Luxury Motor Yacht Standards

BUYING ADVICE #5

Given the demand for Downeast-style motor yachts around the world, there are now numerous companies offering them... some are ‘built’; others are ‘manufactured’.

While it might sound biased, only a Maine-built boat is a Downeast boat.

When it comes to build standards, the quality of products varies greatly depending on the manufacturer/builder, and also where the boats are built – due to inconsistent standards around the world.

As an example, boats built in the USA and Europe and those built in some parts of Asia can vary in terms of design, construction, quality and performance. On face value, particularly for those new to boating, some boats might look very similar but vary significantly in quality, performance and price.

In general, boats built in the USA are known for their high-level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Many US-based boatbuilders have developed an excellent reputation for building high-quality, built-to-last vessels. US-based boatbuilders usually use high-quality materials and components and employ skilled workers who are trained in the latest boatbuilding techniques.

In some countries boat manufacturers use low-quality materials, pay staff poorly, use shortcuts to cut costs, have fewer (if any) regulations, and have non-existent quality control, which results in boats that are less durable, less seaworthy and, in some cases, unsafe.

Building a boat is a complex process that involves many factors and variables making it essential for buyers to evaluate each boat on its own merits and to consider factors such as the boatbuilder’s longevity, the materials and components used, and the design, layout and overall finish of the boat.

Back Cove and Sabre motor yachts are built to American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Category B standards. Building boats to ABYC standards offers several benefits, including increased safety and reliability, as well as improved performance and seaworthiness.

Compliance with ABYC standards means the boat has been designed and built to meet specific requirements for structural integrity, electrical systems, fuel systems, and other key components. This can help to ensure the boat is safe to operate and can withstand the rigors of marine use.

In addition, compliance with ABYC standards provides owners with peace of mind regarding the performance and seaworthiness of the boat, making it more enjoyable and comfortable to use.