What Exactly does "Semi-Custom"

I call a boat semi custom if you can't, like you said, move interior bulkheads around. But you can still change bunk layouts and galley layouts, etc.

Some builders seem to think their boats are semicustom if you can change the color of the throw pillows.

But you could say the only true custom boat is a one off.

Yes to both.

In addition to what the other two posters said. I would say semi-custom would be a choice of different bunk arrangements, different choices of interior woodwork and finishes, different room layouts (example choice of having the salon sofa on this side instead of that side, semi-custom could also include choice of cockpit storage/hatch/function layouts.) Semi custom could also be a choice of different interior equipment such as galley appliances, TV sizes and brands.) The ability to change a lot of things, without getting into a custom which includes your ability to change bulkheads, interior room size and shapes, and so forth. Even a custom sportfish is not truelly custom in a lot of aspects. Most builders will not allow one to change hull design, exterior design, and certain other aspects such as engine room size.

In my opinion,
Custom....a one-off build, truly bespoke. The clients choices are limited only by the budget. Steel, alloy, composite...whatever the client requires.

Semi-Custom....The build yard already has a tried and tested hull design (that is restricted to specific performance and running characteristics) and general arrangement package, but is able to offer the client the option to considerably change the superstructure design, machinery options and interior layouts etc. Steel, alloy and rarely composite.

Customisable....This covers 'series production' boats, usually composite from out of a mould but more often these days, alloy and steel too. The hull and superstructure is set in stone but there may be options for hard-tops, cockpit layout etc available that are charged as extras. The marketed / brochured design is set up around a few basic options of layout and machinery packages as an initial guide. At point of order, the client is free to specify various changes, as long as the overall package remains within the original dynamic envelope (weight, LCG, powering requirement etc). As someone previously posted, the level of changes the client is able to specify varies enormously from one builder to the next.

As I said at the start, this is my opinion...build yards and brokers sometimes use the term Semi-Custom rather more generously.

The term "one-off" connotes condescension or inferiority to me. One-off the norm? Good! ;-)

There are custom vessels that bark loudly for sure, but there are many fine custom build yachts.

Judy

I agree with Judy. One off sounds like "we tried it once and it didn't really do well" so we didn't build another one.

As I see it, Semi Custom is as stated previously- A known design that can be built having interior arrangements and other amenities chosen to suit her owner.

I'm an old Classic boat guy at heart, but there is a part of me that would like to own a new build some day.

A new boat is like a new car. As soon as you turn the key it's an old boat and that's reflected in it's value. Unlike a most cars the boats get better after the first year as you work the bugs out. Also, every pre-owned boat is semi-custom and you can redo a lot with the money you've saved.

Another word for "one-off" is bespoke. The tailors of Savile Row might take issue with your characterization. The designers of Milan and Paris as well.

And so would plenty of boat builders.

In reply to what "Semi-Custom" means: You have a vessel with a standard deck by deck layout. One deck with staterooms will allow you to convert a stateroom with berths designed for midgets, or children, to an office. Galley, heads, helms have to be where they are to utilize space constraints and infrastructure, i.e. wiring, plumbing, beam, engine location. In days of old, where huge home equities, or an executive with disposable income, allowed the "man" in the family to take the "little woman" (and decision maker) to look at what dad wanted, boat manufacturers went from ultra un-sexy V-Berths to the now standard walk around queen or king berth. From glass interiors to every exotic wood on the planet. From an age old "purpose defines design", to each yacht now advertized as an anti-room to the Library of Congress. Given the unfortunate, needless, frenzy we are now in economy-wise, it will be very interesting to see the manufacturers that are still in business in three years. Semi-Custom? How about, for right now, providing a vessel that meets the budget, a vessel that is affordable to Joe-six-pack, Charlie Chardonnay, a boat that will allow more people to experience the thrill and joy of being afloat. We need to survive the current storm and emerge with a stronger base of dedicated boat owners.

This is an easy one...but is also interresting.

Christensen, Palmer Johnson, most of the Trinity yachts, the Amels Limited edition etc. are all semi-custom or semi-production yachts. This was a very smart move by the builders. Christensen is one of the best in this field. They are able to bid a yacht very close to an exact price, if the owner, captain and project manager are able to keep changes to a minimum this helps everyone achieve a true semi-custom yacht. The designs are proven because they build several or more. The 4th,5th,6th yacht will be better than the 1st or 2nd. The yard will give the owner wood choices and colors, gloss varnish or satin varnish. You can choose to go with more fabrics and leathers for panneling instead of wood. You have a basic but good electronics and av package but have the option to add more gadgets at an additional cost. Do you want ipods in the cabins or do you want the crestron system.
In a nutshell this is semi-custom, some yards offer more choices some offer less. You basically get the hull, superstructure and bulkhead as a fixed design and work around this to build your yacht with the decor you want.

Sea Ray, Azimut, Ferretti eg. are production boats where you choose your fabric colors, hull colors (this is also limited and normally extra) they usually come with boat manufacturer plates, glasses, cutlery, towels. Turn key operation. These companies have built thousands which also makes them production boats.

Custom is your design , style and type. As one person said "one of a kind"
unless you build two..........