|
The setting was suitably
upscale. Behind a multimillion-dollar mansion in an exclusive Fort Lauderdale
waterfront community, a Pershing 88 tugged gently at her docklines. Privately
owned, she was the only Pershing 88 in the United States, so it had taken
several weeks to arrange a test.
It was worth the wait.
Styled by Fulvio de Simoni, the yacht had a low, rakish profile and a
curvaceous deckhouse that conveyed a sporty yet sophisticated air, promising
both spirited performance and luxurious amenities. This flagship of the
Pershing line is clearly intended to appeal to those of you who take your
pleasure seriously.
Pleasure central is
on the aft deck, where a large sunpad is the focal point, flanked by steps
that lead to an oversize swim platform. In the standard configuration,
there’s a large stowage space beneath the sunpad, but our test boat
was equipped with an optional transom garage that accommodates a two-person
PWC and davit, along with space for diving gear and other watersports
equipment. For those who prefer more sedentary pleasures, another option
puts a hot tub beneath the sunpad.
Either way, guests will
enjoy congregating around a semicircular settee just forward of the sunpad
on the port side, with refreshments close at hand thanks to an electric
grill and wetbar to starboard. Just inside the saloon door, an under-counter
refrigerator keeps cold provisions handy.
For the sun-worshipper
seeking a little solitude, there’s a big sunpad in the bow, while
just aft, beneath a hydraulically operated hatch in the deckhouse, a large
stowage bay provides room for a tender and yet another PWC, along with
an electrohydraulic telescoping davit for launch and retrieval. A removable
panel in the bay’s aft wall provides access to wiring, electrical
panels, and other equipment mounted in the helm station dashboard.
Several no-nonsense
features of the foredeck impressed me, starting with a pair of Maxwell
winches mated to two Bruce anchors nested in the bow. Teak decking offers
comfortable, secure footing, and wide side decks allow for easy passage
fore and aft. For even greater security an 18-inch-high fiberglass bulwark
surrounds the deck, topped by a thigh-high stainless steel rail. Spring
cleats are mounted atop the bulwark, so there’s no danger of tripping
or stubbing a toe.
Once you’d had
enough sun, head through the electrically powered doors on either side
of the helm station, which provide entry into the upper saloon; I found
the door opening to be narrow for my 6'2", 210-pound frame. The upper
saloon on the 88 is really an indoor-outdoor area, with full-width sliding
glass doors that open onto the large aft deck and a large roof panel above
the dinette that slides open electrically. Steps alongside the helm lead
to the lower saloon, galley, and accommodations, where other forms of
pleasure are offered.
A six-burner cooktop
was my first clue that the galley is up to the task of preparing Epicurean
delights. Rugged pot restraints told me this yacht was designed to be
used, not sit dockside like a floating condo. But don’t think she’s
in any way Spartan. On the contrary, with black granite countertops and
refrigerator doors faced in satin cherry, the galley could rival a landside
gourmet kitchen.
Next page >
Pershing 88 continued > Page 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,
6
|