What Is a Mega Yacht?

A mega yacht is a luxurious sea vessel that in most cases is privately owned. Such a vessel is generally long, has multiple levels, and is loaded with a wide range of amenities, such as swimming pools, movie theaters, and sliding walls. The features included or omitted on a particular boat are generally the decision of the owner, because most of these boats are built to suit their buyers' preferences.

Describing a mega yacht as a luxury boat may seem somewhat vague, but there is not a strict definition of these vessels. Mega yachts are often commissioned, meaning that instead of being built and then sold, they are designed and constructed to the specifications of individuals who place orders for them. These individuals can usually have almost anything that they can afford to pay for on these boats.

There are some standards that tend to be common, however. To begin with, a mega yacht is generally at least 100 feet (30.48 m) long. Some of these boats may be short, but others are several times longer. Mega yachts also generally have two or more levels. As the size of such a boat increases, the complexity of designing it tends to also increase.

Despite the design of a particular boat, all mega yachts are usually constructed with high-quality materials. This may include the use of items such as granite, marble, and crystal. These vessels commonly have top-notch audio-visual and security systems.

Mega yachts are generally designed for extended travel. Considering this, they usually have many of the same features as a residence. This often includes multiple bedrooms or suites and multiple bathrooms. The boats generally have full kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas. Mega yachts also tend to have leisure areas that are found in some upscale homes, such as movie theaters, golf courses, and saloons. They may also have amenities such as folding stairs, sliding walls, and touch-activated features.

The specifications of a mega yacht play a major role in determining its cost. What tends to be consistent, however, is that these vessels are extremely expensive. Many of the amenities that are found on a mega yacht are more expensive than they would be if they were placed in a building. As the majority of these vessels are are privately owned, mega yachts are usually purchased exclusively by wealthy parties. Although some owners limit them to personal use, some others charter them out.