Master Builders: While the size of one's boat may set yachtsmen apart, the underlying commonality is that all yacht owners are seamen at heart. Making a big splash on the marine scene today calls for something of substantive value. While every yacht out there is not a superyacht of 100 feet or more, or a mega-superyacht exceeding 200 feet in length, it should be equally superb as a looker and a performer.



Here is a recap of some the yacht builders we presented over the past year or so. Each one is a shipbuilder of worldwide acclaim. Trinity Yacht can produce a 400-foot-long vessel. Azimut Yachts is renowned for its advancements in soundproofing technology. Christensen Shipyards has built more yachts measuring 120 feet or longer of composite materials than any other builder.

The Burger Boat Company built numerous vessels for the U.S. during wartime. The firm also produced the first all-steel-welded hull made in the U.S. All are capable of fulfilling a buyer's vision of a "dreamboat," whether it is a power or a sailing yacht.

Launch Yacht Builder Slideshow

Presenting the newest, the best, and the most innovative in all matters of luxury lifestyle is a never-ending process. So stay tuned. More noteworthy and up-and-coming yacht builders will be introduced throughout 2007 - and beyond.

Azimut Yachts

Azimut Yachts offer the best combination of features and benefits to its lucky owners. The Azimut 85, which premiered at the Genoa Boat Show in October 2005, is luxury afloat at its finest. The 85's length is actually a tad longer than its name and 22 feet wide. Stephano Righini designed the exterior and Carlo Galeazzi manned the interior. The advanced soundproofing techniques and windows on both decks are only two of the yacht's noteworthy and unique features.

Marquis Yacht

Marquis Yacht is a U.S.-based firm that is definitely on the rise. With each release, beginning with the Carver 59 Marquis, the company is diligently establishing its niche for launching innovative, Italian-inspired-designed yachts. The 59 features twin 660 horsepower Cummins QSM11 diesel inboards, with the option to upgrade to twin 825 horsepower MTU Series 60 diesel inboards. The ship's overall length is nearly 60 feet with platform and a waterline length that exceeds 45 feet. Standard features include a hydraulic swim platform and fore and aft shore-power ties.

Delta Marine

Saying it in Italian just sounds more romantic than saying it in English. But no matter how you say it, the 44.8-meters long Gran Finale by Delta Marine is one beautiful boat! Launched in 2002, this tri-deck is the winner of the 2003 "Best Motor Yacht Over 38 Meters" by Showboats International. Its all-encompassing craftsmanship is perhaps the boat's greatest benefit. However, providing a smooth ride at a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed over 20 knots, with its twin Caterpillar 3512B engine, is quite impressive too.

International Yacht Collection

International Yacht Collection is a fourfold specialist in the luxury boating industry. The firm is capable of managing and maintaining a yacht for personal or corporate owners; taking a boating project from inception to design to completion; offering brokering services; and yacht-chartering specialists for either corporate or personal needs.

Feadship

The Rasselas, the latest vessel launched by Feadship De Vries of the Netherlands, is the most technologically advanced yacht to ever float across the waters. Strident progress has been made in shipbuilding technology over the past 10 years, and this craft has incorporated it all.

The innovative technology addresses environmental and operational issues, reduces noise level, and facilitates maintenance and favorably. Specifically, it burns fuel more efficiently and is easier to keep in tip-top condition. Measuring out at 62 meters, it is nearly 30 feet longer than the previous Rasselas.

Burger Boat Company

Thank goodness the Burger Boat Company was revitalized in the early 90s and put back in the waters of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by its new owners, David Ross and Jim Ruffolo. Founded in 1863 by Henry B. Burger, the contributions this organization made to the U.S. and to the boating industry are historic, patriotic and most inventive. From 1870 to the turn of the century, the firm specialized in manufacturing steamers, tugs, scows, schooners and barges to support the industrialization efforts of the USA. During World War I, Burger manufactured 22 vessels for the U.S. Navy and Emergency Corps.

Christensen Shipyards

When the topic of the conversation turns to yachts, the size of a vessel is generally at the top of the pecking list. However, the more significant issue regarding long-term value is the materials used in the construction of ships. Christensen Shipyards has built more 120-plus-feet yachts with composite materials than any shipbuilder in the world.

Composite materials eliminate rust and corrosion and provide better insulation and strength compared to ships built from aluminum and steel. This makes overall maintenance easier and extends the life of a ship threefold compared to those predominantly constructed with metals. Christensen Shipyards is a certified shipbuilder by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), which was established in 1862 and is the governing agency for safety standards of the marine industry. ABS is a non-profit organization with 150 offices in 70 countries.

Trinity Yacht

Trinity Yacht encourages all yachtsmen to have it your way! Whether you are seeking a 72-footer, a 200-footer or a whopping 400-footer, your selection is built and designed to meet and, probably, exceed your expectations. Trinity can place bid on designs drawn up independently from outside sources or provide patrons with designs stemming from either its Victory Lane or Global Explorer series.

oceAnco

It is very difficult to begin a sentence with a company that prefers not to capitalize its name or products, such as eLuxury, iPod, or oceAnco. However, what oceAnco does capitalize wisely are its resources when it comes to designing and building superyachts. The firm has built some of the finest 50-meter-plus vessels to clientele around the world. Its main office is in Monaco, and its shipyard is based in Albasserdam, Holland. The yacht builder's Web site boasts of 16 launched boats.

Over the past three years, oceAnco has launched three stunning 60-meter-plus yachts: the Lady Lola at 62.6 meters, the Alfa Four at 60 meters, and the Dilbar at 66 meters. The Dilbar has two master suites and a dip pool on its sundeck that is over 15 feet wide. Mr. Alberto Pino is the interior designer of the steel hull with an aluminum superstructure, and oceAnco is both the naval architect and the exterior designers.

Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts International is a shipbuilder with over 40 years of know-how. The company, which began in 1965 and was known as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd., originally specialized in making 20- to 30-foot ships. Today the company is regarded as one of the world's most prominent manufacturers of Flybridge yachts and "V" class sports yachts. Yacht building began in 1970 with the launching of the Princess 32. Over the next decade, approximately 1,200 Princess 32s were ordered and sold.