When the Pershing 82 premiered at last autumn’s Fort Lauderdale boat show, some show-goers may have wondered why the Italian builder decided to have her replace the Pershing 80 in its lineup. Could two similar-size yachts be really that different? The answer is yes.
The biggest difference is the inclusion of a sundeck aboard the 82, which measures 81’11” (24.97 meters). Previously, all Pershing models, even the smaller production boats, solely had main-deck and lower-deck living spaces. With the sundeck, the megayacht maximizes alfresco areas, something that has always been a priority aboard open-style yachts such as the Pershing lineup. A huge sunpad aft lets you soak up as much sun as you wish, with two separately adjustable backrests. You can opt for them to raise and lower hydraulically, too. Fully forward is a retractable helm, a nice extra option for where to drive. Lounge chairs flank the helm seat as well, further nice for those of you who like to have company while you take the wheel yourself.
The way you access the sundeck aboard the Pershing 82 is also worthy of note. See the ladder to the far right here on the main aft deck? Made by Besenzoni, it’s all carbon fiber and retracts when not needed. In addition, when it is retracted, a hatch closes off the space, making the sundeck overhang look essentially like one uninterrupted structure.
Look back at that aft-deck photo, then look to the background in this image of the Pershing 82’s saloon. Note how the areas are completely open to one another. That’s because the two sliding glass doors retract completely, as does an amidships glass partition. This type of indoor-outdoor living is essential aboard an open.
Oak cabinetry is paired with oak soles stained to look like wenge. In this view from the saloon, open all the way to the triple-seat main helm, you get a better sense of how voluminous the Pershing 82 feels. The large, two-level ports to each side bolster the feeling even more. Beam is 18 feet (5.5 meters).
What would an open yacht be these days without an opening sunroof? Because of the inclusion of the sundeck aboard the Pershing 82, the portion directly above the main helm is the only section that slides open. No matter, though; the lack of a larger sliding section really doesn’t detract from the fun feeling.
Speaking of fun, what would a megayacht be without toys? Pershing equips the Pershing 82 with a tender garage capable of holding either a tender, like this Williams jet tender, or a PWC. The garage also has a folding bottom, making it easier to launch the toys.
Come evening, the Pershing 82 can sleep up to eight in the owner’s party in four staterooms, arranged according to each owner’s wishes. The master suite, shown here, is amidships, to make the most of the beam. LEDs (used throughout the megayacht) and the light-tone overhead combine with natural lighting to keep the space bright. Note the distinct port shapes above the bed, which are visible in the hull side when you see the Pershing 82 in profile. They’re the new signature shapes that Pershing is putting on every model in its lineup.
The VIP guest stateroom is situated in the bow. Two other guest staterooms can be arranged with twins or doubles, or you can even have just two guest staterooms total plus a TV/movie room. Regardless, Pershing uses Poltrona Frau leathers (hand-sewn, of course) for the headboards and other accents. The headboards even have pockets for you to stow away your favorite nighttime reading materials.
Of course, the Pershing 82 emphasizes big speed as much as big volume and style. Powered by twin 16V MTUs, with Rolla surface-piercing props, the Pershing 82 is said to achieve a 45-knot top speed and 40-knot cruise. The latter offers a 300-nautical-mile range, but the limited range is likely of no consequence for those of you looking to harbor hop more than anything else.
The Pershing 82, like her predecessor, fits nicely in the Pershing lineup between the 74 and 92, making a good entry point for buyers stepping into the megayacht market for the first time. She also shows that when a builder decides to replace a model, it can do so with a somewhat similar footprint yet still make enough changes to offer buyers something distinctly different.
David J. Matyczynski
There are a lot of great ideas in this boat….I like many of the designs and features…BUT….I’d ask you to look again at the photos you submitted of oak wood and the white Italian design furniture… It looks cheesy… An art deco or a Scandinavian designed furniture would be more desirable here… and/or even a gloss veneer on the cabinetry…
Diane M. Byrne
Thanks for your comments, David. Some of the furnishings and the combination of dark and light woods aren’t to my tastes, either, but do keep in mind that Pershing gives owners full control over the selection of settees, etc., plus woodwork. To each his own, right?