Symbol Yachts For Sale

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Symbol Yachts

What is Symbol Yachts?

Symbol Yachts is a Taiwanese builder best known for semi-custom fiberglass motor yachts, pilothouse yachts, trawlers, flybridge cruisers, aft-cabin motor yachts, yachtfishers, and sportfishing boats. Founded in 1982, Symbol developed yachts ranging from approximately 42 to 90 feet, with many models designed for experienced owner-operators seeking substantial accommodations, all-weather cruising capability, and traditional yacht craftsmanship. The brand’s strongest presence today is in the pre-owned yacht market. Symbol yachts are particularly recognizable in the Pacific Northwest, California, Canada, the Great Lakes, Florida, and other regions where owners value enclosed pilothouses, large flybridges, wide side decks, diesel propulsion, and comfortable liveaboard interiors.

Where are Symbol Yachts built, and who founded the company?

Symbol Yachts was founded in 1982 by Jimmy Cheng and is based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Kaohsiung is one of the world’s established yacht-building centers and is also home to several other respected Taiwanese motor-yacht manufacturers. Symbol became known for combining skilled Taiwanese fiberglass construction and interior joinery with designs influenced by North American cruising preferences. Historical company information identifies its products as fiberglass-reinforced-plastic yachts and places its manufacturing operation in Kaohsiung’s Ta Fa Industrial District.

Is Symbol Yachts still building new yachts?

Symbol remains listed in current industry directories as a Taiwan-based yacht builder, but the visible North American marketplace is overwhelmingly focused on pre-owned Symbol yachts. As of late 2026, MarineSource.com displayed approximately 25 used Symbol boats and no new vessels, with the listed boats primarily dating from the 1980s through the mid-2000s. A buyer should therefore not assume that a newly built Symbol is readily available from a conventional dealer. Anyone considering a claimed new-build opportunity should verify the shipyard’s current production status, build capacity, warranty coverage, specifications, regulatory compliance, delivery schedule, and after-sales support directly with the builder or an authorized representative.

What types and sizes of yachts did Symbol build?

Symbol built a diverse range of yachts from approximately 39 to 90 feet, although the brand is most strongly associated with models between 42 and 68 feet. Its historical lineup included: -Classic trawlers -Pilothouse and raised-pilothouse motor yachts -Flybridge and sedan motor yachts -Sundeck and aft-cabin yachts -Cockpit motor yachts and yachtfishers -Convertibles and sportfishing boats -Large crewed motor yachts This variety means that the name “Symbol Yacht” can describe very different boats. A 42 Classic Trawler is intended for a different ownership experience than a 48 Sportfish, 56 Raised Pilothouse, 68 Pilothouse, or 80-foot crewed motor yacht. Buyers should evaluate the exact model, hull design, propulsion package, tankage, accommodations, and original build specification rather than making assumptions based solely on the brand.

Are Symbol Yachts considered high-quality, and how are they constructed?

Symbol is generally considered a respected semi-custom Taiwanese yacht builder, particularly among buyers familiar with older Pacific Northwest and West Coast cruising yachts. The brand developed a reputation for substantial fiberglass construction, handcrafted wood interiors, practical machinery installations, spacious accommodations, and good value relative to many premium competitors. Construction methods vary by model and year. Historical factory coverage described extensive use of composite structural components and construction performed to ISO and ABS-related standards. A published test of the Symbol 68 documented a solid-laminate fiberglass hull bottom, PVC-foam-cored topsides and superstructure, molded fiberglass stiffeners, and multiple watertight bulkheads. Those specifications should not automatically be applied to every Symbol, making a model-specific marine survey essential. The quality of a used Symbol depends heavily on maintenance and previous ownership. A properly updated yacht with dry decks, serviced engines, clean tanks, modern electrical systems, and documented refits may represent excellent value. A neglected example can require extensive structural, mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic work.

Who is Jack W. Sarin, and what did he contribute to Symbol Yachts?

Jack W. Sarin is a prominent American naval architect whose portfolio includes motor yachts and superyachts from builders such as Westport, West Bay SonShip, Crescent, and Symbol. Symbol began working with Sarin in 1998, and his influence can be seen in numerous later pilothouse and motor-yacht models. Sarin reportedly influenced 14 Symbol models ranging from approximately 42 to 90 feet. The Symbol 62, 66, and 68 were among the models associated with his work, and larger yachts such as the 80-foot Safari and 88-model Alegre also carried Jack Sarin exterior-design credentials. His designs helped give Symbol yachts balanced proportions, substantial bow flare, practical pilothouse layouts, and running surfaces intended for offshore and coastal cruising.

What are the most popular Symbol Yacht models?

Symbol has not published a definitive model-by-model sales ranking, but several models are especially recognizable in the brokerage market. Commonly encountered Symbol models include: -Symbol 42 Classic Trawler -Symbol 45 Pilothouse Trawler -Symbol 50 Pilothouse -Symbol 51 Classic -Symbol 55 Pilothouse -Symbol 56 Raised Pilothouse -Symbol 58 Pilothouse -Symbol 62 Pilothouse -Symbol 66 Pilothouse -Symbol 68 Pilothouse -Symbol 75 Motor Yacht -Symbol 80 Motor Yacht -Symbol 88 Motor Yacht The 42 Classic Trawler appeals to buyers seeking a manageable cruising boat, while the 50 and 56 Pilothouse models provide larger owner-operator accommodations. The 58, 62, 66, and 68 models offer more substantial stateroom arrangements, machinery spaces, flybridges, and tender capacity. Larger 75-, 80-, and 88-foot Symbols move into the crewed-yacht category. Current brokerage inventories continue to include examples of many of these models.

What is the difference between a Symbol trawler, pilothouse yacht, raised-pilothouse yacht, and motor yacht?

A Symbol trawler generally emphasizes moderate-speed efficiency, cruising range, practical accommodations, and traditional styling. Trawler models are well suited to owners who are comfortable traveling at displacement or semi-displacement speeds. A Symbol pilothouse yacht has an enclosed, dedicated helm area that provides protection from rain, wind, cold, and direct sun. The pilothouse may include navigation electronics, seating for guests, side-deck access, a watch berth, and stairs leading to the flybridge. A raised-pilothouse yacht places the helm above the main salon level. This arrangement improves forward visibility and can create additional space beneath the pilothouse for accommodations, machinery, or storage. The Symbol 56 Raised Pilothouse, for example, is a diesel-powered fiberglass motor yacht with a dedicated elevated navigation station. A conventional Symbol motor yacht may prioritize salon space, guest accommodations, entertaining areas, and higher cruising speeds. Symbol also produced aft-cabin, sundeck, sportfishing, and cockpit-motor-yacht layouts, so buyers should examine the individual deck plan rather than relying only on the model’s category name.

How do Symbol Yachts compare with Ocean Alexander, Hampton, West Bay SonShip, Fleming, Selene, Grand Banks, and Nordhavn?

Symbol occupies the semi-custom portion of the cruising-yacht market. In practical brokerage shopping, a Symbol buyer may also consider yachts from Ocean Alexander, Hampton, West Bay SonShip, Grand Alaskan, Fleming, Selene, Grand Banks, Nordhavn, Offshore, DeFever, or similar builders. The closest comparison depends on the specific Symbol model. A Classic Trawler may be compared with a Grand Banks, DeFever, or older Selene, while a larger Symbol Pilothouse may compete more directly with Ocean Alexander, Hampton, West Bay SonShip, or Offshore. Symbol’s planing and semi-displacement models can offer substantially higher speeds than a full-displacement Nordhavn or Selene, although the full-displacement boat may provide greater range at low speeds. Symbol’s primary appeal is the combination of semi-custom construction, generous interior volume, traditional craftsmanship, Jack Sarin design influence, and pricing that can be lower than that of better-known premium brands. The tradeoff is a smaller owner base, fewer model-specific service resources, and less current factory visibility than many active-production competitors.

What engines, cruising speeds, and ranges do Symbol Yachts have?

Most midsized and larger Symbol yachts use twin inboard diesel engines. Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, MAN, and MTU engines can be found in different models and years. Some smaller or older Symbol boats were equipped with gasoline engines, so propulsion must be verified on the individual vessel. Performance varies considerably because Symbol produced displacement, semi-displacement, modified-V, and planing hulls. A published test of a Symbol 68 powered by twin 825-horsepower MTU diesels recorded a cruising speed of approximately 17 knots and a maximum speed of just over 21 knots. The 80-foot Safari, by comparison, has published figures of approximately 13.5 knots at cruise, a 17-knot top speed, and an estimated 1,000-nautical-mile range at 12 knots. Buyers should request performance data for the exact engine package and calculate range using conservative fuel reserves. Bottom condition, propellers, loading, generator use, weather, currents, and engine health can significantly affect real-world fuel consumption and range.

Are Symbol Yachts suitable for long-range cruising and ocean passages?

Many Symbol pilothouse and trawler yachts are well suited to extended coastal cruising, but not every Symbol is a true transoceanic passagemaker. The brand built several hull types, and some models were designed to cruise efficiently at moderate speeds while others were intended to plane at speeds approaching or exceeding 20 knots. The Symbol 68 was designed with offshore-style bow flare, covered side decks, stabilizers, substantial tankage, and a protected pilothouse. During a published sea trial, the yacht was operated in three- to four-foot seas and was praised for tracking, handling, quietness, and long-range cruising potential. Larger Symbol motor yachts such as the 80 also provide significant fuel capacity and approximately 1,000 nautical miles of published range at an economical speed. A Symbol should not be considered ocean-crossing capable without evaluating its hull category, stability, fuel capacity, range, engine-room redundancy, electrical systems, steering, navigation equipment, safety gear, maintenance condition, insurance requirements, and crew experience. Extended offshore cruising may also require upgrades to communications, lifesaving equipment, batteries, charging systems, fuel filtration, and backup pumps.

Are Symbol Yachts good for the Great Lakes, Great Loop, Pacific Northwest, Florida, and the Bahamas?

Yes, a properly selected Symbol can be well suited to these cruising regions. Enclosed pilothouses and flybridge enclosures are particularly valuable in the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest, where owners may encounter cold temperatures, rain, wind, fog, and rapidly changing conditions. Larger salons, diesel heating, generators, full galleys, multiple staterooms, and tender storage also support extended seasonal cruising. Symbol yachts can be used for Great Lakes port-to-port travel, the Inside Passage, coastal New England cruising, Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, and trips into the Bahamas. Certain models may also be suitable for the Great Loop, but buyers must verify air draft, fixed bridge clearance, draft, fuel availability, mast and antenna arrangements, and the yacht’s ability to navigate restricted waterways. Many 42- to 68-foot Symbols can be operated by an experienced couple, particularly when equipped with bow and stern thrusters, updated controls, good side-deck access, cameras, and remote docking stations. A Symbol 50 currently marketed in the Pacific Northwest is specifically described as a family yacht suitable for owner-operators, while the Symbol 68 has been presented as large enough for extended cruising but manageable without a full-time crew.

How much does a used Symbol Yacht cost, and what should buyers inspect?

Used Symbol Yacht prices vary dramatically according to size, model, year, engine condition, refit history, location, and equipment. As of late 2026, current MarineSource.com inventory ranged from project-level boats priced in the tens of thousands of dollars to larger or extensively updated yachts priced above $1 million. More representative pilothouse listings included 42- to 66-foot models with asking prices ranging from approximately $200,000 to nearly $800,000. These are asking prices, not verified selling prices, and they can change without notice. Before purchasing a used Symbol, buyers should inspect: -Hull, decks, flybridge, and superstructure for moisture or delamination -Teak decks, rails, stanchion bases, hatches, and tender-chock mounting points -Salon and pilothouse windows for leaks or damaged framing -Diesel engines, transmissions, shafts, struts, propellers, and exhaust systems -Fuel, water, and holding tanks -Generators, inverters, batteries, chargers, shore-power systems, and bonding -Stabilizers, hydraulic systems, bow thrusters, and stern thrusters -Air conditioning, diesel heating, plumbing, heads, pumps, and watermakers -Navigation electronics, autopilots, radar, controls, and vessel-monitoring systems -Davits, cranes, tenders, flybridge enclosures, and exterior upholstery -Previous refits, insurance claims, groundings, structural repairs, and title history A full marine survey, mechanical inspection, fluid analysis, haulout, and sea trial are essential. The documented construction of larger models can be substantial, but cored structures, machinery, tanks, and complex onboard systems must be evaluated individually.

What awards has Symbol Yachts won, and what recent recognition has the brand received?

Based on the major public industry records reviewed through August 2026, Symbol does not have a prominently documented recent juried design or customer-satisfaction award associated with a newly launched model. Symbol’s most active production and model-development period occurred decades ago, and its recent public visibility has centered more on brokerage sales than new-model award programs. Recent verifiable market recognition includes the March 2024 sale of the 24.38-meter Symbol motor yacht Safari. Industry databases also continue to document larger Symbol yachts such as Safari, Andrea, Andiamo, and the 88-model Alegre, which remains identified as the builder’s flagship. This continued brokerage activity reflects the longevity and market relevance of well-maintained Symbol yachts, but it should not be misrepresented as an industry award.

Why should I buy a pre-owned Symbol Yacht through Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales?

A Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales broker can help a buyer identify the right Symbol model, locate qualified listings, compare asking prices, investigate ownership histories, arrange showings, and represent the buyer throughout negotiation and closing. This guidance is especially valuable with Symbol because the available boats span several decades, hull types, layouts, engine packages, and levels of customization. A JBYS broker can coordinate: -Market and comparable-sales analysis -Review of specifications, upgrades, and maintenance records -Marine surveys and haulouts -Diesel-engine and generator inspections -Oil and coolant analysis -Stabilizer, electrical, and hydraulic-system evaluations -Sea trials and performance testing -Negotiation of price and survey findings -Financing, insurance, registration, and documentation -Transportation, importation, and delivery -Service planning and future upgrades Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales has more than 50 years of company experience and nine offices located throughout Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Florida. Its team understands Great Lakes and coastal yacht ownership and also provides access to financing, insurance, service, transportation, and trade-in resources. That professional representation can help a buyer determine whether a particular Symbol Yacht’s condition, equipment, maintenance history, cruising capability, and asking price support a sound purchase.