The Best Motor Yacht Brands for Luxury & Performance

Motor yachts combine high-end lifestyle with serious engineering. Some brands have become icons of the sea, while others are rising stars known for innovation and craftsmanship. From timeless European names to cutting-edge builders around the globe, we’ve compiled a list of the best motor yacht brands in the world today—each with a standout model that shows exactly why they deserve attention. Whether you're looking for design brilliance, long-range performance, or features that send your onboard experience over the top, this guide delivers a curated blend of world-class quality and practical luxury.

What Defines a Motor Yacht?

• Length: Typically 40 to 130 feet
• Power: Twin inboard diesel engines are a common choice
• Decks: Can have multiple levels, often with a flybridge (upper helm and lounging area), main deck (saloon, galley, cockpit) and lower deck (cabins and heads)
• Interior: Lavishly fitted with cabins (bedrooms), saloon (lounge), kitchen (galley) and bathrooms (heads)
• Exterior: Often has one or more sunpads, swim platform, dining area, sometimes even a jacuzzi on larger vessels

Look at Several of the Best Motor Yachts:

1. Sunseeker – British performance & style

Founded on England’s south coast in the 1960s, Sunseeker rapidly evolved from a small boatbuilder into one of the world’s leading luxury yacht manufacturers. Sunseeker became famous in the 1980s with aggressive-looking designs and high-performance engines that turned heads across Europe. To this day, every Sunseeker is hand-crafted in Poole with exceptional attention to detail and a focus on innovation and elegance. Sunseeker’s range spans from agile 50-foot sport cruisers up to superyachts over 130 feet, all sharing distinctive profiles and exhilarating rides. These yachts are known for striking, contemporary silhouettes and thrilling performance on the water—hallmarks that have made Sunseeker synonymous with sporty luxury.

Model Highlight: Sunseeker Predator 65

• Length: 67.16 ft, Beam: 16.67 ft—offering sleek, performance-driven proportions
• Engine/Drive: Powered by Volvo Penta diesel IPS with joystick-controlled pod drives delivering up to 32 knots

Interior & Features: High-end saloon with large windows; platinum Mediterranean package includes hydraulic gangway, electric canopy, premium Sonos/B&W sound system

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/sunseeker/predator-65/rb605900 

Frequently asked question about Sunseeker: Is Sunseeker a good investment when it comes to resale value? Thanks to its global brand recognition, design appeal, and consistent demand, the answer is often, “Yes!”

2. Azimut Yachts – Italian innovation & flair

Italy’s Azimut Yachts is a powerhouse of modern yacht design, noted for its forward-thinking technology and stylish design. Part of the Azimut-Benetti Group since 1985, Azimut today builds seven distinct model lines ranging from 42 to 12-plus feet. Few builders offer such diversity: Azimut’s fleet spans sleek sport cruisers (the S Series), elegant flybridge motor yachts, long-range explorers (Magellano series), superyachts and even a line of smaller Verve outboard-powered yachts. This breadth is matched by constant innovation—Azimut has often pioneered use of advanced materials like carbon fiber in decks and superstructures to reduce weight and improve stability. They’ve also embraced pod drives and hybrid propulsion in some models for efficiency. What unites Azimut yachts is a blend of Italian luxury and cutting-edge engineering: expect curvy exterior lines, interiors by top Italian design houses, and ample performance.

Model Highlight: Azimut 68 Flybridge

• Length: 68 ft, Beam: 17.17 ft
• Propulsion: Twin Volvo IPS 1350 pods (1,000 hp each), cruising at ~27–28 knots

Interior & Features: Elegant Italian-style interior, expansive flybridge, high-end finishes, and easy indoor‑outdoor flow

Rightboat listing:https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/azimut/68-flybridge/rb634621 

Frequently asked question about Azimut: Are Azimut yachts suitable for long-distance cruising? Yes, especially the Magellano line, which features dual-mode hulls ideal for fuel-efficient long-range travel.

3. Riva Yachts – timeless Italian glamour

When it comes to prestige on the water, few names rival Riva. This legendary Italian brand’s heritage dates all the way back to 1842, and over the decades Riva has become synonymous with fine craftsmanship and head-turning design. Now part of the Ferretti Group, Riva continues to honor its classic roots—the gleaming mahogany runabouts of the 1960s (like the iconic Riva Aquarama) established a timeless design language that echoes even in Riva’s modern fiberglass yachts. A Riva yacht is instantly recognizable for its flawless finish, elegant lines, and exquisite details. The current range spans roughly 27 feet up to 65-foot (50-meter) superyachts, including open sportsters, sportfly coupes, and luxurious flybridge models. What you get with Riva is an aura of exclusivity: these boats are meticulously crafted in Italy using premium materials and innovative engineering, yet always with a nod to la dolce vita heritage.

Model Highlight: Riva 56 Rivale

• Length: 56.67 ft, Beam: ~15.55 ft
• Engines: Twin MAN diesels, over 35 knots wide open
• Features: Sleek Riva styling with teak decks, sport yacht layout, luxurious finishes and compact fly for day use
   

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/riva/56-le/rb546783 

Frequently asked question about Riva: What sets Riva apart from other Italian yacht builders? Beyond the styling, Riva’s attention to detail, flawless finishes and classic-modern blend give it a level of prestige that few competitors can match.

4. Hatteras Yachts – American muscle & craftsmanship

Hailing from North Carolina since the late 1950s, Hatteras Yachts is an American legend known for rugged, ocean-ready yachts with a dash of Carolina flair. The brand made its name with beefy fiberglass sportfishing convertibles built to tame the rough waters of the Outer Banks, and that DNA persists in all Hatteras models. These boats are renowned for solid build quality and seaworthiness, purpose-built to handle big seas and long runs offshore. A Hatteras hull, with its deep sections and pronounced Carolina bow flare, provides a dry, stable ride that serious boaters love. Over the years Hatteras expanded from sportfishers into luxury motor yachts, but even their elegant motoryacht line carries the no-nonsense, heavy-duty engineering the brand is famous for.

Model Highlight: Hatteras M90 Panacera

• Length: 91 ft 1 in, Beam: 22 ft 6 in
• Engines & Performance: Twin Caterpillar C32A diesels with joystick control, cruising at 20-21 knots (max 23-25 knots), range >1,400 nm at 11 knots
• Comfort & Build: Features a full-beam master, four staterooms, crew quarters, 3,285-gallon fuel tank, zero-speed stabilization, beach club, full flybridge, hydraulic swim platform

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/hatteras/m90/rb639341 

Frequently asked question about Hatteras: What makes Hatteras yachts stand out for serious offshore or long-range cruising? Hatteras has a long-standing reputation for building yachts with deep hulls, robust construction, and exceptional stability. Their designs stem from a sportfishing legacy that demanded durability in unforgiving conditions—traits that carry through into their motor yachts. With high fuel capacity, rugged engineering and precise handling in rough seas, Hatteras is a trusted name among seasoned ocean cruisers.

5. Ocean Alexander – high-tech grandeur

Founded in Taiwan in 1978 by Alex Chueh and now run by his son, Johnny, Ocean Alexander has built a strong reputation for engineering excellence, specializing in motor yachts of steadily increasing size that blend quality Asian craftsmanship and bold Western design. Known for their robust construction and luxurious detailing, these long-range cruising yachts and superyachts are often built using carbon fiber reinforcements and vacuum-infused hulls, which enhance structural integrity, reduce weight, and improve performance. Ocean Alexander also integrates advanced stabilization systems—such as zero-speed and underway fins—and many models feature wide beam designs, expansive main decks, and skylounges with floor-to-ceiling windows. The company opened a US factory in 2016 in Merritt Island, Florida.

Model Highlight: Ocean Alexander 74 Flybridge.

• Length: 74 ft, Beam: 20 ft
• Engines & Performance: Twin MTU 10V2000 diesels (1,550 hp each), cruising at 18 knots (max 20 knots) with approximately 110 hours since rebuild
• Comfort & Build: Full-beam master stateroom, three ensuite guest cabins, separate crew quarters with head, stabilizing fins, hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, dual 25 kW generators, Octoplex vessel management system, flybridge helm and lounge, and upgraded electronics throughout

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/ocean-alexander/flybridge-motor-yacht/rb556238

Frequently asked question about Ocean Alexander: What makes Ocean Alexander yachts so solid? Their military-grade alloy fuel tanks, aluminum I-beam reinforcements and careful build quality all contribute to a superyacht-like feel and long-term durability.

6. Prestige Yachts – contemporary luxury made easy

Prestige Yachts was launched as a motoryachtbrand in 1989 by the Jeanneau shipyard working with Garoni Design to create a fast 41-foot sport cruiser, the first in a series of medium-size seaworthy, user-friendly motor yachts combining French design elegance and practical innovation. Known for their emphasis on space, light and easy movement aboard the vessel, Prestige models are ideal for owner-operators and their families. Hallmarks of the brand include joystick docking systems for intuitive handling, large aft galleys immediately adjacent to the cockpit, and separate private owner’s suites, often accessed by dedicated staircases. Their layouts prioritize comfort and visibility, with expansive windows, panoramic saloons, and ergonomic helm stations. While maintaining an upscale feel, Prestige yachts are built with functionality in mind, making them suitable for extended cruising.

Model Highlight: Prestige 590

• Length: 59 ft, Beam: 15.9 ft 
• Engines & Performance: Twin Cummins Zeus 2×600 hp with joystick docking and Skyhook GPS station-keeping; cruises comfortably at around 20 knots
• Comfort & Build: Three-cabin layout including full-beam master, hydraulic swim platform, Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, touchscreen Octoplex electrical system, plus flybridge with wet bar, upgraded upholstery, electric grill, and ample seating

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/prestige/590/rb522333 

Frequently asked question about Prestige: Is the 590 Flybridge easy for owner-operators to manage? Yes, joystick tech, intuitive systems, and a simple single-level layout make it a good choice for owners.

7. Cruisers Yachts - Midwestern family-friendly

Cruisers Yachts was founded in Oconto, Wisconsin, in 1953 and specialized in wooden lapstrake cabin cruisers. The company’s reputation for quality craftsmanship carried over in the ‘60s to fiberglass construction, and Cruisers steadily evolved into a builder known for high-end, family-friendly motor yachts by the 1990s, both express cruisers and flybridge yachts.

Today, Cruisers Yachts is owned by MarineMax and continues to build in Wisconsin. The brand's lineup includes three main series of motor yachts: the Cantius range of express cruisers (39–60 feet), offering enclosed saloons and spacious cabins; the GLS series of luxury sport bowriders (34–50 feet), known for their performance and social deck layouts with fold-down “beach” doors; and the new Flybridge series. Cruisers' motor yachts are designed for extended cruising and entertaining, integrating upscale interiors and quality power options like Volvo Penta IPS and Mercury outboards. 

Model Highlight: Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius

• Length: 54 ft, Beam: 15.49 ft—coupe-style express cruiser
• Engine/Drive: Powered by twin Volvo Penta diesel 950 IPS with joystick-controlled pod drives
• Interior & Features: Multiple entertainment areas in bow lounge, saloon and cockpit, and three luxury staterooms.  

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/cruisers/54-cantius/rb521098

Frequently asked question about Cruisers Yachts: Where is the best place to get aboard a Cruisers model? While this is a heart-of-the-Midwest brand built in Wisconsin, it is owned by Marinemax, so you’ll find Cruisers models at dozens of Marinemax retail locations as well as major boat shows.

8. Grand Banks Yachts - long-range cruiser defined 

Grand Banks began in the mid-1950s in Hong Kong, building custom wooden yachts. In the early 1960s, the company shifted focus with the launch of “Spray,” the prototype for what became the Grand Banks 36—a new kind of trawler-style motor yacht that created a new long-range cruising market segment led by Grand Banks for decades.

In the mid-1990s, production moved to Malaysia, and a major evolution began in 2014 when performance-yacht builder Mark Richards took the helm following Grand Banks’ acquisition of Richards’ Palm Beach Yachts brand. Under his leadership, the company introduced carbon-fiber construction, its proprietary V-Warp® hull, and modernized production. The result: sleeker, faster, and more efficient motor yachts that maintain the brand’s heritage of classic styling and long-distance performance. Today, Grand Banks is widely recognized for building refined, seaworthy cruisers 54 to 85 feet, most with flybridge and skylounge upper decks.

Model Highlight: Grand Banks East Bay 50 SX

Length: 55.91 ft, Beam: 16.5 ft—luxury express cruiser

Engine/Drive: Twin Volvo Penta D11 670hp with Volvo Penta IPS 900 pod drives, cruises at 27 knots, top speed over 30.

Interior & Features: Sleeps up to eight including three staterooms and convertible saloon settee; comfortable main saloon that includes galley.

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/grand-banks/eastbay-50-sx/rb624252

Frequently asked question about Grand Banks: Where are Grand Banks Yachts built? The company recently expanded its factory in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from 500,000 to 1.1 million square feet.

9. Tiara Yachts - always evolving

Tracing its origins to the 1940s, when founder Leon Slikkers began crafting wooden runabouts for Chris-Craft, Tiara Yachts was one of several brands Slikkers created after he struck out on his own building fiberglass motorboats and sailboats. With its dedicated manufacturing plant in Holland, Michigan, Tiara Yachts built a reputation based on meticulous craftsmanship, quality materials, and advanced engineering and has evolved into a premier builder of luxury inboard and outboard motor yachts, focusing on the 35- to 60-foot market. The company remains family-owned and works to maintain a strong owner community. Its most recent motoryacht models include the EX 54 and EX 60, which feature innovative design, performance partnerships (e.g. Volvo Penta IPS), and premium comfort. Today, Tiara stands as a distinguished name in luxury motor yachts, built on a foundation of enduring values.

Model Highlight: Tiara Yachts F53 Flybridge

Length: 53 ft, Beam: 15 ft, 11 in.—luxury flybridge cruiser

Engine: Volvo engines with joystick control, cruises at 27 knots, top speed 33.

Interior & Features: Three driving stations including docking station in cockpit; carries 12’ AB RIB as tender, 2 Garmin MFDs at primary helm stations, private entry to both master and VIP staterooms.

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/tiara-yachts/f53-flybridge-7129d319-7d57-4a33-9764-f550654fc2c0/rb638881

Frequently asked question about Tiara Yachts: When did Tiara Yachts begin equipping models with outboard engines? In 2017, the company introduced its first sport yacht with outboards, beginning a rapid conversion of its lineup; as of 2025, all but the two EX series models are powered by outboards.

10. Absolute Yachts – Italian innovation in mid-size yachts

Absolute Yachts was founded in 2002 in Podenzano, Italy, and has rapidly gained global recognition for its commitment to Italian craftsmanship, technological innovation, and space-optimizing design. With models ranging from 47 to 75 feet, Absolute has carved out a niche for creating yachts that feel far larger than their measurements suggest thanks to expansive glazing, modular layouts, and clever use of natural light. Every model is designed and built entirely in-house, ensuring precision and consistency from hull to helm.

Model Highlight: Absolute Navetta 68

• Length: 67 ft 4 in, Beam: 18 ft 6 in 
• Engines & Performance: Twin Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350 pods, delivering around 25 knots top speed and cruising at ~22 knots, all managed via joystick and with dynamic positioning
• Comfort & Build: Semi-displacement hull; spacious flybridge hardtop; four ensuite cabins including full-beam master; 3,500 L fuel, 910 L freshwater; Seakeeper gyro stabilization; hydraulic swim platform and beach club

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/absolute/navetta-68/rb559753 

Frequently asked question about Absolute: What’s the benefit of a Navetta over a typical flybridge yacht? The Navetta line offers a semi-displacement hull design that prioritizes range, efficiency, and onboard comfort over top-end speed. Unlike planing flybridge yachts, a Navetta is built to cruise smoothly at lower speeds with significantly reduced fuel consumption, making it ideal for longer passages and extended time at sea.

Navetta models also offer greater internal volume thanks to their full-beam layouts, vertical bows, and high freeboards. This translates into larger master suites, better headroom, and more spacious communal areas. Thanks to their wide side decks, main-deck galleys, and panoramic windows throughout, Navetta models are well-designed for relaxed, liveaboard-style cruising.

11. Riviera – Australian built, global appeal

Riviera is Australia’s largest and most decorated luxury yacht builder, with a legacy that spans more than four decades and 5,800 yachts launched. Built on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Riviera yachts are known for their robust construction, bluewater capability, and exceptional fit and finish. Each model is engineered to handle Australia’s diverse and demanding coastal conditions, and is equally at home on long-range passages, offshore sportfishing adventures, and leisurely cruises.

Their designs blend practicality and performance with refined interiors, featuring handcrafted joinery, ergonomic layouts, and generous storage for extended trips. Whether you’re piloting from the enclosed flybridge or entertaining in the expansive cockpit, Riviera yachts are built to inspire confidence and deliver comfort in every sea state.

Model Highlight: Riviera 54 Enclosed Flybridge

• Length: 75 ft, Beam: 19 ft 8 in 
• Engines & Performance: Twin MAN V12 shaft-drive engines (1,550 hp each), top speed ~31 knots; comfortable cruising in the mid-20s with excellent fuel efficiency
• Comfort & Build: Four-cabin layout (plus crew quarters option), full-beam master stateroom, enclosed flybridge accessed via internal staircase, spacious mezzanine deck, large cockpit, hydraulic swim platform, and 1,849-gallon fuel capacity.

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/riviera/68-sports-motor-yacht/rb400791

Frequently asked question about Riviera: Are Riviera yachts suitable for open ocean cruising? Yes, especially models like the Enclosed Flybridge, which offer robust construction and excellent sea-keeping abilities.

12. Princess Yachts – luxury meets technology

Another 1960s British success story, Princess Yachts of Plymouth has become renowned for some of the finest luxury motor yachts in the world. Princess builds yachts from around 40 up to 95 feet, and impressively, over 80 percent of each vessel is crafted in-house at their expansive UK facility. This vertical integration ensures quality control and allows Princess to combine cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship. The brand is known for its highly practical and ergonomically sound designs, and every Princess is engineered for comfort and seakeeping capabilities in equal measure. In recent years, Princess has also shown a commitment to sustainability by introducing hybrid propulsion and more eco-friendly features in their lineup.

Model Highlight: Princess F55

• Length: 57.74 ft, Beam: 16.01 ft
• Engines: Twin Volvo D13‑900 diesels (900 hp each), top speed around 33 knots; includes SeaKeeper 9 gyro stabilizer and triple joystick
• Layout: Spacious flybridge (~58 sq ft) with wet bar, sunbed and seating; interior hosts 3 - 4 cabins with en suite heads and teak decks

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/princess/f55/rb602751 

Frequently asked question about Princess: What’s the difference between the F-class and V-class? The F-class features flybridge models designed for space and comfort, while the V-class consists of sportier, coupe-style yachts built for speed and sleek looks.

13. Galeon – innovative design from Poland

Galeon Yachts, based in Poland and established in 1982, has earned global recognition for its bold, innovative approach to yacht design. Unlike more traditional builders, Galeon is known for redefining space on board with groundbreaking features that transform the onboard experience. Its patented “Beach Mode”, featuring fold-down side balconies that extend the beam dramatically, has become a game-changer in the industry, offering unmatched connection to the water.

Model Highlight: Galeon 500 Fly

• Length: 50 ft / Beam: 15 ft 10 in
• Engines & Performance: Twin Volvo Penta D11 diesels delivering 670 hp each (1,340 hp combined); cruises comfortably at mid‑20 knots with hybrid bow and stern thrusters
• Comfort & Build: “Beach Mode” fold-out balcony decks; wet bar with icemaker, grill, and seating on flybridge; Sea Keeper 6 gyro for minimized motion; well-equipped galley with convection oven, washer/dryer; spacious saloon with pop‑up TV; hydraulic tender garage and platform.

Rightboat listing: https://www.rightboat.com/boats-for-sale/galeon/500-fly/rb633772 

Frequently asked question about Galeon: Do Galeon’s fold-out balconies and “Beach Mode” features compromise structural integrity or long-term durability? Not at all; Galeon’s award-winning innovation is backed by robust engineering. The fold-out platforms are built with reinforced mechanisms and materials, ensuring they’re not only safe but add exceptional versatility for entertaining and relaxation at anchor.

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Finding the Right Motor Yacht

Whether you're looking to cruise the Med in style or cross oceans in comfort, there's a motor yacht to match. The brands above represent the best in engineering, design, and long-range performance.

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