On Board

Wally wallywhy200 Review (2022 Edition)

Blending Wally's iconic stealth style with a highly functional cruising yacht, the wallywhy200 marks a new direction for Wally. But does it work? 

Wally remains an enigma in the yachting world, known globally for its sail and power vessels that transcend traditional boundaries. Despite its limited production of motor yachts, each has been a design sensation, epitomized by the 118ft wallypower unveiled in 2002.

Now under the ownership of the Ferretti Group, a new era for Wally is emerging, blending its signature breathtaking style with enhanced functionality and practicality. Externally, the wallywhy200 maintains Wally's striking and stealthy design language while prioritizing sensible cruising performance and offering a spacious four or five-cabin interior. The name reflects a shift in focus, highlighting the vessel's 200GT volume. However, true to Wally's ethos, the wallywhy200 also boasts remarkable innovations, many crafted from lightweight carbon fiber.

Wally wallywhy200 Key Facts

Wally wallywhy200 illustration
  • LOA 27.05m
  • Model Year 2022
  • Cabins 4
  • Crew 5
  • Max Speed 23 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Crossover
  • Use Type Cruising

Design & Build

While the allure of the wallywhy200's style is undeniable, let's not overlook its impressive substance. Laurent Giles spearheaded the exterior design and naval architecture, resulting in a yacht characterized by strength, style, and the distinctive stealth-like Wally aesthetic.

Despite its broad hull designed for sensible full and semi-displacement cruising, the vessel is powered by an exotic 4,000hp quadruple Volvo Penta IPS-1350 engine installation, a feature that will delight traditional Wally enthusiasts. The choice of IPS propulsion reflects a commitment to efficiency, aligning perfectly with the why's ethos. With a top speed of approximately 21-23 knots and stable cruising at 10 knots assisted by stabilizers, the vessel boasts a claimed range of 1,000nm, offering a highly usable, albeit unorthodox for Wally, outcome.

Wally Why200 Design
Unmistakably Wally, and unarguably functional © Wally
Wally Why200 Design
Wally Why200 Design

No Ordinary Wideboy

Wally describes the hull design as 'Full-Wide-Body', boasting an expansive 7.6m (25ft) beam, approximately a meter wider than most 30m yachts, resulting in a remarkable 200GT of volume inside and ample deck space. By utilizing this beam, the semi-custom design maximizes interior space, with the upper and main salons extending outward without traditional side decks.

The exterior aesthetic is defined by a commanding, vertical bow leading to three levels of dark glass, including the distinctive stealth-like superstructure extending rearward with a substantial overhang for the upper deck. Encased in black glass wrapping around the bow sections is an ingeniously designed owner's cabin, showcasing precision engineering to create a feature within the yacht's most dynamic and high-pressure area.

Carbon Core

The extensive use of lightweight and exceptionally robust carbon fiber is a hallmark of the construction, applied in various concealed areas throughout the build. However, one prominent display of its utilization is the central stairwell, encased in glass, that links each deck. Crafted from carbon fiber, this feature not only boasts an impressive visual appeal but also serves as a pivotal structural core, providing support for the surrounding decks.

Interior Accommodation

Beginning at the bow, we encounter what can only be described as a breathtaking feat in the owner's cabin design. The transition from the salon into this space is nothing short of ceremonial, with a passage flanked by twin ensuites, leading to expansive wraparound glass panels that unveil panoramic vistas.

Wally Why200 Design
The owner's stateroom is a spectacular celebration of design and build © Wally

Wally and interior designer Vallicelli have masterfully maintained a clean and minimalist aesthetic within the cabin, allowing the captivating view and overall design to take center stage. Positioned to face forward, the berth is complemented by a discreet seating area nestled in the bows, while a countertop at the head of the berth ensures privacy even when the cabin door is ajar.

Wally Why200 Design
Wally Why200 Design
Wally Why200 Design
The glass break in the bow looks superb from every angle

Located on the lower deck, the guest cabins offer a retreat-like ambiance. The forward VIP cabin can be configured as two double cabins, each featuring 'his and hers' ensuites tailored to your preferred layout. Amidships, two additional double cabins maintain the same minimalist aesthetic, blending Scandinavian, oriental, and nautical influences with ease.

Wally Why200 Design, Wally interior
The main deck salon, looking aft, with lounges to each side © Wally
Wally Why200 Design
Wally Why200 Design

Galley Gatherings

On the main deck, the central carbon stairwell is flanked by lounges on each side, creating distinct spaces that feel almost independent. The test yacht featured Wally's concept of an owner's galley, providing a spot for socializing, and enjoying breakfast or evening drinks with friends and family. Below decks, the main galley is part of the surprisingly spacious aft crew quarters, which include a mess area and two cabins.

Wally Why200 Design, Wally interior
The upper deck salon is a spectacular space, the perfect place to be when underway © Wally

Nestled within the angular superstructure adorned with unmistakable Wally glass shards, the upper deck lounge boasts a spacious U-shaped sofa and extensive cabinetry. While guests may gravitate towards this area while the yacht is in motion, the allure of the upper aft deck beckons for leisurely moments at rest. Alternatively, a dining area can be configured here, although the aft deck seems more fitting for such occasions.

Helm Station

Positioned separately from the upper deck lounge, the raised bridge offers exceptional visibility thanks to its near-complete glazing, benefitting both the skipper and guests. The spacious console accommodates up to four MFD screens, while side doors provide convenient access to the decks.

Wally Why200 helm
A suitably modern, purposeful helm © Wally
Wally Why200 helm
Wally Why200 Design

The forward screens, heavily raked, offer superb forward and side visibility, with the helm positioned sufficiently forward to provide a commanding view over the bows. Two separate helm seats are provided, although the bridge's relatively shallow design means guests will primarily utilize the lounge area behind, offering an excellent vantage point through the expansive glass panels.

Deck Lifestyle

The upper deck of the test boat, fully embracing the yacht's substantial beam, featured a dining area discreetly positioned beneath an overhang, as well as an aft lounge area with a wet bar to serve guests.

While owners have ample freedom to configure this deck according to their preferences, one notable constraint is the absence of connecting side decks. As a result, crew members will need to traverse through the upper lounge to access the foredeck.

Wally Why200 Design
Two massive aft decks take full advantage of the 7.6m beam © Wally
Wally Why200 Design
Wally Why200 Design, Wally decks

The main deck aft exudes luxury, serving as the ideal entry point to the yacht with its curved teak transom extending a warm welcome. A substantial overhang, elegantly paneled and illuminated, commands attention, flanked by two raised pads. Positioned near the salon doors, a secluded seating area nestled within massive A-frames offers a cozy retreat, complete with glazed sections for optimal views.

Wally Why200 Design, Wally decks
Tender garages feature on each side © Wally

Sharp-eyed observers will notice that the raised pads, positioned beneath the overhang, may not be ideal for sun-seekers. However, they are strategically placed to accommodate two concealed tender garages nestled into the aft flanks.

Wally Why200 Design, Wally decks
With the garage doors down, a wraparound teak waterside terrace is created © Wally

Each garage offers ample space for two PWCs or a 3.5m RIB. Featuring teak flooring, the garage doors cleverly integrate with a playful hydraulic swim platform and steps extending across the stern, forming a 180-degree waterside terrace.

Value For Money

In many ways, we now arrive at the most appealing aspect of the wallywhy200: its accessibility. Historically, prospective Wally owners often found themselves torn. While one part of them was eager for ownership, another part recognized the potential to acquire a vessel with additional cabins and expansive deck space for a considerably lower cost.

Wally Why200 Design
Wally Why200 Design, Wally interior
Wally Why200 Design
© Wally

So, for those who appreciate both style and practicality, the wallywhy200 is a cause for celebration. It embodies the essence of Wally's aesthetic appeal while boasting a quadruple engine setup to impress enthusiasts. Moreover, it offers the convenience of four or even five cabins and generously proportioned deck areas. With a functional galley and crew mess included, it strikes a harmonious balance.

Wally Why200 Design
© Wally

In terms of pricing, it aligns closely with the market rates for high-quality 27-30m motor yachts. The only potential drawback lies in the limited production numbers that have defined the Wally brand. However, if reports are accurate and Ferretti plans to expand the why range, this issue may soon be resolved.

Our Verdict

While labeling it as a "Wally for the people" might be a bit bold, the wallywhy200 undeniably represents the most accessible, functional, and user-friendly Wally model to date. Whether this shift stems from the mature influence of the Ferretti Group or simply reflects the natural evolution of a brand that has long been at the forefront of innovation is immaterial. What truly counts is the inspired design, cleverly blending the spectacular with a pragmatic approach to cruising.

Reasons to Buy

  • Spectacular owner's cabin
  • Dramatic Wally design allied to cruising sense
  • Four or five cabin layout
  • Massive upper deck terrace

Things to Consider

  • Compromised deck design
  • Looks won't be to all tasted

Rivals to Consider

As with the rest of this Italian builder’s range, there is a strong argument to say the wallywhy200 has no rivals at all. Wally's designs are quite unique, as is this particular yacht’s owner’s cabin. But if Avante Garde design allied to excellent cruising credentials is your thing, we have a few options for you to consider.

Princess X95 and X80 are both worthy of your time. Both yachts are bold by design, with tall superstructures focused on maxing interior volume. The smaller X80 still offers four or five cabins, with spectacular living spaces over two levels, the option of a main deck Owner’s suite, and a raised bridge surrounded by vast decks. The bigger X95 takes the same concept and runs with it, a massive main deck has the option of a forward lounge, galley, and dining area or Owner’s stateroom, each one spectacularly positioned in the bows with glass on three sides. Outside, the main deck runs from bow to stern, with a central raised wheelhouse and lounge, plus there’s the option of a mini beach club aft.

Sanlorenzo’s SX range also has a model on either side of the Wally, the four-cabin 23m SX76 and the larger 26m SX88. Both models come with some serious style outside and minimalist interior designs that feel calm and inviting. There are numerous layout options, particularly across the main salon with incredibly social designs that push right forward. The larger SX88 has the option of a four or five-cabin layout, with a main deck Owner’s stateroom.

From the same stable as the Wally, the Ferretti 1000 is another design and interior luxury powerhouse, with a huge flybridge and foredeck lounge, a separate bridge, a main deck owner’s stateroom, and four great ensuite cabins below decks.

Specifications

Wally wallywhy200 illustration
  • Length Overall 27.05m
  • Beam 7.66m
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 4
  • Berths 4
  • Crew 5
  • Cruising Speed
    Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 12,000 Litres
  • Fresh Water Capacity 2,200 Litres
  • Engine Model 4x Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350
  • Engine economic speed 10 knots
  • Engine max range (speed type) 1000 nm
Full Model Specification

Tenders

The Wally wallywhy200 supports tenders with a max length of 3.5m

Wally wallywhy200 Layout

  • Flybridge Wally wallywhy200

    The upper deck is divided between the bridge, upper salon and a massive aft deck. Layout options abound for the saloon and deck, with the outside particularly customisable. 

  • Optional galley layout

    Main Deck Wally wallywhy200

    The optional owner's galley in the salon feels like a good addition, creating a separate social destination away from the expansive lounge seating. 

  • Standard 3 cabin layout

    Lower Deck Wally wallywhy200

    The big changes happen forward, where the VIP can be split into two double ensuite cabins. The separately accessed aft crew quarters are of a good size and feature the working galley and a mess area

View All Layout Options