Can you owner operate a 80 foot yacht?
Can you owner operate a 80 foot yacht? While many yachts in this range are outfitted with crew quarters, it's not unheard of for owners to operate a yacht of this size by themselves due to new technology and features. For instance, bow and stern thrusters plus wireless docking controllers can enable owners to run and dock the yacht themselves.
Do yacht owners hire a captain?
Hiring a yacht captain, in general, is a major decision. This could even impact the longevity of someone owning a personal yacht. It is important for new owners to not only find a captain and crew, but find a captain and crew that are the right fit for their yacht and how it will be used.
What is the 12 person rule on a yacht?
In short, if a yacht carries more than 12 passengers, irrespective of whether payment is made, the vessel is considered a 'Passenger Ship' which puts it into a different category from standard luxury yachts. A 'Passenger Ship' must be SOLAS compliant, which requires rigorous testing, training, and surveying (and cost).