Sub-50m semi-custom yachts

Why should you buy a semi-custom yacht?

Purchasing a semi-custom yacht offers the perfect balance between personalisation, performance, and practicality. Owners will have an excellent opportunity to customise their vessel to their own tastes, without the extensive time and financial commitment of a fully custom build. These yachts are built on proven platforms by leading shipyards, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and reliable performance, while offering enough flexibility to make your yacht feel distinctly yours. Whether you’re building new or refitting a second-hand yacht, a semi-custom model allows for considerable customisation, making it a unique expression of your vision.

Large choice of options available on the 30-55m market

The semi-custom yacht market offers a diverse range of options, catering to different styles and preferences. Some owners prioritise speed and agility, opting for fast, sporty yachts that can deliver great performance and quick island hops. Others may want a spacious, family-oriented yacht that makes the most of the 500GT threshold, maximising interior space with larger accommodations and social areas. Regardless of your preference, the semi-custom market is filled with yachts that strike a perfect balance between luxury, functionality, and aesthetic design.

Proven platforms with the flexibility to customise or refit to your personal taste

'The main advantage of choosing a semi-custom yacht over a fully custom one is that you get the benefits of a pre-designed and pre-tested platform but still have the option to add some personal touches on it, such as interior colours and materials. These two aspects come together with a significantly reduced build time and a lower asking price as well, in contrast to a fully customised yacht.' Nikolas Pantagias, CA Listings Manager, Athens

Easily access marinas and smaller/shallow bays

The size and draft of a sub-50m yacht offers the best of both worlds. Namely, the ability to access to a wide variety of marinas and anchorages, including those in smaller or shallower bays. Dock in smaller, exclusive marinas or explore less accessible coastal areas that are off-limits to yachts over 60m. This freedom opens up a broader range of cruising destinations, allowing for a more adventurous and spontaneous yachting experience.

As well as this, their nifty speed makes them the best choice if you like to keep on the move and explore different islands and anchorages. A beach picnic ashore on one secluded sandy bay for lunch, a different west-facing beach for an evening barbecue to watch the sun sink below the horizon.

A large market for sale or charter

Semi-custom yachts are highly sought after, making them a solid investment both in terms of resale and charter potential. This size category occupies a significant portion of the brokerage market, ensuring strong resale value should you decide to upgrade or change your fleet in the future.

‘Semi-custom yachts are typically easier to sell than fully customised yachts, and the market can provide consistent and predictable asking/sales prices. But we’d also recommend some element of customisation to enhance the yacht's overall value and appeal. This can make your yacht more attractive in the sales market compared to others in the same semi-custom series.’ Justin Pierce, Sales Broker, Miami

It’s also a buoyant sector for charter as many clients are looking for yachts that are spacious yet manageable. Whether you're looking for personal use or as a charter business investment, these yachts provide excellent marketability.

Sizing up to reap the rewards

For those moving up from a boat below 24m, the leap to a semi-custom yacht in the 30-55m range is transformative. In terms of service, your experience goes from handling most aspects yourself to having a dedicated crew that caters to every detail. The cruising possibilities also expand dramatically, with longer range, more on board amenities, and the ability to host more guests comfortably. The jump in size also allows for more sophisticated technology, entertainment systems, and toys, turning every voyage into a fully immersive, luxurious experience.

Ideal for expanding your fleet or down-sizing

For those who already own a larger yacht, adding a semi-custom to your fleet can be a valuable addition. Those in the 30-55m range are ideal for acting as shadow yachts, chase boats, or support vessels, carrying extra toys, tenders, or crew.

Or, for those considering stepping down in size, moving to a yacht in this range provides a more hands-on ownership experience with significantly lower running costs and simplified maintenance, while still offering all the luxury and performance you’re accustomed to. Far from sacrificing quality or enjoyment, this step down in size can deliver a more intimate and versatile yachting lifestyle.

Top deals in today's semi-custom market

There's an incredible range of yachts under 50 metres. Some boast excellent wellness areas, some are fast and suitable for those looking to cover more distance, while others have space for entertaining in spades. Whatever you're after, we'll have something perfectly suited to you.