Ferretti 960 Review (2014 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Ferretti 960 has a garage, engine room access, and extensive deck spaces including a flybridge, crew cabins, and full walkaround decks. The aft deck has a large overhang and an extended bimini for shade, with the exterior teak and fittings holding up remarkably well even after more than a decade in service.

On the flybridge, the upper helm is equipped with Garmin screens, throttle and thruster controls, and a starboard-side wing station to ease berthing. A remote DockMate control lets the skipper operate thrusters, engines, and anchor from anywhere on board. The mechanism for the flybridge roof, along with the crane, have been maintained to a high standard as part of typical upkeep on the model.

A bar area includes a grill, fridge, ice maker, and sink. The dining table uses a hard-wearing plastic that mimics real wood, ideal for outdoor use. A 50% opacity sunshade covers the aft part of the flybridge, balancing light and shade.

Deck equipment includes a high-capacity crash pump for bilge and firefighting use, large cleats, bi-directional docking winches, and a passerelle for stern-to boarding. Storage lockers and a hot-and-cold deck wash system are practical touches that make maintenance easier.

Forward on the bow, the Ferretti 960 has bathing cushions and reinforced anchor handling gear. A large bosun’s locker provides dedicated storage for deck and cleaning equipment. Upholstery remains well protected by being stored away when not in use.

Inside, the Ferretti 960 uses a contemporary oak matte finish, creating a calm, stylish atmosphere. The saloon features a sensor-activated sliding door, a high-low TV, and neatly organized storage. The dining area connects to large sliding doors that open fully, with inflatable seals that ensure watertightness when needed. Cut-away bulwarks let diners enjoy uninterrupted water views.

The galley and crew mess sit to port, separated from guest areas. The galley includes a serious coffee machine, dishwasher, ample refrigeration, an automatic bin, and cooking appliances. Access routes let crew move between the galley, bridge, and decks without passing through the saloon.

Storage throughout the yacht is impressively neat and well thought out, and even smaller service spaces like the steward's cupboard are kept in excellent condition.

Owner's Cabin

The main deck owner's cabin gives the Ferretti 960 a true superyacht feel. It features a massive walk-in wardrobe with a window and escape hatch access. The bedroom has extensive storage, drawers under the bed, AV equipment, and a clever pull-out vanity seat that tucks away when not in use.

The ensuite runs the full width of the cabin, with large illuminated sinks, a rainfall shower, and high-quality fixtures.  

Guest Accommodation

The lower deck layout provides four guest cabins. Each has large hull windows with circular opening sections, bringing plenty of light and fresh air inside.

Each guest cabin has its own ensuite bathroom fitted with rainfall showers and smart, modern fixtures. Two forward cabins are identical, and rather than being numbered, each has a name like "Exuma" for a more personal feel. Dyson appliances are included, reflecting the careful outfitting of the yacht.

Space, light, and thoughtful detailing make the guest accommodation feel relaxed and luxurious, matching the high standard seen throughout the yacht.

Crew Accommodation

The Ferretti 960 sets up the crew layout to be highly practical. Crew movement stays mostly separate from guest spaces thanks to an alternate staircase position on the port side, leading from the galley up to the bridge and down to the crew quarters.

The galley has direct deck access, so crew can embark and disembark without crossing guest areas. Laundry facilities are located in the crew area, deliberately moved out of the guest spaces.

Crew accommodation consists of two twin cabins forward, plus a captain’s cabin. The captain’s cabin has its own ensuite with a separate shower, proper heads, hanging wardrobe, and direct access to the yacht’s Böning system controls. The two twin crew cabins share a bathroom with a separated shower and heads compartment. Fixtures and finishes in these areas are high quality, close to guest standard, with well-organized storage throughout.

Extra crew touches include a crew mess next to the galley, a bridge printer station, and a side deck door for efficient working access.

The Ferretti 960 runs with twin MTU V16 M94 engines, delivering a cruising speed of 22 knots and a top speed of 28 knots. Long-range cruising at 10 knots offers good economy and extended range.

The model uses bow and stern thrusters rated at 50hp each, along with both fin and gyro stabilizers for smooth handling. The V-drive setup positions the engines aft, freeing up internal volume.

The engine room is clean and efficiently laid out, with battery chargers, dual generators, and a full Böning system. Fire suppression systems can be triggered remotely, and maintenance access is excellent. 

The Ferretti 960 stands out for delivering true superyacht living within a sub-30.5m (100ft) hull. Main deck master accommodation, four guest cabins, serious outdoor spaces, and practical crew layouts are all packed into the design.

Performance is strong, with good speed and range, while upgrades like remote docking controls and stabilizers make handling easy. Quality of fit and finish is high across the board, even in service spaces.

The example toured, Sol Sun, highlights how well the 960 can age when properly maintained. The model balances style, comfort, and capability, and still feels very much at home at big events like the Palm Beach Boat Show.