All living things strive for light. This also applies to yacht buyers. It must be admitted that the Pearl 80 model of the British shipyard Pearl Yachts is an undoubted source of attraction in this sense and in many others.
The length of 80 feet is a convenient “borderline” size: the yacht is already large enough to be very comfortable, while the owner still has the right to step at the helm if desired: on a boat up to 24 m long, it is not necessary to resort to a professional captain. Many Pearl 80 owners will definitely want to get some capital – at least sometimes: despite its impressive dimensions, this is a very “driver” yacht – fast, maneuverable, capable of giving not only comfort, but also thrill.
Design
In order to generate interest in the Pearl Yachts brand, it is enough to name the designer. The legendary Briton Bill Dixon is engaged in the design of these boats (both the hull lines and everything else that relates to design and development work). Its expansive portfolio, built over the past 40 years, has a ton of iconic yachts – both motor and sailing, including World Superyacht Awards-winning yachts.
As for the Pearl 80, a key design feature (thanks to Bill!) Is recognizability, because many modern motor yacht designers are often reproached for the similarity of their creations. The aerodynamic sport profile and three long lines of large-scale superstructure and hull glazing right at the waterline make the yacht’s contours light, and inside there is an abundance of light, even on the lower deck. At the top, a transparent roof for half of the salon is also added to this!
Dossier Pearl 80
Length:
23.90 m
Width:
6.01 m
Draft:
1.60 m
Displacement:
55 t
Fuel supply:
5300 l
Water supply:
1500 l
Engines:
2300–3600 HP
Generator:
20 kWt
Cabins:
4 + 1
Layout
Although we often hear about revolutionary layouts and innovative approaches to space, the saloon of the main deck on modern yachts is somehow divided into the usual “blocks”: the lounge area, the dining room, the galley. By listening intently to its customers, Pearl Yachts figured out a curious thing. Although on most yachts of this size (about 80 feet) the saloon is dominated by the “front” dining room, people rarely eat there, preferring to sit outside at the cockpit table or even go to the restaurant ashore. Nevertheless, the shipyards do not risk getting rid of this zone. Pearl Yachts on its Pearl 80 decided to offer a non-standard cabin layout, although if the client wishes, a familiar layout can be made.
The salon has been completely transformed into a lounge area, furnished with low modular sofas and armchairs, complete with a coffee table: the configuration can be transformed depending on the situation. Additional possibilities are provided by a sofa area with a table near the helm station and a bar counter combined with a galley. The kitchen is separated by an electrically lifted panel, and by lowering it, you turn cooking into a “social” process, creating a completely open space. Large-scale glazing of the superstructure not only along the sides, but also above (above the helm station) also adds light and volume to the cabin.
Three lines of scaled glazing provide plenty of natural light
Four cabins on the lower deck open onto a small lobby. The master cabin is located midships across the entire width of the hull, and it is located at a decent distance from the engine compartment. Sound and vibration are cut off not only by a powerful sound-insulating bulkhead: a bathroom and a dressing room, as well as a crew quarters for two, separate the cabin from the engine compartment. There (as well as the engine compartment and laundry room) there is a separate entrance from the starboard side.
As well as on the upper deck, there is a lot of light below: the hull also received large-scale glazing. In the master cabin, you can see huge, partially opening windows on both sides, but in other cabins, the situation with lighting is no worse. Almost equally large windows are in the forward VIP cabin with a diagonal bed. This layout made it possible to better manage the space; here almost everything is like in the owner’s apartment: a large bathroom, separate dressing room, sofa and dressing table. Two guest cabins (each with its own bathroom) are located on the sides and can be equipped with twin or double beds at the choice of the owner of the yacht. This is a valuable decision, since it makes it possible to receive guests of any age and family status on board, without puzzling over how convenient to accommodate everyone.
The salon on this Pearl 80 is designed as a lounge area with a bar. However, the usual layout with a dining room, of course, is also possible – like anything the customer wishes.
Large-scale glazing and low furniture in the cabin add light and volume
If desired, the area near the helm station can be used as a dining room in the salon – very bright thanks to the huge transparent hardtop
The guest VIP cabin in the bow of the lower deck in terms of volume and comfort practically does not differ from the master cabin
Full beam master cabin with huge side windows
Interior
Another British design star, Kelly Hoppen, is responsible for the interiors of Pearl Yachts. Of course, on each yacht, the interior can be very individual, but in order to mark the starting point for the implementation of personal ideas, Kelly Hoppen has developed several “theme packages” in advance. In Studio, contrasting stripes are played on shades of brown. Light wood and earthy tones are used for Taupe: beige, ivory, warm gray. Luxury is lacquered surfaces, shiny steel and black accents. And recently another design scheme has appeared – Modern: a light modern style with an abundance of white.
In any case, the future owner of the yacht will be able to choose from a huge number of colors and textures of fabrics, types of wood and other materials. Kelly Hoppen, in fact, sets only a general stylistic direction, so that in the end the interior turns out to be elegant and “timeless” – that is, after years it does not seem irrelevant. It can be supplemented with a host of accessories and knickknacks – from lamps and candlesticks to pillows and vases.
I try to create designs that are traditional yet modern, with clean lines and neutral base tones that give the space a casual style. As a result, the interior makes a strong impression, but at the same time remains calm and unobtrusive.
Kelly Hoppen, designer
Open decks
Today, among the most important requirements for yachts is not even luxury or speed, although Pearl 80 has no problems with either. When at sea, no one wants to feel trapped in a box. The abundance of space in the sun, easy access to water, storage facilities for water toys and sports equipment are the most important criteria for choosing a boat. The creators of the yacht provided on board three open recreation areas: in the aft cockpit, on the bow deck and on the flybridge. Upstairs you can install a jacuzzi filled with sea water, but water equipment is not supposed to be stored on the flybridge – it is reserved only for relaxation. For the jet ski there is a garage in the stern, from where it can be easily removed even without the help of a crane, and the tender can be held on a spacious stern platform lowered on a hydraulic drive: launching the boat into the water takes only a couple of minutes.
Driving performance
The Pearl 80 has a classic planing hull that provides a good balance of speed and seakeeping. A pair of MAN V12 engines (1,800 hp) with V-drive angular transmission are a proven “formula for speed” with sufficient power-to-weight ratio of the system (56 hp / t) and wide service possibilities around the world. In this version, the Pearl 80 has a top speed of over 35 knots and a cruising range of over 300 miles at 20 knots.
Three engine and drive options: speeds up to 35 knots
Standard equipment includes the quieter 1150 hp Cat C18s. from. – they are more economical, although not so “fast”: with them the speed will be 31-32 knots, but the fuel consumption is also lower (up to 35% at the maximum 2200-2300 rpm and up to 45% at 1600 rpm), which allows you to count on a long cruising range. But, as practice shows, “our people” always choose the most powerful engines possible.
Another alternative (and intermediate in power) option is three Volvo Penta IPS1200 installations based on the 900-horsepower D13 engine. It can be interesting in many ways. First, it can be assumed that the speed of a yacht with such an installation will be no less than with MAN engines: this is evidenced by the digital index IPS1200. Second, fuel consumption is close to that of the Cat C18. Thirdly, increased maneuverability, especially at low speeds …
The main helm station with excellent visibility is located on the port side …
… and the upper helm station on the fly is on the starboard side, which gives the choice of the optimal position depending on the conditions
The aft part of the flybridge is for recreation only. It is not intended to store the tender or the jet ski: they are placed in the aft garage and on the swim platform. Attractive options include a jacuzzi filled with seawater
Outdoor dining area in the aft cockpit of the main deck
A bow seating area with a sunbed and a sofa, from under which a table can be pulled out. Optional sun awning added
Whichever you choose, the Pearl 80 will definitely not disappoint: a very unconventional appearance, a very high level of customization for a production model and a great vacuum infusion molded case … In addition, as explained by Ian Smallridge, Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, list the standard equipment is quite generous, and for this quality of construction you usually have to pay much more. In general, a wonderful “gentleman’s set”. For gentlemen, as well as for ladies who have a practical mindset and at the same time appreciate not only luxury, but also adrenaline.
Text
Olga Selezneva
Chief Editor
What do you think?