on 24 May 2021
The latest version of Ferretti’s entry-level yacht, the Ferretti 500, offers buyers the fine finish and gentlemanly appeal that has become synonymous with the famed Italian builder
“Just like home” is the slogan of Ferretti Yachts these days. It is a notion reflected in the look and feel of their yachts, which offer comfy, breezy interior spaces befitting a villa on the sea. Families wanting a second home on the water, away from land-based headaches, are welcome aboard.
The new Ferretti 500, the 15.3-metre entry-level yacht, replaces the Ferretti 450. It is the first rung on Ferretti’s ladder to bigger things in Ferretti’s line, or perhaps in Ferretti Group’s more esoteric brands, such as speedy Pershings, space-aged Wallys or gorgeous Rivas.
Among yacht writers, there are numerous analogies to compare the various yacht brands of Ferretti Group. Riva is the glass of vintage wine, Pershing is a double shot of tequila, Wally is an exotic cocktail that confounds bartenders, and the Ferretti is a perfect, dry Martini. In short, Ferretti is the classic choice.
The 500 is the work of Ferretti’s Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, Filippo Salvetti for the exteriors and IdeaeItalia on the interiors. Above all, Ferretti Yachts exude the casual yet impeccable style of the Italian Riviera.
The exterior keeps to the traditional look of a Ferretti, yet it introduces aerodynamic design and streamlined styling. The stern area offers generous spaces, while the hull’s sides feature larger windows with sweeping lines. The stern swim platform features an optional hydraulic platform for safety when entering the water. A large storage space is at the stern, which has the option to be a small crew cabin.
The 500 features exterior styling by Filippo Salvetti
From the stern, there is access on both sides up to the cockpit, which has a sofa and table, with dining space for up to eight people. One nifty feature of the aft cockpit is the ability to turn the dining area into a large, forward-facing sun pad. The backrest can be angled back, while the table, which is on an adjustable support, can be dropped down and covered with cushions.
Riva is the glass of vintage wine, Pershing is a double shot of tequila, Wally is an exotic cocktail that confounds bartenders, and the Ferretti is a perfect, dry Martini
Enjoying views from the flybridge
Up on the flybridge, there is a sizeable dining area with a C-shaped sofa that extends around both sides of the stern section and faces a table that can be extended to seat more guests. With the wet bar next to it, owner and guests can enjoy snacks and drinks at ease. A bimini is optional.
A trip through the interior starts with the aft galley, which has a rear window that opens and fixes to the roof overhang, creating an entertainment space that merges the main deck interior with the aft exterior.
The main deck opens onto the aft cockpit, with interior design by IdeaeItalia
The main deck has a spacious lounge featuring two sofas and a table with an adjustable, stainless steel base. This means the table can either be a dining table or a coffee table.
The 500 also shows just how much Ferretti have tried to give owners of their smallest yacht the same standard of comfort you might find on a larger yacht. There is the master cabin amidships with a stepped floor that allows for decent headroom. The VIP cabin is forward, and a twin cabin is on starboard.
Ferretti yachts are about attention to detail with the Made in Italy imprimatur. For furnishings, fixtures and finishes, the 500 features an array of Italian deluxe names: Graniti Fiandre flooring, Galassia bathroom ceramics, OML bathroom fixtures, Colombo door handles, Cadorin parquet flooring, lacquered venetian blinds by Pellini, Zimmer+Rohde sofas, Pafoni mixer taps and fabrics by Gentili Mosconi.
Ferretti Yachts are about attention to detail with the Made In Italy imprimatur. For furnishings, fixtures and finishes, the 500 features an array of Italian deluxe names
The main saloon, where buyers can choose between a classic or contemporary mood
The full-beam master cabin includes a mirror behind the bed that stretches across the entire width of the cabin, dramatically increasing the sense of space. The layout also offers a 43-inch TV, plus roomy lockers and drawers.
The VIP cabin also enjoys a large TV as well as temperature and entertainment controls for late evening relaxation. There is plenty of storage in hanging lockers and sideboards that appear to be almost everywhere – no space has been left untouched in the search for storage.
Buyers can opt for one of two layouts in the 500: one with the twin double cabin and one without. With the twin double option, the VIP cabin and twin double share a bathroom. Buyers can choose from one of two design options: the “contemporary” mood, inspired by the sunbaked, windswept colours of the Greek island of Santorini; or the “classic” mood, with warm colours lifted from the Italian seaside town of Portofino.
The amidships master cabin
The first 500 was built with the contemporary option, dominated by oak in different sand-coloured tones for the walls, furniture and parquet, paired with polished and matt lacquer in various shades of white.
A yacht, no matter how elegant, must perform at sea. The new 500 is fitted with a pair of 550 mhp Cummins QSB 6.7 engines, for a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots, based on early data. Test drives have shown the 500 to have a solid, forgiving feel at the helm, even when faced with some wind and choppy waves.
Visual displays at both helm stations have been kept simple, making this 500 something that an owner would feel comfortable driving. There is an optional joystick with docking mode for extremely easy handling in confined waters.
The yacht has a set of Humphree dynamic trim interceptors with automatic operating mode for optimised fuel consumption. For an owner or owner-operator who wants to start enjoying weekends on the water, this is a gentlemanly way to begin.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: FERRETTI YACHTS 500
LOA: 15.3M
BEAM: 4.3M
DRAUGHT: 1.2M
DISPLACEMENT: (FULLY LADEN) 22T
MAX. PERSONS ONBOARD: 12
GUEST ACCOMMODATION: 6
ENGINES: 2 X CUMMINS 550 MHP
FUEL CAPACITY: 1,350L
WATER 600: L
MAX. SPEED: 30KTS
CRUISE SPEED: 25KTS
RANGE AT CRUISE SPEED: 200NM