Deciding beforehand what kind of yacht you want will help you choose the best yacht builder for you. Yachts tend to fall into two categories: motorized yachts and sail-powered vessels. A yacht builder may specialize in one or the other, or the builder may be able to accommodate both. If you have a good idea of what kind of vessel you want, the builder will be more likely to be able to accommodate your needs and desires, so think carefully about where you will be using the boat, for what purposes, and so on.
More traditional yachts are sail-powered, and a yacht builder who caters to such boatbuilding may even be able to refurbish a vintage yacht for you. If you would prefer a more modern vessel, builders can often accommodate this as well. Sailing yachts tend to be smaller than motorized ones, and they can be more difficult to operate in some instances, so be sure you are prepared for the challenge of piloting a sailing vessel if you choose such a boat. Whenever possible, examine other yachts the yacht builder has constructed in the past to get a sense of his or her abilities as well as the style and amenities the builder is capable of furnishing.
A yacht builder may specialize in motorized boats instead, and you will need to find a builder who you are comfortable working with, as it is likely you will have several consultations with him or her to come up with the final design for your vessel. Try to find a builder who can give you a competitive price on a well built and durable vessel that will suit your needs. The yacht builder should be willing to accommodate your desires for the vessel and make important recommendations that will make the boat more user-friendly, luxurious, comfortable, or attractive.
It helps to choose a yacht builder who is located nearby, as you will probably want to check in on the progress of the vessel being built. This may not always be possible, and the builder may build the boat in another location and ship it or otherwise deliver it to you. When choosing among builders, be sure to find out if any delivery fees are applicable to your project, as well as when the finished vessel will be ready. Building such a boat can take a fair amount of time, but the best builders will try to finish the project in a timely manner and at a competitive price.