Sailboat Vs Yacht: 5 Differences You Should Know

“Sailboat” and “yacht” are actually quite different, but new boaters often confuse them. Read to know 5 differences between them and find the best Retevis marine VHF radios for boats.

Function

One of the easiest ways to identify a sailboat or yacht is by looking at their main functions. Boats can be used for leisure and business (fishing, day trips, patrols, etc.). Yachting, on the other hand, has a purely recreational function. Yachts are also often available for charter, and staff look after guests to a high standard of comfort.

Size

The size difference between yachts and sailboats is one of the most important. A sailboat will almost certainly be smaller than a yacht most of the time. Yacht will have more storage and space. The sailboat is approximately 15-30 feet in length. Yacht sizes start at 15m (50ft). From 24 meters (79 feet), it is a superyacht.

Propulsion

Sailboats usually have sails that can be powered entirely by the wind or by one or more inboard or outboard engines. Yachts usually don’t have sails. Yachting engines are bigger and can generate more power.

Luxury

If a boat is luxurious, it is usually a yacht. A yacht is a recreational vessel designed with luxury and comfort in mind. Amenities such as furniture, rooms, living spaces, safety equipment and navigation systems on the yacht are luxurious.

Crew

Usually sailboats do not need any crew. You are basically the entire crew except your family/friends who live with you on your ship. However, if you own a yacht, the situation is completely different. If you plan to live on a yacht, you may need the assistance of a crew of one or two. A yacht usually requires a full crew to assist with navigation, maintenance, electronics and engineering, and repairs.

Electronic Equipment For Boat Safety

Whether it’s sailboat or yacht, they all need electronic equipment for boat safety: Multi function Displays (MFDs), GPS/Chart plotter, depth sounder, engine monitors and VHF radios. But VHF radios are available as both a portable handheld and a fixed mount solution. How to choose a VHF marine radio for a sailboat or a yacht?

Marine Radios for Sailboat

With limited space and lack of a suitable power supply, the best type of VHF radio for a sailboat would be a handheld as it is able to be attached to one’s person. Check Retevis VHF Marine Handheld Radios here.

Marine Radios for Yacht

Since the users of yachts need to live aboard for extended period of time, often with no land in sight it is a necessity to have reliable long-range communication. It is best to install a fixed mount VHF radio to achieve this. But it is also recommended to have a handheld VHF radio as a backup for emergency. Check Retevis VHF Marine Fixed Mount Radios here.

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