Alternative fuels, advanced technology, and futuristic creations have long been the focus of concept yachts. In 2024, designers pushed the envelope with hybrid vessels—both in terms of propulsion and function—and penned ever-imaginative concepts that address sustainability, quality of life on board, and brave new ideas.
Our choices for this year feature bold imaginative details and creative use cases, but they are also within the bounds of reality (well, most of them) by yacht designers with one foot in reality. We look at electric-powered yachts that recharge batteries while under way, a yacht concept that is more of a resort, and several underwater yachts offering exceptional views of marine life.
One prime example is the Migaloo M5, a “hybrid” yacht concepts that doubles as a submersible. Migaloo PSY’s design is not only cool-looking but bold: The 545-foot behemoth is intended to function underwater for up to four weeks, and includes a spa, outdoor cinema, helipad, and two “mini-me” subs. If nothing else, it illustrates how nothing is off the table when it comes to superyacht concepts.
Here are 13 of the wildest yacht concepts to hail from design boards in 2024.
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Helix, J. David Weiss
Image Credit: J. David Weiss The organic hull and super-efficient design of Helix, developed with a trimaran specialist naval architect, plays with, as its name suggests, helical surfaces. “Life and time are an intrinsically linked duo, and this fantastical hybrid multihull is a multilayered celebration of that link,” says designer J. David Weiss. The forward area has an hourglass shape that provides an exceptional view for the staterooms. “And the ‘greenhouse effect’ of all the glass across the yacht allows for heat and energy harvesting inside the hourglass to run multiple systems on board,” says Weiss.
Most unusual feature: Beak bow and trimaran wings.
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Awakening, Edvin H Design
Image Credit: Edvin H Design Penned by Edvin H Design, the 262-foot Awakening has an automotive-inspired yacht with futuristic functions. Materials include glass-laminated copper, natural stone, and stainless steel. On the main deck, an integrated teppanyaki kitchen is powered by solar energy. The owner’s deck is home to a semi-enclosed workspace containing a natural stone table with built-in tablets, again powered by the sun. On the foredeck are a TV screen and a cinema projector that, you guessed it, relied on solar energy, while the aft swim platform is embedded with a mechanical system that harnesses wave energy. Four solar-powered baths and whirlpools are found on the sundeck, while the toy chest contains single-person solar-electric tenders, water scooters, and electric mountain bikes.
Most unusual feature: Solar panels discreetly concealed as retractable awnings and supporting pillars.
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X-Pagoda, Stefano Pastrovich
Image Credit: Stefano Pastrovich Stefano Pastrovich’s latest catamaran concept, X-Pagoda, aims to shake up the charter market for Gen X travelers. The multihull has been “expressly designed,” says the designer, to appeal to a younger generation that prefers experiential trips over acquiring costly properties—or yachts. “Xpagoda is the perfect balance between number of passengers, exclusivity, privacy, and cost for this type of emerging market,” Pastrovich tells Robb Report.
Unlike traditional superyachts that tend to have one large primary suite and smaller guest cabins, Xpagoda has a standard layout with 10 identical 180-square-foot cabins with balconies. Alternatively, operators can opt for mixed cabins of 16, 18, 20, or super-luxury 538-square-foot apartments. The flexible cabin arrangement is based on an architectural grid structure used for skyscrapers, which positions pillars at regular intervals, rather than fixed bulkheads. In typical Pastrovich fashion, the inclusion of four tall palm trees on the rear main and upper decks add an unexpected twist.
Most unusual feature: The same-sized suites are more like a floating resort than a superyacht.
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Hexa, U-Boat Worx and Uros Pavasovic
Image Credit: U-Boat Worx and Uros Pavasovic This 164-foot support vessel concept is a design collaboration between U-Boat Worx and London-based studio Uros Pavasovic. Originally conceived as a floating helipad, Hexa (named after the distinct hexagonal motif throughout) evolved into a striking commercial vessel conversion concept with an extended guest entertainment deck, swim platform, integrated A-frame crane, and a serious selection of toys. Hexa combines rugged functionality with high-end design, including an outdoor cinema, a sheltered lounge area on the top deck, and a bright orange hull accented by black insets.
Most unusual feature: Toy box that includes a U-boat Worx C-researcher submarine, two Falcon Tenders vessels, and an Ariel Nomad off-roader.
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C, Feadship
Image Credit: Feadship Feadship’s 246-foot fuel-cell yacht concept, simply called C, was inspired by the refractive qualities of a diamond. The design features huge banks of glass to “draw light deep into the yacht’s interior” and a crow’s nest rising from a private observation deck for the best exterior views. By drawing 100 percent of its power from fuel cells directly running on methanol in tandem with lithium-metal batteries, it’s a nod to both style and environmental impact.
Most Unusual Feature: The rising crow’s nest that lifts above the yacht.
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Deep Sea Dreamer, Steve Kozloff
Image Credit: Steve Kozloff California-based designer Steve Kozloff’s 107-foot Deep Sea Dreamer concept is a superyacht-submarine hybrid. Capable of descending to depths of 328 feet, it is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system that can silently propel the vessel 100 nautical miles on batteries alone. The onboard batteries and generator also provide enough power to facilitate a week of scuba diving. When above water, the top floor doubles as an exterior sundeck. When in hybrid travel mode (meaning partial submersion), a large exhaust pipe remains on the surface and is used for air intake.
Most unusual feature: A glass bubble dome gifting panoramic underwater views of the ocean.
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Project Kumu, D-iD
Image Credit: D-ID The 151-foot Project Kumu originated from a client’s dream for a fast aluminum day boat-style superyacht with a sailing yacht’s profile. When he walked away from the idea, Winchester-based studio D-iD was free to run with the notion, equipping the vessel with an even more efficient hull design and future-proofed hybrid drive. The main deck is dedicated to socializing, thanks to a large 2,153-square-foot aft deck with fold-down platforms that leads to a relaxed beach club. On the spacious sundeck, guests have the use of an extra 3,068 square feet.
Most unusual feature: A second salon on the lower deck with a balcony that owners can choose to use as a gym, spa, cinema, or lounge.
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Real, Alejandro Crespo
Image Credit: Alejandro Crespo Described by designer Alejandro Crespo as a “true reflection of a desire for sleek minimalism and perfect proportions,” the 262-foot Real forms part of Oceanco’s Simply Custom collection, which is based on a proven platform by Lateral Naval Architects. The design includes a beach club with two pools, a swim platform for direct access to the water, and a helipad at the bow. Glass bulwarks, generous lounging spaces, and all-white furnishings bring a modern feel. As with all Simply Custom designs, Real includes a stabilization system, pod drives, electric propulsion, and onboard battery storage. It’s also compatible with renewable fuels, such as HVO.
Most unusual feature: An exterior that fully blends in with the natural landscape.
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Migaloo M5, Migaloo PSY
Image Credit: Migaloo PSY The Migaloo M5 is the first of the “hybrid” yacht concepts that doubles as a submersible. Imagined by Migaloo PSY, the 545-foot behemoth is intended to function underwater for up to four weeks and includes a spa, an outdoor cinema, a helipad, and two “mini-me” subs. If nothing else, it illustrates how nothing is off the table when it comes to superyacht concepts.
Most unusual feature: The ability to stay underwater for a month.
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Standby, Jay Aberdoni
Image Credit: Jay Aberdoni “Standby is more than just a name. It is a representation of what this design means, an ode to time,” says designer Jay Aberdoni. His 262-foot concept Standby features a “geometrically layered” deck layout designed to enhance views of the ocean and create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor. The vessel also forms part of Oceanco’s Simply Custom platform with customizable features. Statement areas include a wide uncluttered bow area with a helipad aft, a fire pit lounge forward, and a bimini to shelter from the wind. On the sundeck are a pool and sunlounges, and the upper deck is home to a large alfresco dining table with a side-opening balcony for tender pickups.
Most unusual feature: A beach club inspired by classic Japanese dojos, featuring a gym, spa, and Tatami flooring.
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Grandeur, Abdulbaki Şenol
Image Credit: Abdulbaki Şenol This 361-footer is defined by four VIP staterooms, with two on the upper deck and two belowdecks, all with floor-to-ceiling windows. The main suite is located near the yacht’s bow, extending privacy and exceptional views—especially from the suite’s balcony with sunbathing area and an infinity pool. The yacht is also populated with large social areas, some with 18-foot high ceilings.
Most unusual feature: The forward section of the yacht runs all the way to the bow, giving it an unique look.
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EX65, Yellow Addition
Image Credit: Yellow Addition Penned by Italian studio Yellow Addition, this 213-foot concept takes inspiration from the ocean with curvy wave-like exterior lines. Conceived for long range exploration in comfort, the yacht meets Explorer Ice Class standards and has a robust steel hull mated to a lightweight aluminum superstructure. The main deck features a large aft saloon, forward of which is a dining area with a bar, pantry, and galley. Six lower deck ensuite guest cabins sit adjacent to a “changing area” for when guests return from outdoor excursions. Three tiered aft decks include a beach club, two pools, a gym, and a sauna, while the forward section is reserved for the owner’s suite with an office, dressing room, ensuite, and private foredeck.
Most unusual feature: A sunken socializing pit located beneath the upper deck’s glass-bottom pool.
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Project Maverick, Dixon Yacht Design
Image Credit: Dixon Yacht Design Dixon Yacht Design’s 197-foot all-electric sailing yacht, Project Maverick is designed to harness solar power, regenerate kinetic energy while sailing, and rely on an Energy Storage System to manage onboard loads. What’s more, if it’s ever built, the construction will be primarily recycled aluminum.
Most Unusual Feature: First perpetual-motion sailing machine thanks to its ability to generate and store its own energy.
