Which Size of Yacht to Charter
For most groups of 8 to 12 guests, a yacht of 30 to 40 metres is the best balance: five cabins, six crew and a typical week of around €69,000. A 40 to 50 metre yacht adds a full extra deck and nine crew for around €115,000, and above 50 metres you gain a beach club, a larger toy garage and around one crew member per guest.
- 24 to 30 m
- €45,000 · 8 guests
- 30 to 40 m
- €69,000 · 10 guests
- 40 to 50 m
- €115,000 · 12 guests
- 50 to 60 m
- €195,000 · 12 guests
- 60 m and above
- €530,000 · 12 guests
At a glance
Sizes compared
| Length | Typical week | Most yachts between | Guests | Crew | Yachts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 to 30 m | €45,000 | €35,000 and €68,000 | 8 | 4 | 314 |
| 30 to 40 m | €69,000 | €50,000 and €95,000 | 10 | 6 | 306 |
| 40 to 50 m | €115,000 | €81,000 and €160,000 | 12 | 9 | 164 |
| 50 to 60 m | €195,000 | €126,000 and €261,000 | 12 | 12 | 60 |
| 60 m and above | €530,000 | €329,000 and €700,000 | 12 | 20 | 40 |
Median low season weekly rate of the yachts we list, 12 November 2026. Rates exclude VAT, the advance provisioning allowance and gratuity.
24 to 30 metres
The entry to crewed week charters
Three or four cabins for six to eight guests, with a captain, a deckhand, a stewardess and often a chef. Fast enough to cover the Riviera or the Cyclades comfortably, small enough to enter every harbour.
Best for families and groups of friends on a first week. See yachts of 24 to 30 metres.
30 to 40 metres
The most chartered superyacht size
Five cabins for ten guests, usually with a main deck master suite, a sundeck with jacuzzi and six crew including a chef. Stabilisers at anchor and a wider choice of water toys are standard at this size.
Best for two or three families or a group of ten. See yachts of 30 metres and more.
40 to 50 metres
A full extra deck
Twelve guests in six cabins, three decks of guest space, nine crew and separate crew circulation, so service becomes close to invisible. Longer range makes Corsica, Sardinia and island groups easy in one week.
Best for larger groups, milestone celebrations and corporate hospitality. See yachts of 40 metres and more.
50 to 60 metres
Beach club and spa territory
Still twelve guests, but with about one crew member per guest, a beach club at water level, a gym or spa and a garage of tenders and toys. Expect a dedicated chef team and a spa therapist on many yachts.
Best when service and space matter more than the route. See yachts of 50 metres and more.
60 metres and above
Flagship yachts
The largest charter yachts, often with a helipad, cinema, pool and twenty or more crew. Availability is limited to a few dozen yachts worldwide and the best weeks are reserved a year ahead.
How to decide
Four questions that settle the size
- How many cabinsCount couples and children, not people. Ten guests may need five cabins or six.
- How private should service feelMore crew per guest means quieter, more anticipatory service.
- Where are you goingSmall harbours such as Portofino or Hvar favour yachts under 45 metres.
- What is the full budgetTake the weekly rate and add about 55 to 65 percent for expenses, VAT and gratuity. See the cost guide.
FAQ
Questions, answered
What size yacht do I need for 10 guests?
A yacht of 30 to 40 metres with five cabins. A typical week costs around €69,000 plus expenses.
What size yacht do I need for 12 guests?
Usually 38 metres or more, with six cabins. Most yachts of 40 to 50 metres sleep 12, at around €115,000 per week.
Why do most yachts stop at 12 guests?
Standard commercial yacht rules limit charter yachts to 12 overnight guests. Larger groups need a yacht certified as a passenger vessel or two yachts cruising together.
Is a bigger yacht more comfortable at sea?
Generally yes. Length and stabilisers reduce motion, both under way and at anchor.
How many crew will we have?
About 4 crew on 24 to 30 metres, 6 on 30 to 40 metres, 9 on 40 to 50 metres, 12 on 50 to 60 metres and 20 or more above 60 metres.
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Three yachts for your dates
Tell us your dates and your group. We send three available yachts with written prices and a suggested route.
Figures from the Navélia fleet · updated