Princess Y78 yacht tour: The biggest boat you can run without crew (2024)

FAQs

Princess Y78 yacht tour: The biggest boat you can run without crew? ›

We typically place crew on yachts from 24m/78′ – to 120+m/395+'.

We typically place crew on yachts from 24m/78′ – to 120+m/395+'.

A 40-foot sailboat is the maximum size for one person to be able to single-handedly control safely. It can be successfully argued up or down a couple of feet, based on the experience and abilities of the sailor.

Generally speaking, smaller superyachts between 24-30m (80-100ft) in size will require a crew of between 2 and 8 members, whereas mid-sized yachts between 30-60m (100-200ft) will require between 8 and 20 crew members.

Generally speaking, in the legislation of the vast majority of countries there are no requirements regarding crew for private vessels. Accordingly, in theory you can sail a yacht of any size alone. Depending on the country, you may need a captain's license to operate your boat, but the crew size is up to you.

For a small vessel, about 50 to 80 feet with room for eight guests, an owner would need two to four crew members, according to Oxana Vergne, charter manager at Engel & Völkers Yachting, a brokerage focused on yacht sales and charters. Mega yachts, like a 236-foot Serenity, may have up to 30 crew members, she said.

The USCG license isn't always required. If you are wondering, “What length of boat requires a captain's license?” The answer is this: If your vessel is less than 26 feet in length and doesn't require a mate, then you may be exempt from having a captain's license.

In the US, legally you can operate ANY size yacht all by yourself. However, at some point the engine room becomes too complicated to not have at least one engineer. A really big boat you may want round the clock watches in the engine room. But it's not about the size, really.

Anything less than 30 feet will not handle weather and waves as well, but they still make for great boats if you pay attention to the weather. On the other hand, boats over 40 feet can handle all but the worst weather, while allowing you to fish with ease.

To go offshore, you need a boat that's 30 feet long or larger. Smaller fishing boats can be thrown around on rough waves, creating a dangerous and uncomfortable experience for you and other passengers.

Why are yachts limited to 12 guests? ›

This is largely to do with international maritime regulations, as yachts that carry more than 12 guests are legally considered to be passenger ships, which means they have to meet a different set of criteria to cruise at sea under the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC).

Motor yachts in the 50-60 foot range can be owner operated, but some yachts do offer a crew quarter if you choose to hire a captain. Example >>> Prestige X60. 60-70 Feet >>> Larger motor yachts are perfect for extended travels and entertaining.

As of Jun 8, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Yacht Crew in the United States is $21.28 an hour.

Some specific yacht users are known to regularly exchange sex for gifts such as luxury watches. “It's the norm in the industry,” the captain said. “The owners want to hook up with the stewardesses. It's quite crazy, and disgusting.”

A boat's size does not necessarily dictate whether a captain's license is required. Rather, financial consideration for operational services, the presence of paying passengers, or insurance companies will determine if a captain's license is required.

The rule of thumb for single handing is around 35-45 feet max, with the displacement of the boat actually probably being the better measure. Once you are over 9 tons (18,000 lbs) conservation of momentum means things get very tricky to control. You also have anchor size.

While many yachts in this range are outfitted with crew quarters, it's not unheard of for owners to operate a yacht of this size by themselves due to new technology and features. For instance, bow and stern thrusters plus wireless docking controllers can enable owners to run and dock the yacht themselves.

A boat's size does not necessarily dictate whether a captain's license is required. Rather, financial consideration for operational services, the presence of paying passengers, or insurance companies will determine if a captain's license is required.