The short answer: a motor yacht is driven by engines and built for speed, space and easy handling; a sailboat (sailing yacht) is driven by the wind, with a small auxiliary engine for harbours and calms, and rewards skill and patience with quieter, cheaper cruising. The word “yacht” on its own just means a recreational boat, so a sailboat can be a yacht; in Australia “yacht” alone usually means a sailing boat, and “motor yacht” or “cruiser” an engine-driven one.
| Motor yacht | Sailboat / sailing yacht | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | One or more inboard or outboard engines | Sails, with a small auxiliary engine |
| Typical cruising speed | About 15–30 knots for a planing sports cruiser or flybridge; 8–10 knots for a displacement trawler | About 5–8 knots under sail, depending on wind and hull length |
| Space and comfort | More beam and volume for the length; large cockpits, saloons and cabins | Narrower hull and deeper keel; more compact accommodation for the same length |
| Skill and crew | Easy to learn; one person can handle most boats under about 15 m with bow thrusters | Takes practice; sail handling is easier with two or more aboard |
| Running costs | Higher: fuel, two engines to service, more systems | Lower fuel; sails and rigging need replacing every few years |
| Draft and bridges | Shallow draft; only the height of the hardtop or flybridge matters | Deep keel and a tall mast, so bridges and shallow bays limit where you go |
| Best for | Day trips, entertaining, weekends away, getting there quickly | The sailing itself, longer passages, lower fuel bills |
Below, Sam Davis of Davis Marine Brokerage in Mosman explains the differences in more detail and how to decide which type suits your boating.
For a long time, people have talked a lot about whether sailing boats or motor boats are better when buying a boat. Both can give you a pleasurable time on the water and the exciting feeling of being out on the open sea. But what makes them different? What are the pros and cons about each one? And most importantly, how can you decide which one is best for you?
Our team of expert brokers is here to give you a full picture. We’ll help you explore the options and find the boat that perfectly matches your needs and preferences.
Motor yachts are boats that are primarily powered by one or more engines. They are designed for comfortable cruising and often have luxurious amenities like spacious cabins, galleys, lounges, and entertainment systems. Motor yachts come in a range of sizes, from smaller boats under 50 feet to massive superyachts over 200 feet long. You can check out our article on the Top 5 Motor Yachts and Classic Motor Yachts to help you find the perfect yacht for you.
Sailboats on the other hand, are powered primarily by wind using sails. They come in a wide variety of sizes and designs, from small dinghies to large ocean-going yachts. Sailboats offer a more active, adventurous, and environmentally-friendly boating experience compared to motor yachts.
What makes Motor Yachts and Sailboats different?
Luxury and Amenities
Motor yachts can be sleek and stylish, with lots of space and luxury for living on the water. Depending on the size, motor yachts can have many fancy features like gyms, saunas, elevators, and spacious lounging areas. They are great for hosting big groups of family and friends, which allows you to have an amazing experience on the ocean.
On the other hand, sailboats have traditionally had less space and comfort. But modern sailboats can now have surprisingly roomy living areas. And the excitement of sailing with the wind is something motor boats can’t match.
Speed and Performance
Motor yachts give you an easy, comfortable time when you are cruising. They can reach high speeds whenever you want, making for a quicker, more efficient journey. They are also easy to control and keep you dry on the water. These boats sit up high and have features like stabilisers that make the ride very smooth. This is why they are often a popular choice for people new to being on the water.
In contrast, sailboats do have small engines to help them move around in harbours or when there is little wind. But even these engines are now starting to become electric, making sailboats a more sustainable option. Sailing yachts cater more to the romantic idea of the traditional yachtsman. Their slower speed allows you to really appreciate the journey, the charm of the vessel, and the company you’re with.
Comfort and Experience
When you’re out on the water, the sound of your yacht is an important factor in choosing between a sailing yacht or a motor yacht. Those motor yachts definitely have the engine noise as they plow through the waves. And yeah, that engine sound can be a bit of a downside. But the tradeoff is that all that engine power gets you to your destination a lot faster. Plus, with today’s engine design and soundproofing tech, motor yachts are way quieter and smoother-running than they used to be. They provide great comfort as you cruise; you can relax and watch the scenery go by while the yacht does the work.
Sailing yachts, on the other hand, have that blissful, natural experience. No engine noise or vibration, just the peaceful sounds of the wind and waves. But sailing takes a lot more work. You’re constantly trimming the sails and plotting your course based on the wind and tides. It’s a more hands-on, involved way to cruise. Definitely a different vibe from the motor yacht experience.
Flexibility
Another thing to think about when choosing a yacht is the flexibility it offers for when you are on shallow waters and low bridges. Sailboats need a deep keel to keep them balanced when the wind is in the sails. But power boats don’t need this. Their underwater profile means they can travel in areas with less water depth, like near the shore or in small bays. Some sailing yachts have a keel that can lift up, but you can only use that when the sails are not out.
Height is also a problem for sailing yachts. When traveling on rivers in cities, there are often low bridges. This means that they have to take the mast down to fit under the bridges, and this can be a lot of work.
Maintenance and Costs
Motor yachts are more expensive to operate and maintain compared to sailing yachts. They have larger interiors and more complex machinery, which means they need more crew to run them and require more frequent professional maintenance. This leads to higher yearly costs.
Sailing yachts are a more affordable option compared to motor yachts. They cost less to buy initially and have lower maintenance needs. The sails and rigging do need replacement or repairs every few years, but the regular daily costs are low, especially for fuel and requiring fewer crew members than motor yachts.
Which one is best for you?
It’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs. Ask yourself these questions: Are you buying a yacht for a vacation or to live on for many months a year? How experienced are you at sailing? What is your budget for yacht operation? Is eco-friendliness important to you? How much space do you need on your yacht? How fast do you want to travel? If you take the time to really think about those important factors, you’ll be able to figure out which type of yacht would work best for your boating lifestyle.
If you value speed and comfort with less hands-on involvement, a motor yacht may be the better choice, and we’d be happy to help you choose the perfect motor yacht for your needs. We have a selection of excellent motor yachts available, so feel free to give us a call when you’re ready. If you’re looking for brand-new motor yachts, feel free to check out our Duchy Motor Launches and Hardy Motor Yachts range. However, if you prefer a more natural and serene experience, even if it requires more active participation, a sailing boat could be the way to go. Ultimately, the “best” option is the one that aligns most closely with your boating lifestyle and goals.
Don’t forget to match your boat with the right tender! Check out “Choosing the Right Superyacht Tender Builder” to find the best fit for you. Happy boating!
Frequently asked questions
Is a sailboat a yacht?
Yes. “Yacht” describes any boat used for pleasure rather than work, so a sailboat can be called a sailing yacht. In everyday use in Australia, “yacht” often means a sailing boat, while “motor yacht” or “cruiser” is used for engine-driven boats.
Which is cheaper to own, a motor yacht or a sailboat?
A sailboat is usually cheaper to run for the same length: fuel is a fraction of a motor yacht’s, and there is one small engine to service instead of two large ones. Berthing or mooring, insurance, antifouling and registration cost roughly the same for either type, and a sailboat adds sails and rigging every few years. The purchase price depends far more on the builder, age and condition than on the type.
Which is better for Sydney Harbour?
It depends on how you use the boat. The harbour is busy with ferries and traffic, has plenty of shallow bays and a few low bridges up the rivers, and most owners use their boats for day trips and entertaining — which is why motor yachts and sports cruisers dominate the used market we sell from Mosman. Sailing on the harbour is superb, but it suits owners who want the sailing itself rather than the destination.
Can I switch from a sailboat to a motor yacht?
Many owners do as their boating changes. A typical move is from a sailing yacht to a 10–14 m sports cruiser or flybridge. If you are weighing it up, our recent sales show what comparable boats have been listed at, and we can value your current boat.
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