Yachting has always been a luxury market steeped in tradition. But Heigo Paartalu, the man behind YachtWay, saw an opportunity to shake things up. Inspired by his personal experiences as a boat owner, Heigo set out to modernize the yachting industry.
From Boat Owner to Industry Disruptor
Heigo’s journey into the yachting world started with buying his own boat. However, he quickly noticed something lacking during the buying process. “When I initially searched for boats for sale, I was skeptical about reaching out to dealers because the existing websites and listings looked outdated,” Heigo says. “The online presence for these luxury items felt like something out of the mid-90s, far from what you’d expect for such high-end products.”
After purchasing his boat, Heigo began sharing his boating adventures on YouTube, which quickly gained traction. In just three years, he sold over 150 yachts. This success made him realize there was a massive gap in the market: the need for a modern, user-friendly platform to make the yacht buying experience smoother and more enjoyable. This led to the creation of YachtWay.
The yachting industry is incredibly complex, with over 500 boat brands and more than 60 types of boats. For newcomers, this can be overwhelming. Heigo and his team simplify this process. “Our approach lets people focus on what they want to do on their yacht, such as cruising, performance boating, socializing, or fishing,” Heigo explains. “By helping customers find boats that match their desired experiences, YachtWay makes the buying process less intimidating.”
To educate potential buyers, YachtWay also produces a YouTube series called “YachtWay Spotlight,” offering detailed walkthroughs and highlighting unique features of different yachts. This has been a game-changer in attracting a broader audience.
User experience is at the heart of the company’s success. “YachtWay is a multi-red dot design award-winning platform,” Heigo notes. The company continuously improves its platform based on user feedback. One of the standout features is the integration of 3D tours into listings, allowing potential buyers to explore yachts virtually from their homes. This feature has been a hit with users, making the yacht selection process more immersive and convenient.
YachtWay also offers YachtWay Studios, which produces high-quality digital content for dealers and brokers. “The first impression is the most important thing,” Heigo emphasizes. By ensuring every listing looks exceptional, YachtWay helps make that crucial first impression a positive and lasting one.
Like the fashion industry, yachting experiences trends that vary by region. In Florida, for instance, socializing, performance, and fishing are the top searched categories, while cruising and adventure are more popular in California. Features like stabilizers to prevent seasickness and joystick controls for easy maneuvering are also in high demand.
Sustainability is another growing focus. YachtWay is committed to promoting eco-friendly options, offering a dedicated category for “Eco” boats. They’ve also announced a program offering free YachtWay membership for life to manufacturers of 100% electric boats. “We believe sustainable boating will become a significant trend in the coming years,” Heigo predicts.
Looking Ahead
YachtWay has an ambitious five-year roadmap. “What users see today is merely 3% of what we have planned,” Heigo reveals. The company aims to expand its 3D tour capabilities, incorporate more AI-driven features, and continually enhance the user experience. YachtWay Studios will also continue to produce top-tier digital content, ensuring every listing gets the attention it deserves.
Heigo’s advice for entrepreneurs entering new markets or industries is straightforward: “Customers First – At YachtWay, we have a rule that if a customer calls or emails, we stop everything to ensure they are taken care of.” Equally important is the team behind the company. “It’s the people in the company that make the product possible,” he adds.
Heigo Paartalu’s vision and dedication have transformed the yachting industry. By modernizing the yacht buying experience and prioritizing user needs, YachtWay is setting new standards. YachtWay is poised to lead the future of yachting as it continues to innovate and expand.
