Plenty of yacht buyers still thrill to speedy performance, like that of the AB 80 just signed by AB Yachts. This 83-footer (25.4-meter) should top out upwards of 55 knots.
The AB 80 is the entry-level megayacht model from AB Yachts, which builds fast semi-custom yachts. Triple 2,000-hp MAN engines with two waterjets and a central booster provide her spirited performance. Even cruising speed is fast, at 45 knots. Notably, owners like to take the wheel, too, given the relatively small size in the superyacht sector. The maneuverability advantages that come from waterjets is yet another factor. Plus, given the draft of just over 4 feet (1.3 meters), the yacht can access plenty of shallow anchorages.
AB Yachts has not revealed how the owners, who are Americans, have tailored the interior to their liking. It does say, though, that they worked with the shipyard’s own interior-design department. Regardless, overall, the AB 80 has a beam of 21’3” (6.5 meters) and typically an open-plan main deck. This means no walls separating the helm seats from the lounging seats by the aft-deck doors. Furthermore, the yacht offers three staterooms for the owners and friends or family. One crew cabin is aboard, too.
The owners are taking delivery of this AB 80 at the end of the year.
In related news, AB Yachts just launched the latest hull in its AB 100 series. She’s similarly fast, reportedly capable of upwards of 50 knots. Embarking on her maiden voyage in the Med this summer, she has accommodations for eight in the owner’s party. Some of the amenities include an indoor-outdoor ambience on the main deck and a beach area that doubles as a watertoy launching and boarding spot. AB Yachts created the toy launching and retrieval system, too.
Furthermore, AB Yachts says that by the end of this year, it will have launched five megayachts from 80 to 120 feet LOA (24.4 to 36.6 meters). Furthermore, it says it’s sold four projects within that same size range in about as many months.
AB Yachts abyachts.com
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