Pearl 62 Review (2020 Edition)

As we examine the Pearl 62, two questions emerge: How did they achieve such a sleek design while providing ample interior space? And how is it possible to have this much room in an 18m (60ft) yacht? The answer lies in clever design.

Several factors contribute to this. With a beam width of 5.5m (18ft), the Pearl exceeds many of its competitors, resulting in increased volume both above and below decks. Additionally, equipped with pod drives, the Volvo Penta IPS1200 engines are positioned aft, allowing the full-beam owner's stateroom to extend further back, creating space for three guest cabins forward. This layout maximises interior space without compromising on performance.

Is 60 the New 70?

Not content with delivering one of the most spacious cabin layouts in its class, Pearl then, almost with a knowing wink, makes room for a small garage or crew quarters at the stern.

The stern options present appealing choices, but a four-cabin layout with a private aft stateroom and crew quarters is proper 70ft territory. And, OK, the garage is small, PWC size rather than full tender, but still. It is as if Pearl and its go-to designer, Bill Dixon, deliberately set out to prove just what can be achieved under 20m. That they have been spectacularly successful is beyond doubt.

The interior of the 62 complements the sleek exterior styling and reflects the new Pearl character. The standout feature is the four double cabins, particularly the private owner's stateroom. Before delving into that, it's worth mentioning the clean, detailed, and inviting style resulting from the builder's longstanding collaboration with interior designer Kelly Hoppen.

Hoppen crafts multiple style packages for each Pearl model, consistently impressing with her designs. Light oak cabinetry contrasts gently with fabrics, accentuated by lighting and natural materials like wood-block tables. Vast window lines illuminate the entire interior, both on deck level and below.

Social Scene 

The deck salon features the galley aft, with an adjacent dining table creating the perfect setting for gatherings with friends and family to share meals and enjoy life. The galley's aft design offers additional dining options, seamlessly connecting the interior with the aft deck. Here, the setup works exceptionally well, with the cockpit doors folding away completely and the galley's aft worktop transforming into a sturdy marble serving counter and bar for the deck area.

The social atmosphere extends forward, with the lounge accessible via a shallow step-up for increased cabin headroom below. Deep-facing sofas and expansive glass panels provide breathtaking views. With the glass extending overhead, the lounge offers a truly panoramic experience.

Four-Cabin Genius

Before descending to the guest cabins via a conventional forward stairwell, it's worth noting how open Pearl has managed to keep the below decks companionway. Often, these areas are enclosed and shrouded in darkness, but Pearl has somehow succeeded in opening it up, with the helm screens and skylights flooding the area with light. This level of effort and attention to detail makes a significant difference throughout the yacht. You might not notice what they've done, but you will appreciate the effects.

The three guest cabins are all outstanding. The forward VIP cabin boasts stateroom-like qualities, with a spacious ensuite and ample glass. The two identical twin-berth guest cabins are even more impressive. While most yachts of this size that offer a fourth cabin usually provide narrow, bunked kids' quarters, this is not the case here. Each cabin is a proper twin, offering plenty of space, ample storage, and a large shared toilet and shower compartment.

Now, let's turn our attention to the owner's stateroom at the aft of the yacht. Once again, it's worth noting that flybridge yachts of this size typically don't offer such a feature within a four-cabin layout. However, the Pearl 62 not only has a private owner's suite but also one that is truly spectacular in both space and style.

One Happy Owner 

Access is via a discrete stairwell near the dining area, featuring a gentle spiraled descent. Pearl plans to enhance the entranceway at deck level for better protection, addressing one of the few areas we might question with the yacht. The new design will extend the guardrail further out, enhancing safety and usability.

As you descend the stairwell, lighting, and storage compartments accompany you. Entering the full-beam cabin is a moment of delight. The first impression is the spaciousness, followed by the style and then the level of detailing and luxury. Unlike the expansive salon, the Kelly Hoppen design here offers a more concentrated joy, akin to enjoying your favorite drink without a mixer.

There are many options for fit and finish, but we prefer the chairs and table setup over a sofa, creating a perfect breakfast or reading area by the deep hull-side windows. The ensuite bathroom feels almost full-beam, cleverly merging with a walk-in closet, and features a vast marble shower stall.

Helm stations have evolved significantly in a relatively brief period, with builders recognizing that luxury and design should extend to the part of the boat where an owner typically spends a lot of time. Helm seats have become sporty and supportive, while the console is ergonomic and visually engaging.

The Pearl incorporates all of these features and more across both of the 62's helm stations. The upper helm is particularly impressive, with its twin seats and sleek dash blending with the superyacht ambiance of the flybridge and providing excellent visibility.

The lower helm features two thickly upholstered pedestal seats positioned before a smart console, with stitched leather covering twin MFD screens and sporty air vents. A huge windscreen provides excellent visibility, further enhanced by sections of glass above, creating a sense of complete openness, albeit without the salty aftertaste. With the all-important (though not standard) side door open, you can enjoy a taste of the sea, although its primary role is to provide immediate side deck access. 

At the helm, the steering wheel is slightly distant from the seat for a true driver's boat experience. However, this is primarily a cruiser designed for long-legged autopilot-controlled passages. Although we didn't have the chance to fully test the Pearl, a confirmed top speed of 31 knots is more than sufficient.

Interestingly, and reflecting the modern modified vee hull form, the Pearl consistently maintains a cruising range of 200nm from 18 knots to the maximum speed. To significantly extend the yacht's reach, it's necessary to drop down to displacement speeds.

If it wasn't already evident, stepping up onto the Pearl 62's flybridge confirms that you are in the presence of greatness. This Pearl excels on many fronts, but its upper level stands out as a world-class feature, offering immense style and space that surpasses the norms of an 18m (60ft) yacht and delivers the luxury of a (21m) 70ft motor yacht.

Upper Deck Luxury

A long spread of lounge seating lies opposite a proper bar and barbecue area, with the L-shape design creating a surround of culinary opportunities. Above, the hardtop and sunroof enhance the large yacht feel, with inset lighting making this a deck to enjoy day or night. 

The forward section of the fly, including a wraparound seat by the helm, is as functional as anyone would want it to be. Beyond that, there is an expanse of open aft deck to customize according to your cruising style. Our test yacht featured a sunpad and corner seats, but there are myriad options available. With the transom garage offering ample storage, you could even opt for free-standing furniture and keep the deck clear when underway.

Safety & Style

Back at deck level, the forward lounge is impressive, broad, and inviting, featuring a fold-out table with a sunpad stretching forward.

The decks are highly functional as well. The side decks are also wide, with tall stanchions providing a strong sense of safety. Ample cleats and fairleads facilitate docking and securing, while there is plenty of stowage from bow to stern, including deep bins off the foredeck for lines and fenders.

Moving back down the wide decks, we arrive at the aft cockpit, which boasts another inviting lounge area. This space feels like somewhere to stop and enjoy, rather than simply pass through. With the galley aft design connecting the aft deck and salon, you have a vast, luxurious stretch of yacht to enjoy.

The Pearl offers superyacht levels of space and luxury, incorporating the kind of detail and options typically reserved for the semi-custom market. However, the sub-2 million Euro price tag of the yacht we tested firmly places it in the production boat territory.

The price of the Pearl 62 includes a high specification, featuring stabilisers, an upgraded generator, and IPS Dynamic Positioning System, along with the transom garage and side deck door. Underlying all of this is a high level of build and finish that should ensure the yacht delivers for its owner for years to come.