The old saying 'you should never judge a book by its cover' also rings true when it comes to boats and yachts — it's not just what's on the outside that counts. Read on to discover which models wowed us the most with their interior spaces among the many we toured throughout 2024.
Nautor Swan Arrow
The Nautor Swan Arrow, envisioned by Jarkko Jämsén (who was also responsible for Axopar's naval architecture), reflects a blend of Nautor Swan's sailing roots with the Mediterranean way of life. It incorporates superyacht qualities into a more compact form and apes the modern, angular external styling of the smaller Swan Shadow.
Designed to offer a natural extension of the outdoors, the mezzanine cockpit leads into the main deck interior which boasts floor-to-ceiling glass, a massive sunroof, and pivoting aft doors to reinforce the indoor/outdoor connection.
Inside, the Arrow is refreshingly traditional and has a strong nautical vibe, with classic blue and white stripes on the upholstery that pops nicely against the dark timber. Rich mahogany and teak evoke a genuine maritime feel. In a world where many interiors are bright modern and slightly soulless, the Arrow is dripping with character.
There are some lovely details, too. Stainless steel inlays and knot-like metal handles on the doors, cupboards and drawers add a tactile charm while real leather softens areas prone to accidental bumps, especially within the galley.
Swan's goal of an inside-outside experience on deck works a treat. Sliding doors open to the cockpit on all sides, inviting the breeze and allowing for seamless transitions between the saloon and the deck spaces.
The decor features glossy mahogany, with wood-effect wraps outside and real wood inside. Teak overhead augments the warmth of mahogany. Custom sofas and bespoke Theodora lights, chosen by the owner, complete a classic and homely feel. The bar also presents a unique feature whereby the entire marble top slides across to reveal the sink and the slides back to cover it completely. An answer to a problem that doesn't exist but beautifully done.
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Sunseeker Ocean 156
The second model in Sunseeker's enclosed flybridge range, the Sunseeker Ocean 156 is a bit of a game-changer. You get a lot more interior volume than you’d expect from a boat of this length, with flexibility for a production boat that’s hard to come by. You’ve also got four layout options, all focusing on open-plan living but allowing you to arrange the main deck however best suits your style of boating.
Step into the main deck saloon, and the natural light pours in through the full-height vertical windows. It’s like walking into a luxury apartment. You can choose from various layouts, like an open galley and dining area at the back, with a bar at the front, or a central galley for added privacy.
It's no surprise that the interior shines on this model because the design was handled by British interior design firm Design Unlimited. Sunseeker has worked with them before but they do the really big stuff, too, such as the Damen Xplorer, Pink Shadow, whose interior has scooped armfuls of awards.
The lower deck houses four cabins, each with ensuite bathrooms. The master suite spans the full beam of the yacht, offering loads of storage, a vanity desk, and dual basins in the ensuite. There's some lovely detailing here, such as the backlit patterns on the bed heads and the bathrooms with their mix of wood, marble and gold highlights. It's classy stuff.
The enclosed flybridge opens up even more space inside and gives you an uninterrupted view from the helm on the upper deck. This clever layout means the main deck stays level all the way to the bow. Plus, you can walk straight from the main deck to the foredeck, something you don’t see often in this class.
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Pearl 82
The best thing about the Pearl 82's interior is that it's different. That doesn't mean it's going to be to everyone's taste but it is bold and follows a decor that is much more akin to an apartment than a boat. That's a line we are fed by the marketing bods but it feels that way aboard the 82. It's dark, moody, and atmospheric and it looks fantastic at night.
The other clever thing about this interior is the layout. Its raised pilothouse introduces a unique layout with the owner's cabin right on the main deck, which is quite unusual for yachts in this class, especially with direct access to the foredeck via a set of sliding doors. Sunseeker does something similar on the Sunseeker 100 Yacht but it's pretty unheard of for something this size. Pearl isn't afraid to push the boundaries.
Inside, the main saloon grabs attention with its contemporary vibe. At its centre sits a large dining table alongside a stylish bar that is a very prominent feature and essentially partitions the living area from the crewed galley and owner's cabin forward.
The owner's cabin impresses with generous light and headroom, a private terrace, and a spacious ensuite bathroom. Meanwhile, the VIP suites and twin cabins promise comfort, with layouts that can be customized. You can even combine VIP cabins for a full-beam suite that is essentially a second owner's cabin.
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BOAT TESTPearl 82 Review (2024 Edition)
Azimut Seadeck 6
The Azimut Seadeck 6 is the antithesis of the moody Pearl. Its light tones and bright fabrics are beach house through and through. The Pearl is a breath of fresh air because it's so different to the usual boat interior but the 6 as well because it's so clean and bursting with natural light.
Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, who are responsible for the 6's interior palette, have done a masterful job and produced an interior so clean-edged it's hard to spot where the amenities are. Fluted partitions disguise the storage spaces and they've even managed to hide the induction hob inside the galley counter. The traditionalists will be reeling but it looks fantastic.
The lower deck offers a three-cabin, two-bathroom layout with a bright and inviting ambience, thanks to a similar light colour palette and ample natural light. Azimut works the boat's green credentials hard but the carpet, which is made of recycled fishing nets, is lovely stuff whether you buy the eco angle or not.
The owner’s cabin, located amidships, features large hull windows, generous storage and some gorgeous detailing. The cabins are all very inviting.
The VIP cabin, forward, offers good headroom and storage, while the twin cabin, best suited for children, shares a well-sized bathroom with a separate shower cubicle. The design details, such as metal-backed handles and thoughtful storage, enhance the overall quality and luxury feel of the Seadeck 6.
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BOAT TESTAzimut Seadeck 6 Review (2024 Edition)
Numarine 30XP
The Numarine 30XP marks Numarine's debut in diesel-electric yacht models, reflected in its sustainable and minimalistic Scandinavian-inspired interior, complete with grey ceilings with visible brush strokes, grey flooring, and lighter woodwork.
The standout feature is the saloon which boasts an expansive layout and impressive headroom. The flat floor enhances the sense of space, while the ceilings contrast against the flooring and woodwork to deliver a bright, inviting atmosphere. A large TV sits opposite a bar and a cosy seating area, perfectly positioned to enjoy the views through the sliding doors. Most cooking facilities are located in the spacious galley, which is an inviting space and an area where you could envisage guests popping into to make a quick cup of coffee.
On the main deck, the owner's cabin greets you with a big storage area, and a walk-in wardrobe, while floor-to-ceiling glass panes inside create a breathtaking effect. There's even a desk and a lounge area, perfect for work or relaxing. The private terrace, accessible only from the owner's suite, adds a decadent touch with switchable glass for privacy.
The lower deck, accessed via a staircase aft of the owner's cabin, features four double cabins, each with ensuite bathrooms. The two VIP cabins are larger, with bigger beds, and have a superior AV setup. The hull windows also offer fantastic views and natural light. A fridge on this deck means guests can grab a drink without heading to the galley.
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ON BOARDNumarine 30 XP Review (2024 Edition)
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