Yacht building is a process in which every step is precisely and accurately planned. Each individually designed and manufactured yacht is a true masterpiece and engineering art. To ensure that yacht owners enjoy their boat for a long time, it is important to turn exclusively to professionals and experts for the construction. Qualified designers, technicians and craftsmen accompany the yacht construction from the very beginning. The first step is the vision and conception phase. Once a design has been finalized and confirmed, it’s time for production.
What makes the construction so special, what material is used and what is possible in terms of equipment? We at Merk & Merk as your professional yacht store will tell you how the construction really works.
Why choose custom yacht building?
When you choose custom yacht building, you can enjoy a truly unique piece that comes with exactly what you envision. Instead of a “series model”, where you can at most choose between different layouts, when building you have the chance to determine all the amenities and equipment details yourself right from the start. With such a unique piece, there are no limits to what you can do. You can integrate a swimming pool on the deck, have a helipad included or opt for faster engine power. Other popular yacht design features include safety systems, storage space for jet skis, and unusual shapes. Take a look at our article about the most expensive yachts in the world and get inspired. Almost every shipyard is capable of building special designs. We know ☓ those who do it really well!
Yacht building: from wood to aluminum
In yacht building, similar to house building, different materials can be used for the construction, all of which have their specific advantages and disadvantages. In addition to wood, aluminum plays a crucial role. However, modern composites (types of composite materials such as fiberglass, solid laminate or carbon) can also be considered in some circumstances.
Wood yacht building
Even the very first boat was built from wood. This natural material has undergone constant development in recent years, so that today it is mainly modern plywood and epoxy wood that are used.
Yacht building in metal: aluminum and steel
In addition to steel, aluminum has proven its worth. Its high strength and robustness combined with its lightness make this material a guarantor for aluminum yacht building and it is the first choice especially for long-distance sailboats and large yachts. STEEL is also an excellent material because it is easy to work with, safer in collisions because it is very flexible, easy to repair anywhere in the world, and cheaper to buy. Submarine steel in particular is excellent due to its high strength, with a value of over 155%.
One of our special boats in this case is the one-of-a-kind steel yacht Colin Archer 1860 Lola E. This cutter rigged long keel yacht has a round stern and offers probably the safest way to travel at sea. This long-range cruiser is especially family-friendly and offers three staterooms that will make you feel right at home.
Composite yacht construction
Composite construction, or composites, is one of the most common and, above all, cost-effective methods of yacht building. The material used is usually fiberglass. However, sustainable variants such as basalt and flax fibers are also possible. Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics are increasingly coming into focus.
Competent accompaniment through the yacht building process
Yacht building is a process that consists of many steps. In the first, everything revolves around the wishes and requirements of the customer. At a professional company, cooperation always begins with a comprehensive consultation to get to know the client’s personal requirements. For us, too, yacht building begins with this step.
This is followed by the selection of the shipyard that will take care of the yacht construction. Based on the previously recorded ideas, our experts are able to find the ideal shipyard. Once the decision has been made and the design phase has been completed, the next step is the production phase. The first steel cut is sometimes celebrated in a small ceremony.
The entire construction process is supervised by the professionals at Merk & Merk. In addition, we are always available to provide advice. In yacht construction, many different, highly qualified and trained experts work hand in hand. In addition to metalworking, electrical engineering, paint work and finishing must also be taken into account. An entire project team therefore comes together for each yacht build, working closely together in an interdisciplinary manner.
The final step involves the interior fittings and finishing touches. Even during this stage, sea trials can take place. Own representatives and representatives of the responsible shipping classification society meet on the boat for this. Once the Sea Acceptance Test (SAT) has been passed, final approval is granted.
One of the most unforgettable moments is when the yacht is launched into the water for the very first time – the naming ceremony. In most cases, the owners decide on the time of delivery after completion of the yacht construction. We at Merk & Merk will of course take care of the support in organizing the yacht and the commissioning. After the handover, you can contact our experts at any time. We are available for maintenance and troubleshooting as part of our yacht management. In addition, we offer you reliable support after the yacht has been built. So you enjoy the yacht lifestyle carefree and we simply organize the rest.