Pearl 80 Review (2019 Edition)

The Pearl 80 packs a punch, with its exterior exuding confidence and precision comparable to top-tier shipyards, if not surpassing them. Its sleek lines, adorned with expansive glass sections, boast impeccable proportions, reflecting both style and functionality.

Beneath its striking exterior lies a Bill Dixon-designed fast planing hull, capable of achieving a remarkable 37 knots with consistent reliability, a noteworthy feat for a yacht of its size.

Beyond its impressive speed, the Pearl 80 offers exceptional accommodation. Unlike high-production yards such as Princess and Azimut, Pearl operates on a more bespoke level, with low-volume production allowing for extensive owner customisation and choice. This unique approach to yacht design is evident from the moment one steps aboard the Pearl 80, instilling a sense of individuality that sets it apart in a highly favourable manner.

Semi-Custom Style

The interior finish of the Pearl 80 rivals any yacht in its class, boasting a design by Kelly Hoppen that not only matches but surpasses industry standards. Featuring four cabins, this yacht showcases a deck salon that extends forward to a cosy lounge area beneath expansive windscreens and skylights. This innovative layout, with accommodation pushed forward, creates an expansive sense of space, enhancing the already generous deck salon.

Innovative Design

A standout design element is the use of large windows in the below-deck companionways. While this may seem simple, it's a remarkably effective solution to a common issue. Traditionally, companionways tend to be dark areas, but Pearl's reimagined approach allows natural light to flood into the heart of the yacht. Not only does this brighten the companionway, but it also enhances the ambience of the cabins, making them feel more integrated into the yacht's overall atmosphere. Additionally, electric blinds provide the option to control the amount of light entering the space, ensuring versatility and comfort for all onboard.

Adding to the already impressive twin-berth ensuite guest cabins are the forward VIP quarters, truly deserving of its prestigious title. In our test boat configuration, the offset double berth maximises the available space, accompanied by thoughtful additions like a sofa, desk, and spacious wardrobe. Mirroring the yacht's design ethos, large hull side windows and a skylight flood the cabin with natural light, enhancing its spacious and inviting atmosphere.

Cabin Mastery 

In the master suite, thoughtful design elements ensure privacy, such as the smart outer lobby and strategically angled entranceway. This full-beam stateroom showcases Pearl's exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The layout, featuring the ensuite and walk-in closet aft, along with a large sofa and dressing table on each side, offers both functionality and elegance.

Pearl and Hoppen's collaboration elevates the standard layout with luxurious materials like marble, leather, and dark timbers, complemented by additional lighting. Throughout the interior, ample headroom and an impeccable finish contribute to the overall sense of comfort and sophistication, showcasing the impressive capabilities of a smaller yard.

Salon Options

The main salon, like the cabins, offers extensive customization options and is thoughtfully designed. In the yacht we reviewed, a forward dining area was complemented by a raised galley, providing separation and flexibility. A drop-down privacy screen adds versatility to the space.

Different layouts are available, some integrating the galley more closely with the living area and featuring a bar, while others opt for a dining table-free setup, making use of the spacious outdoor tables.

A side-deck door provides convenient access to the galley, allowing the crew to move around discretely without passing through the salon. Extensive cabinetry throughout ensures ample storage space. While our yacht featured tall shelf units, the absence of a raised edge made them somewhat impractical during navigation.

The crew quarters on the Pearl 80 are notably superior to the typical wash-down style. Located on the port deck, the twin berth cabin is spacious and well-appointed, matching the standard of the other guest accommodations. A generously sized window adds to the appeal, making this cabin suitable for guest use and potentially transforming the yacht into a five-cabin layout.

The flybridge helm is positioned to starboard and, despite its considerable size and design, its most notable attribute is its minimal disruption to the social atmosphere of this fantastic deck.

Situated well forward, the visibility from this vantage point is outstanding. Twin helm seats and a tall console, accommodating two multi-function displays, contribute to the helm's functionality and efficiency.

Positioned in front of two expansive windscreen sections, the lower helm offers an excellent view due to its forward location. The console design incorporates two large displays, complemented by luxurious white leather seats that enhance the tactile experience of steering and throttle control.

The Pearl maintains a relatively flat profile at speed, ensuring consistent visibility from the lower helm, making it an ideal spot for extended cruises. Meanwhile, the upper deck is better suited for shorter bursts of speed. With a top speed of 37 knots, there's ample opportunity for exhilarating rides.

Ascending from the hi-lo hydraulic bathing platform, the main deck aft stands out as an exceptional space. Often overlooked, this area is defined by sturdy architectural pillars extending from the main superstructure. Enhanced by a full overhang from the flybridge above, the dining table and seating area exude a sense of privacy and comfort.

Elevated deckware platforms incorporate handy winches for maneuvering this 64-tonne yacht, while practical bulwark gates positioned on each side ensure effortless boarding alongside.

Rather than opting for the typical triple or quadruple cockpit doors, Pearl has chosen large twin sections, opening up only one side of the lounge. While this design may reduce the inside/outside feel slightly, the deck space remains ample.

Walking forward along either side deck, you're positioned comfortably within the yacht, with sturdy bulwarks and stanchions providing security. Ascending two small steps leads to the foredeck lounge, characterized by sociable wraparound seating and a foldout table, ideal for casual lunches. A lengthy sun pad extends forward, with the option for shading using a carbon pole system.

Flybridge Magnificence

Undoubtedly, the highlight awaits on the flybridge, not just for this yacht but for the entire 24m (80ft) category. Similar to the salon below, the flybridge boasts a long, sleek layout exuding an al fresco luxury ambiance.

At the aft end of the deck, owners can make customizations; our yacht featured a Jacuzzi and a sun pad while leaving it open for freestanding furniture is another option. Adjacent to the main seating area, a generously sized bar and grill offer comprehensive amenities, complemented by a spacious dining table for entertaining guests. Moving slightly forward, another seating area offers a prime spot for cruising, accompanied by yet another sunpad.

The flybridge is predominantly covered by a hardtop, featuring perhaps the largest sunroof ever constructed, providing flexibility to adjust the amount of light or shade. The swept-back supporting pillars not only add a touch of elegance but also offer practical shelter for the dining area. The remarkable finish, ample space, and stylish design across this deck create a truly luxurious upper-deck experience.

Returning to where we began, at the bathing platform, owners have the option to include a small tender garage or utilize the space for additional deck stowage. There is sufficient room for personal watercraft (PWC) alongside the platform-mounted RIB.

With the Pearl 80's semi-custom build, there's often a concern that numerous owner options could result in a plethora of additional expenses. However, this isn't the case with the Pearl 80. In fact, it's one of the most comprehensively equipped yachts available, if not the most.

The base price of £2,600,00 with twin 1,150hp Caterpillar engines covers essential features like full navigation functionality, generators, and hydraulic systems. This inclusive package extends to finer details such as bedding and entertainment systems both in-cabin and on-deck. What's notable is that this standard specification comes with a full five-year warranty, which is quite impressive.

Even when opting for additional features, the pricing remains reasonable. Upgrading to the top-rated 1,800hp MAN engines only raises the asking price to £2,670,000. Alternatively, there's a triple Volvo Penta IPS1200 option available at £2,700,000, offering a fun alternative.

The remaining optional extras are quite reasonable, including features like the flybridge hardtop, stabilization, and personalised interior design.

In essence, Pearl constructs well-planned yachts that come fully equipped with everything you require for days and weeks of enjoyment on the water, plus additional amenities. This results in a yacht offering exceptional value, earning a 5 out of 5 rating for specification.