What if you could own a yacht that rivals anything new on the market, at a fraction of the cost, and with significantly less environmental impact? That’s not a compromise. That’s the SETAG approach.
SETAG refits pre-owned luxury yachts so that they are good as – if not better than – new, ensuring they are not only equipped to match any new 80ft+ boat on the market, but also that they are future-proofed for emerging trends in terms of design and technological advancement. The intelligent approach to sustainable yachting.
Why the ocean demands better
The ocean is at the heart of yachting – its beauty, its power, its sense of escape. It draws us back, time and time again. That connection brings with it a quiet responsibility: to preserve what makes these experiences so extraordinary.
Sustainability is no longer an abstract ideal, but a natural extension of life on the water. Choosing to refit rather than build new is a considered decision, one that reduces environmental impact while honouring the integrity of the vessel itself.
It also offers something more: the ability to achieve the standards of a new-build yacht, tailored to your exact vision, with greater efficiency and a more conscious footprint.
Because true luxury doesn’t just experience the ocean, it respects it.
The environmental cost of building a new yacht
Building a new yacht carries a hidden environmental cost – one that begins long before it ever meets the water. From the extraction of raw materials to the energy-intensive production of steel and aluminium, each stage places significant strain on natural resources, as well as on air, water and soil quality.
These materials, while essential to modern yacht construction, rely heavily on non-renewable resources and carbon-heavy processes. The impact extends across the entire supply chain, shaping a footprint that is far greater than what is visible on the surface.
Evidence from ongoing studies reinforces this. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research, including findings published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, shows that a yacht’s environmental impact starts at the earliest stages of material extraction and construction, with manufacturing choices contributing significantly to its overall carbon footprint. Broader maritime LCA studies further suggest that, in some cases, construction alone can account for up to around 40% of a vessel’s total lifecycle emissions.
The smarter choice, refit your boat, don’t replace
For decades, progress has been defined by replacement – the idea that to achieve something better, you must start again. In yachting, that assumption carries a significant environmental cost.
SETAG challenges this with ‘The Third Way’: a more intelligent way to elevate your yacht. By refitting rather than building new, owners reduce demand for raw materials, cut energy-intensive production and minimise impact across the supply chain, while the careful optimisation of on-board systems offers the chance to further reduce ongoing emissions and long-term environmental impact.
It is not a compromise, but a considered choice – one that delivers exceptional standards while recognising that true luxury is defined as much by responsibility as by result.
Reduce, reuse, upcycle
A refit is the ultimate expression of upcycling, achieved without ever compromising on quality. Rather than starting again, SETAG works with what already exists, elevating every element with precision and care.
The hull, the structure, the very foundations of the vessel are preserved and enhanced, not discarded – proving that innovation and sustainability can exist in perfect alignment.
Explore The Third Way
Yacht luxury and sustainability are not a compromise
At SETAG, sustainability is not an afterthought; it is a guiding principle from the very first conversation. Each yacht is reimagined with careful attention to materials, processes and long-term impact.
The result is a refined balance: exceptional craftsmanship delivered with a more responsible approach.
Natural materials, thoughtfully sourced
True luxury is found in the details and in the integrity of the materials themselves. Wherever possible, SETAG prioritises natural, responsibly sourced alternatives that enhance both comfort and wellbeing on board – a more considered approach to sustainable yacht design.
From ethically managed supply chains to the reduction of toxins in finishes and furnishings, every element is carefully considered. Harmful man-made materials are minimised in favour of refined, natural options that maintain the look and feel of uncompromising luxury, while creating a healthier onboard environment.
Refined performance, reduced impact
Sustainability extends beyond materials to how a yacht performs over time. SETAG integrates energy-efficient solutions that reduce consumption, improve onboard efficiency and minimise environmental impact at sea.
This can include intelligent energy management systems that monitor and adapt power usage across the vessel in real time, alongside advanced battery storage technologies that reduce reliance on generators and enable more efficient energy use onboard. Further enhancements may involve upgraded HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems designed for lower energy consumption, as well as sophisticated wastewater treatment solutions that help safeguard marine ecosystems – ensuring every onboard system contributes to a more sustainable, efficient vessel.
Every solution is carefully considered and selected not only for its performance, but for its ability to support a more responsible way of yachting – without ever compromising on experience.
No compromise on luxury
With SETAG, there is no need to compromise the luxury finish of your yacht to protect our planet. We think differently with design and manufacturing – a sustainable, cost-effective way forward without affecting quality.
Our Sustainable Approach
Your yacht should reflect not only your vision, but your values.
Discover how SETAG’s Third Way can redefine what’s possible, with less impact and no compromise. If you’re interested in understanding more, the process is simple: you can work directly with one of our designers to realise your own bespoke vision to create your personalised yacht.
At the Helm
The SETAG founder, Chris Gates, reflects on a highly successful career in the yachting industry – and the inspiration behind SETAG Yachts.
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Yacht Refit
One of the most common questions we are asked by potential clients is what we mean exactly when we talk about offering a refit service for yachts. There is a false impression about yachts that they only require a refit if they are on their last legs and are barely seaworthy. This simply isn’t the case.
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- News
Do Yachts Increase in Value? How a Refit Plays its Part
Do Yachts Increase in Value? It’s a question we hear often – and one that challenges a common misconception. Yachts are extraordinary, complex assets, yet it’s widely assumed their value inevitably declines over time. Engines age, systems evolve and even the finest interiors can lose their edge. But with the right refit, that story can [… Read More]
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