Talking points. Berth, beam, draft and displacement are code for “Just how big is your boat?” Yacht owners never talk price but love to discuss design details, right down to the kinds of inlaid woods (cherry, teak and mahogany are preferred) and the configuration of sun decks and salon furniture.

Showboats. The top boat shows in Florida take place in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach, while the Cannes International Yacht & Boat Show is Europe’s largest in-water event.  Seattle, San Diego and Newport attract aficionados of beautiful boats, and Monaco, St. Barts, Genova, Athens and Sydney are centers of innovative yacht design.

Luxury appointments. Because yachts call for accessories, from custom-built tenders to fine furnishings to custom-designed china, crystal, silver and linens, dozens of companies are creating fine products for these luxurious floating living quarters. Owners have their favorite marine products companies and tend to be fiercely loyal.

Size matters. Yachts start at 32 feet and go up. A 40-foot vessel will typically have tank capacity for some 400 to 600 gallons of diesel fuel. The trend is for bigger and showier yachts. Marina Jack is home to several vessels measuring 180 feet in length, while the largest yacht in the world is the Al Salameh, measuring in at 456 feet and priced to sell at $194 million.

Floating vacations. Some yachts are available for charter with a full-time captain and crew, professional chef and amenities ranging from Jacuzzis and jet skis to kayaks to karaoke equipment. Rates can go as high as $140,000 per week, depending on which yacht and where you travel.

Ready to buy? A yacht broker facilitates sales and purchases while providing invaluable information about manufacturers and market values. Sarasota Yacht & Ship Services is the oldest brokerage in the Sarasota area, specializing in sales of new and previously owned vessels.