Series stars: Standout semi-custom yards

Founded in 1967, Palumbo Group has made huge inroads into the superyacht world in recent years, with both custom and semi-custom projects. Production has ramped up since the 2016 acquisition of ISA Yachts with new-build projects taking shape in Ancona (pictured above). The yard also has an extensive network of refit and maintenance facilities stretching from Tenerife to Malta.

Performance sailing yachts put this Finnish builder on the map, but it’s no slouch in the ever popular racer-cruiser sailing superyacht segment. The third and fourth units in the Swan 78 range are well underway while the second Swan 98 was recently sold. On top of this, the yard recently unveiled the Maxi Swan 120 model and is currently expanding its boat building facility signalling the yard has no plans to slow down.

Vacuum infusion technology is this Turkish builder’s specialism, used to construct high performance motor yachts from 19 to 32 metre. The yard has already launched two models in the 32XP range, with another approaching an imminent launch. Meanwhile, in October, the yard announced it had sold a further three hulls of its 26XP superyacht series following “hugely successful” autumn boat shows.

Value for money is the business model for this UAE builder, which aims to create high quality superyachts at a more reasonable price: its Majesty range is the perfect example. Last year, Gulf Craft presented a Majesty 100 and Majesty 125 at the European boat shows, while its 53.34 metre flagship Majesty 175 yacht is due to launch later this year. 

Design studio Nuvolari Lenard brings big boat ideas to the Monte Carlo Yachts range. The boats make excellent use of space, from the clever interior layout to sizeable sundecks and welcoming bow seating areas. Each yacht in the MCY range, from 20 to 32 metre, is built at the Monfalcone yard. This includes yachts customised to the tastes and lifestyles of their owners, from Asia to America.

Looking to shake up the traditional yachting market, Dynamiq came on to the scene offering a new, transparent way for owners to order yachts online, with every detail able to be customised and priced before your eyes. The aluminium yachts between 27 and 45 metres are themselves novel, offering a simpler approach to yachting, with superyacht features in smaller sized boats, to offset costs, and a fast speed with oceangoing range.

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.

Otam’s seven-strong range of semi-custom Milliennium yachts in open and hardtop versions includes the 45, 50, 58 Open, 58 HT, 65, 80 and 100 models. The Italian builder recently revealed that its latest fast planing yacht, the 26 metre Otam 85GTS, has reached the halfway point in construction.

Consistently a top scorer in the Global Order Book for the number and total length of yachts in build, Azimut-Benetti knows how to deliver popular semi-custom and production yachts. The new flagship is the Azimut Grande 35 Metri (pictured), a wide-body raised pilothouse yacht that gives owners the option of adding a third level as an additional sundeck.

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.