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Definition of "Yacht"

8K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  SailNet Archive 
#1 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

My wife and daughter asked, "When is a sailboat a yacht? Does the word "yacht" apply to a particular size, or level of accomodation, or design?" I didn''t know the answer, so I''m relaying these questions to the collective wisdom of this forum.

BTW, I thought if the boat has a galley, a permanent head, and sleeping space for the whole family, then most likely it could be called a "yacht".

~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
 
#3 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

I think a lot of people are going to think of a yacht in varying terms.

Here''s mine.

A yacht is a recreational boat (you don''t see a lot of shrimp yachts or cargo yachts) and size does count, but where? So sure, toss in a requirement for a galley, head and a berth (that''ll keep Sunfish from being ''yachts). Some say the minimum size for a ''yacht'' is 35'', but I''ve seen some Flickas below 30'' that I''d call proper yachts, so I''d keep anything out that was trailerable.

Remember, this is ONLY an opinion. If you want to call your Macgregor 26 a yacht, go ahead.
 
#4 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

Well I am curious as well. So I looked up the definition in Webster''s dictionary.

A light and elegantly furnished vessel, used either for private parties of pleasure, or as a vessel of state to convey distinguished persons from one place to another; a seagoing vessel used only for pleasure trips, racing, etc.

So I guess if you race and you can call ypour boat seagoing it is a yacht. Now all you have to define is what is seagoing ...
 
#5 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

All romance aside, the term ''Yacht'' simply applies to any pleasure craft of any size. As a term in proper nautical use it is solely a way of distinguishing between working craft and pleasure craft. Coloquially it has taken on a lot of baggage but that has little relevance to the actual proper marine definition.

Regards
Jeff
 
#6 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

I agree with the definition of Jeff H. For over 20 years, the definition I have seen used by sailing texts has been, simply, "any pleasure boat." But, dictionary definitions change. Contemporary definitions, which are compiled by linguists, rather than by sailors, seem to suggest that small pleasure boats are not yachts. I think that is an elitist distinction that most sailors would find repugnant. I prefer to think that all pleasure boats are yachts, and if I want to distinguish them, size-wise, I can refer to them as small yachts, medium-sized yachts, and large yachts. If any linguists are tuned into the forum, leave our nautical lingo alone. It might seem antiquated to you, but we like it just as it is.
 
#11 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

Our Yacht Club by laws require that to be a member one must own a vessel propelled by a regularly installed engine or by sails set on a fixed mast. That might be a tug or fishing
boat. Hadn''t really thought about it before.
Some folks have converted working boats to pleasure vessels.
 
#12 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

>>BTW, I thought if the boat has a galley, a permanent head, and sleeping space for the whole family, then most likely it could be called a "yacht".<<

Actually if it has those, plus a mortgage there is one other VERY IMPORTANT name for it that I''m surprised no one mentioned. That is "Tax Deduction".

With a galley, a head and sleeping space, mortgage interest can be deducted under a "Second Home". Talk you your accountant...
 
#13 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

I knew about the "second home" deduction, but since I borrowed from my home equity line of credit, I''m already getting the interested as a deduction.

Now, if I use the boat as my office, perhaps I can claim the depreciation. ;^) If you''re an IRS agent, I''m only kidding.

~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
 
#16 ·
Definition of "Yacht"

I agree Sailormon6. Definitions change over time with use. The average person who has no yacht and is not around them only knows them by the press when newspapers, and they are associated with rich people and celebrities. Most people think a yacht is a big, expensive private "yacht".
 
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