Series stars: Standout semi-custom yards

Sunseeker

Semi-custom yachts are very much the best of both worlds — combining the relatively short lead times of production building with much of the flexibility associated with full custom projects. We t__ake a closer look at the top yards from around the world that are raising the bar.

Previously exclusively building in composite, the British builder recently announced it was moving into metal. It has teamed up with Dutch yard Icon Yachts to build a 49 metre aluminium superyacht called the Sunseeker 161. Announced at the Monaco Yacht Show, the Sunseeker 161 represents the British company’s first foray into metal built yachts and is set to launch in spring 2021.

Ferretti

Ferretti produces fibreglass flybridge yachts measuring up to 29 metres. The Italian builder has recently been busy refreshing its entire fleet, which is now nine models strong, including the 960, 920, 850, 780, 720, 700, 670, 550 and 450. The 20.2 metre 670 yacht made its debut in June last year as parent company Ferretti Group celebrated its 50th anniversary in Venice.

Riva

Turning heads in Italy since 1842, the sexy lines of a classic Riva runabout define the golden age of yachting. In 2014, the dayboat pro launched its new line of Riva Superyachts, built in aluminium and steel and ranging from 50 to 100 metres. Currently under construction in Ancona, the first Riva 50M will become the flagship of the Riva range when it hits the water. Though this new 50 metre flagship is a far cry from the size of early Rivas — this one will host 12 guests and carry its own Williams Dieseljet 625 tender and two Jet Skis — its styling is inspired by Carlo Riva’s Caravelle line from the 1960s and 70s.

Horizon

Not wanting to be pigeonholed, semi-custom Asian builder Horizon Yachts offers a wide range of yacht styles as standard and encourages customisation within each, adapting them to different markets. The first FD77 model is currently nearing completion at the Taiwanese yard while construction is well underway on the first model of the yard's FD102 series.

Baglietto

With a background in crafting navy ships, this Italian yard specialises in planing, light aluminium alloy yachts ranging from 35 to 50 metres, but it also has a trick up its sleeve with steel and aluminium yachts in the 40 metre-plus range.

Benetti

The Italian builder — born in 1873, so one of Europe’s oldest shipyards — has a varied selection in its semi-custom line-up, ranging from fast to full displacement motor yachts. It recently launched its biggest ever build - the 107 metre FB 277 while delivering the fourth unit of its Mediterraneo 116 series and the 69 metre Spectre to owners John and Jeanette Staluppi.

Westport

This American builder consistently turns out its range of semi-custom superyachts, on time and on budget. Westport range includes four proven models; the 34 metre Westport 112, the 38 metre Westport 125, the 40 metre Westport 130 and the 50 metre Westport 164.

Princess

Based in Plymouth since 1965, this British yard manufactures many of its components itself. Princess produces hundreds of yachts a year in a range spanning 22 models, from drive-it-yourself to the semi-custom M Class.

Hargrave

Hargrave Custom Yachts — the name says it all. This builder has turned its bespoke wisdom to the semi-custom sphere with the 101 Raised Pilothouse model. Defining Hargrave features include high-volume interiors with layouts boasting country kitchens, big staterooms and plentiful storage.

Viking

A premier builder of sportfishers, Viking Yachts launched its first motor yacht in 15 years with the 75MY in 2015. It upped the ante with the Viking 93. It’s the largest Viking to date at 28 metres, just outpacing the Viking 92 Enclosed Bridge Convertible sportfishing boat. Viking says it will continue to grow its motor yacht fleet in the next few years.

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