Why we gave boats stars

Book a four-star hotel in a city you've never visited, and you already know a great deal before you arrive. There will be a proper bed, a private bathroom, someone at the desk, somewhere to eat. You don't need to read every review or study every photo. The stars do the explaining. That shared understanding is what lets you choose in a minute and walk in without surprises.

A day on the water deserves the same. So we built it: the YaHull Vessel Star™, Yahull's own standard for boats. Every boat on Yahull carries a star rating from 1 to 5. The rating is a factual attribute of the boat. What earns a star is what the boat offers the people aboard — space, comfort and amenities.

What each star tells you

5★ Lifestyle — everything running at once, inside and out. Multiple distinct living or social zones, where guests can move freely without crowding. A professional or high-capacity galley, a large-capacity fresh water system, multiple or full-size showers. Social areas indoors and outdoors, and a dedicated BBQ or grill. Zoned climate control. All amenities can operate simultaneously, with high-speed internet onboard.

4★ Luxury — a full day aboard, no need to go ashore. A fully enclosed interior living space with lounge-style seating. A full galley with sink, cold storage and cooking, an ice maker or equivalent, a plumbed toilet and a functional shower. A dedicated dining area and a social gathering space — a salon, an aft deck, a flybridge. Heating and air conditioning. Suitable for full-day use without shore support, with internet connectivity.

3★ Comfort — hours of comfort in a warm, sheltered cabin. An enclosed cabin or enclosed helm, with cushioned seating designed for comfort. A fresh water system, an enclosed toilet and a basic galley. Room for guests to sit and interact comfortably. Heating or air conditioning, and protection from wind and rain. Amenities that run for multiple hours, and a waste holding system.

2★ Select — a seat for everyone, and room to move. Fixed seating for all passengers and clear, unobstructed walkways. Limited fresh water and secure storage for personal items. Basic protection from wind and rain, and an electrical system for basic onboard needs.

1★ Essential — simple and seated. Basic seating for every guest. Every boat on Yahull meets at least this.

How a boat earns its stars

Kai assesses every boat against a fixed list, starting at Lifestyle (5★) and working down, item by item: YES or NO. Any NO moves the boat down one star. The boat's class is the highest star at which every item is YES. No partial credit, no substitutions.

Why it matters for your day

You choose by feel. Just as with a hotel, the star tells you what the day will be like on board. Tell Yara you'd like a 4★ day, and you both know what that means.

You book a standard, not a single boat. A Yahull trip is specified by star rating, so whichever boat carries your day, it meets the same standard.

Prices make sense. Within its star class, each boat carries one YaHull Vessel Modifier™: Signature, Luxury, Premium, Performance, Core or PriceSmart. Modifiers explain price differences within a star class. Signature is awarded only with Yahull management's approval.