Fashion and vogue come and go, but we think a few of these may just stand the test of time

Ours is an industry as old as time itself, but even so it has survived and even thrived in this modern era due to constant advancement. Often, the natural forces of the market move boat builders in a certain direction, and other times innovative and revolutionary designers think outside the box to make vessels that have features hitherto unseen. Only time will tell if they survive the ‘trend phase’ and pass, gloriously, into just another feature we expect to see on a yacht. Here are 5 recent trends that we really enjoy in yachts, and we really hope they pass this test as they truly elevate the boating experience.

Integrated dashboards

Starting with something small, and divisive, is the increasingly common usage of integrated digital dashboards. Even amongst automotive enthusiasts, the subject of digital dashboards is a sore one, and many still like the classic aesthetic of analogue dials. However, there’s no denying digital dashboards are the future, and well-integrated ones are themselves a thing of clean, minimalist beauty. They use far less space, while at the same time are able to provide far more information on just a single screen.

Green boating

The Silent Yachts 55 is mainly powered by the sun.

If you want to paint your boat green, more power to you, but we actually mean making boating more sustainable. We even published an article on this recently. However, we’re not talking about individual responsibility here, we’re talking about sustainability from builders themselves. The fact is companies are the primary source of pollution and emissions, as seen in a report from 2017 that states that just 100 companies, mostly from coal and oil industries, are responsible for 71% of global emissions since 1988. That’s why it’s imperative that ship builders themselves spearhead the change. The Ferretti Group, for example, recently released its first sustainability report on corporate operations, and we would like to see more of the same from other builders too.

Foredeck forethought

The Azimut 66 has an interesting foredeck design, picture courtesy of metstrade.com

A well-designed lounge space at the bow of the boat is a great feature. The wind and spray of the ocean is best experienced here, and its distance from the engine makes it quieter as well. Back in the day, this space was simply lined with cushion, but today it is a nicely designed area complete with tables and chairs. Interestingly, some manufacturers are taking it a step further by extending the deck over the bow. Not everyone will like this look, but hey, the space it creates may well be worth it.

Rethinking gunwales

This is perhaps the fanciest trend on this list. Foldable rear gunwales and bulwarks literally removes the barrier between boaters and the sea, enlarging the area and giving boaters greater access to the water around them. Sometimes, these foldable gunwales are manually lowered and raised like in the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 WA, but are often mechanically actuated on more luxurious yachts, like in the 48 Wallytender.

More outboard horsepower whalepower sharkpower

Why have one when you can have four outboards.

Outboard engines are quieter, more efficient, and more compact than ever. There are more reasons for the increasing use of outboards as well, as stated in this article by boatingindustry.com, but the main reason we think is that it offers upgrading flexibility at a relatively low cost. If you need twice the oomph, simply slap on another engine and you’re good (we’re simplifying it of course). We also see a rise in the number of outboards used as well, because let’s be real, quad-engine installations, capable of mega sharkpowers, on open centre consoles evoke something deeply primal in us.

So with all the above said, does this mean your next purchase or upgrade will include some or all of it? It really depends. For example, the analogue dials on the Riva Aquariva are simply breathtaking, but the modern elegance of the Riva Rivale is also as appealing to us. As for us, we are huge fans of foldable gunwales and increasing the space on the foredecks, but feel free to disagree. As always, get in touch with us if you need further advice, and happy boating.