The number of builds larger than 150 feet continues to climb. There was a 13 percent increase in 2005 in the number of motor yachts 150 feet or larger. Last year’s listings saw a 14.6 percent increase.

This year, 139 motor yachts 150 feet and larger are reported, an 18 percent increase over 2006’s total of 118. Forty-four of those are larger than 200 feet. Even with launchings, there is enough interest to keep the number steady. Of those, 27 are 200 to 249 feet and 17 are over 250 feet. The largest is NB 978, a 531-footer under construction at ThyssenKrupp’s Nobiskrug facility.

A new Sport Boat (SB) category was added this year to distinguish the 120-foot and larger yachts that aren’t really open yachts yet don’t fit the traditional motor yacht configuration. Only eight were reported, but if their popularity holds, that number will increase as builders join in the mix.

Order Book 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, to show the scope and breadth of economic activity within the luxury yacht community. The cutoff for the order book is September 1, although shipyards are permitted to add new orders placed before October 1, or as the deadline dictates. Every effort is made by ShowBoats International’s editorial staff to assure the accuracy of the data. 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 economic conditions in the luxury yacht industry. The editors will continue to update and clarify this listing as necessary during the year as new information becomes available.

Custom Builder Rankings

Editor’s note: It is always problematic to distinguish between custom and semi-custom yachts. Some companies, such as Benetti, build yachts on both a production and a custom basis. Other companies, particularly yards manufacturing large fiberglass yachts, build custom interiors (and even superstructures) in series production hulls. In deliberating for the top custom builders ranking, the editors of ShowBoats International drew the distinction between semi-custom and custom production based on their knowledge of the builders’ willingness to substantially customize individual projects.

We initially used a liberal interpretation of what makes a custom yacht, citing "a builder’s willingness to substantially customize individual projects, particularly their willingness to move bulkheads and install owner-specified equipment." Although it allowed more boats to be considered custom, it wasn’t an accurate presentation of what constitutes a custom build.

We judge by what we think are more accurate criteria. We count the projects on which a builder will not only move bulkheads but also alter the superstructure and the waterline (especially on fiberglass projects coming from the same mold), and install owner-selected engines.

For updates to this year’s order book or to make submissions for GOB 2008, please e-mail orderbook@showboats.com.

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