Thus, we’ve refined the way we look at these subjects. In defining criteria for the custom builder rankings, the editors drew the distinction between semi-custom and custom production based on their knowledge of the builder’s willingness to substantially tailor individual projects, particularly as they relate to re-engineering for power packages or weight distribution, designing unique superstructures, reconfiguring interior spaces, and installing owner-specified equipment. Combined custom and semi-production totals are noted separately. (Click image to enlarge)

Benetti retains its grip on first place among custom builders, but this time by a smaller margin and based solely on its 14 unique projects over 160 feet, which together total a still-staggering 2,640 feet. CRN, which was in second place last year on the basis of its combined custom and Custom Line projects, is now ninth on the basis of its six truly custom builds.

Feadship moves into second, nudging Lürssen into third position. Trinity, the largest custom builder in the United States, moves up one to fourth place. Meanwhile, Burger advances three places up the chart to 10th on an increase of 109 feet. Delta makes a triumphant return in 13th place after slipping off the list in 2005. Germany has a strong showing with the additions of Blohm & Voss and Abeking & Rasmussen in eighth and 15th places, respectively. (Click image to enlarge)

Large Builds on the Rise

Contracts for motor yachts 150 feet and larger increased 15% to 118 builds from 103 in 2005. Of those, 33% are over 200 feet. While anomalous projects such as Octopus and Rising Sun are off the list, Peter Croke, managing director of Merle Wood & Associates, says he’s noticed a definite trend in "normal" yachts getting bigger as yachtsmen appear once again interested in trading up. For example, Abeking reports three new orders, all well over 150 feet. The same is true for Heesen. Whereas the yard had a lone 154-footer on last year’s list, five of its 12 current projects are over 150 feet. Thom Conboy, Heesen’s director of sales, attributes the increase to "a consistent product line, good brand image campaign and a lot of buyers." Of course, all the builders on the lists are enjoying the latter detail. (Click image to enlarge)

Ground Rules

The purpose of this listing is to provide a body of data— compiled in a systematic fashion at the same time every year—showing the scope and breadth of economic activity within the luxury yacht community for vessels of at least 80 feet LOA. The cutoff for the Global Order Book is September 1, although shipyards are permitted to add orders that materialize prior to deadline. Every effort is made by the editorial staff of ShowBoats International to assure the accuracy of the data and that projects are under construction or under contract with deposits in hand. Whenever possible, the data is cross-referenced with other industry sources. However, collecting this information in an unregulated international industry is difficult at best. Nevertheless, the editors believe this order book listing and analysis is an accurate reflection of existing business in the luxury yacht industry as of September 27, 2005. (Click image to enlarge)

Data compiled by Bill Ando.

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