What Is A Yacht

By dictionary definition "A Yacht is a boat used exclusively for pleasure" Now Ok that one is true but in reality there is much more to it than that. A boat is only a yacht when she has a certain Dignity, Style, Polish and Class. Now to be clear when I say class I don't mean that it is of a certain size range or price range. Those things have little to do with attaining the Stature of a Yacht. Take for instance I have looked at many a WellCraft 2800 Coastal At Marine Dynamics in Englewood, Florida and Small 21ft Proline boats with Nothing more than a good sized Cuddy/V-berth that by far outshone boats of much greater sizes.

     Many times I have been fascinated, even absorbed in thoughts of the possibilities presented by yachts costing far less than one engine or prop on some of the overpriced mega-yacht frou frou mutts I see in some of the shipyards and other marinas in the area.

    Continuing on a sheer definition basis We can infer that a yacht can be a cruiser, offshore racer, a flats boat, Heck even a skiff. She may be built of any material be it Wood, Fiberglass, Metal and is not specific to any particular hull type or whether she uses sheets or engines. She can be of any age or vintage, built in any year from this one back to any point in the history of the world. There is no prerequisite for a bunch of fancy gear, brightwork or fluffy berths. In fact it is perfectly acceptable for her to not have any of these things at all if it is in the nature of her character or the intended use of her Mistress or Master.

     She does not have to belong to a yacht club. For there is no Club that can make a yacht. nor is there a builder or manufacturer capable of making a yacht no matter what they may claim.

    It is the individual boats Mistress or Master who makes a yacht out of a boat or for the purposes of definition makes a boat out of a yacht.

    The commonality between a boat and a yacht aside from the obvious ability to float is the unique ability to reflect the attitude of her Mistress or Master. In no way is it a reflection of the owners level of income... Indeed I know many a rich person who are happy with a 13ft Boston Whaler and by the same token I know many a lower income person who is over-financed on some monster cruiser. A yacht represents the owners degree of fortitude, level of endurance, attention to those details required for meeting those tasks the owner intends the yacht to perform and yes even the desire for beauty or respect for nature in things produced through human effort. A yacht is the mirror to that which her Mistress or Master enjoys about her.

   A yacht announces to those who view her that her owner is proud of her. Her appearance is not always important as there are those owners who enjoy a good powertrain far more than all the looks in the world. She is a reflection of those things important to the owner whether it be catering to her appearance or attending to her health. In those aspects important to the owner she is never neglected, abused or treated with disrespect if her owner can at all help it.

    A true Yacht stands out among boats wherever she may be. Even a workboat when used solely for pleasure sets an example for all those around her. But never does a yacht stick up her nose nor is she ever rude in her ways, she is a lady at all times. Never swamping lesser yachts or even boats because respect for other yachters and boaters is a basic part of being a true lady of the water.

    A yacht no matter how large or small,; no matter how old or new...Tells who we are and what we are about. Caring owners and  loving friends. She is the waterborne extension of her mistress or master. Be her a bathtub with an engine or a four hundred foot cruising vessel..... When you are choosing yours, you will not just know it....No no one can tell you this is your yacht to be..... It is a deep inner feeling from the moment you start putting her together or that instant feeling of attraction to her when you see her in a dealers lot that grows to a wonderment and love of her. You just know when you see her in the marina or cut that first piece of material for her that she is an extension of your very being.