Pearl 72 Review (2022 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

The exterior layout of the Pearl 72 includes several clever features, beginning with an unusual aft bench that doubles as a cushion-topped perch for 2-3 guests. It's fitted with integrated cup holders and positioned to make the most of the view over the swim platform. Underneath lies a notably large tender garage for a 72-footer, housing a 3.25m (10.7ft) Brilliance jet tender and a jet ski, with room left over for inflatables, paddleboards, and a Seabob. Sliders allow the toys to be launched via the hydraulic swim platform.

There's also a transom shower on the port side and boarding doors on both cockpit sides, plus a passarelle cleverly mounted to the ceiling above. The space is wired with shore power and features a conventional swim ladder to starboard.

The cockpit itself feels like an extension of the saloon, with a cozy ottoman-style pouffe and a large table that converts via fold-out leaves. Dining for four is comfortable here, but the overall guest layout caters well to eight. Storage is subtly integrated, with a waste bin, sink, and potential bar space hidden behind slim cabinetry.

Wide side decks lead forward, flanked by high, sturdy rails and oversized handholds. Fender and line storage is provided both forward and amidships. At the bow, the space really opens up, revealing a generous sunpad and shaded seating area with a foldable table. Speakers and pop-up lights are built in, and there’s even an emergency escape hatch discreetly worked into the layout.

The anchor setup includes a stainless steel anchor and chain, twin cleats, windlass, and anchor lockers to either side. A saltwater deck wash is also installed.  

The flybridge is surprisingly large, giving everyone on board their own space even with a full party of guests. Loose lounge furniture and a convertible aft sunpad (which can even be swapped for a jacuzzi) create a highly flexible setup. Forward, there’s another layout area with storage beneath and cushions that can be repurposed to turn the dining area into a nap-ready daybed.

A bar includes a fridge, ice maker, electric grill, and sink, along with storage throughout. The hardtop features oversized opening louvers that let in plenty of breeze once the sun starts to drop, lending the space a high-end, almost superyacht-style vibe.

At the aft end of the main deck, a dedicated docking station sits to port. It’s fitted with thruster controls, engine start/stop buttons, and MTU panels, well positioned to balance the starboard-side interior helm for confident mooring from either side.

The Pearl 72’s main deck saloon is laid out as one continuous level, which enhances the sense of space. The atmosphere is relaxed and lounge-like, without a formal high-low table crowding the view. Air conditioning is subtle but effective, and the electrical and monitoring panel tucked near the aft entrance includes controls for the Seakeeper, freshwater and greywater tanks, battery selectors, and alarms. It’s a slick, low-profile interface that adds a touch of technical polish.

Just forward is a breakfast nook tucked beneath the windshield, seating six with room for a few extra cushions. It’s a flexible area that can also serve as a quiet watch berth during overnight passages. Opposite is the main helm, where compact helm chairs are spaced with enough room to move easily behind, ideal for video filming or tight manoeuvring.

The galley is fully open and superbly equipped, with details that speak to thoughtful design. There's a four-burner cooktop with integrated extraction, microwave-convection oven below, full-size dishwasher, and deep storage with built-in organizers for plates, glasses, and cutlery. A hidden fridge, icemaker, and single-bottle champagne chiller add to the entertaining credentials. Even the outlets are international-standard, with wireless and USB charging built in. The breakfast bar includes seating for three or four and feels more like a residential kitchen than a galley squeezed into a hull.

Pearl’s semi-custom approach is evident throughout, from the refined wood paneling and ambient lighting to the carefully chosen fixtures. The brand aims to build no more than 25 yachts per year, maintaining boutique status and allowing owners to personalize the interiors extensively.

Owner Cabin

The Pearl 72 features a rare layout for its size: two full-beam owner suites. The aft owner cabin, accessed midships, features a bed larger than a queen (measured at 5'7" wide), deep underbed storage, and multiple built-in drawers at the foot and sides. Rounded joinery gives the space a soft, cohesive feel. There’s a dressing table or desk with vanity drawers, large hanging locker, and en suite with a full two-person shower, rain head, and twin portholes for cross-ventilation. The overall headroom exceeds 2.1m (7ft), giving a strong sense of vertical space.

At the opposite end of the yacht, the forward owner suite is unusually positioned at the bow. The layout cleverly uses every corner, with floating furniture and concealed anchor gear behind the headboard. A TV lifts from cabinetry, and the port side includes a work nook with desk, exposed shelving, and a coffee station feel. Storage is generous, with triple drawers to port and additional hanging space to starboard. There’s even a safe built in.

The ensuite here includes exposed and closed storage, a good-sized sink area, and a one-and-a-half person sized shower. While slightly more compact than the aft owner’s, the space trades size for privacy and has a more tucked-away feel.

Guest Accommodation

Two guest cabins sit amidships between the dual masters. To port is a generous VIP cabin with a bed, slightly narrower than a standard queen but still large. Headroom again is excellent, and four people could comfortably stand and move around the space. Storage includes underbed drawers, a mirrored vanity or desk area, a large hanging locker, and integrated TV.  

To starboard is a twin cabin with fixed single berths and three drawers underneath. While the beds don’t slide together, the setup makes smart use of volume and allows for extra cabinetry. The hanging locker is again generous, and the cabin has a dedicated en suite that also serves as a day head. The shower includes a rain head and glass door, while the vanity has under-sink storage and contemporary finishes.

Crew Accommodation

Aft of the engine room is a crew cabin designed to sleep two in bunks, although most US-based owners will likely use it as overflow or captain’s quarters rather than full-time crew accommodation. Headroom is fair, and there’s storage, a TV, and a compact microwave. A washer-dryer combo and small drinks fridge are built into the corridor outside, functioning as a utility space.

The crew head is surprisingly generous, with a separate shower compartment, storage, and no wet head compromise. 

Access to the engine room is from the crew corridor. Despite the lower head height beneath the tender garage, there’s still standing room throughout for most adults. The layout is straightforward, with twin MTU 10V 2000 M96L engines (1,600hp each) in a V-drive configuration. The setup runs cardan shafts with straight transmissions and dripless seals. A Seakeeper 18 gyro is mounted amidships, and systems are well distributed for maintenance access.

Twin Kohler generators are installed port and starboard. Fuel filters are easy to reach, and the Victron inverter chargers are mounted on the forward bulkhead. Exhaust routing, hydraulic packs, and fire suppression systems are all clearly laid out, and there’s a second engine start panel and camera surveillance. 

Performance figures include a cruising speed of 25 knots, top speed of 32 knots, and a range of 250 nautical miles at cruising speed.

The Pearl 72 left a strong impression for how much it delivers in a compact footprint. It feels spacious, well laid out, and genuinely livable, with thoughtful touches throughout. The flybridge and dual owner suites give it real presence, while features like the oversized tender garage and boutique detailing set it apart. Fast, comfortable, and flexible enough for a range of ownership styles, it’s a sharp, confident yacht that delivers more than you’d expect for its size.