A sport yacht is a type of recreational boat built for luxury as well as speed. This type of yacht usually features a long, narrow hull and high-powered engines that allow the boat to move very quickly through the water. Unlike typical sport boats, however, the sport yacht also often features a living quarters or other lounge-type area to accommodate guests. The yacht is likely to be larger than a dedicated sport boat, and it usually cannot attain the same high speeds a dedicated sport boat can reach.
A person might opt for a sport yacht over other types of yachts if he or she prefers a smaller boat that can reach high speeds. Such boats are good for day trips or shorter overnight trips, but will probably not be suited for longer trips due to fuel inefficiency. The sport yacht is likely to feature a long, narrow hull for quicker movement through the water and less drag, and the deck is likely to be low-profile, as is the pilot's deck. Any windshields are likely to be low-profile as well to reduce aerodynamic drag. The yacht may feature inboard or outboard motors that are quite powerful for exceptional torque production.
Living quarters are likely to be present below deck of the sport yacht, and there may be an aft deck on which guests may lounge. The fore deck is likely to be smooth for added aerodynamic benefit, though when the boat is not in motion, this space can also be used for lounging. Seats are likely to be positioned at the rear of the boat or in the pilot's deck, as well as below deck; seating is usually not positioned at the front of the vessel, however.
The size and features of a sport yacht can vary significantly. Most boats that fit into this category are shorter than 50 feet (15.2 meters) to accommodate better handling and speed, though it is possible for a sport yacht to be longer than this. The below-deck cabin may be able to accommodate only one or two people, or as many as eight to 10 people, again depending on the size of the vessel. While these boats are less likely than larger vessels to feature an array of luxury accommodations, many boat owners will outfit the yacht with high end features for comfort and convenience. Such added features will raise the cost of the boat significantly.