10 Top Pontoon Boats

When it comes to pontoon boats, many people still think of a stodgy, slow-putt-around-the-lake. Made for entertaining, yes, but more like cocktail hour than rockin’ house party.

This reputation is changing—and fast. Many of the latest and greatest pontoons offer speed, handling, seaworthiness, and even the ability to be used as legit tow boats for skiing and wakeboarding. Yet they haven’t abandoned their strengths: passenger comfort and amenities have never been more cushy or diverse. And if you’re watching your pennies there’s good news for you, too. Leave off some of those plush amenities and speed, and basic models can be had for as little as $10,000. And yes, that’s with a motor, wise guy.

Thinking of tuning into the ‘toon? Here are 10 of our current favorites (in no particular order), guaranteed to please any passion—and any depth of pocketbook.

Edgy and ultra-modern, the Aqua Patio 250 XP is clearly designed to appeal to your youthful nature.

Aqua Patio 250 Express

Here’s a pontoon that is clearly targeted to appeal to the younger consumer. Just look at the edgy styling. Rather than classic perimeter fencing, the 250 sports molded fiberglass seating modules fore and aft. Forward, they give this party barge the sleek and sexy lines of a runabout. Aft those seating modules do likewise, and they also hide rear-facing rumble seats designed to take in a watersports show—which is enhanced by a sleek tow tower. The latter’s supports are even boldly integrated into the craft’s edgy exterior lines.

With up to 300 available horsepower, the Express has the power to deliver on its promise. Triple pontoons are oversized to 27” diameter and sport lifting strakes on the center tube, as well as the inside of the outer tubes. The combination delivers aggressive handling, but avoids excessive lean. Big tubes also prove a good match for big crowds, as well as bigger waters. For more info, visit the Aqua Patio 250 Express webpage.

The Cast-a-Way will hook anglers looking for pontoons of a fishier nature.

Premier 221 Cast-a-Way

Plenty of entertaining gets done aboard a pontoon, but these versatile platforms also see a lot of one other favorite pastime—fishing. Premier’s Cast-a-Way caters to the latter crowd with a composite fish station aft with an integrated livewell, and two flanking fishing chairs. The well lid serves as a bait-prep station, with nooks molded into the cover to hold lures, hooks, and tools. Built-in lockable rod lockers and tackle trays are within reach, and entire aft area is covered in vinyl for easy clean-up. The helm features another livewell, a sink, and a Lowrance fishfinder.

In standard trim with two 25” pontoons and a 90 horsepower outboard, the Cast-a-Way is an affordable model that gets the job done nicely. Those wishing for more power and more aggressive handling can option up to Premier’s PTX package, which adds a third 36” tube to the mix, with a flat planing surface to provide lift.  Premier 221 Cast-a-Way

Mid-level pricing and upper-level amenities make the Cypress Cay Seabreeze a good choice for serious pontoon lovers who don’t want to break the bank.

Cypress Cay Seabreeze SL 230

A price-point model is attractive when you’re signing the paperwork, but no one likes a stripped-down look at the dock. Cypress Cay strikes a nice balance with the Seabreeze SL 230. Within, upholstery sports the same suede-like finish found in the brand’s higher-end models. Opt for the optional vinyl flooring and you can complement it with the look of teak, without the upkeep. Exposed rotomolded seatbases may be a giveaway to price concessions, but they’re nicely color-matched to the upholstery. In fact, I missed them at first glance.

The layout is similarly upscale. Amidships, Cypress Cay mixes things up with a forward-facing loveseat across from the helm. Aft, a spacious sunpad invites all-out lounging, but also accommodates those who prefer more supportive accommodations. Headrests are integrated into the rear cushion for facing forward; a reclining seat back forward offers support when facing aft. Raise the bed and you’ll find stowage, plus a biggie-sized curtained changing room. Twin 25” pontoons are standard issue. Upgrade to triples, with performance-oriented strakes, for greater capacity and improved handling.
For more info, watch our video boat review of the Cypress Cay Seabreeze SL 230.

Tri-toons like the Manitou Legacy offer handling and performance that’s more like a V-hull than a traditional pontoon boat.

Manitou 23 Legacy SHP

A recent trend has been to configure triple pontoons so that they mimic the handling of a V-hull. Manitou’s patented V-Toon technology pairs 23” diameter outer pontoons with a 27” center tube, dropped a full 5” lower, to allow the Legacy to bank and carve into a corner like its fiberglass counterparts. Add in the Sport Handling Package, including positive-angle lifting strakes, beefed-up nosecones, and SeaStar power-assist hydraulic steering, and you’ve also got a boat that planes lightning fast, handles aggressively, and with as much as 250 hp on the transom, tops out at over 50 mph.

Above deck, a traditional layout is highlighted by a 3” raised helm, designed to give the driver a more unobstructed, commanding view forward. Billet accents are in abundance, including a pedestal-mount rearview mirror, switch panels, and custom steering wheel. Another cool feature is the “toy box.” Hidden below the aft sunpad, it’s an extra-spacious compartment designed to hold plenty of skis and boards. Manitou 23 Legacy SHP

It’s as luxurious as it looks, but you won’t experience the true nature of the Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner until you firewall the throttle and go for a thrill ride.

Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner SL 250

Bulky engine enclosures were once standard issue, partly to drown out a noisy two-stroke engine. Today’s four-strokes are clean and quiet, so Harris FloteBote completely opened up the stern of the Grand Mariner SL 250. A large, low-profile sunpad is positioned aft. A pivoting backrest moves to the rear to bring the focus into the main cockpit, or forward to turn that attention to the swim platform and water when lounging on the hook. The quality of the upholstery, teak-look padding on the swim platform, multiple cupholders, and handy stereo remote will tempt you to float the day away.

But trust us, get underway. The optional XTR performance package adds a third pontoon, drops it 2” lower than the outer tubes, and fashions that tube into an angular motor pod aft. Lifting strakes enhance the outer tubes. The result is an aggressive lean-in ride reminiscent of a fiberglass V-hull. An array of Mercury outboard power is available, up to a 300hp Verado.  Watch our video boat review of the Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner SL 250 for more detail.

If cocktail cruises are in the plan, it’ll be hard to beat the Sylvan Mandalay Bar.

Sylvan 8525 Mandalay Bar

Sylvan avoids the traditional round pontoon; instead, the manufacturer’s 27” tubes are constructed to feature an actual V-shaped bottom, featuring a keel and chines. They dub the design “Revolutionary Planing Technology,” and it helps both performance and handling. With a 225hp Yamaha V Max outboard and optional center tube, the 8525 will plane almost instantaneously and top out at over 35 mph. Carving is aggressive, yet keeps the flatter feel inherent to pontoons.

The obvious standout feature of this particular model, however, is the actual bar at the craft’s stern. Pontoons have always been made for the cocktail cruise. This model takes that mission literally, offering up a faux-granite countertop and a trio of stools beckoning passengers to belly up. Flip a switch and a motorized bracket raises from a hidden nook below. Use it for a wineglass and plate holder, or mount up your own flatscreen TV.  For more info, visit the Sylvan 8525 Mandalay Bar webpage.

The small price tag on the Sweetwater 1570 can be deceiving; the boat is small and it isn’t exactly high-performance, but it maintains a high level of quality.

Sweetwater SW 1570

With so much horsepower and so many amenities available, it’s easy to forget that pontoons don’t have to be big, nor do they have to be fast… or expensive. Sweetwater’s SW 1570 is a compact 15-footer that can be had with a simple 20hp outboard for less than $15,000. Obviously amenities are few, but you still get a fiberglass helm station, quality vinyl on the seats, a table with built-in cupholders, color-coordinated canopy with boot, and colored rail skin. Options include vinyl deck covering, depth- and/or fish-finder, Sony CD stereo with MP3 port, and trolling motor harness and plug.

Bench seating provides room for up to seven passengers, meaning the kids can invite some friends to spend the day on the water. Hinged seats open outward to unveil plenty of stowage room for all the stuff those passengers bring aboard for the ride.  Sweetwater SW 1570

If you want stern-drive power, V-hull handling, and speeds over 45-mph, the Bennington 2575 RCW is a pontoon to check out.

Bennington 2575 RCW I/O

You won’t find the typical outboard anchored to the stern of this Bennington 2575 RCW. Instead, housed below the engine hatch is a MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI stern-drive, ready to push this boat quickly onto plane and peak close to 45 mph. A stern-drive provides an unobstructed swim platform and clear view aft. Bennington responds with a separate seating area behind the helm, filled with twin lounges and rear-facing backrests that invite passengers to stretch out, relax, or take in the skiing, tubing, or boarding action happening in the boat’s wake.

The 2575 is yet another ‘toon that will handle more like one of its V-hull counterparts. Standard is the brand’s Elliptical Sports Package (ESP), which pairs 25”, performance-foil-equipped outer pontoons with a 32”, elliptically shaped center tube with lifting strakes. That central tube also provides the real estate for an enormous ski locker. Bennington 2575 RCW I/O

The WindJammer from Avalon is a pontoon boat that comes in both regular and tri-toon versions. Either way, luxury levels are off the charts.

Avalon WindJammer Quad Lounger

As the name suggests, Avalon’s WindJammer Quad Lounger places a premium on kicking back, with plush, wraparound seating lining the perimeter. Forward, twin lounges stretch out invitingly with forward-facing backrests. Beside the helm, a love seat keeps a passenger or two close to the captain. Aft, corner lounges straddle the center boarding gate. Ample stowage is available below all, but don’t expect the roto-molded bins common in the industry. Instead, the manufacturer welds their own aluminum seat frames, which they promise provide better flow-through ventilation. Even the embossed exterior fencing avoids a common style. It’s fastened completely outside the perimeter rails to lend a sleek look to the exterior, while covering up areas that can accumulate dirt and debris.

An appealing option on the WindJammer is Avalon’s WaveGlider performance system. It features a trio of 25” pontoons with extruded lifting strakes, as well as Sea Star hydraulic steering and a 42-gallon fuel tank built into the real estate provided by the center tube. Avalon WindJammer Quad Lounger

Pontoon boaters who fish hard but want to pay less – a lot less – should check out the Bass Buggy.

Sun Tracker Bass Buggy

If your name is Bass Buggy, you’re sold at Bass Pro Shops, and you count brands like Tracker, Nitro, and Mako among your family members, it’s obvious you’d better be good. This longtime favorite received a makeover in 2012, resulting in fishing chairs with screw-in pedestals at the bow, an aerated livewell, vinyl flooring or 22-oz. marine carpet, rod holders, and a molded livewell unit with rod and drink holders. There’s even a lid ruler to measure your catch. And that’s before you even add the optional fish package, which throws a Lowrance fishfinder and MotorGuide trolling motor into the mix.

But perhaps most appealing about the Bass Buggy isn’t its fishing credentials, but its price. With a pair of 24” diameter pontoons, the 20-footer lists for a mere $11,595, including a 20hp Mercury FourStroke—and the 16-foot version can be had for under $10,000. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy

Entertaining? Rockin’ house party? All-day fishing? Lounge lizard lifestyle? Whatever your desire, there’s a good chance one of these top 10 pontoon boats is going to be perfect for your needs. So ditch that old mentality, and get ready to experience the pleasure of pontoon boating.

Top 10 Fishing Boats

The best fishing boat ever built is the boat that’s ideal for the type of fish you pursue, but anglers of all stripes will be able to appreciate the 10 that top our list. We test hundreds of boats every year, and while most blend into the crowd, these are special. Each has its own unique features, and each is a fish-killing machine. So here they are (in order of size): our Top 10 Fishing Boats of 2012.

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler may be small, but it'll help you catch some big fish.

1. Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 - Kayak fishing is becoming more and more popular, but this sport has always had a couple of serious drawbacks: it’s hard to control the yak while you cast, and it’s hard to remain seated in an uncomfortable kayak for hours on end. The Mirage Pro Angler solves both of these problems; it adds the pedal-powered Mirage Drive which leaves your hands free, and an uber-comfortable seat with lumbar and recline-angle adjustments. The one down-side is its eyebrow-raising cost, which starts at over $2,500. Still, if cash isn’t in short supply and you want the best kayak for casting, check this one out.

The Kodiak is only 16 long, but feels like a much roomier boat.

2. Crestliner Kodiak 16 SC - Lake and river anglers are inclined to aluminum rigs, but these boats are usually relatively small and relatively cramped. When we arrived to test the Kodiak 16 SC, the first thing that impressed us was how roomy it is for a 16-footer. The reason? Crestliner stretched the boat’s beam by half an inch, then re-designed all the floatation chambers from long, narrow longitudinal boxes into lower, wider sections which act as seat bases. The down-side to this design is the elimination of gunwale rodboxes, but the up-side is well worth the trade. At one point there were four of us aboard, and we had plenty of room to move around. Bonus features: Crestliner finishes the boat with a rugged non-skid similar to truck bed-liners; a reverse-chine in the hull keeps spray down; there’s a standard 12-gallon livewell; and hatches are aluminum, not plastic.

The Mako 17 Pro Skiff has more ability than most boats this size - and the price is right.

3. Mako Pro Skiff 17 – This boat makes the cut thanks in no small part to its cat-like “inverted V” hull, because it offers a fish-catching platform that rides well through a chop and can handle bays, rivers, and sounds—yet it does so at an eminently reasonable cost. A mere $10,000 puts you into this rig with a trailer and a tiller-steer 25-hp four-stroke outboard. Spend another $5K and you get it with a (slightly flimsy roto-molded) console, remote steering and controls, a livewell, and a 30-hp powerplant. Or opt for a 60-hp four-stroke, by far our favorite way to run this boat, and the price tag still doesn’t break $16,000. Considering how hard it is in this day and age to find a well-built, capable fishing boat that doesn’t break the bank, we call the Pro Skiff 17 a winner for anglers with bay-sized ambition and a pond-sized budget.

The Starcraft Starfish is a lake-lover's fishboat.

4. Starcraft Starfish 176 - Another aluminum rig freshwater anglers will go gaga over is Starcraft’s Starfish 176. How many boats of this type have a rodbox that can lock down 11 rigs? An over-sized windshield that gives you and your passengers full protection without needing to crouch? Gunwales sized for downriggers? Dual livewells? .01” thick aluminum on the hull bottom? The answer: not many, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find any competitor that offers all of these features in one package. Added bonus: the baked enamel finish looks nearly as slick as gel coat. If you’re a big-water freshwater angler on the hunt for species like walleye and perch, the Starfish 176 is prime beef.

Outboards, on a Carolina Classic 25? In 2012, YES.

5. Carolina Classic 25 - This model has been around forever and a day, and anglers who fish bays with regularity but also like to venture offshore when the conditions allow have long considered the Carolina Classic 25 a mainstay. Unfortunately, in order to enjoy one you were forced to accept life with an inboard. What’s an outboard-enthusiast supposed to do? Wait until this year, when Carolina Classic rolled out a new version of this boat with twin outboards hanging from the transom. Now, the 25 cruises at over 30 knots and offers dual-outboard reliability for those long runs offshore.

Check out that cool flybridge - on a 29-footer!

6. Beneteau Barracuda 9 - Beneteau is not exactly a big name among the fishing crowd and the Barracuda is not exactly what you’d call hard-core. In fact, the cushy cabin and relatively small cockpit make it as well suited for cruising as it is for fishing. But spend a few hours at the helm, and you’ll know why it made our list – this boat is amazingly fun to run, and amazingly competent for a multiple-mission design. Plus, it has a mini-flybridge. When’s the last time you found that, on a 29’ fishboat? Offshore anglers and sight-casters are going to love it. Our test boat had a pair of F-225’s on it, and we blasted along at close to 50-mph while cruising at over 35. The hull ate through a chop, and the air-conditioned cabin ate through the sweltering summer heat. Sure, we were bummed at the lack of an integrated livewell and fishboxes, but taken as a whole, the Barracuda 9 has a lot more to offer than most fishboats of its size.

The Ameracat is utilitarian in nature, and a natural born fish-killer.

7. Ameracat 31 CC - Cat lovers in search of a wide-open center console offshore fishing machine that has fast speeds and is stoutly built have several models to choose from, but most are heavily-laden with features and accoutrements that drive prices off the charts. If you like a relatively inexpensive boat that’s designed for utility, you’re out of luck—at least, you were until Ameracat introduced their 31 to the world. This boat is tough as nails and has about the same level of complexity—and as a result it costs half as much as many competitors. It looks like the workhorse it is so it won’t be the choice of those with a desire to impress the neighbors, but if you want to it fish hard and put it away wet, this one’s a winner.

Innovation is the name of the game on the Scout 320.

8. Scout 320 LXF - Mega-sized center consoles might be all the rage, but Scout’s 320 LXF is just plain outrageous. It’s big and beefy, it’s as fishy as it gets (with a massive built-in tackle and rigging station, integrated livewells and fishboxes, 6 stainless-steel gunwale rodholders, rocket launchers in the post and on the top, and rod stowage in the console), and it performs like a thoroughbred, with a 57-mph top-end. But our favorite feature on this boat is the innovation. The electric cockpit grill, for example, has been relocated to the bow where it won’t get in the way of angling. The electronic hub allows you to control the boat’s systems with a key fob. And the hard top, windows, and supports are integrated together to create one stiff, strong structure. Offshore center console lovers who want the latest and greatest gadgets, gizmos, and goodies will love this boat.

With pod drives in its belly, the Cabo 36 is a whole new creature.

9. Cabo 36 Express - With ZF pod drives and a pair of 460-hp Caterpillar C9 ACERT diesels, Cabo’s 36 is like an all-new boat. We thought the 36 was just fine from the start—like all Cabos it’s built like a tank, bulls its way through rough seas, and has a beautiful offshore-oriented cockpit. But ditching those shafts and redesigning the 36 for pod drives netted Cabo a 15-percent reduction in fuel burn, made it ride flatter and handle turns better, and most importantly, turned dockside maneuvering into a dream. I had to weave it through a very tight, very crowded marina during the Miami Boat Show, and with one finger on the joystick, I felt 100-percent in control at all times. If you want a canyon runner that you can park like a car, this boat is the ticket.

Okay, you've had a look at the Spencer 60... now stop drooling.

10. Spencer 60 - When size matters and cost doesn’t, offshore anglers will turn to a boat like the Spencer 60. This billfishing machine is crafted from triple-planked Okoume ply bathed in epoxy and glass, and as a result, it weighs in at 15,000 to 30,000 pounds less than some other boats of its size—yet it’s either as strong or stronger than those overweight competitors, and it goes faster, with a top-end nearing 50. And each Spencer is built to the owner’s specifications, so you can have the livewells, bait freezers, and icemakers placed where you want them. Fit and finish is insanely good, with book-matched cabinetry and glossy hardwoods. The down-side is, of course, price, which is measured in the millions. How many millions? If you have to ask, it really doesn’t matter.

So there you have it, fishboat-loving boaters, our top 10 fishing machines of the year. And if you think we missed one that deserves to be on the list, give it a shout-out in the comments section below.

Riva Speed Boat

Riva goes back to 1842 when a young carpenter, Pietro Riva, opened his own shipyard in Sarnico, Italy. The luxury yacht company was passed through generations, always concerned with crafting elegant boats for those who take true pleasure in the small details.

“My own career has undoubtedly been influenced by the Italians’ ability to impact so many areas of design,” explains mega-designer Marc Newson, “That influence is fully evident in ‘Aquariva by Marc Newson’, my first nautical design project for the iconic Italian brand.” In 2000, Riva joined the Ferretti Group, one of the world’s leaders in luxury boats, working to integrate their style with Ferretti's knowledge. With the partnership came new research and ideas, ultimately leading to Riva's collaboration with Australian-born industrial designer Marc Newson in 2010. While the luxury speed boat isn't exactly breaking news, it's still really cool. Newson created the limited edition boat by reinterpreting Riva's classic ‘Aquariva.’ With such a broad range of design experience under his belt (including aircraft, furniture, jewelry, and clothing design), his transition into nautical design was probably an easy one.

Choosing to create a unique vessel, Newson used phenolic composite (a wood-like laminate that is textile-based) for the deck and instrument panel. According to Riva, the material "was developed in the first half of the 20th century, and was a precursor to fibreglass." It supposedly maintains the organic feel and aesthetic of wood, while being significantly more durable. Another neat feature is that instead of the standard stainless steel and chrome brass generally associated with small boats, Newson decided to use the more modern and lightweight choice of anodized aluminum.

Newson is known to incorporate biomorphism into his designs, which is a style that uses organic lines and patterns, and his preference shows in the way he chose to design the boat using flowing lines in lieu of sharp edges. The decision also helps to give the speed boat a more retro look. When discussing the creative process involved with developing his glamorous new boat for Riva, Marc Newson explains, “So much of my work is about simplification and elimination. Once you’ve done that the design starts to emerge. I wanted to hark back to the time before boats became such complex pieces of machinery.” Only 22 of these sleek vessels were manufactured and sold though Riva dealers, along with the New York-based Gagosian Gallery. With a cruising speed of 41 mph and a maximum speed of 47 mph, this retro beauty looks like it belongs in a classic James Bond flick (Bond girl not included).

Riva 122 Mythos

Prometheus may have been the fire bringer and Hercules may have slain the Nemean lion and turned it into a fancy hat, but here’s something those mythic heroes never did: Build a 122-foot planing megayacht out of aluminum. That’s exactly the formidable task the mortals at Riva are now undertaking, with their upcoming launch, Mythos. The yacht will be the new flagship of this iconic Ferretti brand, and should well live up to her ambitious name.

• Builder: Riva
• Model: Riva 122 Mythos
• LOA: 121'5"
• Beam: 24'11"
• Draft: 7'7"
• Standard Power: 2/3,510-mhp MTU 12 V 4000 M93Ls
• Cruise speed: 25 knots
• Top speed: 27 knots

Riva’s own Mauro Micheli is heading up the yacht’s design process, in coordination with the employees of Ferretti’s Advanced Yacht Technology center, and Centro Stile Ferrettigroup. Their ultimate aim is to build a sleek, fast yacht that is loaded to the hilt with luxurious amenities, and which offers both exhilarating aesthetic and performance attributes.

Twin 3,510-horsepower MTUs will have the big boat roaring across the ocean at a top speed of 27 knots, and a cruise speed of 25 knots, according to the builder. These speeds match her sleek, but not overly aggressive profile—an exterior aesthetic presence that will definitely impress onlookers with its elegance, but not overwhelm them with overwrought design features.

Up top on the bridge deck, there is a Jacuzzi as well as multiple settees that are perfect for lounging around and drying in the sun after a dip. An adjacent dining area has a table that seems like it should be just the right spot for an icy bucket of bubbly. 

The cockpit will feature sunpads and a huge settee that should fit up to ten people, perfect for hosting an elegant (or raucous) alfresco dinner party. Forward of that, the luxurious saloon will be well lit by large windows, which of course also offer excellent views from nearly all vantage points. A forward galley lets a guest or owner handle culinary duties without missing out on the party, but the space can also be accessed via the crew area belowdecks, in case everyone would rather be catered to.

Down below, the owner’s suite and guest cabins will be amidships, while the crew’s quarters, consisting of a captain’s cabin and two crew cabins, keep everybody comfortable, and comfortably separate.

This is a boat that looks like she could do a little bit of something for everyone, and in luxurious style to boot. In short, she just might end up being truly epic.

TOP Super Yacht's

Price: $622 million

Lürssen Yachts, one of the world’s notable shipbuilding company based in Bremen-Vegesack is now building a superyact that is expected to be the world’s largest private yacht when it launches next year. Dubbed as Project Azzam, this 590 ft mega-yacht which will be around 57 ft longer than the most expensive and the current largest private yacht ‘Eclipse’ owned by the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich will cost $622 million to build. Strongly believed to be commissioned by the Saudi Royal family, the Project Azzam’s construction is undergoing at the Lürssen Yachts facility in Germany.

2

Eclipse yacht

Price: $485 million

Owner: Roman Abramovich, Russia

Owned by Russian oligarch and Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich, this yacht is known as the world’s largest private yacht with 558 feet in length. It is the most expensive private yacht in terms of its construction value. It is also the most expensive private yacht on charter with a fees of of $2 million for a week vacation. Facilities on board include 20 water jets, cinema, library, swimming pool, private garden among others. Also famous is the 5000 square feet master suite on the yacht’s topmost deck. Since Mr. Abramovich is known to be very particular about his security, the whole vessel is bullet and bomb proofed, and in case of an attack, there are five possible exits from the vessel.

3

‘A’ Superyacht

Price: $323 million

Owner: Andrey Melnichenko, Russia

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko is the owner of this water giant, which is 390 feet in total length. The unique name of the yacht has been inspired by name of the owner’s wife, Aleksandra who has a private 80 foot long top deck to enjoy her sun bathing adventures. There is also a helipad in case Mr. Melnichenko needs to fly down in his private chopper or leave for his official duties into main lands. A lot of flooring in the master suite and the bathrooms are known to be done up in marble, apart from featuring designer fittings all over the living space, which includes the private staircase and lift. The unique shape of the boat is also known to cut through ice bergs if the need arises but is perfectly well suited for cruises in the Mediterranean waters.

4

Platinum 525

Price: $300 million+

Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin-Rashid Al Makhtoum, Dubai

Way back in 2005 when this yacht was launched, it was the largest super yacht before being taken over by the Eclipse and ‘A’ superyacht. Commissioned in 1996 by Prince Jefri Bolkiah, the boat was bought by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin-Rashid Al Makhtoum. Like its name suggests, the vessel is 525 feet in length and is supposed to have some luxurious features like private helipad with observation rooms, along with fully loaded luxury suites for passengers. Also listed in the amenities are the squash court, swimming pool and health spa. The power needed to drive this ship is derived from the 4 diesel engines which pack in close to 9000 HP of engine muscle to help it cruise along.

5

Pelorus Yacht

Price: $300 million

Owner: Roman Abramovich, Russia

Like its Greek name which translates into ‘vast’, this yacht stands as one of Roman Abramovich’s favorite cruise ships with a sprawling length of 377 feet. Built in 2003 by the German shipyard Lurssen Yard, the interiors included the expertise of designer Tim Heywood. Initially owned by an Arab skeikh and later sold to Mr. Abramovich, the boat underwent some major changes in its design and painting in 2007 according to what the Russian oligarch wanted. The yacht is powered by 2 Wartsila engines generating 5500 HP of power, making it cruise at 20 knots but is best suited for a cruise speed of 16 knots over a distance of 6000 nautical miles. It’s known to be loaded with features including jet skies, wave runners, helipads, swimming pools, conference rooms and suites which can comfortably house 18 guests and 40 permanent members of staff.

6

Dilbari Yacht

Price: $256 million

Owner: Alisher Usmanov, Russia

Owned by Russian business magnate Alisher Usmanov, this boat is frequently used by the man to visit his private islands. The yacht is known to be 361 feet long and has space for 12 guests and 48 crew members. The total weight of displacement is 4100 tones. Its engines are capable of speeding up to 21 knots, though they run best at 18.4 knots for a fulfilling experience. Created by Luerssen, the German shipyard in collaboration with Tim Heywood designs and interior decoration by Alberto Pinto, the ship is known to be loaded with luxuries including a private helipad and swimming pools among others.

7

Rising Sun

Price: $200 million+

Owner: David Geffen, America

Currently owned by David Geffen, this yacht was originally commissioned by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. This 453-feet vessel still stands as one of the top 10 largest private yachts in the world. The engine aboard the yacht is comprised of 4 MTU 20V 8000 M90 engines which generate 50,000 HP of output, and takes the boat up to 28 knots of speed. There are 82 luxurious rooms on 5 stories which include the 8,000 sq meter of living space, along with facilities like gymnasium and spa with sauna, along with extensive wine cellar, an ultra-luxurious master bedroom, private cinema with giant screens, and a basketball court on the main deck which doubles up as a helipad when needed.

8

Al Salamah

Price: $200 million

Owner: Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Arabia

Owned by the current Saudi King and former defense minister Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, this yacht became famous for its unique design which did not include the traditional mast, sail or even complicated roping system like the others. This unique design was prepared by German shipping company HDW. The engines aboard this yacht are the twin MTU 20V 1163TB engines which generate 8717 HP of power each and are capable of taking this 457-feet vessel at a speed of up to 21.5 knots. There is ample space for 36 guests and 96 crew members, who can help the guests enjoy facilities like library, cinema, business center, beauty parlor & spa, and also the gymnasium. Should any medical emergencies arise, there is a fully equipped hospital on board to cater to one’s needs.

9

Lady Moura

Price: $200 million

Owner: Dr. Naseer Al Rasheed, Saudi Arabia

This 344-feet vessel is owned by Saudi Business tycoon Dr. Naseer Al Rasheed who is also known to have several close links to the Saudi royal family. The vessel is most recognizable from the outside by the prominent 24 carat gold lettering of its name ‘Lady Moura’. It was designed by Blohm & Voss along with interiors being done by Luigi Strugio. The main propeller includes 2 KHD-MWM engines, which generate 6700 BHP of power, taking the boat to over 20 knots of cruising speed. In case you want to indulge in water sports or would need to fly off nearby, there is the additional Mangusta 80 boat along with 48-feet San Juan boat and S76B helicopter.

10

Octopus

Price: $200 million

Owner: Paul Allen, America

When this yacht was created in 2003, it became the largest private yacht in the world back then, with its 414-feet long hull. This luxury vessel was commissioned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft. The builder was Lurssen Yachts and interiors were done up with inputs from Jonathan Quinn Bernett. Amongst its technical prowess are the 8 Mercedes engines, which generate a combined power of 19,200 HP taking the top speed of the yacht to 20 knots with a cruising speed of 17 knots. The capacity for accommodation stands at 26 guest members with 57 from the crew in 41 suite rooms. Other amenities include 2 similar blue and white helicopters, 2 tender boats, private cinema, and most abstract, a recording studio. The yacht has also played host to great superstars like U2 and Johnny Cash for their private trips.

11

Tatoosh

Price: $162 million

Owner: Paul Allen, America

This aluminum and steel super vessel is also in the collection of Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation. Measured at 302 feet in length, the builder of this luxury yacht was Nabiskurg with interiors done by Terance Disdale. The Tatoosh is known to have a top speed of 19 knots, though the best experiences on boat can felt when travelling at 15 knots. Accommodation on board is just perfect for 24 guests and a crew of 35 members. The accommodation includes the master suite and salon which has a French limestone fireplace, along with dining area, staterooms for get-together and also a ladies powder room. Also, other amenities on board include a 1.6 meter deep swimming pool with adjustable vertical bases, a movie theater, 2 helipads, a custom made 40-foot Hickley powerboat and 5 sea scooters.

12

Project Mars

Price: $ 161.8 million

Owner: Fincantieri Yachts

Mars was initially built for a private client who had backed out of the project mid-way, but the construction was completed never the less. The brainchild behind the creation of this yacht was Italian shipping yard Fincanteri with H2 Yacht Design doing the interiors. The vessel is stated to be 295 feet in length and can accommodate 15 guests and 34 members of staff with ease. The engine propelling the boat is capable of generating 2465 KW of power from each of its subunits which make sailing at 18 knots possible, but for the best experience, a speed of 16 knots over a distance of 6000 nautical miles is recommended. Amongst other amenities is the 7 meter swimming pool, children’s playing room, gymnasium with spa facilities and business area which can be easily converted into a formal dining area if the need arises.

13

World's Largest Sailing Yacht – Eos

Price: $150 million

A superyacht of important proportions, the 305-foot long sailing yacht EOS by Lurssen Yachts is an upscale yacht that is able to sleep as many as 16 people on board, along with professional crew of approximately 21 individuals. Famous as the world’s largest private sailing yacht, the $150 million Eos is owned by 69-year old billionaire media-mogul Barry Diller who reportedly pays $2,000 a day to have his super-yacht moored directly opposite his Manhattan headquarters. Originally designed by Bill Langan, this one-of-a-kind yacht was launched in Germany in 2006 with the interiors designed by François Catroux. It carries the usual mega yacht toys and goodies like jet skis and small powerboats. This yacht has been notably named after the Greek goddess Eos, the "Bringer of Dawn," who rises from Oceanus each day to open the gates of heaven with her rosy fingers, so as to allow Apollo to ride his chariot across the sky.

14

Maltese Falcon

Price: $150 million (approx)

Owner: Elena Ambrosiadou, Britain

Maltese Falcon was created for hedge fund owner Elena Ambrosiadou, who incidentally became Britain’s best paid female executive once. She is also the only female owner of a super yacht anywhere in the world! This 289-feet super boat has 25,791 sq ft of space for sails alone, which are uniquely placed such that the boat can be controlled easily when in rough waters through the advanced controlling system placed inside. The insides are done up in modern décor with the spiraling staircase connecting the multiple decks and the transparent flooring on majority of the public area of yacht. There is considerable wood work in the décor which includes area like the dining rooms, living room, and studio area. If the passengers are looking for soaking in the sun, the upper deck features a sun bathing area for use.

15

Ambrosia III

Price: $119 million

Owner: Undisclosed Hong Kong billionaire

This super yacht was created in 2006 to an undisclosed Hong Kong buyer who wanted a modern luxury personal space for his group of guests and clientele. This 213-feet wonder vessel had the construction expertise of Benetti Yachts with interiors being done by Zuretti Interior Design. Its engine has a twin engine format, which helps in generating 3260 HP of power, taking the yacht up to 16 knots of top speed, while cruising is best recommended at 12 knots. This engine is also known to have a diesel hybrid design, which brings out the eco-friendly aspect of construction. This super yacht can house 12 guests in 6 cabins along with a crew of 20 members. The various pleasure areas include the gaming room, swimming pool, open-air sitting area, bar and living room, conference room and also a formal dining space.

16

Annaliesse

Price: $103 million

Owner: NA

Built in 2004, this super yacht was known for its safety designs and grandeur of its modern interior decoration. Even though, it might fall behind some of the other super yachts, but it still has a number of modern amenities for guests' comfort which include the business center, spa, gymnasium, sauna room, swimming pool, beauty salon, wine cellar, and of course the 18 guest suites which can house 36 guests. While you are in the sun, there is also an opportunity for you to have sunbathe on the upper deck. The engines are twin Cat 3606 which give the yacht an impetus to travel at a top speed of 19 knots and a suitable cruise speed of 17 knots. The yacht is also known as one of the world's largest luxury yacht available for charter. The yacht is now known as the Delma Luxury yacht charter Mediterranean .

17

Indian Empress

Price: $ 93.8 million

Owner: Dr. Vijay Mallaya, India

The Indian Empress was launched as Al Mirqab which was sold to the Qatar Royal family, and eventually Indian industrialist Dr. Vijay Mallaya bought it and changed its name to Indian Empress. Built initially by the Oceano Yard in Holland, the yacht was finally completed at a port in Durban, South Africa. This 311-feet yacht is powered by 3 engines of 10,000 HP MTU 20 cylinders each, which give it a top speed of 24 knots. The accommodation facilities enable it to house 32 guests and 42 crew members at the same time. The yacht has been used by many Indian business tycoons to hold parties.

18

Le Grand Bleu

Price: $90 million

Owner: Roman Abramovich, Russia

This 370-feet yacht was created around the turn of the new millennia by Kusch yachts that had collaborated with Di Pilla for the interior designing. Technical prowess of this boat is shown in its twin design SBV 16M 628 diesel engine that generates a total of 9140 HP of engine strength, enabling a top speed of 17 knots, while a perfect cruise can be enjoyed at 15 knots. The accommodation capacity is spacious enough for 20 guests and 34 crew members. The amenities on board include the helicopter landing pads, Jacuzzi fitted luxury suites, spa facility and swimming pool. This yacht is now owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who also brought in some changes in it such as the waste water management system after he bought it from Paul Allen.