In a competitive market, production builders are under constant pressure to differentiate their products. This is especially relevant for Pearl Yachts, a relatively young British company competing against homegrown rivals like Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline. The Pearl 95, its latest and largest flybridge model, follows the Pearl 65 and 80 and continues the successful collaboration with naval architect Bill Dixon and interior designer Kelly Hoppen. It also offers what is arguably the most powerful motivation to buy: Value.
“When I cofounded the company in 1998, we started with the Pearl 41 and 45,” says Iain Smallridge, managing director of Pearl Yachts and a former captain. “At that time I never imagined that we’d be stepping into superyacht territory with a 95-footer.”
The Pearl range is fitted with much of the same high-end machinery and equipment—CAT or MTU engines, Kohler generators, TRAC or Seakeeper stabilizers, Lewmar deck gear, Gaggenau galleys and so on—as its competitors building in Europe, but at considerably less cost to its customers. With a base price starting at $7.1 million the Pearl 95 is priced to compete with rival models.
On top of its competitive pricing, Pearl throws in a comprehensive five-year warranty. While most new boat hull warranties run an average of two years, Pearl’s after-sales support reflects the company’s confidence in its products and provides an added incentive for owners looking for peace of mind.
The master suite and foredeck arrangement is what marketing folks would call a unique selling point. The master is not full beam, but panoramic forward-facing windows and strip glazing on the sides certainly make it feel much larger and airier than others in her class.
2020 Pearl Yachts 95
The open-air spaces continue with the aft cockpit that has three large skylights in the deckhead to provide that alfresco feeling without burning up under the sun. The flybridge is equipped with a Jacuzzi and sunbeds, a grill and the exterior helm station with central access to the raised pilothouse.
To optimize flow through the single-level main deck, Pearl introduced a wide walkway into the main salon that leads from the aft deck all the way forward to the master suite without having to recondition furniture. The first unit also features optional, full-height sliding glass doors on both sides.
Belowdecks there is the choice of a four or five-cabin layout for up to 10 guests. The forward crew’s quarters has four berths (with a separate cabin for the captain) finished to a high standard and is even carpeted.
Hull number one is fitted with 2,400-hp MTU engines, but other engine options are available, from the standard pair of 1,925-hp CATs to more powerful 2,600-hp MTU units, for a top speed of up to 29 knots. The deep-V hull performed smoothly and predictably underway, tracking comfortably throughout her speed range even in the choppy swell, and slipped back into her berth without a fuss using the toggle controls on the aft deck. —Justin Ratcliffe
LOA: 95’10”
Beam: 22’
Displ.: 209,439 lbs.
Fuel: 2,641 gal.
Water: 422 gal.
Standard Power: 2/1,925-hp CAT C32 Acert
Price: $7.1 million
Cruise Speed: 16 knots
Top Speed: 27 knots