Bering Yachts FAQs — Alexei Mikhailov Answers Your Most Asked Questions
In this video, Alexei Mikhailov, Founder and CEO of Bering Yachts, answers the questions we receive most often — from our explorer yacht philosophy to construction methods, materials, range, and the way we support owners long after delivery. If you’re curious about how we design, build, and test our steel and aluminum yachts, this is the best place to start.
Chose the boat
Bering has increased the quality a lot after moving its manufacturing from China to Turkey. But now I am hearing that they are opening a new manufacturing place in Bulgaria. Is it going to be a new location for the company?
- Yes, we opened the Bering Shipyard Bulgaria in Burgas in 2024, which serves as an additional manufacturing hub for the company. This expansion allows us to construct aluminum expedition catamarans. It’s not a replacement for our Antalya shipyard but a strategic addition to meet growing demand.
What are the differences between a cat and a monohull?
- A catamaran has two hulls, offering greater stability, more interior space, and a shallower draft, which is ideal for coastal cruising or accessing shallow waters. Monohulls, with a single hull, provide a traditional sailing experience, better windward performance, and a deeper draft, making them well-suited for open-ocean passages.
What is the difference between boats under and over 24 meters?
- Boats under 24 meters are typically classified as smaller yachts or superyachts, often requiring less crew and simpler regulations, with lengths ranging from 18-23.9 meters in our fleet, like the Bering 72, Bering 88. Those over 24 meters, such as the Bering 145, fall into the superyacht category, offering larger living spaces, advanced systems, and often requiring professional crew management. The size also affects docking, maintenance costs, and compliance with international maritime laws.
What is the resale value based on previous references?
- Resell value for Bering yachts varies based on model, condition, and market demand, but our steel-hulled vessels, like the Bering 80 (88), tend to hold value well due to their durability and low depreciation compared to fiberglass boats. Pre-owned models, such as those listed on YachtWorld, have shown strong interest, with prices reflecting their robust construction and long-range capabilities. For precise figures, we recommend consulting a yacht broker, as values depend on customization and usage history
- Replacement cost
- Steel takes value
Which models have an ice-class?
- Currently, specific ice-class ratings are not standard across all Bering models, but our expedition yachts, such as the Bering 125 and 145, are engineered with reinforced steel hulls and advanced systems to handle icy conditions, making them suitable for polar exploration. We can customize ice-class certification (e.g., Ice Class 1A) for these models upon request, depending on your intended cruising grounds.
What type of boat should I choose: sail or motorboat?
- The choice between a sailboat and a motorboat depends on your priorities. Sailboats, like those from other builders, offer a traditional experience with lower fuel costs, ideal for leisurely coastal sailing. Motorboats, such as our Bering expedition yachts, provide power, speed, and reliability for long-range voyages, perfect for exploration. If you value autonomy and comfort over extended distances, a motorboat like the Bering 88 is a great fit.
- The sailboat requires more handle repair.
What is the main difference between an exploration-type yacht and a Leisure or Fishing boat?
- An exploration yacht, like the Bering 88, is designed for long-range, self-sufficient voyages to remote areas, featuring robust construction, large fuel capacities (e.g., 4,000+ nautical miles range), and advanced navigation systems. Leisure or fishing boats prioritize short trips, comfort, or sport fishing, with lighter builds and less emphasis on endurance. Exploration yachts suit adventurers, while leisure/fishing boats cater to weekend getaways or specific activities.
What do you mean when you call Bering a Displacement Yacht?
- A displacement yacht, like our Bering models, moves through the water by pushing it aside rather than planing on top, which ensures stability and efficiency at lower speeds (e.g., 8-10 knots). This design, using a full-displacement steel hull, allows for long-range cruising with minimal fuel consumption and excellent seakeeping in rough seas, making it ideal for extended expeditions.
Why is the term ‘Coastal Yacht’ and ‘Shallow Draft’ used? Is the Bering 78 not good for the open ocean?
- Due to her shallow draft, the B78 yacht is well-suited to cruise the shallow waters, making it a ‘coastal cruiser’. However, she is capable of navigating the oceans. As a true full displacement trawler-type boat, the Bering 78 has over 3,000 nautical miles of range to take you anywhere you might want to go.
How do I choose the right yacht?
- Choosing the right yacht involves assessing your needs: cruising range, crew requirements, budget, and intended use (e.g., coastal vs. open ocean). Consider size, layout, and features—our Bering 88 offers superyacht comfort under 24 meters, while the 145 suits larger expeditions. Work with our team for a consultation, test sea trials if possible, and review customization options to match your lifestyle.
Under Construction
Can you change this and that on the layout?
- Yes, modifications to the layout are possible, but it depends on the current stage of the project and the extent of the requested changes
- Depends on a model. The boats under 24m are limited to cusotisation. The boat over 24m are all semicustom boats.
How is the steel protected?
- ICCP (Impressed Current Cathodic Protection) is an active corrosion protection system used to prevent electrochemical degradation (corrosion) of the steel hull in seawater. The hull below the waterline is covered with three layers of black antifouling paint
What happens if I hit something?
- Navigation equipment included in the standard specification provides 360° awareness — both above and below the water — making it a powerful defense against collision or grounding. The hull is divided by four watertight bulkheads, creating five independent compartments. This compartmentalization ensures that even if one section of the hull is breached, the yacht can remain afloat, stable, and under control.
Is aluminum also protected?
- Yes, zinc anode, and the hull below the waterline is covered with three layers of black antifouling paint
Is my build insured?
- Yes, sure. All the Bering Boats under construction are insured.
During the build, can I visit the boat?
- Yes, sure. Also, during the build, you can watch the process on the cameras online.
How many watertight bulkheads does Bering have?
- 4-5 watertight bulkheads, depending on the model.
Could you describe a principle of redundancy on a Bering boat?
- The principle of redundancy on a Bering yacht refers to the deliberate design approach of incorporating critical systems in duplicate to ensure that the vessel remains fully operational even if one component or system fails. This is especially important for long-range ocean crossings, high-latitude cruising, and remote expeditions, where immediate repair or assistance may not be available.
What kind of Hybrid is better for an exploration yacht?
- Depending on the size of the vessel, consider using a Serial Hybrid.
Why doesn’t Bering use a hull vane to increase range and reduce fuel usage?
- The hull vane is usually used in boats of over 50 meters in length. And as Bering produces boats in the range from 19 m to 45 m, you can`t see this technology in our yachts
As I see on the layouts, Guest cabins are quite close to the Engine room. Is it comfortable enough for all guests to sleep when engines and generators are working?
- Sure. The quality of isolation provides a low level of Noise and Vibration. Even on the smaller boats, figures of Noise and Vibration are on the Superyacht level. So all the guests can sleep comfortably, even on the way.
What type of Interior materials do you use on your boats?
- Wood & Flooring
- Natural wood veneer (including 3D veneer)
- Parquet flooring
- Laminate panels
- Fabrics & Textiles
- Decorative ceiling and wall fabrics
- Upholstery fabrics
- Curtains and blinds (including wood blinds for bathrooms)
- Leather
- Natural leather (standard and premium)
- Artificial leather
- Hardware & Bathroom Fixtures
- Interior door handles
- Bathroom fittings and fixtures
- Lighting & Electrical
- Built-in lighting (spotlights, LED)
- Electrical switches and sockets
- Windows & Treatments
- Fabric curtains
- Wooden blinds
- Stone & Solid Surfaces
- Natural marble
- Engineered stone surfaces (e.g., quartz, composites)
- High-performance decorative panels (ultra-compact materials)
If the crew and the captain feel comfortable working and living onboard the Bering Yachts?
- Yes, Bering Yachts are designed with special attention to the comfort and efficiency of both the captain and crew. Spacious crew cabins with private amenities, carefully planned service routes, and easy access to all technical systems ensure comfortable living and working conditions on board. We use the same high-quality materials in the crew areas as we do in the guest spaces, reflecting our commitment to consistent standards of comfort throughout the yacht. Excellent visibility from the bridge, ergonomic engine room layouts, and dedicated storage areas make daily operations efficient and smooth. This thoughtful design approach makes Bering Yachts truly crew-friendly and ideal for long-range voyages.
Why are all Berings made of steel?
- All Bering Yachts are built from high-quality marine-grade steel (AH-36), chosen for its unmatched strength, durability, and safety—essential qualities for true ocean-going expedition vessels. Steel offers superior resistance to impact and fatigue, making it the ideal material for long-range cruising and challenging environments, including areas with floating debris or light ice.
How is the aluminum superstructure bonded to the steel?
- To securely and safely join the aluminum superstructure to the steel hull, Bering Yachts uses bi-metallic stripe components (also known as explosion-bonded transition joints).
Why don’t you build your vessels with dry exhaust and keel cooled to avoid salt entering the vessel engineering spaces?
- for Bering’s expedition-class yachts, we prioritize systems that offer greater versatility, comfort, and serviceability for global cruising.
- Noise and comfort: Dry exhaust systems require tall vertical stacks, which generate more noise and vibration—especially in or near living spaces. Wet exhaust systems are significantly quieter, contributing to a more comfortable onboard experience.
- Energy efficiency: Wet exhaust allows the recovery and use of waste heat, for example, to heat domestic water, which increases the overall energy efficiency of the vessel.
- Ease of maintenance: Wet-cooled systems using seawater heat exchangers are widely supported and easier to maintain in most global ports, unlike keel cooling, which is less common on private yachts and often harder to service.
- Modern safety systems: All through-hull points are equipped with high-quality filters, automatic shut-off valves, and alarmed monitoring systems to prevent any risk of water ingress into the engine room.
Operation
What is the fuel consumption on a single engine at 8 knots?
- Fuel consumption on a single engine at 8 knots depends on the specific Bering model and the engine type installed, but generally, our yachts are optimized for efficiency at displacement speeds.
- For example, on a typical Bering yacht in the 65–77 ft range, operating one main engine at 8 knots results in a fuel consumption of approximately 25 to 35 liters per hour. On larger models, such as the Bering 88, this may rise to 35-45 liters per hour per engine at the same speed, depending on displacement, load, and sea state.
- 1 or 2 engines on any speed
Is it true that a Steel Aluminum boat is much safer in case of fire than a fiberglass one?
- Yes, a yacht built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure offers significantly greater fire resistance compared to fiberglass vessels. Steel and aluminum are non-combustible materials. They do not ignite or fuel a fire, and can contain high temperatures far better than fiberglass, which is flammable and can emit toxic smoke when burning.
How often do a yacht or a catamaran need oil changes?
- This may vary from engine manufacturer to manufacturer. It is always best to refer to the operating instructions from the manufacturer. Approximately every 250-300 hours
After Delivery
Which flag makes sense? Why is Malta so popular?
- The best flag for your yacht depends on your cruising plans, tax considerations, and regulatory preferences. Malta is popular because it offers a well-respected flag registry with benefits like favorable tax regimes, a robust legal framework, and EU compliance, making it ideal for commercial charters or private yachts operating in European waters. Many owners choose Malta for its streamlined registration process and strong maritime support services. We can guide you in selecting a flag that suits your needs—whether it’s Malta, the Cayman Islands, or another jurisdiction.
How many times can you provide a captain or help with a crew, insurance, etc.?
- We offer comprehensive support for as long as you own your Bering yacht. Whether you need a captain, crew recruitment, insurance guidance, or other services, we’re here to assist throughout your ownership journey. Our in-house management team ensures you have access to these resources whenever needed, with no set limit, as part of our commitment to hassle-free yachting.
Do you provide in-house yacht management?
- Yes, we do. Bering Yachts offers in-house yacht management services, covering everything from crew coordination and chartering to maintenance and regulatory compliance. Our goal is to make ownership seamless, so you can focus on enjoying your yacht while we handle the details.
What kind of certification is needed for a charter boat?
- A charter boat typically requires a commercial registration and compliance with the flag state’s regulations, such as safety certifications (e.g., MCA LY3 for yachts under the UK or Malta flag) and SOLAS requirements for larger vessels. You’ll also need proper insurance, crew certifications (like STCW for the captain and crew), and local permits for the chartering area. We assist our clients in navigating these requirements to ensure your Bering yacht is fully compliant for chartering.
How long will it take the captain to learn how to operate the Bering boat?
- As Bering yachts feature advanced machinery and systems, the training duration can vary depending on the individual. However, our adaptation training programs are comprehensive, helping new captains quickly familiarize themselves with the yacht’s systems.
What kind of certificate do you need to be allowed to operate a Bering 72 privately?
- Local regulations apply. However, in most cases, requirements for private use are straightforward, and licenses are generally accessible.