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Nu’s Maritime Encyclopedia

Nu Knows the Sea: A Living Maritime Encyclopedia

ALL CATEGORIES

Vessels & Types
Hull & Design
Nautical Terminology
Sailing & Rigging
Engine & Systems
Safety & Emergency Equipment
Engine & Systems
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Vessels & Types

All types of watercraft used in yachting and maritime activity, from sailboats to superyachts.

Yacht

A yacht is a recreational watercraft used for pleasure, sport, or luxury. Yachts come in a range of sizes, typically starting around 10 meters (33 feet) and going up to over 100 meters for megayachts. They can be either sailing yachts or motor yachts and are often equipped with luxurious accommodations, navigation systems, and leisure facilities. The term "yacht" is typically associated with private ownership and affluence.
 

Subtypes:
 

  • Day Yacht
  • Bluewater Yacht
  • Performance Yacht
  • Explorer Yacht
  • Expedition Yacht
Sailing Yacht

A sailing yacht is a vessel that uses wind-powered sails as its main form of propulsion. Often equipped with auxiliary engines for maneuvering, these yachts come in various sizes and rig configurations. Sailing yachts are favored by those who value sustainability, the challenge of seamanship, and the experience of traditional navigation.


Subtypes:
 

  • Cruiser-Racer
  • Daysailer
  • Performance Cruiser
  • Classic Sailing Yacht
  • Ocean Cruiser
Motor Yacht

A motor yacht is a power-driven vessel designed for comfort, speed, and range. Ranging from compact cruisers to large, luxurious boats, motor yachts are ideal for coastal and offshore cruising. They feature multiple decks, refined interiors, and high-end amenities.

Subtypes:
 

  • Flybridge Yacht
  • Hardtop Yacht
  • Open Yacht
  • Displacement Yacht
  • Semi-Displacement Yacht
Superyacht

A superyacht is a luxury yacht typically over 24 meters (79 feet) in length, offering extravagant living spaces, bespoke design, and full crew service. Built to exceptional standards, superyachts are symbols of wealth and are often used for private leisure or exclusive charters.

Subtypes:
 

  • Custom Superyacht
  • Semi-Custom Superyacht
  • Sailing Superyacht
  • Explorer Superyacht
  • Giga Yacht
Catamaran

A catamaran is a multihull vessel with two parallel hulls connected by a deck. Known for stability and shallow draft, catamarans provide wide beam layouts, spacious interiors, and excellent performance under both sail and power.

Subtypes:

 

  • Sailing Catamaran
  • Power Catamaran
  • Luxury Catamaran
  • Cruising Catamaran
  • Sport Catamaran
Dinghy

 A dinghy is a small, lightweight boat used for short-distance transport, training, or sport. It may be inflatable or rigid and is often towed or stored aboard a larger vessel. Dinghies are frequently used as yacht tenders or as training craft in sailing schools.

Subtypes:
 

  • Sailing Dinghy
  • Inflatable Dinghy
  • Rigid Dinghy
  • Folding Dinghy
  • Racing Dinghy
Cruiser

 A cruiser is a yacht designed for long-term travel and onboard living. Suitable for coastal or bluewater passages, cruisers are outfitted with ample storage, comfortable cabins, and essential life-support systems for extended journeys.


Subtypes:
 

  • Coastal Cruiser
  • Offshore Cruiser
  • Liveaboard Cruiser
  • Bluewater Cruiser
  • Pocket Cruiser
Trawler

A trawler is a motor yacht inspired by traditional fishing boats, featuring a displacement hull for slow, fuel-efficient travel. With high freeboard and extended range capabilities, trawlers are ideal for long-distance, liveaboard cruising.


Subtypes:

 

  • Long-Range Trawler
  • Fast Trawler
  • Displacement Trawler
  • Expedition Trawler
  • Sedan Trawler
RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)

 A RIB is a lightweight yet robust vessel featuring a solid hull and inflatable tubes. Used as tenders, rescue craft, or high-speed watercraft, RIBs combine maneuverability with seaworthiness and are favored in both leisure and professional settings.


Subtypes:

 

  • Leisure RIB
  • Commercial RIB
  • Military/Rescue RIB
  • Jet RIB
  • Console RIB
Tender

A tender is a small boat used to support a larger vessel by ferrying passengers, provisions, or crew between shore and ship. Tenders can be basic inflatables or high-end enclosed boats offering comfort and speed.


Subtypes:

 

  • Jet Tender
  • Limousine Tender
  • Utility Tender
  • Chase Boat
  • RIB Tender
Ketch

A ketch is a sailing yacht with two masts: a mainmast forward and a shorter mizzenmast aft of the main but ahead of the rudder. Ketch rigs provide flexible sail handling and reduced sail sizes, making them ideal for long-distance cruising.


Subtypes:

 

  • Cruising Ketch
  • Traditional Ketch
  • Modern Performance Ketch
  • Steel Ketch
Sloop

A sloop is a single-masted sailing vessel with a mainsail and a single headsail. This rig type is known for its simplicity and efficiency, and is the most popular sail configuration among recreational sailors.


 Subtypes:

 

  • Fractional Sloop
  • Masthead Sloop
  • Racing Sloop
  • Cruising Sloop
Schooner

 A schooner is a multi-masted sailing ship where the forward mast is equal to or shorter than the mainmast. Known for historical use in trade and transport, schooners today are appreciated for their elegance and traditional sailing appeal.


 Subtypes:

 

  • Gaff-Rigged Schooner
  • Topsail Schooner
  • Two-Masted Schooner
  • Training Schooner