Exploring 80-Foot Yachts: The Sweet Spot of Modern Yachting

The yachting segment around 80 feet (24 meters) has evolved from a transitional size into a highly popular category for buyers. Often termed 'pocket superyachts', these vessels occupy the ideal middle ground: they provide the architectural volume, crew number, and amenities of a much larger ship while retaining the ability to access secluded, shallow anchorages.

From a value perspective, this class is the current 'sweet spot' for the charter market. It delivers the high-end features guests demand, such as expansive flybridges and beach clubs, but at a fraction of the weekly operational overhead of a full-scale superyacht.

Modern technology, such as the use of propulsion pods and stabilization, has simplified short-handed maneuvering, allowing each luxury yacht in this category to be handled easily. The result is a more private experience with significantly lower running costs, making the 80-footer the most practical choice for owners who value both luxury and agility.

Guide to 80-foot luxury yachts

Rather than a single formula, the 80-foot range is defined by diversity. Different shipyards approach the same length with distinct priorities, from open-deck living to long-range efficiency or high-speed performance.

Azimut Fly 82

As the flagship of the best-selling Fly Series, the Azimut Fly 82 marks a significant shift in how the brand approaches exterior volume and interior personality. Designed by Alberto Mancini, the exterior follows a sculpted, aerodynamic profile, while the main innovation lies at the stern. This is the first model in the series to feature the Deck2Deck system, where the transom rises to align with the main deck, significantly extending the cockpit terrace for social use.

Inside, Fabio Fantolino moves away from traditional maritime aesthetics toward a refined, residential style. The layout is centered around a large circular dining table, creating a natural focal point for the saloon. The atmosphere is defined by soft elegance, punctuated by contemporary orange-brown accents that give the interior a distinct, modern personality.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 24,79 m
• Beam: 5,87 m
• Draft: 1,70 m
• Engines: 3 x Volvo Penta IPS 1200 / 1350
• Maximum speed: Up to 32 knots
• Cabins: 4
• More info: Navis Marine

Sunseeker 82 Ocean Enclosed

The Sunseeker 82 Ocean Enclosed is designed with a primary focus on maximizing internal volume and layout flexibility. By moving the helm to a fully enclosed upper deck, Sunseeker has freed up the main deck to create a seamless, expansive saloon that feels more like a luxury penthouse than a traditional yacht. The vertical glazing provides 360-degree panoramic views, while the single-level flooring throughout most of the ship enhances the sense of space and ease of movement.

Versatility is the core strength of this model, offering owners a choice between an open-plan galley for social hosting or a centralized, enclosed galley for those who prefer more privacy from the crew. Outside, the upper deck offers expansive social areas for seating, sun pads, or a spa tub, like the whole Ocean range. On the lower deck, the rare inclusion of a completely level floor between the master and VIP cabins again emphasizes the 'Ocean' philosophy of prioritizing guest comfort and architectural flow.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 25,14 m
• Beam: 6,56 m
• Draft: 1,86 m
• Engines: 2 x MAN V12-1650
• Maximum speed: Up to 25 knots
• Cabins: 4 / 5
• More info: Sunseeker Adriatic

Princess Y80

The Princess Y80 focuses on refined proportions and a timeless aesthetic, serving as a versatile addition to the brand’s Y Class range. Its design emphasizes an uninterrupted flow of space, with vast windows running the length of the main deck to provide panoramic views. For owners prioritizing privacy, the yacht offers optional partitions to separate the galley and wheelhouse from the guest areas, allowing for a more traditional crew-managed experience.

Outdoor social spaces are a highlight, particularly the foredeck, which features adaptable U-shaped seating that easily accommodates ten people. The flybridge is equally flexible, offering a fully equipped wet bar with options for a spa bath or free-standing loungers. Below deck, the layout remains practical and spacious, providing four en-suite cabins that maintain the high level of craftsmanship synonymous with the Princess brand.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 25,50 m
• Beam: 6,07 m
• Draft: 1,78 m
• Engines: 2 x MAN V12-1800 / 1900
• Maximum speed: Up to 33 knots
• Cabins: 4
• More info: Princess Yachts Adriatic

Riva 82’ Diva

The Riva 82’ Diva introduces a new dimension to the brand’s flybridge range, balancing a signature sporty silhouette with unprecedented outdoor living space. Designed by Officina Italiana Design, the yacht replaces traditional steel handrails with higher, painted composite gunwales to enhance both safety and the profile's streamlined look. The standout feature is the innovative beach club where the lateral bulwarks lower to expand the area by over three meters, creating a massive terrace at the water’s edge.

Inside, Riva maintains its sophistication using high-gloss Italian walnut contrasted with dark leather accents. The main saloon is cleverly designed with split levels to separate the living and dining areas without using walls, while the 40-square-meter flybridge provides one of the largest social spaces in its category. Below deck, the accommodation is completed by four en-suite cabins that maintain the brand's classic elegance.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 25,29 m
• Beam: 6,08 m
• Draft: 2,05 m
• Engines: 2 x MAN V12-1800 / 1900
• Maximum speed: Up to 31 knots
• Cabins: 4
• More info: MennYacht

Pershing GTX80

The Pershing GTX80 reinterprets modern trends by creating a Sport Utility Yacht that balances high performance with extreme liveability. True to the brand’s DNA, the design features a rock-solid, vacuum-infused hull and superstructure, while the bow adopts a more integrated profile than its predecessors. A key innovation is the beach club area, where the swimming platform and large side terraces open to create a 28-square-meter space for direct contact with the water.

Inside, the main deck salon is defined by a futuristic aesthetic, using a contrasting color scheme of white leather and dark flooring. The layout is designed for socializing, featuring a large U-shaped galley that connects to the outdoor bar via a lowering glass wall. Below deck, the accommodation continues this sophisticated style across four en-suite cabins, including a centrally located master suite that reflects the yacht’s aerodynamic and bold personality.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 23,98 m
• Beam: 5,80 m
• Draft: 1,90 m
• Engines: 3 x Volvo Penta IPS 1350
• Maximum speed: 34 knots
• Cabins: 4
• More info: MennYacht

Ferretti Yachts 800

The Ferretti Yachts 800 is designed to offer a superior on-board lifestyle through meticulous layout planning and optimized use of space. A collaboration between Filippo Salvetti and IdeaeItalia, the design features a glass aft section in the cockpit that provides an unobstructed view of the sea and the seven-square-meter beach club below. The yacht is noted for its flexibility, offering two distinct interior styles, Classic and Contemporary, and a choice of hull lengths to accommodate specific marina requirements.

The main deck is defined by uninterrupted glazing that emphasizes the impressive size of the salon and dining area. Privacy is a key element, with sliding doors that can completely separate the galley and helm station from the guest living spaces. Below deck, the accommodation is comprised of four cabins including a mid-ship master suite engineered for minimal noise and vibration. The flybridge stands out as one of the largest in the 24-meter segment, featuring a versatile open stern area ideal for free-standing furniture.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 24,47 m
• Beam: 5,91 m
• Draft: 1,90 m
• Engines: 2 x MAN V12-1550 / 1800
• Maximum speed: Up to 31 knots
• Cabins: 4
• More info: MennYacht

Bluegame BGX83

The Bluegame BGX83 follows the brand’s crossover philosophy, offering increased volume and refinement within an owner-centric layout. A collaboration between Luca Santella, Zuccon International Project, and Piero Lissoni, the design is centered around a seamless connection to the sea. The signature beach area has evolved into an expansive open-air lounge, featuring a hydraulic platform and a new starboard-side opening that significantly increases the usable width at the water's edge.

The interior layout is unconventional, with an aft salon at water level that functions as a private extension of the master suite. This full-beam owner’s cabin measures 6,3 meters across and is conceived as a superyacht-style apartment. On the main deck, an asymmetric layout maximizes the dining area and allows for a customizable outdoor bar, while the upper salon provides 360-degree panoramic views. Below deck, the accommodation is completed by either two or three VIP cabins that maintain the yacht’s sophisticated Italian character.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 25,60 m
• Beam: 6,30 m
• Draft: 1,80 m
• Engines: 3 x Volvo Penta IPS 1200
• Maximum speed: 30 knots
• Cabins: 3 / 4
• More info: Bluegame Yachts

Absolute Navetta 75

The Absolute Navetta 75 is the largest model produced by the shipyard and focuses on day-to-day functionality and luxurious living spaces, both indoors and on deck. A key feature inherited from recent models is the terrace cockpit, which uses a glass rear partition to provide unobstructed sea views. This area is furnished with modular, free-standing furniture that can be rearranged or removed to suit the occasion, a theme that continues on the upper deck to maximize social flexibility.

The main deck salon is surrounded by large glazed surfaces and nearly invisible deck railings, creating a deep connection with the marine environment. The layout is practical, featuring a galley that can be enclosed or left open, served by dedicated doors on both sides for efficient crew movement. Below deck, the accommodation is cleverly arranged to ensure privacy, with a master cabin located forward on a slightly different level and a full-beam VIP cabin aft. The flybridge serves as a secondary social hub, offering an outdoor dining area protected by a hardtop and a rear terrace for sunbathing.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 22,82 m
• Beam: 5,61 m
• Draft: 1,65 m
• Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 1350
• Maximum speed: 25 knots
• Cabins: 4
• More info: Adriatic Wave / Baotić Yachting

Sirena 78

The Sirena 78 is a versatile model in the modern trawler range designed for reliable cruising and family entertainment. A key innovation in its layout is the elimination of the main-deck helm station, which creates an expansive open-plan living area reminiscent of a modern home. This space is defined by full-height windows and a large galley equipped with top-tier appliances, offering owners a choice between an island or a wrap-around layout to suit their hosting preferences.

The yacht offers three flybridge options, including open, semi-enclosed, or fully enclosed, to accommodate different climates and cruising styles. Inside, the design encourages creativity through a loose-furniture concept allowing for customizable seating arrangements in the saloon. Below deck, the accommodation is completed by four en-suite cabins that benefit from the hull design by Germán Frers, which balances long-range efficiency with stable performance.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 25,00 m
• Beam: 6,50 m
• Draft: 1,73 m
• Engines: 2 x MAN V12-1400 / 1550 / 1800
• Maximum speed: Up to 25,7 knots
• Cabins: 4
• More info: Sirena Yachts

Cranchi Settantotto 78

The Cranchi Settantotto 78 is characterized by fluid lines and a high flared bow that conveys both strength and stability. Designed by Aldo Cranchi, the yacht emphasizes hydrodynamic efficiency and a clean deck aesthetic, notably hiding all mooring lines and winches within the hull to ensure safety and a minimalist profile. A standout feature is the large tender garage which can accommodate a four-meter tender and a jet ski, allowing the hydraulic platform to function as an unobstructed beach area.

The interior layout is defined by smart ergonomics, including a main deck where the dining area and saloon are visually separated through the use of different materials and textures. To maintain its Ocean Class A rating, the design retains a protected threshold between the cockpit and the lounge, ensuring rigidity for blue-water cruising. Below deck, the accommodation includes four en-suite cabins, with the full-beam master suite positioned amidships to maximize comfort and the sense of space.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 25,15 m
• Beam: 5,76 m
• Draft: 1,73 m
• Engines: 3 x Volvo Penta IPS 1350
• Maximum speed: 33 knots
• Cabins: 4
• More info: Alberta Yachts

Arcadia A80new

The Arcadia A80new is designed around a concept of holistic wellbeing, emphasizing a seamless connection with the natural environment. Measuring 23,98 meters, it remains just under the threshold for more restrictive regulations, allowing owners to access unspoiled bays while maintaining an eco-conscious profile. The upper deck stands out as the largest in its class, offering 80 square meters of customizable social space, while state-of-the-art solar panels significantly increase energy efficiency to support silent cruising at slower speeds.

As the first Raised Pilot House model from the shipyard, the A80new retains the distinctive wide-body bow which houses a master suite on the main deck, a rare feature in this size category. The main deck is an open space where full-height windows can be opened to let in the sea breeze, connecting the interior directly to a majestically sized aft deck. Below deck, the accommodation is completed by four additional guest cabins that follow the same refined aesthetic.

Key Specifications:

• LOA: 23,98 m
• Beam: 6,95 m
• Draft: 1,74 m
• Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 1200 / 1350
• Maximum speed: 21 knots
• Cabins: 5
• More info: Arcadia Yachts

Advantages of 24-meter yachts

Yachts in this range continue to attract because they strike a rare balance. They are large enough to feel substantial and comfortable, yet compact enough to remain efficient, discreet, and accessible. Handling is straightforward, operating costs are controlled, and their size opens doors to cruising areas beyond the reach of larger yachts.

This balance makes them particularly well-suited to:

• Private family cruising
• Luxury charter itineraries
• Shared ownership combining both

With proven engineering, adaptable layouts, and a clear focus on life on board, 80-foot yachts offer a refined approach to modern yachting. They deliver freedom without excess, comfort without complication, and a scale that fits the realities of contemporary cruising.

Choosing the right 80-foot yacht

Choosing the right 80-foot yacht begins with understanding how it will actually be used, rather than focusing solely on specifications. Decisions about layout, range, onboard systems, and overall purpose have a direct impact on life at sea, shaping comfort, efficiency, and the experience of both owners and guests over time.

Layout and space

The interior spaces of 80-foot yachts rival those of a high-end residence. Wide beams create expansive salons, multiple en-suite cabins, and versatile decks designed for relaxation, dining, and entertainment. Large windows, skylights, and open layouts ensure natural light and airflow, while custom finishes, bespoke furnishings, and modern technologies elevate the onboard experience.

Guest accommodation

In this class, yachts typically feature four guest cabins, accommodating 8 people, plus dedicated quarters for 2 to 4 crew members.

• Master Suite: At 80 feet, look for a full-beam master cabin amidships, offering maximum stability, space, and privacy.
• Deck Usability: Examine the flybridge design. Does it include a hardtop for shade? Is it reinforced for a tender crane if you plan to carry a jet-ski on the fly? Multiple deck zones enhance both entertainment and relaxation options.
• Balconies: Some new yachts feature opening balconies, enhancing the stern area to its maximum potential.

Tailoring your onboard experience

An 80-foot yacht offers extensive opportunities for personalization beyond interior finishes. Structural choices may include an enclosed sky lounge or an open flybridge, tailored to lifestyle and climate preferences. Technical upgrades, such as fin stabilizers or gyro systems, enhance both performance and onboard comfort. 

Garage and storage spaces can also be customized to accommodate specific equipment, from jet skis and a 4.5-meter tender to dedicated Seabob storage and dive compressors, ensuring that every aspect of the yacht supports your preferred activities and leisure pursuits.

Purpose: Defining your cruising style

Your intended cruising style influences which features are most important. Coastal cruising, for example along the Bahamas, benefits from a shallow draft of under two meters and a high top speed to move efficiently between ports. Long-distance voyages demand larger fuel tanks, along with ample storage, refrigeration, and laundry facilities for extended time at sea. 

Charter use versus private ownership also affects layout choices. For yachts intended for charter, the number of crew members is essential, as four crew members provide the best service for guests. Aligning the yacht’s design with its intended purpose ensures that both functionality and comfort meet your expectations.