If you’re thinking of purchasing a yacht, or simply chartering one for your next leisurely vacation, you’re likely wondering what size yacht requires a crew and captain. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some general guidelines that can serve as a rule of thumb.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the size of yacht that requires a crew and captain will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of yacht, its amenities, and your level of experience as a boat owner.
For example, a 30-foot sailboat could be comfortably handled by a single person, while a 100-foot motor yacht would require a full-time crew.
Generally speaking, boats between 30-60 feet in length are considered “owner/operator” vessels. These boats can typically be operated by a single person, or with the assistance of one or two crew members.
Once you start hitting the 70-80 foot range, however, the complexity of the boat and the amount of work required to operate it increases significantly. At this point, you’ll likely need a full-time crew to handle everything from maintenance to navigation.
By the time you reach 100 feet, the yacht will be considered a “superyacht” and will almost always require a crew of at least four to six people, including a captain, engineer, stewardess, and deckhand.
Of course, the amenities on board the yacht will also play a role in determining whether or not you’ll need a crew. If the yacht has a full kitchen, for example, you’ll likely need a chef on board to handle cooking and meal preparation. If the yacht has a jacuzzi or other luxury amenities, you may need additional staff to maintain those amenities.
In summary, the size of yacht that requires a crew and captain will depend on a number of factors, including the type of boat, its amenities, and your level of experience as a boat owner. As a general rule, however, boats over 60-70 feet in length will likely require a full-time crew.
