International Boatbuilders: Discover Some of the World’s Best Yachts and Catamarans
Boatbuilding had its start overseas long before the U.S. was established.
Boating is an international pursuit if there ever was one. A passion for being on the water knows no borders, almost by definition. Thus, it should come as no surprise that so many of our favorite boatbuilders are overseas. And in a happy twist of fate, the varied nature of these geographical locations gives us a smorgasbord of very different boats from which to choose. From Scandinavia, we get workboat lines and hardy hulls. Italy offers us unmatched aesthetic style and a flair for avant-garde design. Meanwhile, the Australians tend to focus on waterborne activities and rugged performance. And then, of course, there are the boatbuilding hot spots in Asia—Kaohsiung, Taiwan, springs to mind—where dependable labor and easy access to international trade routes makes the city a logical choice even for U.S.-based companies. No matter what you look for in a vessel, you’re assured to find something you like in this roundup of international boatbuilders.
CL Yachts
Introduced in 2018, CL Yachts seeks to reinvent today’s motoryacht for tomorrow. The fleet ranges from 50 to 100 feet, embodies sophistication and opulence, and are designed for both comfort and performance. Drawing upon industry expertise and time-honored craftsmanship spanning over a century, Hong Kong-based CL Yachts meticulously evaluates every detail, seen and unseen, with the aim of elevating the yachting experience to uncharted levels of luxury. This pursuit of innovation targets a new generation of yachting enthusiasts who value independent thinking, effortless elegance, and the thrill of discovery. clyachts.com
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Hargrave Custom Yachts
Hargrave Custom Yachts is a family owned business known for providing the highest level of customer support for its owners. That unique level of support combined with fully custom designs, higher quality, and competitive pricing is why the company has earned the highest reorder rate in its market segment. This 118-foot 2024 Hargrave tri-deck (above) built in Antalya, Turkey, is the third new Hargrave for the owner. Started in 1957 by Hall of Fame designer Jack Hargrave, the company has designed and built motoryachts all over the world, including the United States. Recent Hargrave deliveries have ranged from 80 feet to 186 feet with the most popular designs today falling in the 100- to 130-foot size range. hargravecustomyachts.com
Horizon
Founded in 1987, Taiwan-based Horizon has emerged as the leading Asian yacht brand in the luxury yacht market and is known throughout the industry for its sophisticated craftsmanship, superior build techniques, and innovative technology. Horizon has been honored as “Best Asian Motor Yacht Builder” 14 years in a row and is the first and only member of SYBAss (Superyacht Builders Association) from the Far East. In the past three decades, Horizon has delivered over 910 luxury yachts, with more than 250 of these over 80 feet in length. Popular models ranging from 52 to 150 feet include motoryachts, superyachts, power catamarans, expedition yachts, and fast displacement motoryachts. horizonyacht.com
Nimbus
Established in Långedrag, near Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1968, Nimbus builds boats with roots tracing back to Viking longships and traditional Scandinavian designs, yet have continually evolved to meet modern needs while retaining a focus on safety, functionality, and Scandinavian aesthetics. Its innovative approach is evident in models like the Nimbus 495 Flybridge, which embodies its commitment to crafting vessels that seamlessly blend comfort, style, and performance. Nimbus boats are designed for both warm and cold climates, making them ideal for long voyages and exploring diverse waters. It wasn’t until 2015, that Nimbus introduced its boats to the U.S. market, but the brand is well-accepted and the latest W11, T11, and C11 with a well-balanced stepped hull and Mercury outboards maximizes speed, comfort, and easy living. nimbus.se
Wiszniewski Yachts
Josef Wiszniewski established Ślepsk Shipyard in 1989 in Poland. The shipyard has since evolved into the leading European sub-contractor for motorboats in its sector, offering full production for renowned brands such as Sea Ray, Axopar, Bayliner, Quicksilver XO, and Yamarin. With a staff of 1,300, annual production now exceeds 3,000 motorboats featuring 90 models. They have developed comprehensive in-house facilities encompassing a state-of-the-art tooling center, engineering and prototyping departments, dedicated windshields, upholstery metalwork and furniture factories, plus lamination and assembly. This year, Josef and his son, Michael, launched their own brand, Wiszniewski Yachts, and the first model, W43, will debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Leopard Catamarans
Leopard catamarans, produced at the Robertson and Caine factory in Cape Town, South Africa, are celebrated for their exceptional quality and innovative design. The collaboration between Leopard Catamarans and Robertson and Caine guarantees that each vessel is built to the highest standards of craftsmanship and performance. The factory’s strategic location in Cape Town allows access to skilled labor and state-of-the-art shipbuilding technology, contributing to the brand’s reputation for excellence in the international maritime industry. Today, Leopard Catamarans has more than 2,500 vessels on the water thanks to a dealership network that spans six continents. leopardcatamarans.com
Fountaine Pajot
Fountaine Pajot have been designers and boatbuilders in France since 1976. Fountaine Pajot’s range of sailing and motor catamarans has been designed with remarkable living space and superb levels of comfort and performance to share all the pleasures of a premium cruising lifestyle. The company has devised a global strategic plan to reduce its ecological impact and decrease the carbon footprint of the pleasure boating industry through innovative construction techniques and implementing onboard energy management and production system, including the design of the first hydrogen catamaran. fountaine-pajot.com
Palm Beach Motor Yachts
By 1995, Mark Richards was already an accomplished sailing champion. Looking for a new challenge, the Sydney, Australia, native decided to found a company that would build powerboats for sailors. He named the new brand Palm Beach, not after the famous island in Florida, but after a peninsula in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. His first boat was the PB38, a Downeaster that he conceived using 2-D drawings. He sold four of them immediately and realized that he was onto something. Over the next 30 years, Richards grew his company into a mainstay, producing larger boats, including an 85 announced last June. The boats are known for their lightweight, carbon fiber construction and excellent range and efficiency that are attributed to a convex hull that mimics a racing sailboat. palmbeachmotoryachts.com
Galeon Yachts
Founded in 1982 in Gdansk, Poland, Galeon Yachts has decades of manufacturing experience and a workforce of more than 1,500 highly skilled engineers, craftspeople, and technicians who combine their dedicated efforts in a world-class facility. Offering 17 models ranging from 32 to 80 feet, Galeon’s commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from artistic woodwork to custom-built teak decks. With a vertically integrated business model, Galeon ensures top-tier quality control, crafting nearly all components in-house. Galeon Yachts, in collaboration with Tony Castro Yacht Design, continually set new standards for performance and luxury. galeonyachts.us
Fairline
One of the UK’s major boatbuilders, Fairline has a history dating back to 1967 when Jack Newington founded the company on the banks of the River Nene. The first boat Newington launched was a Fairline 19 that was designed as a river cruiser. Notably, Fairline used GRP construction that was considered cutting-edge back then. The company grew steadily through 1991, when it launched its first Squadron model, a 62. That boat propelled Fairline into the yachting market, where it has maintained a solid foothold to this day. Fairlines are popular for their smooth-riding hulls that are capable in rough conditions, as well as a propensity for onboard comfort. fairline.com
Prestige Yachts
In 1989, Prestige launched its first 41, announcing its presence as one of a handful of French luxury yacht builders. That first boat was an express coupe. It was followed shortly by a 36 with a flybridge that helped to sturdy the builder’s reputation when it came to versatility. By 2010, the brand had done well enough that it established a dealer network in North America, this to complement what had become one of the largest dealer networks in Europe at the time, thanks to Prestige’s connection to the boatbuilding giant Jeanneau. By 2016, the builder was turning out a 680 that won many awards, including Motor Boat of the Year. Today, after 35 years in the business, Prestige has cemented itself as one of the world’s preeminent builders. prestige-yachts.com
Outer Reef Yachts
Long Island, New York, native Jeff Druek founded Outer Reef Yachts in the late 1990s. Although American, Druek decided to build in Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan, a major shipbuilding port with a knowledgeable labor force and good access to international trade routes. His idea was to build rugged, oceangoing vessels that could take his clients around the world and do it in the utmost comfort. A collaboration with Setzer Yacht Architects only furthered the company’s cruising bona fides. Today, Outer Reef offers more than a dozen different models. The boats are known for long-range and efficiency as well as excellent interior volume. Beyond that, Outer Reef provides a level of fit and finish that leaves very little to be desired. outerreefyachts.com
Wally
Wally was founded by Italian sailor and entrepreneur Luca Bassani. He chose to headquarter his company in Monaco, a decision that points to the flash and sizzle that has always been associated with the brand. Wally is known for some of the most dynamic designs found on the water anywhere in the world. The builder also is famous for using advanced carbon fiber techniques to create a wide range of vessels that spans from sailboats to dayboats to proper megayachts. In 2019, Wally was acquired by the Ferretti Group in a move that bolstered the builder’s war chest, allowing it to chase the nautical innovations that have come to define the brand. wally.com
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Jeanneau
A connoisseur of planes and cars, Frenchman Henry Jeanneau decided in 1957 to build his own 20-foot wooden boat and do a six-hour race in Paris. He won, and with those credentials under his belt he quickly shot to fame as a boatbuilder. The eponymous company he founded would always keep up with its racing heritage but became more famous for the production sailboat models it began turning out by the droves. By 1996, the company expanded to America, and by 2011, it was in Asia too. It also launched its powerboat line—Prestige—that wasted no time becoming a fan favorite. Today, Jeanneau is one of the largest boatbuilders in the world and a true force in the marine industry. jeanneau.com
Nautor Swan
Founded in 1966, Nautor Swan is recognized all over the world for its performance sailing yachts. The key elements of the brand are elegance, quality, performance, innovation, and reliability. With a state-of-the-art facility based in Pietarsaari, Finland, a global service with five hubs in the Med, plus its service points worldwide, the divisions ClubSwan Racing, Brokerage, and Charter, Nautor Swan is a full-service brand. More than 2,350 yachts between 28 and 131 feet have been built over five decades. The range is divided into four different lines: ClubSwan Yachts, Swan Yachts, Swan Maxi Yachts, and the motoryacht division, with Swan Shadow, Swan OverShadow, and Swan Arrow, that broadens the range of vessels from the Finnish yard. nautorswan.com
Ferretti
In 1968, the Ferretti brothers, Alessandro and Norberto, became agents for American builder Chris-Craft and began marketing their Ferretti Nautica boats. By 1971, they were building their own 33-foot wooden motor sailers. It wasn’t until 1982 that Ferretti began producing its first proper powerboats, with open, flybridge, and sportfishing models. By 1993, the Italian builder had become popular enough to establish Ferretti of Americas, with a territory including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, and the Caribbean. Today, Ferretti is a giant in the industry, spanning multiple brands and making sales all over the world, with its own brokerage group in the form of the American-based Allied Marine. The builder is known primarily for its swagger and aesthetic appeal, as well as sporty performance. ferretti-yachts.com
Kadey-Krogen
Kadey-Krogen was founded by Art Kadey and Jim Krogen in 1976. The idea was to build a comfortable, safe, and efficient long-range trawler to meet the needs of a new breed of boaters—the recreational bluewater cruisers. The challenge was to mesh a hull that could handle the unpredictable nature of the offshore environment with an interior that had yacht-level fit and finish. In 1977, the Taiwan-based builder launched its first 42, a vessel with extra-robust construction and aesthetics that purposefully mimicked that of a shrimp boat. Since then, Kadey-Krogen has turned out a range of boats in the 40- to 50-foot range that have remained at the very forefront of the long-range cruiser demographic. kadeykrogen.com
Windy Boats
Windy Boats has more than half a century in the marine industry and has established itself as a leader in its class thanks to smart design and high build quality. Windy was founded in 1958 in Sweden by Hugo Vold, who remembered many stormy nights where his family waited anxiously for his father to return home aboard his boat Vindy. Dad always made it home safely, and Vold gained an innate understanding that boats need to be solidly built with hulls that could always make it back to the docks. Today, his company turns out more than a dozen models that are used as both dayboats and tenders. Windy is known not just for its seafaring capabilities but also for minimalist Scandinavian design. windyboats.com
Eastbay
Eastbay debuted in 1993 with a model lineup that was meant to showcase on-the-water performance, as opposed to its larger, more comfort-focused sisters in the Grand Banks series. Today, Eastbay is part of the GB Marine Group, along with Grand Banks and Palm Beach. Notable for a curated lineup, Eastbays come in either a 44 or a 60. Though the builder’s parent company is Australian, Eastbay produces its boats in a cavernous facility in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The vessels are known for exceptional fit and finish (particularly in the woodwork) with a nautical vibe, as well as excellent performance with a focus on seakeeping and efficiency. Eastbay is also amenable to a level of customization that is rare for vessels in this size range. grandbanks.com
Maritimo
Maritimo was founded by Bill Barry-Cotter in 2003 after the sale of its main competitor Riviera, which Barry-Cotter also founded. Understandably, the man is considered a giant in Australian boatbuilding. Maritimo is known for making robust and sporty vessels that are built with a focus on an active lifestyle and getting back to shore safely no matter what the waters swirling off the coast of Australia serve up. The builder offers various versions of a 50, 60, and 75 (express and enclosed flybridge models are available). Distinctively, Maritimo is also known for its racing program. The Maritimo racing cat competes successfully worldwide on tour and acts as both a passion project for Barry-Cotter as well as an excellent marketing tool for his brand. maritimo.com.au
Altima Yachts
Discover the pinnacle of marine craftsmanship with Altima Yachts, founded by industry veteran Frank Sciortino. With more than 25 years of expertise, Altima specializes in custom-built “boutique” boats, from the luxurious 38-foot center console to the sophisticated 62-foot Express Coupe. Each vessel combines comfort, top-notch safety features, and the latest boating trends. Crafted in Istanbul, Turkey, Altima Yachts benefit from a shipyard with more than 50 years of custom yacht-building experience. Sciortino’s dedication to quality ensures that every boat is meticulously overseen to promise unmatched satisfaction for every owner. altimayachts.com
Grand Banks
The first Grand Banks was the GB36 launched in 1965. The founders were the Newton family—a father and two sons, who were American ex-pats living in Hong Kong. The GB36 would go on to become one of the most iconic boat models of all time, with more than 1,000 sold worldwide. The initial idea was to build exceptionally seaworthy vessels with long-range performance and onboard comfort. The builder fostered numerous talented personnel, particularly in the 1970s when it employed Harvey Halvorsen and Tony Fleming in technical roles. In 2014, Grand Banks found new blood when the accomplished sailor and founder of Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Mark Richards, took the helm. grandbanks.com
Two Oceans Marine
Two Oceans Marine is a catamaran manufacturer named after the two oceans (Atlantic and Indian) that surround its home base of Cape Town, South Africa. Founded in 1989, the builder has an expansive lineup that spans from 27-150 feet. Today, the company has a nearly 200,000-square-foot facility based just inside Cape Town’s famous harbor. Being smack dab between some of the world’s roughest currents, in one of the world’s more isolated cities, Two Oceans not surprisingly has a focus on building exceptionally rugged craft with the requisite range and efficiency that South Africans require and the rest of the world loves. The builder also takes pride in the high level of customization it can impart to its boats, which it feels really sets it apart from the competition. 2oceans.co.za
Ocean Alexander
Ocean Alexander was founded in Taiwan in 1977 by Alex Chueh. The builder’s first boat was the Mark I which captivated the boating audience with its salty looks, hardy performance, and engineering that sparkled. Considered a classic today, the Mark I is the rare model that has not only held its value, but appreciated. The 71-foot Night Hawk model came a few years later and set standards as one of the larger yachts to be turned out in Asia. Since then, Ocean Alexander has pushed the boundaries with many vessels topping the 100-foot mark. A deep relationship with designer Evan K. Marshall has helped put OA at the forefront of the megayacht world, where those in the know understand the exemplary quality the builder exhibits in fit and finish and offshore performance. oceanalexander.com
Riviera
Riviera can rightfully claim to be a juggernaut in the industry, with an extremely strong sales record that has come about because of its rugged and reliable boats with sensible layouts and high levels of fit and finish. The builder began its story in 1980 in Sydney, Australia, but quickly relocated to the Gold Coast in Queensland. The brand flourished through the aughts and was acquired by Gold Coast developer Rodney Longhurst in 2012. Riviera is rather unique in that it runs an apprenticeship program that brings local youths into its facility and trains them on all aspects of boatbuilding. The program helps to create strong brand DNA and loyalty within the ranks that translates to a quality product. rivieraaustralia.com
Sterk Yachts
Though Germany-based Sterk Yachts is a newcomer to the marine industry, the men who put it together are anything but. Milan Sterk and his designer Carlos Vidal and naval architect Sasha Vlad each have at least 20 years of experience working with boats. It’s that broad and deep knowledge base that has allowed the group to create a new brand with utmost focus on high performance matched with sharp aesthetics and smart onboard layouts. The Sterk 31 RC is a 60-knot boat with 700 horsepower. It also has multiple layouts including aft sunpads, dining settees, and more. The boat was nominated for European Power Boat of the Year in 2024, and looks to have a very bright future. sterkyachts.com
Sirena
Sirena began its journey in Turkey in 2006, and formed a partnership with the Italian monolith Azimut-Benetti just two years later. The builder has become popular in the United States in particular because of its innovative layouts and use of onboard space. The brand has also flourished in the motoryacht sector because of the low cost of labor in Turkey, which translates directly to a smart buy for the consumer. That is not to say that any quality is lost. Boats built by Sirena exhibit admirable levels of fit and finish seen in its woodwork, leatherwork, and the stitching in the upholstery. This is a relatively young brand that has quickly made a name for itself thanks to high-quality construction and a healthy dose of imagination. sirenayachts.com
Riva
One of the most storied brands in all of boating, Riva was established back in 1842 by Pietro Riva on the banks of Italy’s Lago d’Iseo. Over the ensuing century, Riva built a number of different vessels but made a name for itself with its racing boats. In the post-war years, the company was taken over by Carlo Riva, who transformed it into a legend. The 1950s and 1960s in Italy were defined by the dolce vita lifestyle, and the Riva Aquarama runabout was the epoch of that sense of style. The little wooden boats became quite popular with celebrities and nobility alike, and even to this day command high prices on the classic-boat market. Riva is now part of the Ferretti Group and turns out a full stable of yachts surpassing the 100-foot mark. riva-yacht.com
Ranieri International
Ranieri International started in Soverato, Calabria, in the late 1960s when Pietro, the eldest of the Ranieri brothers, opened a small motorcycle repair business. His passion for engines led to him to sell and repair marine engines and small boats, and with the support of his brothers, began the production of fiberglass boats. In 2008, new strategies helped to create a new family brand, Ranieri International, through which the company launched a range of new products, including the Cayman line of inflatable boats, the Next line deck boats, the Voyager line of open models, and the latest 275 SL. ranieri-international.com
Sunseeker
Sunseeker came to be in 1969, when it was founded in the UK by Robert Braithwaite. Two years later came the first boat, the Sovereign 17, a fun little runabout which was quickly followed by the larger Sovereign 20, which debuted at the Southampton Boat Show. Over the years, Sunseeker shifted its focus to sportiness, culminating in the Tomahawk 37 of the 1980s. That boat solidified the builder as one of Europe’s sexiest, a reputation that went nuclear when the company signed a contract to be featured in the James Bond franchise in 2008, which featured three different Sunseekers (including the Sovereign 17) and a cameo by Braithwaite himself. sunseeker.com
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Aquila
Aquila catamarans are built by Sino Eagle Group in Hangzhou City, China. The builder first got linked in with MarineMax’s charter arm, MarineMax Vacations, by building the Aquila 38, a stable and spacious platform that kept clients happy. By 2012, it was time to expand the platform, and MarineMax along with Sino Eagle Group reached out to J&J Design Group, Seaway, and Lex Raas to help with the collaboration. The result was the Aquila 48, a much larger and more robust version of the earlier boat that doubled down on seaworthiness, entertainment spaces, and sleeping quarters. The brand only expanded from there, and today produces a comprehensive lineup that spans from a 28 up to a 70, and includes fishing boats, expresses, and flybridge motoryachts. aquilaboats.com
Horizon Power Catamarans
The Powercat Company was founded in 2009, when CEO Richard Ford forged a relationship with the renowned Horizon Yacht shipyard in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to build a series of power catamarans of the highest caliber. Over the last 15 years, 60 Horizon Power Catamarans have been built and sold, and the range has grown to include the PC52, PC60, PC68, and larger fully custom models. Horizon utilizes the latest in advanced composites construction techniques and transfers its leading-edge innovations and myriad boater-friendly details into the design and build of these powercats. Horizon Power Catamarans is now also leading the charge in hybrid efficiency, with optional solar systems and a now-standard advanced power package. horizonpowercatamarans.com
Schaefer Yachts
In 1993, Marcio Schaefer’s lifelong love for the sea inspired him to create Schaefer Yachts, transitioning from sailboats to powerboats with remarkable finesse. Employing nearly 1,000 skilled craftsmen, Schaefer Yachts has built more than 4,000 boats ranging in size from 32 to 83 feet. Based in Florianopolis, Brazil, its state-of-the-art shipyard tests every yacht in the Atlantic Ocean’s challenging conditions. Pioneers in vacuum infusion since 2006, it confidently offers a 10-year warranty. This family business continues to deliver unparalleled comfort and performance, making every Schaefer yacht a testament to its relentless pursuit of perfection. schaeferyachts.us
Axopar
This Finnish brand was founded in 2014 by Jan-Erik Viitala and Sakari Mattila. The name is derived from other Finnish brands in the men’s past, including Aquador, XO, and Paragon. The builder debuted its 28 model at the 2014 Helsinki Boat Show and from there, it was off to the races—literally. Axopars are favored as chase boats in regattas around the world. The company has become popular for the low cost associated with ownership, thanks in large part from the mass production done with repetitive assembly and interchangeable componentry. Axopars are also known for having some of the best running hulls around. Currently, the builder has a lineup ranging from 22-45 feet. axopar.com
-by Kevin Koenig/Steve Davis
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