Benetti Motopanfilo 37M Review (2021 Edition)

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.      

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.

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?

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.

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.