Yacht Companies May Not Select the Equipment That is Just Right for You

A Buyer’s Guide to Cruiser Yacht “Must-Haves”

Yacht companies are not equal in their choices for style or equipment. Motor yacht builders all have their own pre-made blueprints for their customers. For many, the decision about equipment and layout depends on the production model building plans these yacht companies create.

On the other hand, custom yacht builders, like Hargrave Custom Yachts, are guided completely by the wishes of their customers. Before production begins, every detail is selected and customized: size, layout, equipment, and all aspects of the interior. When it comes to choosing equipment for luxury yachts and luxury yacht charters, Hargrave takes great care in helping owners select the right equipment for the right circumstances.

Top Picks for Cruiser Yacht Must-Haves:

So, What Does a Great Cruising Yacht Look Like?

By far, the most popular luxury yachts for sale are in the 70′ to 135′ range. Of those, the most popular cruising motor yachts are in the range over 100 feet. Audio/video equipment is at the top of every motor yacht builder’s list, but in addition to that, there are a number of electronic innovations you should include on cruises. Here are a few “must-haves”, along with layout ideas that would make your cruise enjoyable and safe.

3 Features to Maximize Luxury and Space

When the deck plan is customized for maximum useable space, the 100′ to 135′ yacht makes a great cruiser yacht. Custom yacht companies like Hargrave can make interior spaces feel like they should belong to larger super yachts.

  1. Headroom should be at least 7’2″ to 7’4″ in all living spaces. That height is needed to enjoy a spacious feel and comfort.
  2. Sitting areas need to have ample furniture, but sized and arranged so the presence of furniture does not overwhelm the spacious ambiance.
  3. Seating variety inside and topside makes for more interesting pastime areas, which is especially important on longer cruises.

5 Stateroom Arrangement Considerations for Comfort and Privacy

Staterooms should be arranged for maximum guest comfort, privacy and security.

  1. A main deck master’s stateroom is ideal, especially if it can be a full-beam suite.
  2. VIP Stateroom arrangement is even better when it adjoins a room so children stay close to parents.
  3. Staterooms should all have private heads and bathing facilities and plentiful closet space.
  4. Ideally, the captain’s stateroom should be near the main helm control station.
  5. Crew quarters should be nearby the crew galley, eating area, lounging and entertainment area

Water and Waste Considerations for a Long Voyage

  1. The SEA RECOVERY Aquamatic with an 1,800 gallons-per-day capacity assures plenty of water for everyone (especially when cruising with a large group of people).
  2. The HEADHUNTER TidalWave TW-300LP waste treatment system is designed for power yachts on long cruises. There are no harsh chemicals, no odors, easy to operate and compact to install. Capacity is 300 gallons per day.

3 Top Communication Picks

When you need to communicate, you need reliability. Carefully chose a package for your GMDSS radio station with ICom VHF/DSC radios so there is cross-purpose utility and redundancy.

  1. The VHF Radio Telephone JRC JHS 770 SemiDuplex GMDSS is a great primary communication device. Although GMDSS is not required aboard vessels under 300 tons, why avoid the convenience and the life-saving technology it offers? The modular design allows installation flexibility. When connected to the AIS, it will display a list of nearby targets for direct access. Bearing, range and MMSI information of target vessels are sorted from closest to farthest. You can scan and select a contact and send a DSC message immediately. That feature is unique to JRC.
  2. NAVTEX NX 700 is dual-channel capable with one dedicated to international messages and the other selectable. It provides positioning when connected to the GPS.
  3. A SAT/COM Telephone makes a great primary communication device tool as well as a reliable backup to other radios.

4 Must–Have Navigation Picks

You always have to know where you are if you intend to get where you are going.

  1. FURUNO NavNet 3D is an excellent expandable and scalable system. “TimeZero” technology and sensors are digital.
  2. NOBELTEC Navigation, such as the VNS 11, offers great displays, high-power performance and solid quality. It provides real-time position fixing and seamless chart integration. It also has auto-pilot support and radar integration capabilities.
  3. FURUNO AIS is top notch and the FA-150 is highly recommended as a transponder for positive identification and tracking.
  4. FURUNO SC50 is a top-of-the-line satellite compass. Neither G-forces nor velocity interrupts the SC50′s ability to position. The SC50 is a great alternative to the expensive and high-maintenance gyrocompass. Data is highly accurate, tempered by GPS and a 3-axis solid state rate sensor. Output for pitch and roll can enhance the sonar system, too.

Is There One Place to Find ALL of These Top Picks?

As a matter of fact there is one place where the best selected “must-have” products can be found: Hargrave Custom Yacht’s newest creation, the 135-foot, Tri-Deck DREAMER. This luxurious motor yacht for sale has been built with the highest quality and best of everything on board for the ultimate yachting experience. DREAMER is one of those cruiser yachts whose magic rooms are much bigger on the inside than the outside. See DREAMER and other custom yachts with hand-picked elements that make fabulous cruising power yachts at Hargrave Custom Yachts.