Yachtsman
This allows them to operate in shallow waters, and if needed "dry out"—become beached as the tide falls. The hull shape (or twin-keel layout) allows the boat to sit upright when there is no water.
Such boats are designed to undertake short journeys, rarely lasting more than 2 or 3 days (hence their name). In coastal areas, long trips may be undertaken in a series of short hops.
Weekenders usually have only a simple cabin, often consisting of a single "saloon" with bedspace for two to three people. Clever use of ergonomics allows space in the saloon for a galley (kitchen), seating, and navigation equipment.
Most are single-masted "Bermuda sloops" (not to be confused with the type of traditional Bermudian ship known as a Bermuda sloop), with a single foresail of the jib or genoa type and a single mainsail (one variation of the aforementioned Bermuda rig). The huge range of such craft, from dozens of builders worldwide, makes it hard to give a single illustrative description.
A hybrid type of vessel is a motor sailing yacht that can use either sail or propulsion (or both) as conditions dictate.
Many "pure" sailing yachts are also equipped with a low-power internal-combustion engine for use in conditions of calm and when entering or leaving difficult anchorages. Multihull yachts use two hulls (catamarans) or three (trimarans) widely separated from each other to provide a stable base that resists overturning and allows for sailing in shallower waters than most keeled monohulls.
Motor yachts
Motor yachts
Classification
Motor yachts generally fit into the following categories:
Day cruiser yacht (no cabin, sparse amenities such as refrigerator and plumbing)
Weekender yacht (one or two basic cabins, basic galley appliances and plumbing)
Cruising yacht (sufficient amenities to allow for living aboard for extended periods)
Sport fish yacht (yacht with living amenities and sporting fishing equipment)
Luxury yacht (similar to the last three types of yachts, with more luxurious finishings/amenities)
Propulsion
Motor yachts typically have one or two internal combustion engines that burn diesel fuel.
Fuel costs generally mean motor yachts are more expensive to operate than sailing yachts.
Hull types
The shape of a motor yacht's hull may be based on displacement, planing, or in between.