Pershing GTX80 Review (2024 Edition)

The Pershing GTX80 is designed to be a more approachable version of the iconic Pershing yachts. Unlike the 8X, which has surface drives allowing for an eye-watering top speed of 48 knots, the GTX80 opts for triple IPS engines, each delivering a punchy 1,000hp. This setup gives you a healthy top speed of 34 knots—not quite matching its counterpart's performance but still impressive for an 80-footer.

The idea is to make this yacht easier for an owner to handle. Thanks to the IPS system, there is joystick control at slow speeds, making it very manageable. Everything's controlled through twin throttles, all Volvo stuff, so it feels familiar and user-friendly. You can even cruise comfortably at 30 knots and cover around 300 nautical miles, so it still has some of that Pershing DNA, but in a more accessible package.

When it came to handling, on test the GTX80 did not disappoint. It’s sharp and sporty, and has a driving experience that is still thrilling but now a bit more balanced with the approachable side they were aiming for. The steering does feel light and somewhat disconnected, as is often the case with IPS, but dial in some lock and the boat reacts keenly to the wheel. It leans nicely into turns and feels sharp when called into action from the helm. They’ve struck a fine balance between usability and the edge you expect from a Pershing.

It used to be that you would approach the traditional Pershing surface drives and manual trim adjustments with a bit of trepidation, but the GTX80 with the IPS and auto trim features makes life much simpler. The Humphree trim tabs adjust the boat automatically to maintain optimal trim, so you can just focus on driving and setting the speed foe the conditions. It's all about making high-performance more accessible on the GTX80.

The Pershing GTX80 is the product of a collaboration between the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, Vallicelli Design, and the Group’s in-house Engineering Department. Its exterior styling, still in a classic Pershing grey has an almost vertical bow and a continuous, slightly rounded sheer line, which give it a muscular, slender look, which you can appreciate from the bow.

Pershing has removed any upright supports, lending to that sleek look. The bulwarks in the bow section have been opened up, and the bulwarks in the stern serve a dual purpose by holding the winches and converting out into balconies creating an even closer contact with the water—something that Pershing wanted to do with the GTX80.

Despite its slender design, the GTX80 has a good living space onboard, making it more family-friendly and leisure-oriented compared to other models in the range. The deck spaces have been designed with relaxation in mind. Unlike many Pershings where the top decks are just driving positions with a sun pad, this model offers much more with a wet bar, dinette and sunbathing space.

A first for Pershing, the GTX80 features a main deck galley, leaving space on the lower deck for four cabins and the same number of bathrooms. The use of lighting is excellent throughout, especially in the lower deck passageway where LED strips draw you through the hallway, and in the owner's suite where the pattern of the lighting is reflected in the carpet.

Engine Space

Pershing's engineers clearly take pride in their machinery spaces. It's like lifting the bonnet on a Lamborghini or Alfa Romeo, everything is in its place and beautifully arranged. The space is excellent despite the fact there are three big engines in place but they are all easy to access and mounted with lots of space to inspect them. Similarly, the pods are well-positioned and access to all three of them is good. 

It's a neat installation throughout and it's easy to inspect the big components such as the generators and twin Seakeepers. 

The window on entering from the aft deck drops down, while the big chunky door swings in, completely out of the way. This creates an unbroken area between the galley and the cockpit, making a bar right next to the galley. It's a brilliant setup for entertaining, with bar stools ready for you to line up your drinks and snacks.

The galley itself is impressively big, featuring a painted lacquered wood effect that's hand-distressed to look almost metallic. There's a domestic fridge/freezer but given this boat's performance and handling ability, it could do with a catch to stop the doors flying open at sea.  Hidden storage is a recurring trait, with plenty of space for pots and pans neatly behind sleek fascias. Dishwasher? Check. Loads of storage? Absolutely. It looks smart but this is a very practical galley design. 

Opposite the galley, the saloon boasts a dining table that is a magnet for fingerprints but looks fantastic when clean. It's probably not going to be used much, but it's a decent size and perfectly placed opposite the galley. The big sofa area is incredibly inviting, and there's flexibility here too. You can add another sofa for more seating and lounging options, moving a smaller dinette table to fit your needs. The television pops up from inside an integrated unit and it has a soundbar. You'll also appreciate the vast amount of glass in this area (another thing Pershing wanted to focus on, lots and lots of glass) providing fabulous views and a sunroof that opens overhead for natural ventilation and light.

Owner’s Cabin

The amidships owner's cabin of the Pershing GTX80 is an expansive space with a flat floor all around the bed. The bed itself, large and set nice and low, has strip lighting behind it. This lighting continues around either side of the enormous TV - which is almost cinematic in size. The fine detailing is lovely, especially this owner's decision to mirror the design of the LED strip lights in the carpet. 

Panels conceal lots of compartments, including a chunk of storage under the bed. The blue panelling wont be to everyone's taste, but there's a cream option if you prefer a softer touch. The bathroom is nice and big, featuring a large shower cubicle and all the amenities you'd expect.

There are three more cabins, two twin cabins and a VIP. One twin cabin boasts private access to its ensuite, while the other shares its bathroom with daytime visitors.

Forward, the VIP cabin is the pick of the guest sleeping spaces. Despite the dark decor, the space feels open thanks to the hull windows on both sides, providing a decent amount of natural light. While there's no skylight, the opening portholes allow a breeze in and storage is well-hidden yet plentiful, with a big wardrobe and additional compartments down both sides.

The VIP cabin also features a very big television, impressively large for a space of this size. And, of course, it comes with a private bathroom.

Crew Accommodation

Entering the crew space from a door behind the flybridge stairs, you quickly appreciate that this yacht is most likely to be owner-operated with perhaps only an occasional captain. It’s not the largest area - there's a pair of bunks, a very small galley with essentials like a microwave, sockets for a coffee machine, a cooktop, and a fridge. While not huge, it does the job and there's even a private wet room.

The upper helm of the Pershing GTX80 oozes theatre. The helm station features three incredibly comfortable seats, with the helmsman positioned in the middle. Sitting back, you can look down the bow, and, surprisingly, the windscreen provides a good amount of protection. Even with the metre swell and a bit of a breeze that we had on our test, you're not getting battered by the wind.

What makes this helm position truly special is its plugged in feel. The design is masculine and cool, with a glorious carbon fibre and leather wheel that is very sophisticated. You might wonder why the throttles are on the dash and the joystick is here, but you can drive at high speed using the joystick these days so the amount of control from the helm seat is outstanding. Sit back with the joystick and control the boat effortlessly. It's proper spaceship stuff.

Triple MFDs adorn the helm, keeping the layout super clean and user-friendly. The information is clear and accessible. It's fair to say, in this driving position, there's little to complain about.

A Throne at the Lower Helm

The high-back helm seat does feel like a throne, providing superb comfort and control. You'll find all the controls under your hands, including those for the three massive MFDs (multi-function displays). These touch screens are quite intuitive, but if you prefer, you can control everything from the fixed buttons on the arm rest of the chair. 

The joystick is located under the arm and the throttles are positioned further forward on the dash. It's all designed to keep the skipper in command without compromising on comfort. There's a space for a navigator to sit, and a lot of room around both sides ensures no one is disturbed when moving in and out.

Much like the upper helm, the lower helm boasts a central seating position, providing a clear, unobstructed view through the windscreen. The expansive glass around you gives all-round visibility, so you never miss a beat. The skipper can manage the yacht from down here, thanks to the well-placed cameras and easy communication with the crew. 

Up on the sundeck, there’s a good living space that proves great for both lounging and dining. The very large table can be adjusted up and down, becoming a spacious sun pad when you pop some cushions on it. 

There's a good-sized wet bar up on this sundeck, with a split lid that opens to reveal a sink, cooktop, and fridge underneath. This is far more than just an elevated driving space, it's a living space in its own right. The hard top is an option but it's one that most will choose. It's the only 100% carbon fibre piece on the boat; the hull and superstructure are resin-infused GRP.  

To achieve the desired width in the saloon, the side decks amidships are quite narrow. While they’re perfectly fine in the foredeck area, you’ll need to take care when moving up and down the exterior of the boat. On the plus side, helm doors provide additional access via the saloon if needed, which is a handy feature.

The aft deck on the Pershing GTX80 is a real standout feature that sets it apart from the 8X range. Here, you've got a mezzanine effect, blending the cockpit with the saloon. The dining table, while not enormous, is perfectly sized for a cosy meal, with space to arrange chairs around it and enjoy the shade provided by the overhang. It’s an ideal spot for daytime dining.

But the real magic happens on the lower section of the aft deck. Here, the bulwark balconies fold down, extending your usable space significantly - nothing new in this market but it works to good effect here. The bathing platform itself is incredibly versatile and adds to the aft deck. It can sink into the water for launching tenders or rise to the deck level, creating a vast, flat area when the passerelle is away. A jet ski can also be mounted on it, which can be easily moved on a trolley and lowered into the water using the platform.

Beneath this space, you’ll find a generously sized storage area, ideal for stowing water toys, fenders, and lines. Everything is neatly tucked away, ensuring the deck remains uncluttered.