Ferretti 720 Review (2019 Edition)

The Ferretti 670, though slightly smaller, impressed with its unconventional three-cabin layout featuring a mezzanine study for the Owner's cabin, as we previously reviewed. In contrast, the 720 adopts a more traditional approach, offering a straightforward salon and four-cabin layout that prioritizes practicality over surprises.

As with its other models, Ferretti provides a range of distinct interior finishes. The test yacht showcased beach-house-inspired bleached woods and light tones, while colorful modern options and warmer cabinetry choices are also available. Ferretti notes that buyers are evenly split between modern and traditional interior styles.

Externally, the 720 embodies modern Ferretti design principles. Its clean, confident lines exude elegance without appearing bulky or heavy. Despite this sleekness, the yacht boasts expansive glass sections and generous deck areas, complementing its accommodating interior.

Ferretti's decision to offer metallic hull colours, a departure from its iconic ivory gelcoat, adds a unique touch to the 720, perhaps signalling a subtle challenge to a certain fellow Italian competitor. Regardless of the exterior hue, both inside and out, the finish is top-notch, with meticulous attention given to every surface.

Propelled by either 1,200hp V8 or 1,400hp V12 MAN diesels running on shaft drives, the planing hull of the 720 achieves speeds of around 30 knots, with the latter option pushing it to approximately 32 knots.

Upon entering the salon, one is immediately captivated by the expansive window line, which stretches deeply forward, visually enlarging and enhancing the already spacious salon area. The aft lounge merges with the deck, facilitated by cockpit doors that retract fully.

The dining table and adjacent galley are situated further forward, elevated by a small step to accommodate headroom for the stateroom below. Opposite the galley, a long section of cabinetry adds to the functionality of the space. Designed to connect seamlessly with the dining area, the galley facilitates easy food service while providing two levels of cupboards and a full-height fridge-freezer. The expansive forward countertop, when covered, doubles as a practical chart area located conveniently next to the inner helm. Additionally, as the yacht is likely to be crewed, a side deck door off the galley allows for discreet access and service to the decks without disturbing guests in the salon, while also serving the Captain's convenience when using the lower helm.

Ferretti offers an alternative dining layout option, featuring a larger circular table that relocates the galley below decks, sacrificing the port guest cabin in the process.

Below Decks

Regardless of the dining-galley configuration you select, the full-beam owner’s cabin remains a standout feature, boasting a sofa, dressing table, and hull-side glass. The design and fit-out of this cabin exemplify the style that permeates the entire interior. With bleached cabinetry and soft organic linings, there's a relaxed, open feel that contributes to the overall ambiance. Slim furniture positioned away from the hull sides and smoked glass entrances to the closet and ensuite further enhance the sense of lightness and freedom, avoiding any feeling of heaviness.

The standard layout features three equally light and relaxed guest cabins. The forward double cabin boasts its own ensuite, while near-identical twin cabins flank the stairwell, sharing the day head and shower. In a yacht of this size, it's reasonable to anticipate four spacious cabins without any bunked fourth. The portside twin offers slightly more space, as the stairwell encroaches into the starboard cabin. Nonetheless, both cabins are highly functional, equipped with closets, hull-side windows, and essential ports for ventilation throughout the cabin and interior.

The lower helm may not boast a modern console design, but it compensates with a comprehensive array of instrumentation, switches, and lights, complemented by two excellent seats. The setup is highly impressive, featuring two heads-up displays for navigation and another pair for systems monitoring. While there's no side-deck door, the galley opposite provides direct access to the port deck.

The flybridge helm design integrates into the forward seating, with the spacious portside lounge blending with the helm bench seat. Ferretti anticipates the yacht being primarily driven from the flybridge, and while the helm's pod-like design is straightforward, it offers ample space for two MFD screens, ideal for navigation and control.

Those acquainted with the previous 720 model will be astounded by the enhancements and new features of this updated yacht. While the overall space remains similar, the utilization of that space is remarkable.

The standout improvement is the foredeck, now boasting a luxurious lounge area complete with deep seating that easily transforms into sun pads. Crafted with exquisite detail, the teak decks and pads envelop the forward lounge, accented by stainless steel cupholders. The side decks offer both depth and security, bordered by towering bulwarks. While there isn't a side gate, the bulwark gently slopes, providing salon guests with a captivating view.

After Thoughts

The aft deck offers ample room, providing space for standalone furnishings or even a compact bar to complement the dining table and U-shaped seating. Flanking steps lead down to the hydraulic swim platform, where a wide and deep fold-out seat emerges from the transom — a serene retreat while anchored. It's worth pausing here to appreciate Ferretti's impeccable craftsmanship and engineering. The stern is well executed, from the sleek sides extending aft to safeguard the main deck steps, to the concealed vents concealing the platform's hydraulics.

Hardtop Galore

On the flybridge, the seating arrangement is situated forward, sheltered under the hardtop, with a walk-through passage leading to an expansive sunpad area. This layout ensures the aft deck remains unobstructed, with a substantial wet bar and barbecue serving as the border between these two zones. The aft deck is designed for standalone loungers, while the tender finds its place on the hydraulic swim platform.

Ferretti offers an array of hardtop options, including three distinct designs, or the option to forego one entirely. The test yacht featured a hardtop with heavily tinted glass panels, although alternatives include a vinyl sunroof. However, our current preferred choice is the architecturally striking fin option, featuring sections that can flatten or open at the touch of a button.