the matter (see this article about sailing upwind for details), even though the engine on a sailing boat will get you there ! But sailing is unique in the sense that it provides a real communion with nature, just the noise of the wind and waves.

Undoubtedly, it is more exciting than powerboating. Exciting because you try to figure out how to use the wind to reach your destination without mentioning the strength to operate the mainsail which makes the experience even more rewarding. One can experience the power of nature and the challenge is to harness this (green) energy!

In a word, motor yachts are usually faster, but sailboats can be too and they definitely bring a different feel.

Motor yacht vs sailboat: the noise factor

Close your eyes. You are on a sailboat. You can only hear the sound of the wind and the water splashing on the hull.

Close your eyes (again). You are on a motorboat, and you can hear the constant engine sound in the back. No doubt, the soundtrack is one of the main differences between motor yachts and sailboats. Now whether that is good or bad depends on if it matters to you…or not !

The Smell of a motor yacht vs the fragrance of a sailboat

Subtle or strong, most motor yachts have a fuel odour. No matter what you do, you always get diesel smell from the fuel tank and these odours always find their way inside the yacht! 

As for sailboats the question is: what is the smell of the wind? The pragmatists would say that the wind had no smell whereas the romantics will evoke the ocean scents and its rich iodine perfume.

Which fragrance is right for you ? That is up to you.

Read also : Buying a Yacht : The Frequently Asked Question

The differences of space on board between a motor yacht and a sailboat: functionality vs liveability

Motoryachts space and liveability.

Motorboats are typically more comfortable for living and sleeping than sailboats. Not only more of the boat is above water but when it comes to space, they also tend to be more open.

Their boxy profile design  provides a larger amount of interior space. Their decks are not cluttered with sails or masts. Consequently, they are much more comfortable to move around and just perfect for on-board entertaining.

Cherry on the cake, the flybridge. This “extra floor” gives even more space and comfort. Last but not least, motorboats have more options to take shelter from the sun.

Sailboats space and liveability

As far as sailing boats are concerned, they are narrower and sleeker because of the hydrodynamics. As the wind is harnessed in the sails (aerodynamics), the hull shape must work in the water. And a sailboat needs both to travel through water easily and speedily.

In a word, space is sacrificed for the sake of efficiency.

Having said that, if you are looking  for adventure, authenticity and willing to enjoy the romance of the journey, a sailboat is probably still what you need. You will experience the power of nature and be in tune with the elements and the boat itself.

As we have just seen, there are two kinds of people: motorboat people and sailing yacht people. Up until very recently, sailboats were seen as for those willing to sacrifice comfort for an experience out on the seas.

However, technology has now come to a point where new sailing yachts can be as comfortable and luxurious as motorboats. And the bigger the sailboat, the truer this becomes!

Motor yacht or Sailboat for ocean crossing? The debate of wind vs fuel

If you want to travel long distances, the right boat could be a sailboat. The sails can take you anywhere in the world. But the other side of the coin is that you may  have to wait a long time for the right conditions. Mother Nature! If the wind is not cooperating, your trip will not go as planned. This is why sailboats are more adventurous! 

On the other hand, motorboats do not depend on anything as unpredictable as the wind, but be careful with the sea states and weather conditions if you want a  gentle pleasure cruise .

If sailboats don’t need a lot of fuel, motorboats do and not all of them have the capacity to carry so much fuel to cross an ocean. Some of them can only go as far as your fuel tank will carry you.

Again, we can see there are many points to consider when it comes to deciding on a sailboat or a motorboat. In the end, it all depends on what kind of boating experience you’re looking for. No matter what your perfect yachting vacation looks like, WI experts’ team will find you the perfect boat to make it happen, whether that be motor or sail.

Read also : 4 USED LUXURY YACHTS FOR SALE UNDER 5 MILLIONS

Motor yacht vs sailboat in shallow waters

Sailboats have a deeper draft, requiring them to avoid shallow water and  stay further from shore. On the other hand, motorboats have shallower drafts so you can go through shallow water and get closer to the beaches when anchoring. In a word, whether the waterways are narrow, or the water is shallow, a motorboat will allow you to navigate almost any coastline.

Charter and operational costs : an advantage for wind propelled boats

It’s a fact, motorboats are more expensive to maintain.

Without the engine you just cannot move and each time you go out, you will use a lot of fuel. The engines of a motor yacht are more expensive too. Anything that needs to be repaired or replaced is going to be costly. It all adds up!

The sailboat engine is much smaller than that of a powerboat, and not used as often, so fuel and maintenance costs are way lower. Actually, the most significant expenses for sailboats are the sails and rigging. They certainly don’t last forever, but it depends on how much use and care they get. But for sure, sailboats are more cost-efficient, mainly because they use less fuel.

Read our article about the true cost of yacht ownership for more details.

What is the (true) cost of chartering the yacht you've seen? 💰⛵

The advertised prices of all charter companies do not include APA, VAT & other variable costs. 

Use our calculator to get a 100% FREE estimate of the REAL total cost of your next yacht charter! ⬇

Sailboat vs motor yacht : can the sailboat really lose in terms of authenticity and romanticism?

Authenticity and romanticism.

The two keywords that make sailboats incomparable and endowed with this unique touch of soul! 

Sailing is all about taking things a bit slower, appreciating the journey and just relying on the goodwill of Mother Nature and your sailing skills. Mapping your trip to the weather and tides with no dependence on fuel, just manpower: what could be more authentic and romantic?

Of course, motor yachts do have their charm, but nothing beats the one of the sailboats. Sailboats have existed since the dawn of time and might actually turn out to be the yachting of the future thanks to its eco-friendly characteristics. They are the ultimate in environmentally friendly travel: using the wind for power cannot be more eco-friendly. Of course, most sailboats do have a small engine, but they mainly use it for docking. So pretty soon owning a sailing yacht might be THE right investment in the future of our planet.

But let’s be fair. The motor yacht industry is making huge strides in environmental protection, and this is just the beginning. No doubt it will narrow the gap.  

Ease of sailing the boat: a point for motor yachts

Motorboats are much easier to operate than sailboats. In caricaturing one can say : you just start the engine, steer the boat, and control your speed. Just between us,  that explanation is not completely off the mark. One just needs to understand the rules of the water; the rest is very easy.

On the other hand, sailboats require a lot of learning and practice to master. You must understand how to work the equipment onboard, the wind power and direction, speed, tides, and other factors which will impact on your journey. In a word, sailing is a skill that requires many years of dedication to perfect.

On motor yachts or sailboats,  if you want to take it easy, WI yachting will find you a great crew.  This way, you will not have to bother with operating your boat, whether it is easy or difficult!

Motor yacht vs sailboat: how to be sure to make the right choice?

Choose a sailboat if you want an authentic sailing experience.

As we have seen above, there are a multitude of factors to be considered when choosing between a motor yacht and a sailboat. To draw a quick conclusion,  one can say that a motor yacht offers the speed, the space, great comfort, and all types of entertainment onboard while the sailboat will take you on a romantic and adventurous journey, full of emotions and in connection with the sea and its elements.

To the question “how to be sure you make the right choice ?” , our reply is simple and straightforward : “Engaged a professional yacht broker”. With 23 years of experience in yachting WI teams will provide you with an objective expert view, making sure that you choose a yacht which perfectly suits your requirements for the best possible price.

Still undecided ? Go for a motor sailer or a hybrid multihull!

And, if you cannot make up your mind between these 2 options, why don’t you go for a motor sailboat or even a hybrid multihull ! Yes, the time needed was taken and now the marine hybrid propulsion is a reality. The electric sailing world is knocking at the door even though its adoption in the sector is much slower than in the automotive field. The market is still a niche, but progress is being made. The bonuses are multiple: easy to handle, attractive economic option, no emission,  footprints reduction, silence, and lack of vibration. You are in a motorboat, but you (almost) feel like you are on a sailboat! In a word,  a very promising growth sector for the future. 

Whether you decide to smoothly glide on the Ocean on a sailboat or power your way from one destination to another, WI Yachting has the perfect boat for you. For further guidance on finding the yacht to suit you, please contact WI teams .

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Motorboat vs. Sailboat Charter: Which is the best for you?

• July 18, 2019

A yachting holiday can be adventurous, relaxing, inspiring, and many other things. If you’re planning a yachting vacation for this summer, one of the first things you will have to decide will be the type of boat you want, if you don’t already own one. You will have to choose between a motor yacht charter and a sailing boat, and your decision will depend on a number of factors. Your destination, the number of people who will be traveling, and the kind of experience you want to have will all help you decide on which kind of boat to head out to sea.

A sailboat will take you on an adventurous, romantic journey where you will connect with the sea and the elements. Unless you opt for a fully crewed charter, you will also learn the basics of sailing and handling the ropes, the sails and the terminology. Motor yachts offer speed, excitement and all kinds of possibilities for onboard entertainment. Sailing trips offer different unique experiences, and you can choose which one is right for you this summer.

Bring the Party With You on a Motor Yacht

Motor boat yachts are descended from sailing yachts but with one big difference. They are powered by engines rather than sails, which makes you independent of weather conditions. Their powerful engines make them very stable, and give you the  speed and freedom to chart your own route.

Because of their design, which has a shallower draft, motor yachts can navigate shallow coastal waters. This makes them the ideal craft for island hopping, whether it’s the Caribbean or the Aegean Sea. These roomy craft also have facilities like bars, jacuzzis, and even dance floors and bars swimming pools. There’s plenty of space for parties, fundraisers and larger groups.

Motor yachts generally have larger cabins and more room. Cost is another factor in deciding between a motor yacht or a sailing boat, and motor yacht charters can be very reasonably priced. Keep in mind however that fuel costs will tend to run high.

If speed in getting to your destination is a consideration, motor yachts are the better choice. If however you want to travel the seas powered by the wind, a sailing boat is right for you.

Sailboat Charters Take You Anywhere You Want to Go

A sailboat charter is the perfect getaway, because it is a little floating world of its own. If you’re new to sailing, you’ll be glad to hear that sailboats are also very stable.  There are many different types of sailboats, based on their design and size.

Typical charter sailboats will have anywhere from one to six cabins, located on the lower deck. There’s usually also a saloon, which can be a dining room and common area. It can also be used for extra sleeping space at night.

Sailboats generally have fewer people on board than motor yachts, and they can do longer trips. In fact, they can take you to all kinds of exotic destinations, from the Mediterranean to Tahiti and points between. You can even circumnavigate the globe.

Sailboat charters are a great idea for a family vacation. There’s less room on a sailboat than a motor yacht, and more shared spaces. Keep in mind that life onboard in close quarters can produce its own stresses, and chose your travel companions and their cabin allotments carefully.

Different Types of Sailboat Charters

Depending on your sailing experience and the level of comfort you’re looking for on your yachting holiday, several different types of sailing boat charters are available. You can pick a bareboat charter without a crew, or a skippered yacht charter where you get a boat and a skipper, or a fully crewed yacht.

Bareboat charters are suitable if you or a member of your party is a licensed skipper with all the requisite certificates, permits and documents. That’s because you will be sailing on your own, so it’s necessary to have someone who knows what they’re doing and can guide others. The yacht will come fully equipped with a reservoir of fuel, ropes, life jackets and other necessities. There may also be extras like a generator, air-conditioning, coffee machine, ice maker etc.

Bareboat charters are best for sailing in waters which have easy access to anchorage in case of rough weather, like the most of Mediterranean coast along Croatia, Greece, Italy and Spain.

A skippered yacht will give you a boat and an experienced skipper who will steer, help you select the route, and ensure the safety of the boat and all on board. Skippers also typically know a lot about various sailing destinations and can act as informal tourist guides. They may also share tips about sailing. If you’re heading for destinations like the North Sea, the Atlantic and the Caribbean, where the going can be rough at times, it’s best to charter a skippered yacht.

A fully crewed yacht charter comes with a skipper and crew as well as the boat. This is the luxury option, where the crew will not only sail and navigate but also provide your meals and drinks.

Motor boat yachts and sailboats offer unique and different experiences, and both have their supporters. Once you decide which one is right for you, the next step is to plan your route. Bon voyage!

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Sailboat or motorboat, who is "priority" or "privileged"?

Through three practical cases, let's review together some fundamental rules of priority. As a reminder, the spirit of RIPAM is not to establish a priority or even its semantic nuance which is the privilege. In fact, RIPAM is an international code that gives obligations.

Like the Highway Code, the RIPAM - International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea - sets the rules of "priority" between vessels. Thus, depending on their direction, their ability to maneuver and their means of propulsion , ships are subject to obligations to manage crossings and prevent the risk of collision.

Unlike the automobile, we do not speak of priority, but of a "privileged" vessel in relation to another.

Windward, leeward

On a boat, there is always a windward side and a leeward side. The first is called the "tack", the side where the boat receives the wind. For example, a sailboat sailing on starboard tack receives wind from starboard and port tack receives wind from port.

If the boat is sailing downwind, it does not receive wind on any of its sides. Therefore, the position of the boom must be used as a guide. If it is on the starboard side, the boat is on port tack, if it is on the port side, the boat is on starboard tack.

It is important to remember these notions since a sailboat on starboard tack is preferred to one on port tack.

In our first cases, we will speak of a sailboat under sail . In the second case, we will talk about a motor sailboat and in the last case, about a sculling sailboat .

Sailboat VS sailboat : rule 12

When the two sailboats receive the wind from a different side

The port tack sailboat (receiving the wind from the port side) must move out of the way of the starboard tack sailboat (receiving the wind from the starboard side). It is customary to say, "Starboard, king of the seas!"

When the two boats receive the wind from the same side

The windward sailboat must move away from the course of the leeward sailboat . The latter receives the wind second, "hindered" by the first and has fewer possibilities of maneuvering given the position of the wind.

In case of uncertainty

If a sailboat is sailing on port tack and sees another vessel in the distance whose tack it cannot determine, it must deviate from its course.

Sailboat VS cargo : rule 18

A sailboat is preferred over a cargo ship if it does not belong to any of the categories below. Another exception to the rule is the DST . Traffic Separation Schemes are traffic lanes for commercial vessels found in busy areas. A sailboat must stay out of a TSS unless necessary.

A sailboat must move away:

• Of a ship that is not in control of its maneuver

Due to exceptional circumstances, the vessel is not able to maneuver according to the RIPAM rules and cannot deviate from the course of another vessel. It can be related to an engine damage , a helm damage ...

It must be signaled with two red lights superimposed (at night) and two black balls superimposed (during the day).

• A vessel with limited maneuvering capacity

This refers to a vessel whose ability to maneuver is limited due to the nature of its work and which cannot deviate from the course of a ship: cable laying, dredging, underwater work, towing...

The latter must be indicated by 3 superimposed lights - red, white, red - at night and 3 superimposed black marks by day (2 balls on the outside and a bicone in the middle).

• From a fishing vessel

The latter must indicate itself by two superimposed lights (green and white) at night if it fishes with trawls and by two lights (white and red) if it practices another type of fishing. During the day, they must display two cones joined by the tip.

The case of a sailboat under sail and motor

As soon as a sailboat uses its engine - even if it is under sail - it becomes a "mechanically propelled vessel", i.e. propelled by a machine. The rules in force for motorboats then apply.

The sailboat is thus privileged compared to the motorboat which will then have to move away from him.

• In case of crossing with a motor boat or a sailboat

Whoever sees the other on the starboard side must maneuver to avoid collision (similar to the right of way). It is preferable to go around by the wake rather than by the bow.

• In case of opposite routes

When two vessels are facing each other - sailboats under power or sailboats under power against motorboats - both must shift to starboard.

The case of the catching vessel

This rule applies to all types of vessels. The overtaking vessel must maneuver away - either to starboard or port - from the overtaken vessel.

The case of sculling

Sculling refers to an oar placed at the stern of a boat and used as a mode of propulsion for a boat without a motor. The coxswain dips the scoop into the water and makes figure-eight movements to move forward.

Even though sculling is used to propel a boat, we are not talking about a mechanical propulsion .

Learn more about it, consult the 4 fundamental rules of priority in sailing.

Do You Sail a Motor Boat?

August 30, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Owning a motorboat can be loads of fun. But, when it comes to using it, do you sail a motor boat or drive it? Let’s find out.

Most boat owners are always torn with the lingo when using a sailboat and a motorboat. These two are different, which is crucial to note.

You don’t sail a motorboat, but you drive it. When you turn on the engine to get it to move, you drive it. Driving the motorboat moves you through the water as you also engage the throttle. You start to drive the motorboat and direct it using a steering wheel towards your destination.

A motorboat is great since it gives you lots of freedom in the river, lake or ocean. But, it’s important to get some training before you drive off. The basic training helps you even know more about the pre-departure checklist.

Sailing a boat involves relying on wind force to push and steer the boat towards a direction or destination. A sailboat should have sails that trap wind and move the boat.

Table of contents

‍ do you sail a motor boat.

A motorboat or a powerboat can serve as a recreational vessel or for fishing. Since it has a motor that powers it, you drive the motorboat and not sail it. However, when you turn off the motor and start to steer it, you sail the motorboat.

When you own a motorboat, you get to drive it. A motorboat is different from a sailboat that you sail. Motorboats rely on the engine and fuel to move you from point A to B. Unlike a sailboat, these are fast vessels that achieve top speeds depending on the size and engine capacity.

If you plan to drive a motorboat, get some training and go through the pre-departure checklist before driving off.

Motorboats differ greatly from sailboats, but they also share some similarities. This is how you can pick them apart and know if you drive or sail them. For instance, sailboats tend to be calm and drift on the water.

The calm nature ensures you achieve maximum relaxation while on the waters. However, it’s all about the engine and driving it from one spot to another for a powerboat. Motorboats are not calm at all..

Usually, you won’t find a sail on a motorboat. It purely relies on the engine to drive from spot to spot. Whether you’re going fishing or just hanging out in the water, you can choose the speed. There is nothing quiet about a motorboat, given the engine's roar if you turn it on.

How Do Motor Boats Differ from Sail Boats?

You have to rely on the engine to move when you get a motorboat. It differs from a sailboat that relies on wind energy or rowing to get from point A to B.

Learning the difference between the two can help you choose the right one.

Motorboats are expensive. You can look into a sailboat if you want a cheaper option. Motorboats' whole design and structure make them costly.

It’s even possible for a motorboat to cost twice as much as a sailboat of the same size.

Sail Boats have the right of way

You must observe some rules in the open waters when you own a boat. Among the top rules is that sailboats have the right of way. This might come as a surprise to many, but owning a motorboat means you have to wait.

However, there is an exception to this rule regarding sailing and motorboats. If a motorboat has challenges maneuvering because of its size, it can have the right of way. It’s the best way to ensure the boat doesn’t run into problems that can cause it to capsize.

Large motor boats in open channels can seek the right of way when sailboats are around. It also applies in narrow channels and if the vessel has some mechanical issues. It needs to get to land fast hence can go before sailboats.

Motor Boats are Fast

Motorboats tend to move fast in open waters because of the engine's power that the boat uses. If it has a diesel engine, it can go even faster and get to destinations within no time. The factor of speed is why many people love to drive motorboats.

But, the speed also puts you at greater risk, especially when driving at the top speed of the motorboat. Top speeds can make a motorboat unstable and prone to capsizing. As for sailboats, they move at a slower pace and are more stable on the water.

Given how heavy sailboats can be, this reduces their average speed on the water. However, motorboats are lighter and can easily glide across the channels.

How to Drive a Boat

After noting that you drive and not sail a motorboat, you can now learn how it’s done. Driving a motorboat can be an exhilarating experience across the open waters. But, before you drive off, you need several lessons to master how it’s done.

You must learn some basics to drive a motorboat safely.

Pre-departure Checklist

Every motorboat requires checking before you take off. It’s where the pre-departure checklist comes in handy. When going through the list, check out the following.

• Life Jackets (at least one)
• Sound-producing Devices (boat horn, portable horn, and a whistle)
• Lights and Shapes
• Distress Signals (flares, day-shapes)
• Tools and Spares
• Fuel and Oil
• Fire Extinguishers

On top of these items, check the ventilation if the boat is enclosed and ensure the bilges are dry. Get to know the weather forecast before taking off and keep the radio on to get the latest forecast. Also, do some battery care and carry some spare batteries on board the motorboat.

After the checklist is complete, you can start the boat and take off.

Start the Boats

Most modern motorboats are simple to start. All you do is turn a key as you do in many vehicles. But, you have to note some safety features on the motorboat, such as the ‘kill switch.’ The engine safety cut-off appears as a small red knob next to the ignition.

The throttle is the next safety feature to observe before driving a motorboat. The throttle has to be neutral before you start the boat. It stops the boat from starting even with all other features on point until you move it.

The throttle releases the boat to start when you grasp it and pull back. Be aware of your surroundings since the boat will start to move as you do so.

Steer the Motor Boat

When the motorboat is in motion, you have to steer it, or you will move around aimlessly. Grasp the steering wheel, which resembles the one in cars.

When you turn the wheel, the motorboat will follow. But, this can be challenging if there are waves and lots of wind in the area.

Slowing a Motor Boat

Manipulating the throttle is one of the ways to get a boat to slow down. Motorboats don’t have brakes, unlike cars on the road. You have to learn how the boat operates and the stopping distance you need.

As you plan on stopping, ensure you are stable enough since boats don’t come with seat belts. Any sudden movement can topple you over, which you don’t want. Instead, be aware of your speed and how to slow down the boat safely.

With this information in mind, you can proceed to slow down your motorboat. Pull the throttle slowly back to neutral and pause for a moment. After that, shift it into reverse and apply some power. Pausing in neutral is crucial before going to reverse to avoid causing mechanical issues for the boat.

Most states need motorboat owners to take basic boating courses to learn how to drive motorboats. Doing so keeps you safe and everyone else driving or sailing in the same area. The training also takes you through steps like boat trimming and the different types of motorboats.

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About THE AUTHOR

Brian Samson

I have a deep love of houseboating and the life-changing experiences houseboating has brought into my life. I’ve been going to Lake Powell on our family’s houseboat for over 30 years and have made many great memories, first as a child and now as a parent. My family has a passion for helping others have similar fun, safe experiences on their houseboat.

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The Best Outboard Motor for a Sailboat

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

The technology of sailing has remained mostly unchanged for centuries. Since learning to harness the power of wind, sailors have been transiting the world’s oceans, expanding trade routes and exploring new cultures. Although nothing more than a renewable natural resource and a single sail is needed to move a sailboat along the water, there are times when it’s important (and in our modern age, convenient) to leverage off a motor to get you where you need to go.

Like any unique piece of equipment in the world of sailing, outboard motors come in a variety of sizes with features and options to fit any owner’s needs. But of course, one size doesn’t fit all. Every boat is different – even those that come off the production line at the same time – and every owner is looking for something specific when it comes to their sailboat. From the purpose of owning the boat (blue water sailing vs. racing) to the location and impact on maintenance (cold weather vs. tropical weather), an outboard motor is just one of the many elements that will define a sailboat’s function and performance.

Whether you’re a new owner, or a veteran sailor, it’s important to know the basic components of any outboard motor . You should also have an idea of what you want your outboard motor to do for your size and model sailboat.

Table of contents

Outboard Motor Size

A larger boat doesn’t necessarily mean a larger motor. Although there are different ratings for different classes of boats, a small power plant can be more effective than a larger one. Conversely, an outboard motor can easily overpower a small boat and create unsafe conditions at high speeds. Guidelines and requirements differ between motorboats and sailboats. And while there is some overlap, these considerations apply directly to sailboats.

Engine power has to do with how much water a boat displaces. For sailboats, smaller is better. If you’re a bit of a math geek, the exact formula is 4 horsepower for every 2200lb of weight. Coupled with a propeller size, which can be determined using a propeller calculator , you’ll get a rough estimate to use as a guideline to start shopping. This is a good first step, since size is essentially a fixed variable. Though it’s worth noting for those who are buying a sailboat directly from the manufacturer, that actual weight will increase after delivery – once all other rigging and outfitting has been completed.

Physical size of your outboard motor is an important consideration and is directly related to the design of your sailboat. An outboard motor is made up of three parts from top to bottom:

• The Powerhead – Houses the engine. The bulbous part of the motor.
• The Midsection – Houses the exhaust system. Varies in length and design.
• The Lower Unit – Propellers attach to the gearbox. Submerged when operational.

Shaft length is an important design element and should be considered when purchasing a motor. A shaft that is too short will obviously prevent the propeller from being submerged in water, while a shaft that is too long will extend the propellers too far. Not only will it decrease the efficiency of your engine, it will create unnecessary drag. Know your transom length when looking at different models.

When an outboard motor is not being used, it should be stowed in its upright position. Some of the larger motors have an automated switch that will raise it out of the water, but some must be secured manually. Make sure everyone who sails with you is capable of lifting and securing the motor out of the water in case of an emergency.

Outboard Motor Power

Any kind of motor installed on a sailboat (inboard or outboard) should be viewed as a tool to help with maneuvering. Although there are some very skilled sailors out there who can sail into their slip without the aid of a motor, many harbors have restrictions that either don’t allow for the use of full sails, or there simply isn’t enough room to maneuver. A motor with both forward and reverse gears helps tremendously with docking.

While there is no exact correlation between boat length and total weight, the following is a rough guideline:

• 1-4 HP for boats up to 20’ (approximately 1000-2000lbs)
• 4-18 HP for boats between 20-30’ (approximately 2,000-10,000lbs)
• 18-34 HP for boats between 30-40’ (10,000lbs or more)

There are some things to consider when deciding how much horsepower you need or want. Location and the type of conditions you expect you’ll be sailing in is one of the biggest factors. Heavy seas and high winds typically associated with open ocean sailing will put more strain on your engine, and in some cases overpower it, whereas an engine that is heavier than needed will add unnecessary weight when racing. If you plan on motoring for long distances, consider purchasing an engine that will stand up to a lot of use.

Less HP is required for:

• Boat Design – Single hull boats made out of fiberglass require less power.
• 2-Stroke Engines – This is due to an overall lighter weight engine and higher torque.
• Diesel Engines – Diesel delivers more torque because the rate of compression is greater.
• Bigger Propellers – More surface area means more water displacement.
• Location – Motoring on lakes and rivers requires less power than open ocean.
• Distance – A smaller engine is suitable for shorter distances.

More HP is required for:

• Boat Design – Catamarans and heavier boats (regardless of size) require more power.
• 4-Stroke Engine – Engine weight and an extra step of compression yields less power.
• Gas Engines – The rate of compression for gas engines is much lower than diesel.
• Smaller Propeller – A smaller propeller displaces less water.
• Location – Open ocean, with tides and currents, will strain a smaller engine.
• Distance – Cover more distance when wind conditions are poor requires a larger engine.

Outboard Motor Cost

There is no way to quantify how much you will pay for any given motor. But there are several costs associated with owning an outboard motor that are definitely worth considering when making your purchase.

Certainly, a lager, more-powerful engine is going to be costlier than a smaller engine with lower horsepower. But as mentioned earlier, size is not necessarily a guarantee of performance and efficiency. At the same time, there’s only so much you can get out of an engine before you exceed its capability. Larger engines tend to help with resale value should you choose to sell your boat at some point, but a boat outfitted with right motor to begin with will always perform better than a motor that’s large just for the sake of it.

Factor in maintenance costs and fuel when looking at models. You want to run your engine at around 90% of its max RPMs to balance proper fuel usage and with wear and tear. Making a few calls to marine mechanics to inquire about an engine you’re interested in will give you a lot of information a sales person won’t be able to give you. The good news about outboard motors is that most of them are portable, which means you won’t have the added cost of either paying a mechanic to come to you, or having to get your boat to the yard, which usually requires help from a very good friend willing to spend all day driving and sailing back and forth.

Owning a boat requires constant care and maintenance, so a little knowledge goes a long way. While an outboard motor is not required for sailing, it’s a convenient addition that can greatly increase your enjoyment out on the water. Being patient and spending time researching engines will not only help you make the correct purchase but will help you take advantage of a great deal when it presents itself. Whether you sail the Caribbean, or race off the coast of California in a catamaran, there is an outboard motor that’s just right for you.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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You have made the choice to become a boat owner soon. Congratulations! But among the many possibilities, do you know which boat to choose? In this article, the Band of Boats team has tried to draw up a list of the types of boats that can be purchased, so that you can choose the right one, that suits your needs.

1 – What are the main types of boats? 1.1 – Different types of motorboats 1.2 – Different types of sailboats 2 – How to choose the right type of boat?

1. What are the main types of boats?

Before you consider buying a boat, you should consider your future sailing programme. Not all types of boats are suitable for the same purpose. Let’s take a look at the many different types of boats to help you make your choice.

Among the very long list of boat types that exist, we can distinguish several large families. We can already distinguish between between monohulls and multihulls , called catamarans when they have two hulls, or trimarans when they have three.

Boats are also distinguished according to their means of propulsion:

• Motorboats , with inboard or outboard power, made up of one or more motors, electric or not.
• Jet boats or underwater thrusters , which use water projection to move forward.
• Sailboats, or sailing ships, which move with the wind and may have different numbers of masts.
• Boats propelled by human energy , notably through the use of oars.

Different types of motorboats

The list of different types of motorboats is very long. When it comes to buying a boat, the regular arrival of new units on the market makes the search even more complex. To help you choose a boat, we will try to introduce you to the main types of motorboats.

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Small fishing boat

These are motor-driven or small boats , perfect for solo or small group fishing trips . Lightweight and small in size, most rowboats are equipped with an outboard motor, which makes them fast and manoeuvrable. They are also fairly simple to operate and can be easily transported on a trailer, making them very practical for day trips. Rowboats are generally cheaper than other types of boats and are ideal for beginners or occasional anglers. However, their small size can make fishing a little more difficult in rough seas, and their storage capacity is limited. In addition, it is important to ensure that the engine is powerful enough to cope with the expected fishing conditions.

RIB (Rigid and Inflatable Boat)

The semi-rigid or inflatable boat (RIBs) is the lightest and easiest to move. While the RIB has a hard hull that can be made of different materials such as Hypalon-neoprene or PVC, the inflatable boat has an inflatable or slatted floor and can be fully deflated. This means that it can be stored in a small space in a storage bag. This makes this type of boat a very popular tender. With a hull length of up to 6 metres, the inflatable or RIB boat is versatile and has great stability. It is a shallow-draft boat often used as a dinghy – to link a larger unit to land, for fishing, or for coastal sailing.

It is a multi-purpose boat with an open hull, usually less than 6 metres long. There are three types of open boats , most often with outboard engines:

• The center console , with, as its name suggests, the helm in the centre (centre console) and sometimes a cabin.
• The walkaround , with an open central cockpit and often a small sleeping cabin.
• The bowrider , with an open bow to allow access to the foredeck and a double console or an off-centre console.

All have a V-shaped hull, and are very fast. They are affordable, ideal for daytime coastal sailing, fishing and water sports.

Day boats or day cruisers are small vessels, usually less than 6.5 metres long, with a small cabin. As the name suggests, the purpose is to spend a day or a weekend at sea . Its cockpit allows you to enjoy the sun. In terms of habitability, the day-boat cabin is sometimes equipped with a bunk and a small kitchenette, making it possible to spend a short stay on board.

Pontoon boat

It is the ideal boat model for water sports activities! The pontoon boat , or bass-boat, is in fact a floating platform with a shallow draught, designed above all for fun, with family or friends, on inland waters or in coastal areas, when the sea is calm.

Easily recognisable, the runabout is a type of fast, sporty boat with a low, slender hull, usually powered by a petrol engine. It is designed for water-based recreation , such as water skiing or fast cruising on inland waterways or the sea. The Runabout is generally easy to manoeuvre and maintain, but can have high fuel consumption and can be noisy due to its motorisation.

Offshore speedboat

It is a very fast unit with a slender hull that can reach speeds of up to 50 knots thanks to a very powerful engine. The V-shaped hull of the offshore speedboat makes it possible to in calm or rough waters, while experiencing great sensations . On the other hand, it is a boat with less than optimal habitability and requires high maintenance costs.

It is a boat that is propelled by a jet of water, and its speed makes it particularly suitable for water sports. It is generally very manoeuvrable, easy to maintain, and can be used in very shallow areas. The weak points of the jet boat are, without doubt, a noisy engine and high fuel consumption.

Cabin boat or cabin-cruiser

As the name suggests, the cabin boats has a habitable cabin. Its hull is between 6.5 and 14 metres long and it is equipped with an inboard or outboard motor, with one or more engines. It is used for pleasure sailing , to sail for a day or more in a comfortable manner, mainly in coastal areas. There are also cuddy cabin boats , which are vessels with a hull length of less than 10 metres, with a very small cabin or landing in the forward area below deck. They are the ideal motorboat for water sports and day cruising.

Pilothouse boat

A typical fishing boat is a boat with a sheltered cockpit in what is called a wheelhouse. The vessel usually has sleeping accommodation, a kitchenette and sometimes even a small toilet. The pilothouse boat or pleasure fishing boat also has a large, airy cockpit without benches, allowing for day fishing. With an inboard or outboard motor, it is mainly used to navigate in coastal areas, although its great stability allows it to pass through rougher seas.

It is a versatile vessel, ranging in length from 8 to 20 metres. The trawler is a comfortable unit, suitable for long voyages at reduced speed . Life on board is easy, thanks to the large interior spaces and the large water and fuel storage capacities. The trawler is generally used for coastal sailing, either for a day or for several days.

Cruisers / Express cruisers boats

With a hull length generally between 8 and 15 metres, the cruiser is a light and comfortable, versatile and often fast boat, which always has an enclosed cabin. There are different types of cruiser boats:

• The open express cuiser , with a closed front deck and an open rear cockpit
• The flybridge boat , with an upper deck with a steering console and sometimes an interior steering position.
• The hard-top yacht , with a hardtop that can be opened.
• The cruiser, or liveaboard boat , designed more to allow life on board.
• The speedboat , for sea outings that mix sport and cruising.

All have a V-shaped hull and an inboard engine. The type of speedboat chosen depends on the sailing project. There are also dutch barge , which, as the name suggests, are designed to sail on canals and rivers. They are very popular in countries like the Netherlands.

Highly regarded as the ultimate high-end vessel, the yacht is a pleasure craft distinguished by its luxury and elegance. They are large stars. They can be up to 100 metres long. Yachts are often used for luxury cruises, sea voyages or special events. The price of a yacht is often very high. It can range from 500,000 euros for second-hand yachts to tens of millions of euros for the largest yachts in the world.

Houseboat barge

It is a river boat often used as a floating residence or as a pleasure boat for sailing on canals and rivers. It is a large and long type of boat, which allows for ample living space and comfortable facilities. They can offer a variety of interior layouts, with spacious living areas, bedrooms, a fitted kitchen and a full bathroom. Choosing to live on a houseboat can have several advantages such as peaceful living on the water, easy access to nature and a more affordable cost of living than in big cities. However, houseboats also require regular maintenance and special attention to safety due to the conditions of living on the water. The price of a houseboat varies according to age, size, location and general condition, but can generally be lower than a house in the city.

Fishing trawler

Initially dedicated to fishing, then redesigned to adapt to pleasure sailing, the fishing trawler is now a vessel adapted to long term cruising. The interior spaces are spacious and particularly well suited to life on board: there is generally a real kitchen, a real bathroom, common areas and well-separated sleeping areas. When sailing on a trawler, one benefits from great stability, reasonable draught and air draft. However, trawlers move more slowly than other lighter vessels, consume more fuel and often require more maintenance.

A barge is a flat-bottomed vessel, usually non-motorised and used for commercial or utility purposes , often for transporting goods.. A distinction is made between the splitting barge, which opens to unload what is contained in its central tank, and the myticole barge, which has a large storage capacity on its deck and can navigate in very little water. Barges are commercial vessels that can be used both at sea and on inland waters.

Power catamarans and trimarans

The power catamaran is a multihull motorboat with two separate hulls, connected by an upper deck. Like the catamaran, the motor trimaran is a multihull boat, this time with three separate hulls. On both types of power multihulls, the lower deck is usually dedicated to private spaces – sleeping and toilet facilities, while the upper deck usually contains the living spaces – saloons and cockpits. Motor multihulls are generally characterised by high stability at sea, and benefit from a shallow draft.

Different types of sailboats

When you want to buy a sailing boat , you will soon realise that there are many different types. Band of boats looks at the different types of sailboats and the sailing programmes that can be associated with them.

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Monohull sailboat

Sailboat types are distinguished primarily by their rigging: they do not all have the same number of masts and do not all carry the same sails. The main types of rig are as follows:

• Sloop : a sailboat with only one mast, carrying a mainsail and a headsail.
• Cutter : also has only one mast, but located further aft. It can therefore carry two headsails – the jib and the staysail – in addition to the mainsail
• Le catboat : a sailboat with a mast set far forward, without shrouds or stays, and which carries only one mainsail
• Ketch :a sailing boat with two masts – the foremast, or mainmast, and the bowsprit, inside the waterline.
• Yawl : another two-masted sailing vessel, but with the aft mast lower than on a ketch and outside the waterline.
• Schooner : still with two masts, but this time with a larger foremast at the stern.

A distinction is also made between the various monohull sailboats according to their ballast: a sailboat can be a full or ballasted dinghy, a keelboat, a lifting keel or a sabre keel. There are also twin keel yachts, those with a fin keel or those with a canting keel.

Here are some of the types of sailboats you can find on the market:

With a hull length of up to 10 metres, the day-sailer is a boat on which on-board comfort is reduced to the bare minimum. It is mainly used for day sailing. It is possible to envisage longer sailing trips, with a reduced crew, without much privacy.

Liveaboard sailboat

From 8 to 18 metres in length, the live-aboard yacht, also known as a cruiser, is equipped to accommodate a crew for up to several weeks. The water and fuel storage capacities on board are generally substantial. The facilities on board depend on the size of the vessel and, depending on the design category of the boat, it is possible to sail in coastal, semi-offshore or offshore areas.

Cruising sailboat

It is a heavier yacht, designed in a more resistant material, and therefore with a more robust hull. Designed for long voyages, the blue water cruiser is a safe boat, with a living space designed for life on board. The equipment on a blue water yacht generally includes a set of sails for sailing in all weathers, one or more solutions for producing energy on board, and sometimes a windvane gear.

Sailing yacht

Among all monohull sailing boats, from a hull length of 10 metres, we can speak of a “sailing yacht”. A sailing yacht is a boat with a particularly comfortable living space, offering a real living area with several berths, separate cabins, a large bathroom and a kitchen area on board.

Classic sailing yacht

Most often built of wood, the classic sailboat is a piece of maritime heritage, usually unique, associated with the history of regatta sailing, the history of ocean racing or the early days of pleasure sailing. Classic yachts are often very elegant on the water, particularly admired, thanks to their narrow, elongated hulls and large overlapping sails.

Belle Plaisance boat

The Belle Plaisance boat is more affordable than a classic sailboat, and is sometimes made in a few copies, whereas the classic sailboat is unique. The hull is also long and narrow and is often made of a less noble material than the classic sailboat, usually plastic. As with classic yachts, the headsails of Belle Plaisance yachts have a large overlap.

Catamarans are sailing boats with two hulls. They are very popular with sailors, especially for ocean cruising. Even though they are often used for a few days at sea or for long crossings, there are also small sport catamarans without a cabin. With their two hulls, these offer impressive stability, as well as a spacious and comfortable living space for the passengers. They can reach higher speeds than monohulls and are less prone to extreme heights. However, they tend to ride upwind less well, which can limit their manoeuvrability in certain conditions. The costs of purchasing a catamaran are generally higher than for monohulls, and the costs of maintenance and docking in ports are also higher.

Trimarans are three-hulled sailing boats. They therefore offer even greater stability than catamarans. They are often used for yacht races because of their exceptional speed, but are also used for cruising. Indeed, there are small sport trimarans as well as large travel trimarans. Like catamarans, they offer spacious living space for passengers, with greater privacy in the private areas. Trimarans are also less prone to extreme heights than monohulls, making them a popular choice for sailors seeking increased stability. However, as with catamarans, the costs of buying a trimaran are generally higher than for monohulls, and the costs of maintenance and docking in ports are also greater.

2. How to choose the right type of boat?

Before choosing your dream boat , and to make sure you make the right choice, we recommend that you ask yourself several important questions

• What is your intended sailing schedule?
• What type of propulsion system do you want to use?
• Who will be sailing with you?
• When and how often do you want to enjoy your new boat?
• In which sailing areas do you want to use it?
• Do you already have a mooring solution for your vessel, such as a harbour or mooring facility?
• How much money can you afford to spend on this boat purchase, taking into account possible future maintenance costs?

Once you have answered these questions, it will be easier to choose a boat that is right for you, whether new or used !

And if you’re more interested in sailing boats, take a look at our guide to choosing the right sailboat .

What type of boat should I choose to start with?

If you want to start sailing a motorboat or sailboat, you will need to buy a boat that matches your skills. In addition to buying a boat that matches your desires, we recommend that you choose a boat that is easy to handle, in good working order, and at a price that is not too high.

We advise you to choose a motorboat or sailing boat that is less than 10 metres long, to ensure that you can handle it well. A boat that is easy to handle and reacts quickly will allow you to get the maximum feeling and to learn how to perform the main manoeuvres correctly. If you make a mistake, a boat that is not too heavy will forgive most mistakes! We can therefore recommend small dayboats, open boats, RIBs or sailing boats such as dinghies or small daysailers.

What type of boat should I choose to live aboard?

If you are considering buying a boat to live aboard, you will need to choose a houseboat that you will feel comfortable on. Think about the life you want to lead on board:

Do you plan to live only on board, in a sedentary way, and stay at the dock or at anchor? If so, what items and equipment do you not want to do without? What budget are you prepared to allocate to a berth or anchorage?

Or would you prefer to buy a liveaboard yacht to live and travel on? Do you plan to cross the Mediterranean, the Atlantic or the Pacific? Would you like to go on a round-the-world trip? If so, you will probably need to choose a cruising boat or sailboat that will allow you to fulfil your wish.

Finally, the choice of boat you make will also depend on the number of people on board. Do you want to buy a boat to live on alone, as a couple or with your family?

A boat to live alone

If you plan to live alone on a boat, a small boat or sailboat with only one berth should be sufficient. Lack of privacy should not be a problem! It’s up to you to determine the conditions under which you plan to live on board: for example, do you want a fridge, a toilet or a shower, or can you do without?

A boat for family life

If you are a couple or a family, your needs will probably be different. You will need to consider more berths, separate living areas, but also more storage possibilities. A sailing yacht, a catamaran, a trimaran or a trawler will allow everyone to have their own space, and to be equipped like at home.

Which boat to choose for inland navigation?

If you are planning to sail on canals, rivers and streams, you need to choose a boat that is suitable for inland navigation. But you may be wondering what is best. The narrowness of some canals, the sometimes narrow locks or the height of the bridges in the area you wish to visit may help you make your choice.

We recommend that you opt for a manoeuvrable boat with a maximum width of 2.50 metres, a maximum draught of 1.20 metres and a maximum air draught of 3 metres. If you choose a boat less than 20 metres in length, you will be able to navigate in river areas with a boating licence, and will have access to port sites without any particular worries. Finally, if you want to be able to change navigation area easily, choose a boat with a size adapted to road transport. For example, barges, Dutch launches, trawlers, launches and small transportable sailing boats are good boats for inland navigation.

Interested in owning a river boat?

Check out our listings of river boats for sale

We hope that this article about the different types of boats will help you to choose the right boat for you. From now on, feel free to discover all our boat for sale ads and choose the boat of your dreams!

My Cruiser Life Magazine

Sailboat Types: Full-Guide

For generations, sailing has been a mode of essential transportation, a rewarding hobby, an active and competitive sport, and a lifestyle. Sailing appeals to all, and there are dozens and dozens of types of sailboats.

Small sailboats are perfect for kids to sail on, and massive sailboats are used to cross oceans in style. In between, there are daysailers, racers, and cruisers. 

Table of Contents

• What Does a Sailboat Look Like? 

Small Sailboats

Cruising boats, cruising catamarans, cruising trimarans, full keel boats, fin keel boats, centerboard keel.

• Hydrofoil Sailboats 

A Purpose for Every Type of Sailboat

Faqs (frequently asked questions).

What Are Sailboat Types?

Sailboats are boats that are propelled by the wind. Sailboats use wind power instead of a motor or oars to move the boat. It should be noted, though, that nearly all modern sailboats have a motor as well. It comes in handy when docking in tight marinas and if the wind dies!

A sailboat has one, two, or three hulls. It has at least one mast, or tall vertical spar, that holds up one or more sails. The sails harness the power of the wind to move the boat forward.

To get started, here are some sailing boat types and terms to give you an idea of the sorts of boats that are out there.

• Dinghies — a small open boat, usually for only one or two people
• Daysailors — boats designed to go out for a day trip
• Cruising Sailboats — boats designed to travel long distances that have accommodations for their crew to live aboard a long term
• Sloop — the most common type of sailboat, with one mast and two sails (a jib and a mainsail)
• Ketch, yawl, or schooner — types of sailboats with two or more masts
• Monohull — a boat with only one hull
• Catamaran — a boat with two equal-sized hulls in the water that are connected together by a bridge deck
• Trimaran — a boat with three hulls in the water, the center of which is much larger than the outer two

What Does a Sailboat Look Like?

There are many different types of sailboats, so they look a little different from each other. The basics, however, are the same. 

Each sailboat has at least one hull that sits in the water. Part of the hull is visible above the waterline. Part of the sailboat hull sits below the waterline. 

The part beneath the waterline might be relatively small, or it can be quite large. The rudder, the mechanism used to steer the boat, is also underwater. 

The cockpit is where the helmsperson sits and steers the boat. On small boats, the cockpit takes up the entire boat. Cruising boats have interior accommodations as well as a safe cockpit.

Sailboats have at least one mast and at least one mainsail. As you get to know the different types of sailboats, you’ll see many different hull and sail configurations. 

Different Types of Sail Boats

Sailboats come in all types of sailboat shapes and sailboat sizes . Sailboats can be classified by their hull shape, size, or sail plan. The sail plan is how many sails they carry on how many masts.

Hull shapes include monohulls, catamarans, trimarans, and sailing hydrofoils. A monohull has just one hull, a catamaran has two hulls, a trimaran has three hulls, and a hydrofoil lifts out of the water. 

Sizes range from eight-foot sailboats to megayachts that are hundreds of feet long. Some sailboats are so small they are only suitable for one child who wants to go skimming across the lake. The largest pure sailing yacht in the world is the Black Pearl at 350 feet long (106.7 meters) long. Visit our Yacht vs Sailboat guide for a more definitive difference between the two and their sizes.

Sailboats also have different sail configurations or sail plans. For example, a sailboat with just one big sail on a forward-mounted mast is called a catboat. A boat with dozens of different sails on three masts is called a three-mast schooner.

Small sailboats are extremely popular and offer a lot of fun to the young and old. Most of the time, these boats are just used for daytime use in pleasant weather conditions. Kids often learn to sail in small monohull sailboats. Families might go for a picnic in a Hobie catamaran. 

Yacht club members might race their 16-foot daysailors, while adventurous souls might take their 19-ft weekender and anchor in a calm cove for the weekend. 

What is a Small Sailboat Called?

Small sailboats have different names, depending on the type of sailboat and the number of sail boat hulls. For example, the boat might be a monohull dinghy, small catboat, small catamaran, or daysailor.

Additionally, like every car on the road, every boat on the water is identified by its make and model. In small boats that are commonly raced, a certain make and model may set up a class of racing boats. Class racing means that all of the boats are identical, so the race is based solely on the skills of the skippers.

Sailing Dinghies

Kids and adults often learn to sail on sailing dinghies. Sailing dinghies can be as small as eight feet long. This small size makes it easy for kids to handle.

Some common sailing dinghies are Optis, Lasers, and Sunfish.

This size sailboat is also functional. They can be used to ferry sailors from their larger anchored boats to shore. The small size also helps sailors easily store their dinghy on larger boats. The word dinghy is often used to refer to any small boat used as a tender for a larger vessel, even if the tender is a motorboat.

Cat Rig Boats

A cat rig boat, or cat boat, is a type of sailboat that usually just has one large mainsail and a forward-mounted mast. Many smaller dinghies and training boats are catboats. A catboat has a free-standing mast with no standing rigging.

Small Catamarans

A catamaran is a boat with two hulls. The Hobie brand is synonymous with small catamarans, which are popular with families looking for a fun hobby. Hobie Cats are seen on the sand at beach resorts all over the world—they’re safe, fun, and fast.

Catamarans are faster than monohulls, and these boats are fun to race. Small catamarans are often used by families that live on the waterfront. Their lightweight makes them easy to drag to the waterfront and launch.

Small catamarans are also popular on beaches. Many beach resorts offer Hobie cats for rent. Small catamarans are between 12-20 feet in length. The hulls are joined only with spars and netting, so these fast and light open boats are not set up to carry a lot of people or supplies.

Daysailors are the ultimate fun boat. As the name implies, this type of sailing boat is used for day sailing. These boats are usually between 12 to 20 feet long. Some use these smaller boats for racing or overnight camping, but most sailors use daysailors for a leisurely sail.

Small Sailboats with Cabins

While most small sailboats just have a large open cockpit, several small yacht types have cabins. These cabins offer a chance for sailors to use a porta-potty or get out of the sun. Some small sailboats even have sleeping accommodations for overnight stays.

An excellent example of this is the Cape Dory Typhoon Weekender. This small sailboat is known as “America’s Littlest Yacht.” Down below, there are two small bunks for sleeping and enough space to have a small stove and a porta-potty. Most owners don’t stay aboard long-term, but the cabin is a useful place to stow items while sailing or to hide during a rainstorm.

Cruising boats are boats that are capable of traveling long distances. Cruising boats have sleeping accommodations, cooking facilities, and bathroom facilities. These boats are like RVs for the waterway.

Cruising boats offer sailors the chance to live on their boats while sailing. Like RVs, cruising sailboats travel to different ports of call. Cruising sailboats are one of the more popular types of sailing boat. They offer adventurous sailors the chance to enjoy sailing as a sport while seeing new things.

Cruising boats are usually 30 to 50 feet long. Most cruising couples prefer a boat that is around 40 feet long since this provides enough space to live comfortably and enough storage space for all of their gear.

Monohulls are very popular cruising boats. These boats offer good storage, are safe, and are easy for a couple to handle together. Monohulls have different types of sail configurations.

Cruising Bermuda Rigged Sloops

Most monohulls are Bermuda rig sloops. This sail plan features one mast with a mainsail and a headsail. Bermuda rig sloops are easy to single-hand and very versatile. How many sails does a sloop have? A Bermuda sloop flies two sails at a time, which are the mainsail and a headsail.

However, the boat might have other sails onboard. For example, the captain might take down the jib in light winds and use a bigger genoa to capture more wind power. During a downwind sail with light winds, the captain might rig a large spinnaker, which looks like a huge kite, to keep sailing even in little wind.

Even within the sloop category, there are many variations in the design. A masthead sloop is one whose forestay (headsail) goes all the way to the top of the mast. In contrast, a fractional sloop’s forestay connects at some point lower. So a 3/4 fractional rig has a headsail that only goes up three-quarters of the way to the top.

Riggers and boat designers have a lot of tools in their toolbox from which they can make a boat faster or more user-friendly. The type of rigging and sail plan a boat is equipped with offers it performance improvements as well as functionality.

Cruising Cutter

A cutter is a sailboat with one mast, one mainsail, and two sails forward of the mast. The sail at the front of the boat is the jib, genoa, or yankee depending on its size and cut. The next sail in, the inner headsail, is called the staysail. Island Packets are popular boats with this sail plan.

Cutters are popular choices as cruising and bluewater cruiser boats because the staysail provides the skipper with many different sail options. They could fly all three sails fully, or they could fly a small partial mainsail and just the staysail for heavy winds.

Cruising Ketch With Mizzen Sail

Some cruising monohulls are ketches. A ketch can be easily identified by its two masts. The forward mast is the main mast with a mainsail. The aft mizzen mast is shorter and has a mizzen sail. This sail plan can make it easier to carry a big sail area and configure the sails for various sailing conditions.

A boat with more than one mast is called a split rig because the rig is split between two shorter masts instead of all mounted on one tall one. The advantage of a split rig is that there are more sails, each of which is smaller. That makes them easier to handle, and important consideration when you are sailing alone or with only one other person.

Cruising Yawl

A yawl is similar to a ketch and has two masts. However, the mizzen mast on a yawl is aft of the rudder post, whereas it is forward of the rudder post on a ketch. This mizzen mast location is even further back than a ketch’s. Yawls are one of the less popular types of sailboats. However, like the ketch, they offer diverse sail options and can keep sailing in many different types of weather. 

On both ketches and yawls, the mizzen mast is shorter than the main mast. If the two masts are of equal height, or the forward mast is shorter, then you are looking at a schooner.

Cruising catamarans are one of the most popular classes of sailboats right now. This type of sailing boat has two hulls and offers sailors speed, space, and comfort. A cruising catamaran is usually between 40 and 60 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide. The additional width offers cruise sailors huge amounts of space. 

Cruising catamarans have excellent storage space and ample living accommodations if you intend to living on a boat . These boats are popular with couples and families and are often used to sail around the world on circumnavigations. 

Cruising catamarans are usually fractional sloop rigs. They have one mast, a large mainsail, and a jib or genoa. In general, these boats are designed to be easy to sail and minimize complications.

Trimarans are a type of sailboat with three hulls. Trimarans are known to be fast and are popular with racing sailors. However, they are also gaining popularity as cruising boats. These boats usually have fewer accommodations than cruising monohulls and catamarans. However, more modern trimarans like the Neel Trimaran have luxurious living spaces.

Types of Keel

Another way to classify the different types of sailing boats is by looking at the boat’s keel type. You can easily get an idea of different keel designs by walking around a boatyard. When a sailboat is in the water, it is hard to tell the shape of its keel.

The keel is the bottom part of the hull and is underwater. The keel is structurally essential. The keel’s weight helps the boat sail evenly and uprightly. The force created by the water moving over the keel counteracts the effects of the wind on the sails.

So a keel does two jobs for a sailboat. First, it provides a force that allows a sailboat to sail into the wind. Second, it provides stability. If storm-force weather conditions cause a monohull boat to roll, the weight in the keel will help the boat right itself.

Many older cruising boats had full keels. The keel shape runs the entire length of the boat. A full-keel boat is strong and easy to manufacture. Full-keel boats often have deeper drafts. The boat’s draft refers to the amount of water it needs to float. Full-keel boats can’t go into the shallow anchorages that catamarans or swing-keel boats can access.

Captains often report that full-keel boats are harder to maneuver in tight places such as marinas. Full-keel boats lack quick maneuverability. They have a reputation for being slower than more modern designs, but they make up for this by providing a very comfortable and safe ride in rough weather.

A boat with a fin keel has a smaller underwater profile than a boat with a full keel. This smaller keel resembles a fish fin. Captains find fin keel boats easier to maneuver. Fin keels use their shape to create very effective forces underwater. That makes them very good at countering the forces on the sails, meaning that fin keels sail upwind very well.

A boat with a bulb keel has a torpedo-shaped bulb on the bottom of a fin keel. Bulb keels offer improved stability. Bulb keels have shallower keels than a fin keel boat. The bulb also lowers the center of gravity in the boat, making it more stable overall.

A wing keel features a keel with a small wing on either side of the keel. Viewed from above, the keel looks like it has a set of small airplane wings. 

Similar to a bulb keel, wing keel boats often have a shallower draft than fin-keel boats. However, the additional shape causes drag and can reduce sailing performance in some circumstances.

A centerboard is common on small daysailors that are launched and retrieved from trailers. Deep keels make getting those boats in and out of the water difficult. By chopping off the keel, you can make a sailboat as easy to launch as a powerboat.

Related: Best Trailerable Sailboats

But of course, a sailboat needs to have a keel. A centerboard is a simple swinging fin keel that can be raised or lowered. This provides some excellent benefits if the sailor on board likes to explore areas with shallow water.

Many bigger boats have centerboards, too. A boat with a centerboard can be seen as the best of both worlds. A centerboard boat has a fixed shallow draft keel. However, the captain can deploy the centerboard when sailing in deeper waters. The centerboard adds depth to the keel and offers increased stability and performance.

A modification of the centerboard is the swing keel — a ballasted keel that can be retracted like a centerboard . These are rare. They’re used on large cruising boats where the crews want the option of accessing shallow waters. In England, this type of boat is used and can be dried out when the tide goes out.

Racing Sailboats

Yacht racing is a popular sailing sport. It’s a great way to get out on the water while competing. In fact, racing is a great way for sailors to hone their sailing skills. Sailors have to pay close attention to weather conditions and manage their sails effectively to maximize their speed.

Sailors can race any boat with sails. Kids race sailing dinghies against each other. Club racers sail daysailors or catboats. Catamarans and trimarans are also popular race boats. Several classes of boat races in the Summer Olympics.

Hydrofoil Sailboats

A hydrofoil is a unique and modern type of racing sailboat. A hydrofoil can be a monohull, catamaran, or trimaran. A hydrofoil has wing-like foils on the hull’s underside.

As the sailboat speeds up, the hydrofoils lift the hull out of the water, and the hydrofoil sailboat almost appears to be flying above the water.

Because the hull is now out of the water, drag, and resistance are minimal, and the sailboat can sail even faster. For example, a dinghy that usually goes four knots can accelerate to 12 knots when fitted with a hydrofoil.

Most hydrofoil sailboats are catamarans and trimarans. The added width of these multihull sailboats gives the hydrofoil sailboat more stability.

Traditional Sailboats

Traditional sailboats are the type of sailboats used to transport people and goods before modern transportation options were available. Before the railway, cars, and airplanes, a tall ship sailboat was used to ship cargo and people across oceans and from port to port. 

A gaff rig refers to the gaff, which is the upper spar on a square-shaped sail. Gaff rigs can be used with any mast configuration, but this feature is usually seen on traditional boats like a catboat, tall ship, or schooner.

A schooner has at least two masts. They are different from other mast configuration designs with two spars in that both masts are equal in height, or the forward mast is shorter. Schooners are faster than most traditional boats and were often used to transport perishable goods such as fruit. 

Schooners were also popular race boats in the early 20th century. For example, first America’s Cup races were won by schooners.

Today, schooners are usually used as charters for vacations or youth sail training programs. But there are a few cruising boats out there that feature schooner rigs. 

Any way you divvy it up, there are tons of different types of sailboats out there. With a little research and a little looking, you’re sure to find one that suits your style and boating plans.

What are the classes of sailboats?

Sailboat styles can be classified by hull type, use, or sail plan. The types of sailboat hulls include monohulls, catamarans, and trimarans. You can also categorize the kinds of sailboats by their use. For example, sailors use their boats for daysailing, cruising, and racing. Finally, different kinds of sailboats have different sail plans. A sailboat might be a sloop, ketch, yawl, catboat, or schooner.  The term “classes” has a particular meaning in sailing, however. Class racing is the competitive racing between boats of the same make and model—boats of the same “class” or of “one design.” There are hundreds of different classes of sailboats out there. Some of the most popular classes include the Laser and Sunfish classes.

What is a small 2 person sailboat called?

A small two-person sailboat is a dinghy. These small boats are fun to sail on protected waters. Many kids learn to sail in a sailing dinghy. There are dozens of makes and models of sailing dinghies available, some are used in Olympic sailing racing while others are just rowboats with sail rigs attached.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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The Dali was just starting a 27-day voyage.

The ship had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off.

• Share full article

By Claire Moses and Jenny Gross

• Published March 26, 2024 Updated March 27, 2024, 9:07 a.m. ET

The Dali was less than 30 minutes into its planned 27-day journey when the ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday.

The ship, which was sailing under the Singaporean flag, was on its way to Sri Lanka and was supposed to arrive there on April 22, according to VesselFinder, a ship tracking website.

The Dali, which is nearly 1,000 feet long, left the Baltimore port around 1 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday. The ship had two pilots onboard, according to a statement by its owners, Grace Ocean Investment. There were 22 crew members on board, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore said in a statement. There were no reports of any injuries, Grace Ocean said.

Before heading off on its voyage, the Dali had returned to the United States from Panama on March 19, harboring in New York. It then arrived on Saturday in Baltimore, where it spent two days in the port.

Maersk, the shipping giant, said in a statement on Tuesday that it had chartered the vessel, which was carrying Maersk cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard, the statement said, adding that the company was monitoring the investigations being carried out by the authorities and by Synergy Group, the company that was operating the vessel.

“We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected,” the Maersk statement said.

The Dali was built in 2015 by the South Korea-based Hyundai Heavy Industries. The following year, the ship was involved in a minor incident when it hit a stone wall at the port of Antwerp . The Dali sustained damage at the time, but no one was injured.

Claire Moses is a reporter for the Express desk in London. More about Claire Moses

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

Ship that collided with Baltimore bridge was chartered by Maersk

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Reporting by Louise Rasmussen in Copenhagen and Terje Solsvik in Oslo, editing by Stine Jacobsen and Jason Neely

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Russia says it is hard to believe Islamic State could have launched Moscow attack

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that it was "extremely hard to believe" that Islamic State would have had the capacity to launch an attack on a Moscow concert hall last Friday that killed at least 143 people.

Six presumed dead after cargo ship crash levels Baltimore bridge

BALTIMORE — A major Baltimore bridge collapsed like a house of cards early Tuesday after it was struck by a container ship, sending six people to their deaths in the dark waters below, and closing one of the country’s busiest ports.

By nightfall, the desperate search for six people who were working on the bridge and vanished when it fell apart had become a grim search for bodies.

“We do not believe that we’re going to find any of these individuals still alive,” Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon N. Gilreath said.

Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, said earlier that one of his workers had survived. He did not release their names.

Up until then, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore had held out hope that the missing people might be found even as law enforcement warned that the frigid water and the fact that there had been no sign of them since 1:30 a.m. when the ship struck Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Moore expressed heartbreak after officials suspended the search for survivors.

"Our heart goes out to the families," he said. "I can’t imagine how painful today has been for these families, how painful these hours have been have been for these families."

It was a crushing blow to the loved ones of the missing men, who had waited for hours at a Royal Farms convenience store near the entrance of the bridge for word of their fate. 

Follow live updates on the Baltimore bridge collapse

The tragic chain of events began early Tuesday when the cargo ship Dali notified authorities that it had lost power and issued a mayday moments before the 984-foot vessel slammed into a bridge support at a speed of 8 knots, which is about 9 mph.

Moore declared a state of emergency while rescue crews using sonar detected at least five vehicles in the frigid 50-foot-deep water: three passenger cars, a cement truck and another vehicle of some kind. Authorities do not believe anyone was inside the vehicles.

Investigators quickly concluded that it was an accident and not an act of terrorism.

Ship was involved in another collision

Earlier, two people were rescued from the water, Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said. One was in good condition and refused treatment, he said. The other was seriously injured and was being treated in a trauma center.

Moore said other drivers might have been in the water had it not been for those who, upon hearing the mayday, blocked off the bridge and kept other vehicles from crossing.

“These people are heroes,” Moore said. “They saved lives.”

Nearly eight years ago, the Dali was involved in an accident. In July 2016, it struck a quay at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, damaging the quay.

The nautical commission investigated the accident, but the details of the inquiry were not immediately clear Tuesday.

The Dali is operated and managed by Synergy Group. In a statement, the company said that two port pilots were at the helm during Tuesday's crash and that all 22 crew members onboard were accounted for.

The Dali was chartered by the Danish shipping giant Maersk, which said it would have no choice but to send its ships to other nearby ports with the Port of Baltimore closed.

The bridge, which is about a mile and a half long and carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River southeast of Baltimore, was "fully up to code," Moore said.

National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said that her agency will lead the investigation and that a data recorder on the ship could provide more information.

"But right now we're focusing on the people, on the families," she said. "The rest can wait."

President Joe Biden vowed to rebuild the bridge and send federal funds.

"This is going to take some time," the president warned. "The people of Baltimore can count on us though to stick with them, at every step of the way, till the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt."

Speaking in Baltimore, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg echoed the president's promise.

"This is no ordinary bridge," he said. "This is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure."

But Buttigieg warned that replacing the bridge and reopening the port will take time and money and that it could affect supply chains.

The Port of Baltimore, the 11th largest in the U.S., is the busiest port for car imports and exports, handling more than 750,000 vehicles in 2023 alone, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration.

Writer David Simon, a champion of Baltimore who set his TV crime drama "The Wire" on the streets of the city he once covered as a reporter, warned online that the people who will suffer the most are those whose livelihoods depend on the port.

"Thinking first of the people on the bridge," Simon posted on X . "But the mind wanders to a port city strangling. All the people who rely on ships in and out."

Timeline of crash

Dramatic video captured the moment at 1:28 a.m. Tuesday when the Dali struck a support and sent the bridge tumbling into the water. A livestream showed cars and trucks on the bridge just before the strike. The ship did not sink, and its lights remained on.

Investigators said in a timeline that the Dali's lights suddenly shut off four minutes earlier before they came back on and that then, at 1:25 a.m. dark black smoke began billowing from the ship's chimney.

A minute later, at 1:26 a.m., the ship appeared to turn. And in the minutes before it slammed into the support, the lights flickered again.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the workers on the bridge were repairing concrete ducts when the ship crashed into the structure.

At least seven workers were pouring concrete to fix potholes on the roadway on the bridge directly above where the ship hit, said James Krutzfeldt, a foreman.

Earlier, the Coast Guard said it had received a report that a “motor vessel made impact with the bridge” and confirmed it was the Dali, a containership sailing under a Singaporean flag that was heading for Sri Lanka.

Bobby Haines, who lives in Dundalk in Baltimore County, said he felt the impact of the bridge collapse from his house nearby.

"I woke up at 1:30 this morning and my house shook, and I was freaking out," he said. "I thought it was an earthquake, and to find out it was a bridge is really, really scary."

Families of bridge workers wait for updates

Earlier in the day, relatives of the construction crew waited for updates on their loved ones.

Marian Del Carmen Castellon told Telemundo her husband, Miguel Luna, 49, was working on the bridge.

“They only tell us that we have to wait and that they can’t give us information,” she said.

Castellon said she was "devastated, devastated because our heart is broken, because we don’t know how they have been rescued yet. We are just waiting for the news."

Luna's co-worker Jesús Campos said he felt crushed, too.

“It hurts my heart to see what is happening. We are human beings, and they are my folks,” he said.

Campos told The Baltimore Banner that the missing men are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

Active search and rescue ends

The Coast Guard said it was suspending the active search-and-rescue effort at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"Coast Guard’s not going away, none of our partners are going away, but we’re just going to transition into a different phase," Gilreath said at a news conference.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Roland L. Butler, Jr., said it was moving to a recovery operation. Changing conditions have made it dangerous for divers, he said. 

Butler pledged to "do our very best to recover those six missing people," but the conditions are difficult.

"If we look at how challenging it is at a simple motor vehicle crash to extract an individual, I'm sure we can all imagine how much harder it is to do it in inclement weather, when it's cold, under the water, with very limited to no visibility," he said.

"There's a tremendous amount of debris in the water," which can include sharp metal and other hazards, and that could take time, Butler said.

'A long road in front of us'

Built in 1977 and referred to locally as the Key Bridge, the structure was later named after the author of the American national anthem.

The bridge is more than 8,500 feet long, or 1.6 miles. Its main section spans 1,200 feet, and it was one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world upon its completion, according to the National Steel Bridge Alliance .

About 31,000 vehicles a day use the bridge, which equals 11.3 million vehicles per year, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The river and the Port of Baltimore are both key to the shipping industry on the East Coast, generating more than $3.3 billion a year and directly employing more than 15,000 people.

Asked what people in Baltimore can expect going forward, the state's transportation secretary said it is too early to tell.

"Obviously we reached out to a number of engineering companies, so obviously we have a long road in front of us," Wiedefeld said.

Julia Jester reported from Baltimore, Patrick Smith from London, Corky Siemaszko from New York and Phil Helsel from Los Angeles.

Julia Jester is a producer for NBC News based in Washington, D.C.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.