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Ship, Yacht and Boat: Know the difference

 Let's first look at the definition of these terms


A ship

A ship is a large vessel that crosses oceans and other deep waters for commercial purposes. It carries cargo or passengers or performs specialized missions, such as defense, research, and fishing. This means that  a boat becomes a ship when it is big, it weighs at least 500 tonnes or above and it has commercial use.


 A yacht

The word “Yacht” comes from Dutch origin and was originally defined as a light, and fast sailing vessel used by the Dutch navy to find and capture pirates. When it comes to luxury, give it to yacht. Private recreational boats from 35 feet are actually yachts. Starting from 50 feet (15 meters), a pleasure boat is usually considered a yacht.


A boat

Boats are defined as “small vessels for traveling over water, propelled by oars, sails, or an engine”. So, a boat can be used for both recreational purposes and commercial ones, but it is expected to be small in size. A boat, is smaller in size and can be anything from a fisherman’s boat to a sailboat.

Let's look at the factors to consider when differentiating these terms:

Size

The size is one of the most determining factors to know how to call your vessel. A Yachts can range from about 35 feet in length all the way up to 160+ feet in length, although, most could be somewhere in the middle. Anything over 160 feet would be considered a “Superyacht”. Boats are generally anywhere from 15-30 feet in length, they are usually smaller in size. Above, 50 meters can start talking about mega yachts. Obviously, there is no upper limit to mega yachts. Currently, Azzam, the world’s biggest yacht is 180 meters long (590 feet).


Propulsion

Depending on the boat, it may operate solely using a sail and the wind, or one or more inboard or outboard motors. While some larger boats can mount very large engines to create some real speed on the water, these engines do not match the power of most yacht engines. On the other hand, equipment on yachts make them able to operate over very long distances, including crossing oceans. Most ships are designed to cross the sea with safety and they are designed for this objective. Looking at the propulsion is therefore not enough to know if a vessel is a boat, a yacht, or a ship, although it can give you a few clues.

Function

A yacht is purely for recreational purpose. Unlike a “boat”, it can be used for long voyages on oceans, this is due to its larger size, guidance, facilities and safety equipment, better propulsion, advanced electronics, and most importantly, its comfort. Yachts can protect passengers from bad weather and the comfortable cabins can accommodate several passengers for long stays. Yachts are also often available for charter with a crew  taking care of the guests. As for  boat, it can be used for both leisure and business (fishing, day trips, police, …) depending on the size and a ship is purely for commercial use.


Where they can operate

Smaller boats are usually capable of operating in calm waters like lakes, rivers, and shallow harbors. Some larger boats, usually 20 – 30 feet in length, can also navigate more rough ocean waters. A yacht, on the other hand, is able to sail in deeper, ocean waters and deal with more turbulent seas. Due to a larger size, high tech yacht electronics and guidance instruments, protection from the elements, and a number of other features yachts are far more suitable for longer ocean trips.

Crew

The crew on board can tell the difference between a boat, a yacht and ship. While a boat can be operated by just one captain, a yacht typically requires a full crew to help with navigation, maintenance, electronics and engineering, repairs and stewards to cater to the passengers. Commercial ships and professional boats obviously have experienced captains to sail them around the rough corners of the globe. For yachts and leisure boats, it is less obvious. Big yachts owners usually employ professionals to sail, but also manage the daily operations onboard.

The number of enrolled crew members depends on the yacht’ size. Usually, boats do not need a professional enrolled skipper to operate, if you know how to sail. But you can always rent a boat and hire a skipper to bring you wherever you want.


Navigation and technology

When making trans oceanic trips it is not only important that you are able to navigate with precision, but also that you can detect other boats or objects that you may not be able to see and understand the performance of your vessel. While some boats may have advanced marine electronics and navigation systems, it’s more of a requirement when it comes to yachts. 


Conclusion

If it is below 35feet long (10 meters), or if it is not luxurious, it is a boat. if it's luxurious, designed for recreational purpose, have complete crew  and its from  35feet and above, it's a yacht. If it is big, it weighs at least 500 tonnes or above, less fancy and it has commercial use, it is a ship.

The purpose of this article is to know the difference and not to restrict you from calling your boat a ship or vice versa. In case you would like to call your boat a ship or call your ship a yacht or refer to your canoe as a yacht. Always remember it's a free world, no one would attack you for that. Feel free to call your vessel whatever you like!!!



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