The 70 foot yacht range often represents a demarcation in yachting. Vessels below this size range are often owner-operated whereas once yacht owners get into the 70 foot range, owners typically do not operate the yacht themselves. The 70 foot yacht is also just shy of what most consider to be the superyacht category. For instance, Boat International tracks superyacht sales and production data of yachts worldwide that are at least 24 meters in length (78-79 feet).
As the yacht size increases, the complexity of the purchase can also increase. While we often still begin with general use case questions such as what the yacht will be used for, how many guests should it accommodate and where do you plan to travel with the yacht, there are other important elements to consider when purchasing a 70 foot yacht. Considerations such as build quality, yacht type, cruising speed, propulsion options and more are all important elements to thoroughly examine.
Yacht Type
Understanding the various yacht types is key to matching the right 70 foot yacht to your needs. Express yachts (can be referred to as express cruisers or sport cruisers) typically refer to yachts with a single deck above the hull and a living space below deck. These yachts often catch the eyes of onlookers as they are sleek and sporty.
Express yachts can be further grouped by looking at the hard top or enclosure. Typically the hard top express yacht either offers a semi-enclosure or full-enclosure for the operator. An open express yacht is different, however, in that it has maximum space for sun with little to no shade on deck. The open express can sometimes be referred to as a “Mediterranean” style yacht.
The flybridge or sedan bridge yacht refers to a yacht that includes an additional space above the main deck. This additional level can include seating and control station. Often times since the flybridge above is present, the main deck will have an enclosed space. The flybridge itself can be open air or enclosed.
Interior Layout
When yachts get into the 70 foot range, the interior layout can include a wide variety of options to suit your particular yachting lifestyle. Yachts in this range often have a spacious main deck salon with excellent seating, dining and entertaining spaces. Down below, the yachts will often have four or more cabins plus crew quarters. Newer yachts feature impressive full beam master bedrooms that come with remarkable spaciousness and the latest amenities. Quite often, a flybridge includes additional seating and control station.
Finishes and interior designs can vary widely depending on the model and age of the yacht. Commissioning a new yacht build of course means that owners can provide input and select particular finishes and features to meet their needs and tastes.
Considerations When Buying A 70 Foot Yacht
If you’re relatively new to yachting, it can be good to get some experience. Taking time to charter a yacht in various destinations can help you narrow down what yacht you wish to buy. Getting familiar through actual use of different yacht types can be very helpful. What features and amenities are important to you? What kind of crew do you anticipate needing? Are you looking for a smaller, more easy-to-operate yacht or are you looking for the most luxurious yachting experience while cruising longer distances? Experience is truly the best way to get closer to accurate answers to these questions.
Understanding your estimated budget for a yacht purchase is a crucial element in narrowing down your options. While understanding that there is always a bigger and more expensive yacht, identify a price range that you are comfortable with while also factoring in crew, maintenance and operating expenses.
Once you identify the yacht type and price range, with the assistance of a yacht broker, you can begin identifying potential options. If considering used yachts, buyers will always encounter the trade-off between age and size. A newer and smaller boat can often cost the same or more than a larger vessel with more years. Of course, newer boats may have less maintenance and upkeep costs while also providing updated technology and features. It’s at this point where an experienced yacht broker can really provide tremendous value. Understanding your needs and budget, a yacht broker can provide excellent advice on selecting yachts to target for purchase that will lead to years of enjoyment and minimal stress.
Custom designing a new yacht can be a thrilling process for owners. Essentially, the owner can provide input at the earliest design phases of the process. The entire design and build process can take years, and the owner experiences taking the yacht from design concept to launch. A semi-custom approach is also available through a number of yacht manufacturers where the owner is essentially purchasing a production model and providing customizations during the build process. Again, talking through your needs and goals with a yacht broker can lead to the most optimal outcome.
Hiring the necessary and appropriate crew for your yacht is an important consideration where many yacht owners can make mistakes. TGYG’s yacht brokers have experience advising on the crew hiring process for yachts of all sizes. Consulting your yacht broker during this process can lead to ensuring the right personnel are in place and to potentially saving quite a bit of money.
Lastly, resale value of the yacht is also an important consideration. The degree to which your yacht holds its value will be based on a number of factors including the quality of the build and finish, maintenance of the vessel during the years of operation, the age of the boat and the overall market conditions at the time of sale. Discuss with your yacht broker the potential variance in resale between the yachts being considered for purchase. An experienced yacht broker who knows the market can provide guidance and help advise on how much this should be taken into consideration at the time of purchase.
As you can tell, working with an experienced yacht broker that you trust is crucial when pursuing a 70 foot yacht or bigger. With the complexity of the vessels and the many variables to consider, a yacht broker that truly knows the product can be the difference between a yacht purchase that leads to minimal stress and years of enjoyment for you and your family and a purchase that can lead to stressful ownership and regret.
Tom George Yacht Group yacht brokers pride themselves on establishing life-long relationships with clients. Our clients’ long-term enjoyment with their desired yachting lifestyle is our focus. This is evidenced by our trustworthy guidance and assistance throughout not just the purchase process but through years of ownership as well. Contact us today if you have questions about your yachting needs.
New 70 Foot Yachts to Consider
Hatteras GT70 Convertible Sportfish
The GT70 is engineered to excel under tough conditions, while offering a host of features and amenities that define the premium sportfish category. It is built on a variable deadrise bottom with a sharp entry and powered by standard twin CAT C-32A diesels (or optional MTUs). And with a cruise range in the mid-30s and top-end speed over 40 knots, it is a workhorse with the bearing and grace of a thoroughbred.
Inside, you’ll find a lavish interior, from the gourmet galley and spacious salon to the five-stateroom, four-head accommodations. In taking cues from the celebrated Hatteras style and legendary performance, the GT70 offers the ultimate tournament sportfishing platform. Click here to read more about the Hatteras GT70.
Hatteras M75 Panacera
The M75 features a gorgeous full-beam master suite in addition to a private VIP stateroom and designer-inspired twin staterooms for your guests. Along with a generous array of fine amenities, the M75 also offers the ability to introduce a range of custom details to ensure the yacht bears your personal stamp. The Tom George Yacht Group team has delivered custom builds of the M75 Panacera to clients and is quite familiar with the model. Contact TGYG to discuss further if interested. Click here to read more about the Hatteras M75 Panacera.
