An outboard engine is considered to be an attribute of a powerboat, while yachts have traditionally been equipped with inboards
Sizewise the line between powerboats and yachts is blurred. Something in between is normally called cruisers, which makes it all even more confusing. One way or another, by yacht we mean a boat with at least one cabin and basic amenities on board.
There are quite a few models on the market that can definitely be referred to as yachts in terms of comfort, but they are equipped with outboard engines rather than inboard ones. This solution has a number of advantages: outboards are easier to service and replace, and they can make a boat considerably faster compared to inboards.
Here is our top 10 of popular and very diverse models, which refute the claim that outboards are good for small powerboats only.
Azimut Verve 48 (15.03 m)
Italian Azimut’s Verve line includes two outboard-powered models: the Verve 42 (12.90 m) and the larger Verve 48 (15.03 m). Both are powered by Mercury engines, but the former has three engines of 400 hp each, while the latter boasts three engines of 600 hp each, which allows the vessel, which is quite large for an outboard, to reach 50 knots (90 km/h) easily. At a cruising speed of 37 knots the range is about 230 nautical miles.
Below deck there are two cabins, a bathroom and a saloon with a galley and a dining area that can be transformed into an extra double bed. On the main deck there is a smartly planned cockpit under a light hardtop (open aft and partly on the sides) and a spacious lounge foreword.
Axopar 45 (13.90 m)
The Axopar 45 is a whole range of boats, manufactured by young Finnish Axopar shipyard. With the same length the model is available in three configurations: the Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin (with a fully enclosed wheelhouse), the Axopar 45 Cross Top (with a partially glazed hardtop) and the Axopar 45 Sun-Top (with a windshield). Besides, there are different aft configurations, too: there is Open Aft with a completely free cockpit, and there is Aft Cabin with an additional aft cabin.
The Axopar 45 is not just an efficient, but a versatile boat. The yard refers to her concept as “modular”. A wide range of options along with the opportunity to change the layout considerably allows one to “adjust” this model to all kinds of leisure, sports and travels. Depending on the modification, there is a spacious open or enclosed cockpit, one or two double cabins, a head and a well-appointed galley. Three outboard Mercury engines of 300 hp each deliver a top speed of 45 knots (76 km/h).
Galeon 435 GTO (13.65 m)
Most of the boats in a large model range by Polish Galeon shipyard are powered by inboard engines, even the small 10-metre ones. The exception is the GTO line with its new flagship named the 435 GTO. There are two cockpits on the main deck, a generous swimming platform and fold-down bulwarks.
Below deck there are two very light cabins, quite a spacious bathroom and a well-appointed galley. The boat can be powered by two outboard engines of 600 hp each, or four engines of 500 hp each.
Swan Shadow (13.23 m)
The Shadow is the first motor project of the legendary Finnish sailing yacht manufacturer, Nautor Swan. It is not so much a practical boat as an expensive, elegant toy – a chase boat for a sailing yacht or a tender for a large superyacht.
On board there is a cabin for two and a head in case one needs to stay overnight, but in general the Shadow is meant for a beautiful life in the sun. The outboard engines here are not hanging astern, but are covered with a movable swim platform, which can be lowered into the water or raised to form a passarelle. The cockpit can be tailored to meet the owner’s needs: with sofas, tables, sunbeds, a bar, etc., or can be left almost free and turn the boat into a platform for fishing. And rather a fast one: with three outboard Mercury engines of 350 hp each, the Shadow is capable of reaching a speed of 55 knots.
Beneteau Antares 12 (12.97 m)
All of the Antares line by French Beneteau shipyard is powered by outboard engines – from the smallest Antares 6 OB (5.70 m), which is, to be precise, more of a powerboat, to the flagship Antares 12, which is definitely a yacht.
The boat that is a little smaller than 13 m does not only have three cabins, a head and a saloon with a galley and a dining area, transforming into an extra bed, but even a flybridge with an upper helm, another dining area and a sunpad. Besides, there is a spacious aft cockpit with a sofa and a ‘beach area’ foreword. It is a real family yacht, albeit a compact one. She is powered by just two outboard engines with a total power of up to 900 hp.
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295 Fly (12.56 m)
All of Merry Fisher range manufactured by French Jeanneau shipyard is outboard-powered, too. It is it not surprising for the entry-level Merry Fisher 605, which is just 5.66 m, but the same refers to the flybridge flagship of the range, the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly, the only difference being that it features three outboards of 300 hp each, not one.
There are three double cabins, two heads, a saloon, a galley, a spacious aft cockpit with fold-out bulwarks and, finally, a flybridge with an extra helm station, sunpads, a bar and a dining area. Just like the rest of the range, the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly is considered to be a practical family boat, so the choice of outboards here is quite justified in terms of price and ease of operation.
Bavaria Vida 33 (11.03 m)
From a distance, this model from German Bavaria shipyard looks like an inboard-powered yacht, as her outboards of 150 to 300 hp each are not hanging astern. They are located in a “well” between the transom and the swim platform that frames it on three sides. The Bavaria 33 Vida comes in two versions of the foredeck layout: with a large sunpad or a lounge area with a cocktail table and seating for six.
In the cockpit there is a triple helm station, a large dining area and an open galley. Below deck there is a saloon with a dining area, which can transform into a large double bed, and rather a spacious dedicated bathroom with a shower.
NorthSilver Pro 940 (9.94 m)
In addition to a huge variety of powerboat models, Russian NorthSilver shipyard manufactures a range of larger boats named Expedition, meant for longer cruises. The larger Expedition models like the NorthSilver 1440 and the NorthSilver 1270 are powered by inboard engines, while the entry-level one, the NorthSilver Pro 940, is powered by two outboard engines of 250 hp each in the standard version.
The boat is not large, so there is just one double cabin on board, but on the whole the level of comfort is more than sufficient for the size category. There is a bathroom with a shower, a mini galley with a sink, a stove, a fridge and a cupboard. If necessary, there can be an extra bed in the dining area in the wheelhouse. Besides, the cabin’s roof is useful space, too, and there is a spacious aft cockpit for fishing and lots of lockers for storing all the necessary gear.
Grizzly 960 (9.60 m)
This is a flagship model for Grizzly Marine from Saint Petersburg. The reinforced aluminum hull allows the boat to approach even unequipped shores easily, which is quite valuable in Russian inland waters, and the superstructure of fiberglass makes the model more "friendly" and cozy compared to other brutal, all-aluminum boats.
Despite the compact size there are six berths on board, a head, a galley with a stove and a sink. In addition, there are lots of opportunities to outfit the boat in accordance with your needs, starting from a fridge to some special equipment.
Nord Star 28 OB (9.30 m)
Only the enty-level model by Finnish Linex Boat OY – the Nord Star 24 and the Nord Star 26 – used to come in two versions: with one inboard or two outboard engines. Later they offered an outboard version of the larger Nord Star 28 OB of 9.30 m, too. She is offered with a variety of optional twin outboards of 200 to 350 hp each, which allows her to reach a top speed of up to 50 knots (95 km/h).
The Nord Star 28 OB is a “4х4 of the sea” with a trawler wheelhouse, which can serve for various purposes: travelling, fishing, or as a “supplement” to a country house. Excellent performance characteristics allow one to use the boat in any weather and even in a severe climate. There is an enclosed wheelhouse with a helm station and a dining area that transforms into a bed, two double cabins, a head and a mini galley.
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