Snapshot Into Yacht Trend Report 2022: The Rise of Semi-Custom Expedition Yachts

In the last few years, especially during and post-pandemic, the search for exploring remote corners of the world has seen a rise. This increasing demand for traveling far and beyond has made explorer yachts the leader among superyachts.

This article was featured in the yachting magazine Numarine Insight.

Despite some initial shock when the pandemic first hit, the superyacht industry quickly recovered with consistent growth. On this year’s Global Order Book, there are currently 1,024 superyacht projects of over 24 meters under construction or in order worldwide. This number was 821 in the previous 2021 report.

According to GOB, the total length of the superyachts, which will to be launched and delivered to their owners between 2022 and 2026, exceeds 40 kilometers.

The majority of the demand consists of series semi-custom models—below 45 meters—with a positive trend starting in the last quarter of 2020. There are 424 bodies in the 25-30 meter segment with the highest demand, which is 30.50 percent more than the previous year. In addition, the growth of the 30-45 meter segment has reached 28 percent.

SHINING STAR EXPLORER

With the rise of the expedition yachts, the far-flung corners of the world suddenly seem within reach. The new boat users keen to travel safely, slower and further, are seeking more environmentally friendly trips with their loved ones. Explorer yachts suitable for many different climates, and which can travel to the extremes of the world, account for the bulk of this popular demand. In the 2022 GOB report, the highest growth appears in the explorer category at a rate of 33 percent with 85 bodies.

In addition, with the effect of climate change becoming more perceptible, the superyacht industry is also taking substantial measures to create eco-friendly solutions where possible. This is why the engine manufacturers are developing new technologies and also promoting the use of hybrid engines on yachts to reduce emissions and save fuel. To this end Numarine has been using solar-hybrid panels to power the new generation explorer models. The 26XP, for example, can generate up to 7,530 watts of power to charge a generator with extra lithium batteries.

[TURKEY] RANKS AMONG THE TOP FIVE IN THE WORLD

More than half of the world’s yacht production consists of luxury motor yachts. [Turkey] ranks among the top five in this production, along with Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Qatar. The Turkish market share in the global arena is around 10 percent. According to GOB, the countries that produce semi-customized series are growing the most. Turkey’s growth rate of 2022 is no less impressive. At a rate of 15 percent, [Turkey] ranks between Italy, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany.

The materials preferred in yacht body production determine durability, design, speed and fuel consumption. The three most popular bodybuilding materials today are GRP (fiberglass), stainless steel and aluminum. The 100 percent use of carbon fiber in hulls is not yet common; although it can be used as an additional material in all hulls for weight/volume ratios. Similarly, new generation Numarine yachts are built using a combination of hand lay and vacuum infusion to obtain a heavier and more robust hull to create more stable and seaworthy explorer vessels.

ALL STOCKS ARE SOLD FOR 2022

Compared to the previous year, the sheer growth in the number of boats sold in advance for 2022 is stunning. All stocks are sold for 2022 as well as for the most part of 2023 and 2024. This is good news for the industry, promising many busy years ahead. However, one should not forget that it also brings with it certain challenges. The superyacht industry requires a niche set of skills and expert craftsmen, of which Numarine has plenty.

The yacht industry is in its golden age, so let’s see what the future holds. So far, it looks very bright.

Interested in learning more about Numarine Yachts? Contact Alex G. Clarke, who is ready to answer any questions and start your journey to owning a new yacht.

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