Luxury Yacht Global Market Report 2024

The luxury yacht market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.9 billion in 2023 to $7.56 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. The expansion observed in the historical period can be attributed to strong economic growth in emerging markets, an increase in spending on recreational activities, the growing use of social media, and a rise in leisure trips.

The luxury yacht market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $10.76 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising urbanization, the growing tourism sector, an increasing global population, and a rise in the number of high-net-worth individuals. Key trends expected in the forecast period involve the adoption of fuel cell technology, the emergence of luxury hydrogen-powered superyachts, the development of online communities and streaming services for luxury yachts, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), technological advancements, product innovations, and strategic partnerships and collaborations.

The luxury yacht market is poised for growth, propelled by an anticipated surge in tourism and recreational activities. Tourism, defined as the act of spending time away from home for recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, involves the commercial provision of services. Luxury yachts play a crucial role in facilitating tourism and recreational activities such as cruising, fishing, remote exploration, and nautical pursuits. These yachts offer well-equipped and advanced cabins, dining facilities, and staterooms, catering to the demands of tourists. For instance, according to the World Tourism Organization's May 2022 report, global international tourist arrivals doubled (+130%) in January 2022 compared to 2021, with an additional 18 million visitors recorded worldwide. This surge in tourism and recreational activities is a driving force behind the growth of the luxury yacht market.

The luxury yacht market is further bolstered by the increasing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI). High-net-worth individuals, possessing liquid assets valued at $1 million or more, contribute to the expansion of the yacht industry's addressable market. The growing wealth levels, especially among ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), are expected to result in a larger client base. This trend may lead to increased demand for customized and premium-featured yacht models or even a rise in the average size of yachts. For instance, a May 2023 report by Knight Frank highlighted a significant increase in India's ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) and billionaire population over the next five years, projecting a 58.4% rise in UHNWI individuals and an increase in the billionaire population from 161 to 195 individuals by 2027. Therefore, the rising number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) is poised to support the growth of the luxury yacht market.

Innovation stands out as a key trend gaining traction in the luxury yacht market, with major companies dedicated to developing new and groundbreaking yachts to maintain their market position. In April 2022, Numarine Denizcilik, a Turkey-based builder of high-performance motor yachts, introduced the 22XP yacht, an innovative addition to the XP Series. Featuring spacious social rooms, a large flybridge, and angular windows reminiscent of the 26XP, the 22XP offers one of the largest interiors available for a 70-footer. The floorplan includes three or four roomy staterooms, a master suite with full beam, and well-lit lower decks. The 22XP also boasts a sizable main deck saloon, an open cockpit, and an impressive flybridge.

Yacht manufacturers are actively incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to develop advanced products and enhance efficiency in the luxury yacht market. AI is revolutionizing ocean cruising by providing yacht owners and charter firms with tools to elevate luxury and convenience. From route planning to onboard entertainment, AI is becoming a crucial element in the industry. For instance, in April 2023, Rossinavi, an Italy-based shipyard specializing in custom steel and aluminum superyachts, launched the 49.9-meter superyacht, No Stress, featuring a hybrid propulsion system and equipped with artificial intelligence (AI).

In December 2021, the White River Marine Group, a US-based manufacturer of fishing and recreational boats by volume, made an undisclosed acquisition of Hatteras Yachts Inc. Through this acquisition, White River intends to transfer the production of its saltwater brands, Mako and Ranger Saltwater, from the Midwest to the New Bern factory, allocating a $35 million investment for modernization. Hatteras Yachts Inc., situated in the US, is a yacht manufacturer specializing in the production of motor yachts, superyachts, luxury yachts, and convertible sport fishing yachts.

Major companies operating in the luxury yacht market report are Ferretti S.p.A, Azimut Benetti SpA, Sanlorenzo S.p.a, Feadship, Princess Yachts Limited,Fr. Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co.KG, Italian Sea Group, Fincantieri S.p.A., Sunseeker International, Brunswick Corporation, Maritimo Factory, A H Wadia Boat Builders, XS Marines, New Japan Yacht Co, GHI Yachts, Hyundai Yachts Co., Ltd., Riviera Australia Pty. Ltd., Australian Superyachts Pty Ltd., HeySea Yachts, Horizon Yacht, Cheoy Lee Shipyards Ltd., Changzhou Baote Yacht Co., Ltd., Fujian Yihong Yacht Corp, Hunan Blue Point Supply Chain Co., Ltd., Burgess Yachts, Damen Yachting, Arksen, U-Boat Worx, AB Yachts, Groupe Beneteau, Alva Yachts, Timeless Yachts, Hatteras Yachts, Westport Yachts, YMCA Yachting, Christensen Shipyards, Ocean Alexander, Alexander Marine USA, Viking Yacht Company, Quantum Sails, Michael Rybovich & Sons Boatworks, Burger Boat Company, MCP Yachts, Sterling Yachts, Fibrafort Shipyard, Delta Yachts, Flexboat Construções Náuticas Ltda., Schaefer Yachts, AS Marine, Oryx Yachts, Majesty Yachts, Nomad Yachts, Moonday Yachts, Yerliyurt Marin, Numarine, Robertson & Caine, Falcon Inflatables, Dean Catamarans, Almaroon, De Birs Yachts, Tiger Marine.

Europe was the largest region in the luxury yacht market in 2023. Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the luxury yacht market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the luxury yacht market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The main types of luxury yachts include motor yachts and sailing yachts. A sailing yacht is a smaller boat that utilizes one or more sails for propulsion. These yachts come in sizes ranging up to 100 meters, between 100 and 150 meters, and above 150 meters. They are constructed with various hull materials such as fiber-reinforced polymers and composites, metals and alloys, among others, and are employed for both commercial and private applications.

The luxury yacht market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides luxury yacht market statistics, including global market size, regional shares, competitors with a luxury yacht market share, detailed luxury yacht market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the luxury yacht industry. This luxury yacht market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The luxury yacht market consists of sales of luxury gulet yachts, hybrid yachts with sails and motors, open yachts, cruisers, cabin cruisers, and express cruisers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.