The Lug Boat describes the latest trend in “yachting”:
Dubbed expedition yachts because they can travel to rough, distant waters, they’re the SUVs of the high seas. Some are custom-built and feature cranes, massive loading decks and hydraulic systems — even though their typical cargo is jet-setters in swimsuits. Others are actually old commercial fishing boats, sans crab pots and gear lockers, refitted for luxury cruising.
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Industry experts say the demand for the mega-boats is growing in part because of their macho “Perfect Storm” appeal — a big selling point for thrill-seekers. With their massive fuel tanks, expedition yachts can also go further between fill-ups than speedier mega-yachts. (The Pangaea, for example, has a 65,000-gallon tank and can travel 12,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots, at least double the range of a comparable mega-yacht.) And the prices of the old fishing boats are hard to beat — $150,000 to $1 million — compared with new yachts over 100 feet that can cost upwards of $5 million.