On Board Review

Benetti Motopanfilo 37M Review (2021 Edition)

The Motopanfilo name is important for Benetti, pointing to this Italian yard’s illustrious yachting heritage, but will this elegant 37m incarnation be a worthy successor?

Blend classic style, a range of 3,800nm, an observation deck, and a whale skeleton, and you might envision an Arctic schooner rather than a superyacht. However, the Motopanfilo 37M cleverly merges these elements to craft one of the most captivating and refined yachts in its category.

Benetti Motopanfilo 37M Key Facts

Benetti Motopanfilo 37M illustration
  • LOA 120.735ft
  • Model Year 2021
  • Cabins 5
  • Crew 7
  • Max Speed 18 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Superyacht
  • Use Type Cruising

Design & Build

Let's start with the fundamental design elements of the Motopanfilo before delving into its details. This semi-custom, semi-displacement yacht prioritizes displacement, boasting a top speed of 18 knots, a fast cruising rate of 16 knots, and an eco mode at 12 knots, offering an impressive range of 3800nm, supported by sizable 35,000-liter fuel tanks. With a gross tonnage of 297GT, it features five cabins, including a luxurious owner’s suite on the main deck.

Now, let's turn our attention to the remarkable features of this yacht. Collaboratively crafted by Francesco Struglia and Benetti, the exterior design of the Motopanfilo is truly exceptional. Standing at 40m (131ft), it presents a well-balanced and refined tri-deck layout. Boasting four decks, including a unique observation deck situated high above with the satcoms, this yacht offers excellent experiences. 

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design
The 297GT Motopanfilo is a design triumph © Benetti

The collaborative effort between the Anglo-Italian alliance behind this yacht exudes sophistication, reminiscent of the finest Dutch shipyards. The sharply chiseled topsides and purposeful bow with a touch of flair convey a sense of functionality and enjoyment, indicating that this yacht is designed to be both used and admired.

One of the standout features is the structural line sweeping down the aft sections of the superstructure. However, it's the copper inlay tracing its way around the main and upper decks that steals the spotlight. Whether it pays homage to the teak detailing of Motopanfilo's past or introduces a progressive metallic style line, it's a sight to behold. The result is a superyacht that promises to look even more spectacular over time.

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design
The salon merges with the deck via opening curved doors © Benetti
Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design
Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design

The five-cabin interior by Lazzarini Pickering is an integral part of the yacht's design, complementing the exterior while establishing its own distinctive organic eco-lux style. Drawing inspiration from the skeleton of a whale, the ribbed architectural design enveloping the interior exudes strength while imparting a sense of visual softness to the living spaces. Every corner is adorned with shape and form, with curved ceilings and leaning cabin walls mirroring the contours of the hull sides.

The interior palette blends natural and high-quality materials, accentuated by floating furniture and abundant natural light. The result is a dreamlike atmosphere that invites relaxation and indulgence.

Interior Accommodation

As a genuine semi-custom yacht, prospective buyers will have significant influence over the interior aesthetics of their personal Motopanfilo. However, exploring the yacht in person is wise before finalizing any design decisions.

The skeletal design motif serves as the foundation, with warm timber accents integrated between the sleek, chalk ribs, extending to the cabin walls and various cabinetry elements. It is this cohesive approach that achieves the sought-after organic eco-lux style prevalent in top-tier interiors.

In a departure from the prevalent trend of bonded glass, the Motopanfilo reintroduces substantial stainless steel window frames, contributing to its distinctive character. The layout follows a straightforward configuration, with the deck salon leading to the owner's cabin and four guest cabins located below decks, while an upper deck lounge offers an elevated retreat. The overall result is nothing short of sensational — the perfect combination of style and functionality.

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design, motopanfilo salon
Looking aft through the salon, huge glass sections are framed in stainless steel © Benetti
Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design
Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design

As your first taste of the interior, the main salon is suitably spectacular. Huge arcs of glass open the lounge onto the aft deck, while well-spaced furniture allows you to take in the size of the vessel. The salon’s huge glass sides sit well outboard of the skeletal ribs, enhancing the feeling of space and width, as do the sightlines that run right forward past both sides of the dining area.

The owner’s stateroom continues the salon’s design theme but feels suitably warmer. A proper study and wardrobe area is found at the entranceway, with the ribbed design framing the access to the cabin and the ensuite forward. There are also novel recesses in the cabin walls for artworks or personal items, a feature is also found in the salon.

The cabin is large and makes use of the yacht’s full beam, with lounge furniture set to each side and a neat dressing table worked in between the dual ensuite entrances.

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design, Motopanfilo cabinon
The owner's suite, looking forward

Descending below decks, you'll discover four cleverly crafted guest cabins, each reflecting the yacht's refined aesthetic. Within these intimate spaces, the essence of the Motopanfilo is heightened, with curves and abundant style converging to create unforgettable spaces.

While two cabins stand out as clear VIP accommodations, all quarters offer ample space, featuring double berths, ensuite facilities, and expansive windows that flood the interiors with natural light. The use of natural timber finishes and walls that angle inward, mirroring the hull shape, imparts a distinct nautical feel. Unlike some yacht interiors that seek to mask their maritime surroundings, these cabins embrace the vessel, resulting in a truly captivating and authentic environment.

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design, Motopanfilo cabin
Each of the four guest cabins below deck feel well thought out
Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design, Motopanfilo cabin
Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design, Motopanfilo cabin

Ascending via the central stairwell, we return to the main deck and proceed to the upper deck. Here, the elevated lounge area presents a contrasting design to the main salon, featuring teak ribs and white inlays that amplify the space's brightness. Large sections of glass and a generously sized aft opening lead to the upper aft deck, creating an indoor-outdoor transition.

While the specific layout can be customized according to the owner's preferences, we believe maintaining the interior as a lounge and bar area would complement the expansive dining table located outside, maximizing the deck's versatility and entertainment potential.

Helm Station

The bridge of this formidable yacht with its 3,800nm range exudes a sense of professionalism, underscored by its sleek deep blue finish. At the helm, a single seat commands attention, positioned before a console outfitted with triple multifunction displays (MFDs) and towering windscreens. Enhancing its professional atmosphere, the bridge boasts two chart areas flanking the helm, ensuring comprehensive navigational capabilities.

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo helm
Smart, serious and seamanlike, the bridge reflects the serious cruising nature of the yacht

Guest seating was notably absent on the test yacht's bridge, suggesting that the overall design and layout may not accommodate such an addition. However, Benetti compensates for this with a well-appointed captain’s cabin and office located aft of the bridge. This thoughtful inclusion ensures optimal comfort and functionality for both you and your captain during longer passages.

Deck Lifestyle

Recent years have witnessed a notable revolution in deck design, largely spearheaded by the Benetti Group. Azimut introduced the innovative ‘three + 1‘ layout with a mezzanine, which significantly enhanced the main deck experience. Following suit, the Motopanfilo’s stablemate, the Oasis 40M completely reimagined the aft end of a yacht, transforming it into an expansive, low-level, extendable waterside terrace.

While the Motopanfilo's layout may appear more conventional, it also embraces a three + 1 design concept. Its observation deck ingeniously utilizes the sundeck’s hardtop, providing all that yachting has to offer amid the vessel’s satcom domes and antennae. Alternatively, guests can simply relax with a drink and bask in their surroundings.

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design
The deck layout and design results in six excellent areas to enjoy © Benetti

The main and upper decks impress due to their clever integration with the interior salons, boasting wide doors that extend the lounging or dining experience. On the upper deck, a generously sized dining table nestled under the protective sundeck overhang provides shade during the day and ambient lighting at night.

For a truly spectacular culinary experience, the sundeck offers space for lounging, dining, and indulging in various activities. Our yacht's forward bar stands as a prime option for guests seeking refreshment and relaxation amidst breathtaking surroundings.      

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo decks
The sundeck offers buyers a range of options, but will easily accommodate a dining area, bar and lounge

While the sundeck offers ample space for a hot tub, this particular yacht opts for a pool situated on the foredeck lounge, accompanied by a cleverly designed teak-edged layout and a spacious sun pad lounge.

Across all decks, the finish is impeccable, with rich, warm teak decking blending with sturdy stainless steel and teak capping. Furthermore, the seating and tables are crafted to complement the yacht's sleek lines, inviting guests to fully immerse themselves in comfort and enjoyment.

Benetti 37m Motopanfilo decks
Benetti 37m Motopanfilo design
Benetti 37m Motopanfilo decks
There is quality design across all of the decks

Another area you will enjoy is the fun waterside terrace that folds out from the Motopanfilo’s transom. An extended swim platform will easily take full-size loungers, with a fun shell-like awning pulling out to create a sense of privacy and place.

With the tender garage running across the beam, a real superyacht feature with the tender launching from the starboard side, guests at the stern will not be disturbed in their loafing until they want to be — a RIB or PWC ride to break up the day, perhaps?

Value For Money

In the competitive 37m (121ft) market segment, the Motopanfilo stands at the upper end, accompanied by numerous noteworthy models that prioritize quality over a lower base price.

The attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship evident throughout the interior and decks justifies its price point. Additionally, it's worth noting that many of its lower-priced competitors are slightly smaller yachts, where even a meter difference can significantly impact the overall experience.

Benetti Motopanfilo
The super-smart Motopanfilo is well priced and offers buyers the very useful asset of style longevity © Benetti

The enduring appeal of the Motopanfilo lies in its clever design, crafted and styled to age well over time. With RWD and Benetti at the helm, this yacht has the potential to become a modern classic, transcending mere monetary value. While financial returns — in terms of residuals — may bring joy to owners, the true value lies in the lasting draw and appreciation of a vessel that stands the test of time.

Our Verdict

Some designs are born great, some achieve greatness over time. The more time we spend with the Motopanfilo the more we think this already great yacht will go on to become a future classic. Its noble lines, enthralling interior and smart decks just get better every time we look at them. We know the superyacht world isn’t exactly renowned for contentment, but if you want a yacht for keeps this is the one. Big and capable enough for global cruising, compact enough to access ports and bays, above all else the 37m Motopanfilo is a yacht that will make you proud to own it. 

Reasons to Buy

  • Breath-taking design inside and out
  • 3800nm range
  • Five cabins, all excellent
  • Four decks, six areas to enjoy
  • Spectacular salon

Things to Consider

  • No guest seating on bridge

Looking to own a Benetti Motopanfilo 37M? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Benetti Motopanfilo 37M Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Benetti Motopanfilo 37M, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!

Rivals to Consider

There are some quite exceptional yachts in this sub-40m, 300GT market, many of which offer design, features and space just as good as, if not better than, much larger vessels and a few that can match the Motopanfilo on style and some novel deck designs.
Italy is leading the way here. With German and Dutch builders more focused on 60m and above. We have seen several sub-40m yachts from Benetti and Azimut over the last 12 months that have moved design on.

The faster Azimut Grande Trideck is a stand-out example, with the Benetti 37m B.Yond an exciting explorer-style option. Sanlorenzo also offers the slightly smaller SD118 and larger SD126, each a meter either side of the Motopanfilo, offering very similar performance, layouts and five cabins, but not the 3,800nm range.

The main differentiators are deck design and performance, how you intend to use your yacht will decide where you place the most emphasis. But we can confirm that the yacht you end up with will be significantly better than what was available just a few years ago.

Considering a new yacht? Explore Benetti's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Length Overall 120.735ft
  • Beam 25.591ft
  • Draft 6.43ft
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 5
  • Berths 8
  • Crew 7
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 9,246 Gallons
  • Fresh Water Capacity 1,057 Gallons
  • Engine Model 2x MAN V12-1400
New Model Specs & Options

Benetti Motopanfilo 37M Layout

  • Observation Deck Benetti Motopanfilo 37M

    A cute addition, Benetti has added a fourth deck, utilising the sundeck hardtop, the perfect place to take a drink, get a tan or shout land-ho!  

  • Sun Deck Benetti Motopanfilo 37M

    All manner of layouts are available, with a pool, bar and kitchen all possible but it makes sense to have the dining area and bar under the hardtop, leaving the open aft deck for sunbathing. 

  • Upper Deck Benetti Motopanfilo 37M

    The upper deck's interior lounge is a more private intimate space, but one offering great views. The deck itself is ideal for dining, the sundeck overhand creating a sense of privacy and lighting for evening get-togethers. The upper deck, forward, houses the bridge with guest seating and a connecting Captain's cabin.

  • Main Deck Benetti Motopanfilo 37M

    The open main deck offers buyers a good deal of space to furnish and layout as they wish. The test yacht's freestanding furniture leaves the salon open and able to enjoy the full-height glass and doors out to the deck, with space for a proper dining area.  

  • Lower Deck Benetti Motopanfilo 37M

    Four excellent, best-in-class guest cabins full of shape and style sit centrally, the forward crew quarters accessed independently, via the main deck galley. The crew area is impressive, with a proper mess area. 

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