The buying guide: Best yachts in Singapore

I’ve spent years tracking the best yacht scene in Singapore up close, including keeping tabs on yacht prices, stepping aboard everything from modest weekend cruisers to multi-million-dollar super yachts, talking to manufacturers and watching the post-pandemic boom lure a new wave of Asian buyers to the docks.

But before you picture yourself sipping champagne on the bow, let’s get honest about costs: mooring, crew, fuel, and maintenance can easily run 10 to 25 per cent of your yacht’s value every year.

Size matters, but so does where you’ll keep it.

“If the boat is small, and you don’t use it often, a dry berth on land saves on antifouling, but limits spontaneity. Small boats can’t go far; big yachts cost far more to run and often need a full-time skipper,” notes veteran boater, Michael Gray.

At a glance

For seamless support and service: Azimut Grande 27 Metri
For quick weekend getaways: Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin
For the ultimate indulgence: Sunreef Power 80

How do you choose the right yacht?

That gleaming jacuzzi on a sub-30m yacht? It may look glamorous, but in reality, it steals precious deck space, drains power, overheats electrical systems, and often ends up as a mildew-covered eyesore, according to Jonathan Sit, show director of the annual Singapore Yachting Festival.

He also stresses: “Don’t just fixate on the boat itself — the ecosystem of support around it is just as critical. A great yacht in the wrong location or without proper after-sales service, berthing, and maintenance quickly becomes a headache.”

Singapore’s waters may look calm, but the humidity and climate can accelerate wear and tear. The wrong purchase could become a floating money pit. That’s where due diligence makes all the difference.

“We inspect the yacht, assess whether it’s seaworthy, calculate repair costs, and even advise whether it’s better for personal use or charter revenue,” says Liyann Seet of homegrown yachting company Yacht Luxe, who also cautions buyers to steer clear of “too-good-to-be-true” second-hand offers, warning that hidden issues can turn a bargain into an expensive liability.

Jonathan adds that even brand-new boats can hide problems, which is why a pre-purchase survey is essential. A qualified marine surveyor will inspect the hull for damage, test the engine, check electrical and plumbing systems, verify safety gear, and ensure the vessel meets legal and insurance requirements.

To help you navigate the sea of choices, we tapped seasoned yacht owners, regional yacht companies, and a marina manager to compile this definitive shortlist. Here are the eight yachts they say strike the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and long-term value for Asian waters, and why one of them could be your ideal match.

Best eight yachts for Southeast Asia

Sanlorenzo SX88: For yachters who seek comfort and pedigree

Key specs

Length: 26.7m (87.6ft)
Range: Extended cruising capability with efficient semi-displacement hull
Special feature: Crossover design with expansive aft deck and retractable side terraces for shaded indoor-outdoor living
Accommodation: Up to five cabins, depending on layout
Price range: From US$6.2 million ($7.9 million)

Why it’s great

“When it comes to first-hand yachts, especially from reputable Italian yards like Benetti Yachts, Sanlorenzo, Ferretti Yachts, you’re generally in safe hands,” says Liyann. “These brands have a name to uphold, and their after-sales service and dealership support are solid.”

The Sanlorenzo SX88 takes that pedigree and adapts it for hot-climate cruising in Asia and the Middle East, with robust air-conditioning systems and thoughtfully shaded indoor-outdoor spaces. A vast aft deck flows seamlessly into the open-plan main saloon, while retractable side terraces invite in cooling sea breezes without exposing guests to harsh midday sun.

Shaded lounges and adaptable deck areas make entertaining comfortable year-round, and the elevated pilothouse frees up prime forward space for a covered social zone.

The SX88’s semi-displacement hull is designed to give you both range and speed. At moderate speeds, it sips fuel, making long trips more economical. But if you need to, it can still pick up pace to get you back to port quickly — handy in Southeast Asia, where you might spend days cruising calmly between islands but want the option to outrun a storm or tide change.

Ferretti Yachts Infynito 80: For the eco-conscious traveller

Key specs

Length: 23.7m (77.8ft)
Range: Long-range cruising with a hybrid energy storage system
Special feature: Ferretti Sustainable Enhanced Architecture (F.S.E.A.) with solar panels and a lithium battery pack for zero-emission anchoring
Accommodation: Four to five cabins, depending on layout
Price range: From US$6 million ($7.6 million)

Why it’s great

“We see more boats tailored for Southeast Asia conditions: large, shaded areas, efficient layouts, and hybrid propulsion systems. The appetite for new tech and sustainability is very real,” says Jonathan.

Few vessels capture this shift more elegantly than the Ferretti Yachts Infynito 80. Its FSEA system also integrates solar panels into the hard top and roof, storing energy in a bank of high-density lithium batteries. This allows extended stays at anchor with zero emissions, reduced generator use, and quieter nights.

With a design that embraces seamless indoor–outdoor living, the vessel is built for owners who dream of venturing far — to the Anambas, Phuket, or beyond — without sacrificing comfort in Southeast Asia’s heat and humidity.

Its extended superstructure shelters a spacious upper terrace, meaning you can dine, entertain, or simply relax outdoors without worrying about tropical downpours or blazing sun. Inside, you’ll find sustainable materials — from bamboo fabrics to regenerated leather — creating a lighter carbon footprint.

Pershing 8X: For time-strapped individuals

Key specs

Length: 25.55m (83.8ft)
Range: High-performance cruising yacht with long coastal range
Special feature: Carbon-fibre construction and surface drives for speeds above 40 knots
Accommodation: Four guest cabins plus crew quarters
Price range: From US$6.8 million ($8.7 million)

Why it’s great

The Pershing 8X is built for owners who value speed as much as style. Its lightweight carbon-fibre build, paired with surface drives, delivers exhilarating top speeds of over 40 knots — ideal for quick getaways from Singapore to nearby islands without losing a day to travel.

Despite its performance focus, it offers well-appointed interiors, including a bright main saloon and multiple outdoor lounges. Shaded deck seating ensures comfort under the tropical sun, and the aft cockpit works as a social hub whether you’re anchored or cruising.

While it’s not the most economical yacht to run, the Pershing 8X offers a rare blend of Italian craftsmanship, precision engineering, and adrenaline — ideal for those who want to get there first and in style.

Princess X80: For owners who want big-yacht living without big-yacht complications

Key specs

Length: 25.18m (82.6ft)
Range: Long-range cruising with efficient semi-displacement hull
Special feature: “Super Flybridge” with extensive covered seating and panoramic views
Accommodation: Four to five cabins, depending on layout
Price range: From US$8 million ($10.21 million)

Why it’s great

Princess enjoys a loyal following among Asian buyers — especially in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand — and the Princess X80 shows precisely why. It offers massive shaded deck areas, efficient cruising speeds, and a genuine “superyacht feel” in under 27m, meaning you can enjoy the lifestyle without the mooring headaches or running costs.

Its signature “Super Flybridge” stretches almost the length of the yacht, with deep overhangs and sheltered dining spaces made for tropical entertaining. Inside, the main deck saloon is framed by near full-height glazing, giving uninterrupted views and plenty of natural light.

In Southeast Asia, that openness means the A/C will work harder at anchor — there’s no magic fix — but the overhangs and awnings do reduce direct heat and glare.

For owners who want generous social spaces, a manageable size, and a yacht that feels far grander than its dimensions suggest, the X80 is a compelling choice for regional cruising.

Azimut Grande 27 Metri: For seamless support and service

Key specs

Length: 26.78m (87.9ft)
Range: Designed for long-range coastal and regional cruising with a planing hull
Special feature: Carbon-fibre superstructure enables larger windows and greater interior volume without compromising stability
Accommodation: Five cabins for up to 10 guests
Price range: From US$10 million ($12.89 million)

Why it’s great

The Azimut Grande 27 Metri blends Italian design with practical performance for Asian waters. The use of carbon fibre in the superstructure keeps weight down. It lowers the centre of gravity, which in turn allows for taller, full-height windows in the saloon and more usable interior space without affecting stability. Those panoramic views make the most of scenic archipelagos in Southeast Asia while keeping interiors bright and open.

Outdoor spaces are well thought-out, with a flybridge shaded by a hard top, an aft cockpit for dining, and a forward lounge with convertible sunpads.

Azimut’s established dealer network in Asia means after-sales and warranty support are easier to access — a major plus when routine maintenance or urgent repairs are needed. For owners seeking a blend of style, interior comfort, and proven brand backing, this model stands out in its class.

Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin: Best yacht for quick weekend getaways

Key specs

Length: 11.5m (37ft)
Range: ~300nm at cruising speed
Special feature: Fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabin with sliding roof and doors.
Accommodation: Up to four berths (with optional aft cabin), plus flexible aft deck configurations
Price range: From US$350,000 ($446,612)

Why it’s great

Think of the Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin as the SUV of the sea — compact, powerful, and designed for adventure. Where larger yachts feel like floating villas, this one is all about mobility. Easy to use without a crew, its fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabin keeps things comfortable in Singapore’s heat, while expansive walkaround decks mean you can still move freely from bow to stern.

The design is clever in its flexibility: sliding doors and an electric sunroof let you switch from cocooned comfort to open-air cruising in seconds. Twin-stepped hulls give it the speed and stability to make short work of hops to Bintan or Tioman, while its shallow draft means you can pull right up to a beach or lagoon.

Owners can choose between an aft cabin for overnight stays or a convertible deck space for entertaining. Either way, it’s built to do more than just sit pretty at the marina.

As Liyann notes, there’s a growing appetite for boats in this category: “I’m seeing a real buzz around adventure-style day boats like Saxdor and Axopar. With their double-stepped hulls, they’re lightning-fast, stable, and seriously fun to drive — all while looking effortlessly stylish. They’re made for those who want to spend the afternoon island hopping, then blast back to the marina before sunset.”

Lagoon Sixty 7 Power Catamaran: The ultimate companion for perpetual explorers of hidden coves and secret beaches

Key specs

Length: 20.15m (66.1ft)
Range: Extended cruising range from a fuel-efficient twin-hull design
Special feature: 10m beam delivers exceptional stability and expansive living areas on a compact length
Accommodation: Custom layouts, typically four to six cabins
Price range: From US$4 million ($5.1 million)

Why it’s great

Catamarans have been gaining traction among Asian owners, and for good reason: their shallow draft lets you get closer to beaches in places like the Mergui Archipelago or Koh Lipe, and the twin-hull stability keeps drinks upright in choppy channels.

As Jonathan advises, tropical cruising in Southeast Asia demands smart engineering: “You need practical layouts with good ceiling height and room separation, shaded deck spaces, and hull designs that balance stability and efficiency for our varying conditions.”

The Lagoon Sixty 7 delivers on most counts. Easier to handle for owner-operators or smaller crews, the vessel is an attractive entry point for buyers moving up from smaller motor yachts or sailing catamarans.

Its wide beam provides the kind of social and lounging areas usually found on far larger monohulls. At the same time, the twin-hull configuration ensures stability at anchor and smooth passage through stormy seas.

Not only that, owners can fully customise the interior layout to suit private cruising, charter operations, or a hybrid setup.

Sunreef Power 80: For the ultimate indulgence

Key specs

Length: 23.95m (78.5ft)
Range: Long-distance cruising with fuel-efficient twin-hull design
Special feature: Wide 12m beam for massive deck space and stability at anchor or underway
Accommodation: Custom layouts, typically four to five guest cabins plus crew quarters
Price range: From US$9 million ($11.48 million)

Why it’s great

The Sunreef Power 80 takes the advantages of a catamaran and scales them up to superyacht proportions.

With its 12m beam and expansive deck volume, it feels less like a boat and more like a floating villa — ideal for buyers who value space, stability, and the ability to entertain on a grand scale. That width allows for indulgences such as a full outdoor bar, multiple lounging zones, or even a spa area, making it perfect for large family gatherings or high-end charter guests.

The trade-off for all this luxury is scale: The Sunreef’s size and systems typically require a larger crew and higher running costs than smaller cats like the Lagoon Sixty 7. 

Inside, the full-beam saloon delivers uninterrupted views, while the wide walkarounds and oversized flybridge give guests plenty of shaded and open-air options for relaxing. The semi-displacement twin-hull design remains impressively fuel-efficient for its size, enabling long island-hopping itineraries across Southeast Asia without constant fuel stops.