Build with Burgess – why partner with us on your next semi-custom?

We’ve talked about the beauty of purchasing a semi-custom yacht, striking the perfect balance between personalisation, performance, and practicality. But if you’re thinking about taking on a build project, it can be useful to partner with a broker you can trust to act on your behalf in the discussions with the shipyard. Not only do you avoid complex discussions and extra stress, but you get the benefit of someone with a wealth of experience and hindsight in your corner.

We spoke to Sales Broker and Shipyard Relationship Coordinator, Eleonora Pitasso, about building a semi-custom and what to consider when deciding where to build.

Why should someone come to Burgess to build a yacht vs going to a shipyard direct?

The role of the broker is to combine the highs and lows of the build process, which can sometimes become very frustrating. As the broker knows how to blend the discussions between parties, it will help avoid stress for the client if they [the broker] deal directly with problems. Often when discussed between professionals, the problems don’t affect the process as much as they would affect the client when dealing directly.

Also, the broker’s vast knowledge of the new build market will greatly help the client screen and pick the right building yard. They’ll be able to evaluate several factors such as processes, facilities, ease of conversation, flexibility, preciseness, and work ethics.

What’s the advantage of a semi-custom yacht?

A semi-custom yacht comes with a reduced build time and a verified engineered platform. This means a higher efficiency and less risk of technical issues when compared to building a one-off or custom project.

What are the factors someone needs to consider when deciding where to build a yacht and in what shipyard?

1. Facilities
2. Logistics and ease of access including accessibility, roads, and airports
3. Premises
4. Flexibility during the building process
5. Structural organisation
6. Quality and price balance
7. Yard capacity

Is there a difference between shipyards?

It's not just one thing that differentiates yards but several, from the management and sales structure to the yard facilities and quality of build. It’s obvious that each shipyard covers some areas better than others, and vice versa. For example, we can see yards very effective at building explorer yachts, but they won’t venture into a 'standard' yacht type and instead prefer to keep their niche. On the reverse, yards building classic yacht models tend to avoid building some specific series like explorer.

How much personalisation can be added in, and what is set in stone with the design?

This also differs from yard to yard, but the personalisation tends to come in the choice of the layout and interior decor. These elements depend on the construction stage of the unit, so clients that buy close to delivery are more bound to keeping things chosen by the yard at an earlier stage like materials, interior panelling and layout. I would probably say that if clients wish to personalise a semi-custom vessel, the sooner they sign in the process the better as they’ll be able to play with some elements of the yacht.

One thing to bear in mind is the engineering part and the yacht’s lines are set in stone, regardless. That can’t be changed.

How long does it typically take to build a semi-custom yacht?

Typical lead time is around 12 to 18 months below 38m, and 18 to 22 months for up to 50m.

What's currently under construction that you're excited about?

PROJECT ORION is a super 49.9m Heesen 5000 Aluminium series. She’s ready to set sail next March [2025] and the shipyard is aggressive on pricing. There’s also a beautiful Custom Line 140 that has just been delivered. She’s a solid quality of build and a very successful unit to charter.