Yacht Class n°24 (march-april-may 2021)

Pershing – Ferretti Group

Last year, the managers of the Pershing brand (Ferretti Group) lifted the veil on what they called the “reinvention” of their sporty units design. It began with the 7X, which enjoys a silhouette designed for performance and interiors that have been upgraded in terms of ergonomics and decoration. And of course all in direct collaboration with Fulvio De Simoni, the historic designer of this iconic brand.

Written by Alain Brousse – Photos : All rights reserved

Instead of the word revolution, Pershing preferred “reinvention” to convey its new policy aimed at modifying the design of future models. This does not mean that the exterior appearance will be transformed, among other things. Pershing’s DNA is still very much in place with the designer behind these sports boats (1985): Fulvio De Simoni. We shall speak of a kind of reinterpretation giving the 7X a silhouette that symbolizes even more speed. Her flowing lines are an indisputable indicator of what she should show in navigation. Add to this the liquid parabola created by the surface propellers and the picture is complete. The 7X clocks up the miles by gliding on water. And do not forget the new “Alu-Silver” paint sublimating the sports identity.

Amazing: 42 tons at 50 knots !

The 7X had to be endowed with a carefully studied power to reach “stratospheric” speeds and a transmission consistent with her objective: performance with a capital P. Of course, prior to that, Ferretti’s Product Strategy Committee, headed by Piero Ferrari, had developed a hyper-fast hull. Thus, the 7X houses two 1 800 hp MAN 12V diesels, each coupled to a surface propeller transmission system, mounted on the transom. These are highly efficient from 1 500 rpm on and with an amazing power curve. The best speed/consumption ratio at speeds above 1 200 rpm and up to a maximum of 2 400 rpm is at 2 000 rpm: 40 knots, which gives her a range of 269 miles. Even better, for a direct crossing of 100 miles in calm seas, the captain can either opt for the cruising speed of 40 knots, for a total consumption of 1 330 litres (time: 2h30), or rely on the top speed of 50 knots (time: 2 hours) and burn more fuel: 1 350 litres. Long live the surface propellers, which have nonetheless two weaknesses: sailing at less than 15 knots (not very reactive) and port manoeuvring (not very efficient). The solution to get back to the marina berth: a joystick on the dashboard that can operate both the bow and stern thrusters as well as the main engines. Thus, Pershing has equipped the 7X and its other models with it. And in navigation, the trim is automatically adjusted, which should please the pilot.

A pure hardtop without flybridge

Once the thrills are over, it is important to remember that this 21-metre has in her program cruising with family or friends. Starting with her outdoors facilities designed by Fulvio De Simoni with imagination. First of all, we cannot forget to mention the partly glazed arch originating at the cockpit gunwale and joining the roof. It increases the visual quality of the silhouette. Impossible to ignore it anyway since it delimits the entrance of each side deck. Those logically lead to the bow and to the foredeck whose deckhouse is, in a traditional way, covered by a sunbed with headrest extended by a permanent deckchair-shaped settee. A place essentially dedicated to sunbathing or naps. For their part, the stern and the cockpit feature a more elaborate equipment. Three-quarters of the swim platform is hydraulic to, among other things, facilitate the tender launch (L: 4.50 m) well sheltered in its garage. On each side, a staircase leads to the cockpit whose main hood acts as a solarium for three to four. Its front part has a retractable backrest and can become a settee. However, the outside dining area is located on portside against the bay window, which is rare on this type of open-hardtop whose interior layout distinctively bears De Simoni’s “touch”.

The main deck captures as much light as possible

Since the 7X has no flybridge, the ceiling features two skylights which, together with the side windows, ensure optimal brightness. The separation with the outside is almost symbolic. As usual on this type of unit, the main deck gathers a saloon convertible into a dining area on portside and an opposite low cabinet with a retractable TV. The 360° sea view is almost guaranteed. The wheelhouse and its two armchairs perfectly blend in. The galley is located at the bottom of the staircase leading to the lower deck, be it on both the two or three cabin layouts. What does change is that the two-cabin arrangement features a dinette belowdecks, facing the galley that can be used as a salon. The owner enjoys the 16 m2 central cabin with private en suite and dressing room. The guest couple will be accommodated in the forward VIP, which also has a bathroom. The third cabin offers two berths with bathroom and separate shower stall, like all the other cabins. Which makes the 7X very recommendable for charter. If performance is one of your top criteria, the 7X open hard top will seduce you, especially if you demand comfort and finishing.

What about surface propellers ?

This has been scientifically demonstrated: placing the center of thrust near the water surface, i.e. as horizontal as possible, with suitable propellers, makes those more efficient. Hence the invention of the so-called “surface” propellers. They are fitted on “offshore” boats that can reach speeds of over 200 km/h. It is easy to identify a boat equipped with this system, since from a certain speed on, a parabola of about twenty metres long and five metres high appears in her wake. Be aware that surface propellers are really operational only from 1 600 rpm. Below this speed, before “screwing” into the water, they go through a period of ventilation. From a standing start, the 7X takes 30 seconds before she reaches 30 knots. Beyond this speed, the surface propellers have no equal to provide unique sensations. Crème de la crème: they have the best performance at high rpm.