Boat test for the 2004 Pershing 76 including boat specifications, photo galleries, boat videos, boat layout diagrams, boat test numbers, boat test results, and boat speed graphs. Also includes pricing, engine test reviews, ratings, standard features, and gear for the 2004 Pershing 76.

Just as clearly, the 76’s target buyer would be someone who likes lots of light, air, and sun. Large side windows let in plenty of light (all saloon windows and the aft slider have privacy blinds) and are low enough to provide occupants a fine view outside. Although industrial-grade (72,000-Btu) air conditioning is standard, it’s easy to bring the outside in, thanks to a 9’7”W x 7’5”L electrically operated sunroof. Moreover, two of the three glass panels on the aft saloon bulkhead slide open, effectively making the shaded, teak-covered aft deck one with the saloon. If that’s not enough sun, there’s always the large sunpad atop the garage (an 11-foot RIB and optional PWC are below) and the even larger one on the foredeck.

At this point my impression of the 76’s owner was someone who probably wouldn’t spend a lot of time at the wheel. Pity, for it’s one of the best layouts I’ve seen. Everything is here—including all switches and breakers—but the most frequently used components, including electronics and gauges, are clustered in a vertical pod right in front of the helmsman. There are but two seats—four-way adjustable Besenzoni pedestals—not exactly an invitation for guests to watch the captain do his thing. They’re perfectly positioned to act as leaning posts, and indeed because the bridge deck is elevated, sightlines are better when you’re standing than when you’re seated. In the latter position the wheel is really too low for comfortable operation, not a problem since a standard jog lever lies to the helmsman’s left, between the seats.

Also between the seats and on the helmsman’s left are the MTU Electronik controls, a location that I, a right-hander, didn’t find particularly comfortable. I also found the control’s synching feature nonintuitive compared to other electronic controls: You first press the “synch/troll” button, then you must pull the port throttle back to neutral to engage it. To disengage it, you must perform the reverse operation.

But any helmsman would appreciate electrically operated (with readily available manual overrides) port and starboard watertight doors that lead to side decks that are wide going forward, a boon for docking. Going aft they narrow to little more than shoe width, and there is no bowrail here, although there are substantial handholds on both house sides.

To starboard of the helm a companionway leads down to the accommodations deck, which I suspect won’t get a lot of use. Again, a pity, for the amenities are considerable. Our boat had four cabins (a three-cabin version is available), which includes a surprisingly roomy full-beam master beneath the saloon and a smaller but nevertheless quite comfortable VIP in the forepeak. Like the starboard twin berth guest cabin between, these have en suite heads (the guest cabin’s has a second hallway door so it can double as a day head). The fourth cabin to port is probably intended for children, as it’s small, with angled bunks and no head.

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