how much fuel does a mega yacht use

• Charter & Brokerage
• Yacht Design & New Builds
• Tenders & Toys
• Superyacht Events Calendar
• Career & Training
• Departments
• Superyacht Crew Finances
• Sustainability
• Shipyards and Marinas
• Health & Wellbeing
• Polar Region
• Our Services
• Meet the Team

Yachts And Fuel – How Much Do They Really Consume?

Fuel is one of many annual running costs of a yacht. Not only does the yacht need fuel for cruising; the generators require it to keep the vessel running while at anchor and underway. As well as this, many of the water sports toys require it too.

Some yachts cross the Atlantic Ocean twice a year between the Mediterranean and Caribbean while others embark on world cruises. That equates to a lot of fuel.

So How Much Do They Really Consume?

According to the Yachting Pages, the longest Superyacht in the world, 180m M/Y Azzam, holds 1,000,000 litres of fuel. To put it into perspective, that is the equivalent of filling a regular hatchback car 23,800 times. Or, six Boeing 747 commercial airliners.

West Nautical’s Vessel Manager, Tony Hildrew, a former Yacht Chief Engineer said:

“Fuel is the single biggest expense when it comes to yacht operations, it is estimated that the global spend on fuel is around $150bn annually however this shouldn’t put you off, there are a number of ways to ensure your fuel consumption doesn’t get out of hand. Implementing a Ships Energy Efficiency Management Plan or SEEMP for short is a great way to keep fuel costs down without compromising on your cruising experience.”

Each yacht will consume fuel differently for a number of reasons. It could be the size and make of the engines. Or, how often the yacht is using generators. As well as the number of tenders and water sports toys on board that require fuel. For example, if the yacht is out at anchor and running on generators 90% of the time, the fuel consumption will be much higher than a yacht that is in a marina at night and connected to shore power and water.

Another factor that will affect fuel consumption is the yacht’s itinerary. This is because the sea conditions will impact how much fuel the engines consume.

How Is Consumption Measured?

You will be able to input the start and ending points of your cruise on the map. This will automatically update the distance table. The next step is to enter the speed, fuel consumption and cost of fuel per litre to determine the cost of the trip.

Here is an example: A fast 30m yacht cruising at 20 knots will consume roughly 400 – 500 litres depending on the engine type. This would equate to the total consumption of 2500 litres for a distance of 100 nautical miles.

Another example is, a 70m yacht looking to travel 100 nautical miles with the engines burning 1000 litres per hour would add up to a total consumption of 8335L for that passage. Depending on where the yacht bunkered, the estimated cost with the price per litre being on the low end at €0.90 per litre would cost a total of €7501.50. An example of a 100 nautical mile passage would take you from Saint Tropez to The North Coast of Corsica.

How Much Does It Cost?

Fuel prices fluctuate depending on which country you bunker in and some places you bunker offer tax free fuel such a Gibraltar and Montenegro. Fuel prices can vary but typically costs between €0.80 and €1.30 per litre.

Yacht charter, sales and management company West Nautical added:

“Fuel costs should be at the top of any yacht owner and captain’s minds for two reasons: to minimise costs as well as reduce the environmental impact of burning unnecessary fuel. The superyacht charter market, more than most other markets, relies on pristine waters for their guests to enjoy their holiday. If the oceans in popular charter destinations are not maintained, it will decrease the demand for yacht charter and therefore the revenue for owners.” “If you are looking for expertise in operational management and engineering in order to plan a SEEMP, West Nautical would be delighted to assist.”

About West Nautical

West Nautical sell, charter and manage superyachts from their head office in Newcastle upon Tyne. The business currently employs a team of 21 staff throughout their offices based in the UK, Russia, France and Cyprus.

  Since their inception over 25 years ago, West Nautical have become recognised as one of the most respected, trusted, knowledgeable and accountable professional services firms in yachting – largely due to their relentless determination to act in our clients’ best interests. Their approach and attitude is transparent, refreshing and focused on providing value-added services delivered simply, elegantly and affordably. 

Visit West Nautical’s website here: https://westnautical.com

For Media enquiries please contact  sarah.mackenzie@westnautical.com

To keep up to date with the latest Superyacht Content News, click here .

Sign up to our Newsletter below:

Newsletter Signup

• Your Name First Last
• Your Email *

West Nautical

Related articles, what are the pros & cons of working with your partner onboard, bridging the gap: the event bringing together generations in yachting, rookie realities: there’s no hot tub time machine, your guide to beachlander tenders.

Superyacht Content

Social media influencer and digital brand expert.

Superyacht Content brings you the latest in social news for the superyacht industry.

Keep up to date with us across our social channels, and don’t forget to hit that share button!

• Superyacht News
• Superyacht Jobs
• Superyacht Marketing

Join our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 Superyacht Content | Website Design by Zonkey

Privacy | Credits | Get in Touch

• Entertainment
• About DMARGE
• Editorial Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Affiliate Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• In The Media
• Corrections Policy
• Fact-Checking

How Much It Costs To Refuel A $600 Million Superyacht

No E10 here...

Image: Romer Macapuno/DMARGE

There are a lot of things you could do with $1.5 million. You could donate it to UNICEF. You could buy a bunch of Porsches and Ferraris. You could even buy a house in Sydney. Though that might sound like a hefty chunk of money to some people, to others it’s just what you have to pay to refuel your $600,000,000 yacht.

Much like supercars, the costs of owning a superyacht go far beyond simply the ‘sticker price’. You’ve got mooring fees , the cost of employing enough staff to keep ’em running, not to mention the eye-watering amount of insurance you have to buy… There’s a reason that only the very wealthiest people in the world can own superyachts. You’ve also got to put fuel in them – and a superyacht sips a bit more fuel than a Bugatti…

But how much does it really cost to fuel up a superyacht? Enter the following video. Posted by The Yacht Mogul, an Instagrammer who claims to be the “world’s largest yachting profile,” the video shows Dilbar , the sixth-longest yacht in the world that’s worth $600 million, getting pumped with $1.5 million worth of fuel.

WATCH one of the world’s biggest and most expensive yachts being fuelled up below.

Related Stories

Superyacht Crew Reveal Challenges of Hosting Nouveau Riche Guests

The video was shot in Italy, with a Vigili del Fuoco (Italy’s institutional agency for fire and rescue service) vehicle making an appearance at the start of the video.

A caption then flashes up on the screen claiming that the 500,000 litres of fuel cost $150,000 (though some social media users have questioned that, making such comments as “500,000l for 1.5 million? That makes it $3 a litre…)

So yes, according to The Yacht Mogul, Dilbar ‘s tank holds 500,000 litres, which – according to AutoEvolution’s calculations – if we assume that $3 a litre figure is accurate, would bring the total cost up to $1,500,000.

Dilbar is a particularly famous superyacht, owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, one of Russia’s richest men (something which lends credence to some of the quips found in the Instagram comments section, like: “Bro they don‘t pay fuel… They f***ing sell it to us.”)

However, German police seized Dilbar (and allegedly confiscated m illions of dollars worth of art stored on the ship) last year in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and sanctions levied against Usmanov. Usmanov has been described as “one of Vladimir Putin’s favourite oligarchs”.

Why is Dilbar so expensive?

Dilbar is the sixth-longest yacht in the world (and the third-largest when judging by gross tonnage). At one point, it was the biggest yacht in the world.

It can accommodate 100 crew members, has the largest ever swimming pool installed on a superyacht, has two helipads, its own onboard garden, boasts almost the same amount of cables as the total land borders of the country of Bhutan (to power all the amenities and facilities) and is powered by a 30,000kW electric diesel power plant.

This electric diesel design supposedly helps reduce  Dilbar’s  emissions while still providing a top speed of 22.5 knots.

Want one last fact? The interior features over 1,000 sofa cushions. It’s a cushy life for some…

Stories that matter, delivered.

Get the latest breaking news and original content across sport, entertainment, luxury and travel.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from DMARGE

Do you operate a yacht? Our app is perfect for you

Yacht fuel cost calculator - how to estimate the costs.

Yacht captains have many responsibilities when it comes to the management of their vessel. One of them is keeping track of expenses, which is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the vessel’s operational costs. Keeping a luxury superyacht afloat isn’t cheap, and many claim that the average annual cost ranks up to 10% of the vessel’s price.

From these expenses, a significant portion goes to fuel. Filling up the tank of your boat is quite pricey, which is why a growing number of boat owners want to know exactly how much they are looking to spend for their upcoming voyage. This is also important for people who want to charter a boat for their holiday.

If you’re wondering how to best estimate the costs involved, you’re in the right place. This article will help you calculate your vessel’s yacht fuel cost while giving an overview of all the criteria used as variables. To make the process even easier, we link to a yacht fuel cost calculator to help you get an indication of the expenses you’ll need to cover. Let’s delve in!

Yacht fuel cost calculator

How to estimate yacht fuel costs, how much fuel does a yacht use.

• Price of boat fuel per gallon?

Yacht fuel formula

The easiest way to calculate your fuel costs is by using a yacht fuel cost calculator. There is a great calculator available here in case you want to save time and get an approximate estimation.

As you can see, the yacht fuel cost calculator has many variables which you need to be aware of before you set out to calculate the approximate price. This is what we will be dealing with in the next few chapters.

To help you get a better understanding of the calculation process we will do things manually while giving you the exact formulas used to calculate your vessel’s fuel needs. Therefore, make sure you keep on reading.

There are several things you need to keep in mind when you first set out to estimate the total fuel cost for your next voyage. These are summarised in the following points:

• Distance of journey - The total amount of nautical miles (or km)
• Cruising speed - The (average) speed of your vessel (in knots or km/hr)
• Fuel consumption - Understanding how many gallons (or liters) of fuel are consumed per hour
• Yacht fuel price - Understanding the average market price per gallon of fuel

The first two points depend solely on your needs and personal preference, which means that they are more flexible on a subjective basis. The latter two points may require a bit of research, especially if you’re not familiar with the engine of the vessel.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each of the points mentioned above, and offer the required formulas to help you calculate yacht fuel cost.

Calculating distance and speed

To understand the exact distance you are looking to cover in your next voyage, you can simply use Google Maps to plan your route. The following video explains the process in detail.

As soon as your route is planned out, you can measure the distance as well, selecting the preferred method of calculation. In our case, it is best to measure in nautical miles (1nm=1,85km), as this metric is more commonly used among sea men. The yacht fuel cost calculator above has an embedded map that helps you pinpoint the journey you want to make.

Next comes the cruising speed. The number is mostly calculated in knots (nautical miles/hr). The speed with which the vessel will cruise depends on the captain onboard, but is often influenced by the owner and guests onboard. You can make a rough estimation of this number based on previous trips.

Next, we need to calculate the amount of fuel that you will likely need. To do this we need to understand the engine type, its horsepower, and several other factors.

Let’s take a marine diesel engine for example. These engines are very common on motor yachts and consume approximately 0.4 pounds of fuel per hour for each unit of horsepower. You can find fuel consumption info for your specific engine by looking it up on the web or by calling the service number.

Once you know the fuel burn rate, it’s best to add a relative error margin of 10% based on minor factors. These include weather conditions, vessel size, and drag, all of which can increase the fuel burn.

How much fuel does a yacht use per hour?

Now that you know all the variables you can go ahead and calculate the amount of fuel that your yacht will need.

• Start by calculating the fuel burn per hour based on the horsepower of the engine.
• Add a multiplier based on the cruising speed of your vessel.

A vessel with a diesel engine of 300 horsepower will most likely burn 16-17 gallons per hour, which you can then use as a guideline when calculating the travel time based on the nautical miles you are looking to cover.

Superyachts are consuming much more fuel. An average 70-meter luxury yacht will burn around 130 gallons per hour with the engines running, while the amount increases significantly when the ship is moving. On average, you are looking at ±€2000 per hour (±1000 gallons) to achieve a speed of 20 knots. Of course, the higher the cruising speed, the more fuel you will be burning per hour, which in turn makes each hour at sea more expensive.

How much does boat fuel cost per gallon?

The exact price you are looking to pay per gallon depends on the marina you find yourself in. By looking at several price points of marinas, we get the following:

• Average diesel prices range from $3.2-$3.9 per gallon
• Average petrol prices range from $7.2-$7.8 per gallon

Note that discounts usually apply whenever you choose to purchase large quantities of fuel.

Why is boat fuel so expensive?

Marine fuel pricing is heavily inflated due to low supply and high demand. In short, the limited number of fuel stations at marinas have to service all the yachts that dock, which leads to a no-choice monopoly.

That said, yacht owners are usually not that concerned about the small price spike that marinas charge as an extra. If anything, they are happy to pay due to the convenience of the service.

How much fuel does a yacht hold?

Once again, the answer to this question depends on the size of the vessel. Smaller yachts can hold around 1300 gallons of fuel, while the bigger vessels can store up to 100,000 gallons. The ship’s engineers should be able to provide this number for the vessel you command.

Now that we have a better understanding of all the variables that determine the cost of fuel, we can go ahead and take you through the calculation process step by step.

First, know the total duration of your cruise. To obtain this information, divide the number of nautical miles by the cruising speed of your vessel (knots). For example, if you want to make a journey that totals 150 nautical miles while traveling at 20 knots, the yacht fuel formula looks as follows:

Total duration = 150 nm / 20kn

Total duration = 7,5 hrs

Note that the amount of fuel consumption may end up higher than expected if:

• Sea and weather conditions are not favourable
• You plan to make short stops along the way while the engine keeps running

Next, what you want to do multiply the number of hours by the number of gallons that your engine burns on an hourly basis while moving at the speed you previously indicated. If we take, as an example, the superyacht mentioned in the previous examples, we would make the calculation as follows:

7,5 hrs x 1000 gph = 7500 gallons

Now assume that you will also make two stops along the way, an hour and a half each, in order to let the guests enjoy their time; maybe ride a jet ski.

You then multiply the added number of hours with the consumption rate of a running engine. In this case:

3 hrs x 130 gph = 390 gallons

All that is left to do now is add up the total amount of fuel needed and multiply the number with the price per gallon.

(7500+390) x $3,5 = $27615

In this example, the final cost of your will set you back a little bit more than 27 thousand dollars. Just to be safe, calculate the additional 10% (margin of error) to be prepared against unexpected mistakes. This added amount is not necessarily an ad-on when you consider chartering. Private yacht owners, however, should add the amount to their final cost.

And that's it! You should now have a better idea on the steps you need to follow to calculate the fuel costs for your yacht. While there is quite a bit of information you should keep in mind, it is best to plan out everything with detail to avoid unforeseen costs. If you enjoyed this article, check out our blog post on yacht electrical systems as well.

How Much Fuel Does a Superyacht Hold? Find Out Here

Ever wondered how much fuel a superyacht can hold? Have you been curious about the factors that determine a superyacht’s fuel capacity? Or maybe you’re interested in learning how to maximize fuel efficiency? Well, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore all of these topics and more.

We’ll dive into the different types of engines and fuel efficiency, the average fuel capacity of a superyacht, the largest fuel capacity for a superyacht, the benefits of having a larger fuel capacity, how to maximize fuel efficiency, and tips for conserving fuel.

So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The amount of fuel a superyacht holds varies greatly depending on the size and type of yacht.

Generally, a superyacht can hold anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 gallons of fuel.

Larger vessels can hold up to 50,000 gallons or more.

Additionally, some superyachts are equipped with multiple fuel tanks to store more fuel for longer voyages.

Factors that Determine the Fuel Capacity of a Superyacht

When it comes to determining how much fuel a superyacht holds, there are a number of factors that come into play.

The size and type of the yacht are the two most important factors to consider.

Generally speaking, a superyacht typically holds anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 gallons of fuel, though some larger vessels can hold upwards of 200,000 gallons.

The range and cruising speed of a superyacht, as well as the type of engines used on the yacht, are also key factors in determining the amount of fuel the yacht will need to store.

As a general rule, larger and faster yachts require more fuel to travel longer distances.

Additionally, the fuel efficiency of the yacht will also have an impact on the total fuel capacity.

The more efficient the yacht, the less fuel it will need to travel the same distance.

Finally, the purpose of the yacht will also play a role in determining the fuel capacity.

Yachts that are used for racing or long-distance cruising will need more fuel than ones that are used primarily for short-distance trips or pleasure cruising.

In addition, the fuel storage capacity of the yacht will be determined by the number of tanks installed and the size of the tanks.

Ultimately, the amount of fuel a superyacht holds will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors.

The size and type of the yacht, its range and cruising speed, the type of engines used, and the fuel efficiency of the yacht will all have an impact on the total fuel capacity.

Additionally, the purpose of the yacht and the size of the fuel tanks will also determine how much fuel a superyacht can hold.

Types of Engines and Fuel Efficiency

When considering the total fuel capacity of a superyacht, it is important to consider the type of engines and fuel efficiency of the vessel.

The type of engines used will impact the fuel efficiency and ultimately the amount of fuel the yacht will need to store.

Traditional diesel engines are typically more fuel efficient than gas-powered engines, and may require a smaller fuel capacity.

On the other hand, gas-powered engines may require a larger fuel capacity due to their lower efficiency.

Additionally, some superyachts feature hybrid propulsion systems, which combine diesel and electric power to achieve greater fuel efficiency.

In addition to the type of engine, the fuel efficiency of the vessel is determined by several other factors.

The yachts weight, hull shape, and speed all influence fuel efficiency, with lighter, more efficient hulls and slower cruising speeds allowing for greater fuel efficiency.

Additionally, the use of fuel-saving technologies such as advanced propellers and energy-saving sails can also improve fuel efficiency, allowing for a smaller fuel capacity.

Ultimately, the type of engines and fuel efficiency of a superyacht will have a significant impact on the total fuel capacity of the vessel.

By carefully considering these factors, it is possible to optimize a superyachts fuel efficiency and minimize the total fuel capacity required.

Average Fuel Capacity of a Superyacht

When it comes to the fuel capacity of a superyacht, the amount varies greatly depending on the size and type of the vessel.

Generally speaking, a superyacht typically holds anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 gallons of fuel.

However, some larger vessels can hold upwards of 200,000 gallons.

The amount of fuel a superyacht holds is largely determined by the vessel’s range and cruising speed, as larger and faster yachts will require more fuel to travel longer distances.

In addition to the range and cruising speed of the vessel, other factors such as the type of engines, as well as the fuel efficiency of the yacht, can also have an impact on the total fuel capacity.

For instance, if the yacht has higher-performance engines, it may require more fuel to sustain the speed and range of the vessel.

On the other hand, if the yacht has more efficient engines, it may be able to cover more distance with less fuel.

In addition to the engine type and fuel efficiency, the type of fuel also plays a role in determining the fuel capacity of a superyacht.

Diesel-powered yachts typically have a higher fuel capacity than gasoline-powered yachts, as diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts.

Additionally, some yachts may use a combination of diesel and gasoline engines, which can also affect the total fuel capacity of the vessel.

Finally, the fuel capacity of a superyacht can also be impacted by the design of the vessel.

Larger vessels may require more fuel tanks to hold the necessary amount of fuel, while smaller vessels may only need one or two tanks.

Additionally, the placement of the fuel tanks on the vessel can also affect the total fuel capacity, as some locations may be more efficient for storing fuel.

In conclusion, the amount of fuel a superyacht holds can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as the size and type of the vessel, the range and cruising speed, the type of engines, the fuel efficiency, and the design of the vessel.

Ultimately, the total fuel capacity of a superyacht is determined by all these factors combined.

The Largest Fuel Capacity for a Superyacht

When it comes to fuel capacity, superyachts can hold anywhere from 15,000 to 200,000 gallons of fuel, depending on the size and type of yacht.

The largest and fastest yachts typically have the highest fuel capacity, as they are designed to travel longer distances and at higher speeds.

Larger vessels can hold up to 200,000 gallons of fuel, allowing them to travel thousands of miles without needing to refuel.

The type of engines and the fuel efficiency of the yacht can also have an impact on the total fuel capacity.

Many superyachts are equipped with high-performance engines, which are designed to be more fuel-efficient and to require less fuel to operate.

Additionally, some yachts are equipped with dual fuel engines, which are able to run on both diesel and gas, allowing them to switch between the two fuels depending on their needs.

Finally, the design of the yacht can also affect its fuel capacity.

Modern yachts are often created with a sleek and aerodynamic design, which helps them to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency.

This means that the yacht can hold more fuel and travel farther on the same amount of fuel.

Additionally, these yachts often feature advanced fuel-saving technologies such as wind-powered generators and efficient propulsion systems, which help them to further increase their fuel efficiency.

Overall, the amount of fuel a superyacht holds can vary greatly, depending on several factors such as the size and type of yacht, the type of engines, the fuel efficiency of the yacht, and the design of the vessel.

Larger and faster yachts tend to have the highest fuel capacity, with some able to hold up to 200,000 gallons of fuel, while smaller and slower vessels typically have less fuel capacity.

Additionally, modern yachts are often designed to be more fuel-efficient, allowing them to hold more fuel and travel farther on the same amount of fuel.

The Benefits of Having a Larger Fuel Capacity

When it comes to superyachts, having a large fuel capacity can be incredibly beneficial.

For starters, having a larger fuel capacity means that the yacht can travel long distances without having to refuel.

This is especially important if the yacht is traveling in remote areas with limited access to fuel.

Additionally, having a larger fuel capacity allows the yacht to cruise at faster speeds, as more fuel provides greater power and acceleration.

Finally, having a larger fuel capacity can also reduce the yacht’s overall fuel costs, as more fuel means fewer refueling stops.

All of these benefits add up to make having a larger fuel capacity on a superyacht a worthwhile investment.

How to Maximize Fuel Efficiency

Making sure your superyacht is running optimally is the key to maximizing fuel efficiency and getting the most out of your fuel capacity.

First, make sure your engines are properly maintained and tuned, as regular service and repairs can help your boat run more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption.

Additionally, running your engines at the correct speed for the conditions can help you achieve better fuel economy.

If you are travelling at a lower speed, your engines will not need to run at full capacity, meaning you can save fuel.

It is also important to ensure that your yacht is properly loaded, as an overloaded vessel can be less fuel efficient.

If you are carrying more than the recommended load, it will take more fuel to propel the boat.

To maximize fuel efficiency, make sure you are only carrying the necessary items and are not overloading your yacht.

Finally, installing the latest technology and equipment can also help you maximize fuel efficiency.

Outfitting your vessel with the latest navigation systems, fuel-injection systems, and fuel-monitoring systems can help you track and monitor your fuel consumption and make sure you are running your engines optimally.

Additionally, investing in newer, more fuel-efficient engines can also help you get the most out of your fuel capacity.

Tips for Conserving Fuel

When it comes to conserving fuel on a superyacht, there are several important steps that can be taken to ensure maximum efficiency.

First, it is important to ensure that the engines are running optimally, as any issues with the engines can lead to an increase in fuel consumption.

This can be done by regularly inspecting the engines and checking the oil levels to keep them in good condition.

It may also be beneficial to install devices, such as fuel flow meters, that can help monitor fuel usage and ensure that the engines are running optimally.

Second, reducing drag and improving aerodynamics can help to reduce fuel consumption.

This can be done by making sure that all of the yacht’s systems, such as the propellers, rudders, and hulls, are in optimal condition.

Additionally, installing wind-catching devices, such as wind deflectors, can help to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Third, it is important to ensure that the yacht is properly loaded.

This means that the weight of the yacht should be evenly distributed and that all unnecessary items should be removed.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the fuel tanks are not overfilled, as this can lead to fuel being wasted due to sloshing.

Finally, it is important to be mindful of the yacht’s route.

Taking a more direct route and avoiding areas with heavy currents, such as narrow straits and rivers, can help to reduce fuel usage.

Additionally, sailing during periods of favorable wind can help to reduce fuel consumption, as the yacht will be able to make use of the wind energy to help power the vessel.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that the amount of fuel a superyacht holds can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, from the size and type of yacht to the engine type and fuel efficiency.

The average superyacht holds anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 gallons of fuel, and some of the largest vessels can hold up to 200,000 gallons.

Having a larger fuel capacity is beneficial for longer trips, but it’s important to consider how to maximize fuel efficiency and conserve fuel to make the most out of the fuel you have.

With the right knowledge and a few tips, you can ensure that your superyacht has the fuel capacity it needs to provide the best possible experience.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Recent Posts

When Was Banana Boat Song Released? (HISTORICAL INSIGHTS)

The "Banana Boat Song" was released in 1956 by Harry Belafonte. This calypso-style song, also known as "Day-O," became a huge hit and remains popular to this day for its catchy tune and upbeat...

How to Make Banana Boat Smoothie King? (DELICIOUS RECIPE REVEALED)

To make a Banana Boat Smoothie King smoothie at home, start by gathering the ingredients: a ripe banana, peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, almond milk, and ice. Blend the banana, a scoop of...

Page Loading

• Vessel ltinerary
• Administration
• Dockage & Fuel
• Maintenance
• Capital Repairs & Reserves
• Total Expenses =
• Name Length Build
• # Total Expenses Date Saved

Advanced functionality coming soon.

Us flagged vessel, health insurance costs per crew, uniform cost per crew, training cost per crew, food cost per crew, crew turnover, hires using a professional crew agency.

• Restore Default
• $   | €   | £

Costs of food provisions will vary dependent upon how eloborate food Preferenaces are

Location will play huge factor in food provisons and thing may have to be folws into remorte locations.

Crew is one of the largest expenses on a superyacht and critical to the owner’s enjoyment of their vessel. As the largest crew agency in the world, we know crew. Our cost calculator contains customized crew lists for yachts ranging from 80ft to 600ft with salary information based on our reference verified salary data.

Our users also have the ability to completely tailor the crew list to the specific needs, schedule and requirements of their vessel. Each yacht is unique and may have specific owner requests in addition to the yacht’s safe manning requirements.

Management of the supplemental crew costs and strategic budgeting can help avoid significant overspend on categories such as food and uniform. This tool contains default values based on our industry expertise and recommended budget for an efficiently and safely run superyacht.

To learn more about each crew position in detail, including salary ranges, please visit our yacht department directory .

Drag the sliders to modify your results. These are not linear scales and we expect most yachts to operate within the 20-80% window. Above 80% and below 20% costs increase or decrease at exaggerated levels and we only see numbers in these levels in very rare circumstances.

This sunburst diagram is interactive. You can click into each block to see the expense break down and mouse over each block for more details.

Our chart of accounts displays seven major categories, 20 sub-categories plus a further 80 detail categories for a total of 107.

Our yacht operating cost calculator is now on it’s third major revision. We start with actual yacht expense data from our yacht management accountants and then generate formulas to extrapolate out the budget for a wide range of yachts. We have been providing accounting services to large yachts for the past 18 years.

Our operating cost calculator is tuned for yachts from 80 to 600 feet. We find operating variables create the largest variances for yachts smaller than 100 feet and larger than 250 feet. We have tested the numbers the most in the range from 100 to 250 feet.

Our budget calculator factors in the fuel burn for a range of engine sizes typically seen installed on yachts by length. By dragging the green “fuel dockage” slider to the right you will increase the projected fuel burn rate and therefore the budget cost for fuel. Our default position would be for a typical displacement fuel burn. Position the slider in the 60-80% range for fuel projections for planning hulls.

Our default values produce a budget number that we believe is generous to run a yacht to a high standard. Perfect is a very expensive word to use in the yachting industry where standards are already high. Moving the crew and maintenance sliders to 80% will provide an “industry best” quality of crew and give them the maintenance budget to operate to a very high standard. If you need to go over the 80% area then you may have unusually labor intensive equipment on the yacht.

Yes, our yacht operating cost calculator can output a budget suitable for this situation. Adjust the owner use to 2 (minimum value), owner slider to 0, crew slider to 10%, Administration to 10%, Fuel and Dockage to 0, Maintenance to 10% and then Capital Repairs to 0. This will remove all of the large charges associated with owner use and vessel movement but leave the essential base maintenance and insurance in place.

Lift on and float in yacht transport is a popular way to transport yachts across large ocean passage. The yachts that this service certainly applies to are ones that may not have the motoring range or structural integrity for blue ocean cruising. The cost of transporting a yacht twice per year is put into our budget once the “Fuel Dockage” slider hits 75%. If your yacht has the range we recommend self-sufficient ocean passages whenever possible. Whilst the transport companies sell their services based upon reportedly well oiled operated schedules the reality is that your yacht may stay waiting for pickup for a week or more with no compensation due. When factoring in all secondary factors of self-sufficient passages (increased fuel, maintenance, potential storm damage, crew time off, extra delivery crew) compared with transporting your yacht (insurance, potential loading / unloading damage, loss of schedule control, no work whilst underway, crew flights, crew accommodation) we believe that there is a 100% premium associated with float in transport and a 75% premium with lift on transport compared with self-powered.

Abandoned yachts crash in value. We recommend that even if you are trying to sell your yacht that you use the yacht for a minimum of two weeks per year so that systems are tested and working every six months. There is nothing worse for a yacht than not being used. If you truly are not going to use the yacht then you should sell it immediately for the first genuine offer as every dollar you put into maintenance will not be recovered at the time of the sale.

We did not build this version with sailing yachts in mind. Early in our development of this version we decided to exclude sailing yachts as a few of the major cost drivers scale very differently for sailing yachts compared with motor yachts. For example: To calculate paint costs we reviewed the surface area of over 100 large yachts and created a formula for painted surface area to length. Sailing yachts just don’t scale in a consistent way. Similarly crew numbers don’t scale in the same manner that they do for motor yachts. If there is sufficient demand we may build a sailing selector switch into a future version of this tool.

We hate to hear when yacht owners were told by their broker to factor in 10% of the purchase price to operate the yacht. This over used saying is sadly right occasionally (particularly for newer yachts in the $20-30M range)… but just because a broken watch tells the right time twice a day you shouldn’t rely upon it to tell the time. As yachts get older their capital value decreases but their maintenance costs increase. There is no way that a fixed 10% of purchase cost rule can be true… if your broker told you this rule then you need a new yacht broker… we know some good ones. 😊

Advanced functionality coming soon…

We are building advanced tools to allow you even greater control over our operating cost calculator. Please enter your email address below to be advised when it is available.

Save this version

Share your calculations.

Please save version before sharing LuxYacht - Calculator!!

You must be logged in to save this version of the cost calculator that you have customized for your yacht..

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Lekker Boats
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Numarine Yachts
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

The Real Costs of Owning a Superyacht [Complete Guide]

November 25, 2019 1:00 pm

Owning a  superyacht  is a status symbol available only to the world’s wealthiest individuals and corporations. Although there is no strict definition, the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code is applicable to “motor or sailing vessels of 24 meters in load line length and over…and which, at the time, is in commercial use for sport or pleasure and carries no cargo and no more than 12 passengers 1 .” There are currently just over 10,000 superyachts in the world with around 200-250 new builds delivered each year. The vast majority are  motor yachts , with sailing yachts counting for less than 20% of the total. The world’s largest private vessel, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s 180m (590-foot) AZZAM,  cost $600 million to build when it was delivered in 2013. Eight of the ten most expensive luxury acquisitions of all time were superyachts.

Purchase Cost

Buying a new or used superyacht will most likely cost the buyer several million dollars. Pricing varies widely based on the yacht size, age, and other factors such as builder, guest capacity, speed, range, and more. The market is worldwide and extensive. Any potential buyer would be well-advised to engage a professional, certified broker to guide them in the selection of their dream yacht and through the myriad of complications in making the purchase.

• • Financing the Purchase
• • Immediate Post Purchase Costs

Operating Costs

In years past, owners and their brokers would work on 10% of the purchase price as an estimate of annual operating costs, but the vast range of yacht size, operating location, and usage profile makes this approach less useful without giving the question more thought. Building a budget for a yacht requires consideration of the following elements:

Crew – Salary, payroll taxes, recruitment fees, uniform, health insurance, food, and travel for vacation and repatriation are all crew-related costs. A good guide for salary costs is published by Dockwalk magazine every year based on an extensive survey of the crew and placement agents. Using their most recent article as a guide, a crew of eight full-time crew on a 150-foot yacht will cost over $650,000 per year in salary alone. Get a complete crew cost breakdown.

Dockage – Unless the owner plans to spend the year at anchor, then keeping the yacht in a marina incurs a significant cost. Dockage is normally sold per foot of the yacht’s full length and per night, although contract rates for longer periods may be available. High-quality marinas in peak seasons are currently running in the $6-8 per foot per night range. Electricity, fresh water, and waste removal are all additional costs to be considered.

Fuel – The captain or engineer should be able to provide the fuel consumption per hour at any given speed, so if a yacht owner knows roughly how much he wants the boat to travel, then he can estimate the total fuel consumption and budget the fuel cost. There is also the fuel cost for generators, particularly at anchor. A typical 150-foot motor yacht cruising at 12 knots will consume in the region of 150 U.S. gallons per hour. At today’s fuel prices, that’s going to be close to $500 per hour. 500 hours per year will give us the main engine fuel budget of around $250,000. To this, we must also add the generators’ fuel consumption at anchor plus any additional cost for tenders.

Communications – Everyone onboard, crew and guests, want to remain connected to their social media, streaming services, and email. The technology available in this area moves fast and with 5G coming online, near-shore costs will likely come down. For those who want broadband speed while offshore, costs are high and depend on the upload/download speeds required. Start with an estimate of $4-5,000 per month and work from there. Additional communications costs include satellite TV subscriptions, crew cell phone costs, mail, freight, and more. Get a complete communication cost breakdown.

Maintenance, Consumables, and Other Operating Costs – Having considered crew payroll, marina costs, fuel, and internet, the budget will start to materialize. One must take all other costs into account, such as hull insurance, liability insurance, maintenance and consumables, warehousing, safety and survey costs, upkeep of the navigation outfit, computing support, car rental, and more.   

Looking for more details?

Receive the complete Cost of Yacht Ownership Guide including:

• • Offsetting Expenses With Charter
• • Superyacht Financing
• • Budget Development + More

This should not be considered a financial guide. For a more accurate estimate, contact Clive McCartney .

1 Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Section A 1.2(1) 

Latest News

NEWS | October 18, 2024

80′ azimut 2018 sold by aderbal coelho [deep blue].

80′ Azimut 2018 Sold by Aderbal Coelho [DEEP BLUE] DEEP BLUE, an 80′ Azimut built in 2018, was sold by Aderbal Coelho, who introduced the Buyer. Mike Doyle with MarineMax represented the Seller. DEEP BLUE features a thoughtfully designed layout with four cabins and heads, including an extra bed

NEWS | October 15, 2024

Baglietto t52 new build sold by alex g. clarke [hull #4].

Baglietto T52 New Build Sold by Alex G. Clarke [Hull #4] Denison Yachting is pleased to announce the sale of a new construction Baglietto T52. Hull #4 of the model was sold by Alex G. Clarke, who represented the Seller along with Jim Evans of SuperYachtsMonaco. James Corts of MarineMax represented

NEWS | October 14, 2024

Top charter yachts packed with the best water toys.

Top Charter Yachts Packed with the Best Water Toys Book a luxury yacht charter loaded with fun. Explore top charter yachts equipped with an exciting range of water toys, perfect for guests seeking adventure and fun on the water. Dive into unforgettable experiences with jet skis, paddleboards, and more!