Of ways to build a yacht, only two truly allow for customization

From Rendering..

…To Reality

Very few yacht builders are truly custom builders. In fact, “What do builders really meant by custom or semi-custom building?” is one of the most frequent questions we hear.

Custom yacht builders, such as Hargrave Custom Yachts, use the word primarily to differentiate themselves from the larger, production-only yacht builders. Production builders build yachts according to a fixed plan in an attempt to serve a desired target audience which they then sell and service through a global dealer network. This is done much in the same way that successful residential developers create a few floor plans and then build all the houses according to those plans.

There are actually two ways to create custom yachts – fully custom and semi-custom. Hargrave Custom Yachts specializes in both types.

What exactly is meant by the term Custom Yachts?

Yacht builders are operating in every corner of the globe, but a true custom builder is rare because it is a lot harder and less profitable than production manufacturing. What really sets apart Hargrave Custom Yachts is that not only is Hargrave willing to have a new owner participate at every planning and production stage, Hargrave actually welcomes and encourages it. For those owners who are suited to that level of control and participation, building your own yacht, the way you dream of it, is truly the yachting experience of a lifetime. From the creation of the plans, to the laying of the keel, and right up to the hoisting of the owner’s pennant, our owners are welcome to participate in every custom aspect of design and production and see every quality element that makes its way into their new yacht. That is, indeed, rare.

Does custom mean more costly?

Does that level of participation mean that it will be more expensive? Generally the answer to that question is no. Of course, custom building anything has a premium over cookie-cutter, stamped-out production, but that is what makes yachts from custom yacht builders so special and hold their value in the market so incredibly well. They aren’t like production yachts at all. However, there is no cost for an owner associated with participating in all phases of development.

Participation in building a yacht means you own it in every way, but the process is going to take time – from 12 to 24 months depending on the size of the yacht. However, the time spent is well worth it for those who want to experience what it is to create a floating masterpiece they are going to enjoy for years to come.

What are the advantages of Semi-custom?

For those who wish to have the yacht builders shorten the project’s timeline, but still command the ability to have things the way they want, there are semi-custom yachts. Hargrave builds a lot of these because we have established some incredible technology in hull design, bulkhead placement, and power plant configurations that are built into many of our custom yachts. Semi-custom yachts are yachts that are based on a popular custom-built yacht which we presented at boat shows and then customized in configuration, specifications, interior design, and layout in ways that please the new owners.

One example, that is actually available to buy right now, is the 115’ MISSY B II. The MISSY B II (video below) was created on the basic plan of the 109’ MISSY B, but it was built about 6 feet longer, four feet wider, and with larger power plants. Inside, Hargrave modified the original design to include a spiral staircase to all three levels, larger galley food preparation areas, an enlarged main salon and a 40’ sky lounge suitable for entertaining along with many other smaller features and comforts. The master stateroom also was designed to extend full beam.

Hargrave created several semi-custom yachts based on the 87-foot sky lounge motor yacht, HOUND DOG, custom built by Hargrave in 1997. HOUND DOG was itself based on the owner’s two previous Jack Hargrave designed yachts. Introduced to worldwide acclaim as the first Hargrave-built motor yacht, HOUND DOG became a template for a whole series of semi-custom yachts with names like BLUE MARTIN, ED’S TOY, and MAUGUERITE. It is not uncommon, even on a “semi-custom” project, to incorporate over 150 new, personalized design changes to elevations and specifications including details like window design, ceiling heights, cabinet design, etc. Every Hargrave, whether semi-custom or fully custom, is built to meet each new owner’s individual requirements.

The 93-foot, raised pilothouse DONNA MARIE, (video below) which is only a couple of years’ old and is available for purchase, was used by the owner as the starting point for a fully custom, 112-foot yacht with a special blue water performance hull, designed by the world famous, Seattle-based naval architect, Jack Sarin. That new 112-footer will be on display at one of the future Hargrave yacht shows, but for now, it makes the delightful 93’ DONNA MARIE available to you, and we can even tweak that yacht further to meet your special cruising needs.

The happiest owners are Hargrave owners

We can show you many more examples of both custom and semi-custom yachts and help open up your creativity to all the features and amenities you can dream of. No one else can do exactly what Hargrave Custom Yachts can do for you. We also know we have the happiest yacht owners in the industry. How do we know that? Because our happy Hargrave yacht owners tell us so. Be one of them. Let us meaningfully make a difference in your boating life.

At Hargrave Custom Yachts, “custom” is our middle name.