-
Guests
8
-
Crew
11
| Length | GT | Built |
|---|---|---|
|
53m
|
499 GT | 2026 |
| Beam | Draft | |
| 9m | 3.05m |
The 53m motor yacht Rafter is being constructed by Dutch shipyard Damen Yachting and is due to be delivered in 2026. Damen Yachting's team has created the interior and exterior design of the superyacht, alongside her naval architecture.
Key Features
- 53m (175ft) Damen Yacht Support vessel
- 15-tonne crane for tenders and heavy equipment
- Over 200sqm (2,152.78 sq ft) open main deck aft
- Reinforced deck for touch/go helicopter ops
Design & Construction
Designed around a displacement steel hull and an aluminium superstructure she features a 9m beam and a 3.05m draft. The yacht has an internal volume of 499 GT (Gross Tonnes).
Construction started in late 2024. The yacht was designed and constructed in compliance with the Lloyds Register technical standards. Launched in March 2026 this yacht undertook sea trials over the following months. She was completed at Damen Yachting's Antalya yard in Turkey where she was commissioned and delivered to her owners.
Exterior Design
Rafter's profile is defined by a commercial-influenced form, with a high bow and a long, open working deck aft, so the layout prioritises function over leisure-led styling.
The most distinctive feature is the axe bow, drawn from Damen’s offshore support vessels, which is designed to reduce pitching and improve seakeeping across a wider range of conditions, while also supporting long-range operation. The hull form reflects this crossover approach, combining expedition capability with yacht-level finish.
Aft, the main deck provides over 200 sqm (2,152.78 sq ft) of open space, left largely unobstructed so it can be configured for tenders, submersibles, vehicles or specialist equipment depending on the mission. A 15-tonne crane is positioned to handle heavy loads across this deck, including large tenders and operational equipment.
The deck is reinforced for touch-and-go helicopter operations, extending the vessel’s role beyond transport into full logistical support, while the layout allows simultaneous handling of multiple assets without interfering with core operations.
The overall arrangement is built around access, clearance and load capacity, so circulation routes remain wide and direct, and equipment handling can take place without reconfiguring the deck each time.
Accommodation
Rafter provides accommodation for up to 8 guests, along with 10 crew plus the Captain, arranged to support extended missions and continuous operation.
Rafter Yacht is not For Sale
Motor yacht Rafter is not currently for sale. Explore other Damen YS 53 Yachts for sale around the world. You can also view all Damen Yachting Yachts for sale or search all new & used yachts for sale globally powered by YachtBuyer’s Market Watch.
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