The world of private superyachts has a new headline-maker. German shipbuilder Lürssen has officially delivered the 384-foot megayacht “Boardwalk,” a vessel that blends large-scale engineering with highly tailored luxury. Although the builder did not publicly identify the owner, industry records and data from SuperYacht iQ confirm that the yacht belongs to Tilman Fertitta.
Known for owning the Houston Rockets and hospitality giant Landry’s, Fertitta has long associated the “Boardwalk” name with his yachts. The title also connects to the Kemah Boardwalk development in Texas, one of his most recognizable business ventures.
At 117 meters in length and 5,602 gross tons, “Boardwalk” stands as the largest yacht in Fertitta’s collection so far. The vessel also marks his move into the ultra-large “gigayacht” category, an area where Lürssen has built a strong reputation through decades of custom projects exceeding 100 meters.
A Yacht Designed Around Privacy and Comfort
“Boardwalk” was developed with strong owner involvement throughout the design process. That level of personal input is unusual on yachts of this scale, where projects often involve large management teams and extended build timelines.
The yacht features 11 staterooms designed for privacy and easy outdoor access. One of the standout spaces is the forward-facing VIP suite. It includes an onyx bathroom and a private lounge with views over the bow. Several guest cabins also connect directly to the side decks through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. That layout creates a terrace-style feel rarely seen on traditional yachts.
Inside, the design mixes polished stainless steel, glossy burled mahogany, and layered double-convex details. The finish feels refined without becoming too formal. The overall atmosphere stays relaxed, comfortable, and family-focused instead of looking like a showroom.
The late Amy Halffman led the interior design alongside Suzanne Glover and Teresa Francis. Frank Woll handled the exterior styling. The yacht’s profile draws from classic North American design, with long straight lines, visible window framing, and an extended fashion plate linking the decks.
Technical Features Hidden Beneath the Luxury
Many of the yacht’s most interesting details are structural rather than decorative. Lürssen introduced a retractable deck section above the stairway linking the main deck to the beach club. Once closed, the section becomes fully airtight and regulation-approved. According to the builder, this is the first time the company has implemented a sliding structural plate of this kind on a yacht.
The system creates concealed access to lower decks while preserving uninterrupted deck space above. That clean visual approach appears throughout the vessel.
The yacht also contains nearly 3,000 exterior lighting points, far above standard numbers for a yacht of this size. Engineers reportedly compressed piping, wiring, and infrastructure systems into extremely tight voids between walls and decks in order to maintain unusually wide interior corridors.
Another standout feature is the glass-walled engine room catwalk. Instead of hiding the machinery below deck, the design allows guests to walk through the engineering section and view the yacht’s operating systems from inside a protected corridor.
Amenities Built for Long Voyages
“Boardwalk” includes several entertainment and wellness areas typically associated with private estates rather than yachts. Onboard features include a cinema, spa, gym, golf practice area, and two helipads.
The aft section of the main deck contains a flush swimming pool and Jacuzzi integrated directly into the decking system. Large retractable glass doors connect the salon to the outdoor area, creating a partially enclosed winter-garden setting that can adapt to changing weather conditions.
Storage capacity also received major attention during the build. The yacht’s tender garage houses three custom 40-foot Hodgdon tenders alongside an amphibious vehicle, off-road transport, bicycles, and additional cars.
Before commissioning this vessel, Fertitta reportedly owned at least five yachts over 80 feet carrying the “Boardwalk” name. Earlier models came from American builders including Westport and Westship. In 2021, he upgraded to a 250-foot yacht from Dutch shipyard Feadship, a vessel now listed for sale at approximately $174.5 million.
Why “Boardwalk” Stands Out
Unlike many modern superyachts that lean heavily toward futuristic styling, “Boardwalk” follows a more traditional profile with naval-inspired proportions. That choice gives the vessel a distinctive appearance among newer yachts that often prioritize curved glass and highly sculpted exteriors.
Lürssen described the yacht as “a true ship wearing the guise of a yacht,” a phrase that reflects both its engineering scale and its understated styling direction.
The project also highlights how modern yacht owners increasingly seek hidden innovation rather than visible excess. Many of “Boardwalk’s” defining features remain out of sight, built into the structure itself rather than displayed as headline attractions.