Built by AB Yachts, part of Next Yacht Group, the model has been developed for fast Mediterranean cruising, pairing lightweight composite construction with exterior and interior design by Acube Design. Naval architecture has been developed in-house by AB Yachts, supporting the yacht’s high-performance platform and low-profile styling.
Low-profile styling built around performance
The motor yacht follows the same design direction as the rest of the AB Yachts range, with a long, low profile shaped around speed and open-air cruising. Large sections of glazing run along the superstructure and bulwarks, helping bring more natural light into the interior while giving the yacht a more contemporary appearance on the water. Lightweight composite construction, reinforced with carbon and Kevlar in selected areas, has been used to support the yacht’s high-speed performance and reduce overall weight. These features will be on display at the Venice Boat Show 2026, where visitors will be able to see the yacht’s performance-focused styling and low-profile design up close.
Social spaces focus on outdoor living
The boat's main deck layout has been arranged around outdoor living, with the cockpit and saloon connected through wide sliding glass doors that help extend the social space across the aft deck. A large sunpad sits above the garage area at the stern, creating a relaxed spot close to the water, while the foredeck has been configured as one of the yacht’s main entertainment zones with wraparound seating and additional sunpads. Above, the sundeck provides another open-air lounge space with elevated views, sunbathing areas and secondary controls for low-speed manoeuvring. Hidden within the transom garage is storage for two jet skis, helping maintain the clean deck layout and uninterrupted profile.
Guest accommodation prioritises usable cruising space
Accommodation onboard is arranged for up to eight guests across four cabins, with the interior finished in a contemporary Italian style that mixes gloss wood detailing, marble surfaces and soft ambient lighting. The full-beam owner’s suite is positioned amidships and includes a lounge area, desk space and generous storage, while the forward VIP cabin benefits from large hull windows that bring natural light into the space. The remaining guest accommodation consists of a convertible twin cabin and a bunk cabin, allowing the layout to suit both family cruising and guest use. Crew accommodation for two is positioned separately forward. The yacht is also offered as a semi-custom model, giving owners flexibility over interior finishes, layout details and onboard features.
Triple waterjet propulsion pushes the AB 80 beyond 50 knots
The AB 80’s propulsion setup remains one of the defining aspects of the model. Three MAN V12 engines deliver 2,600hp each through waterjets, allowing the yacht to cruise at around 45 knots while reaching reported maximum speeds of 54 knots. The waterjet arrangement also supports shallow draft operation and agility.
International awards recognised the AB 80’s design
Since its launch, the AB 80 has received several industry awards and nominations. The model won the Best Exterior Design (24–30m) category at the 2020 World Yachts Trophies and was later shortlisted in the Outstanding Exterior Motor Yacht Design (24m to 39.9m) category at the 2021 Boat International Design & Innovation Awards. The yacht also became a finalist in the Motor Yacht (under 25m) category at The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2021.
The AB 80 has also undergone YachtBuyer review testing, where attention was given to the yacht’s acceleration, waterjet handling and deck arrangement. The review noted the effectiveness of the cockpit-to-saloon connection, the usability of the foredeck lounge space and the way the yacht maintains onboard comfort while travelling at much higher speeds than many conventional motor yachts.
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ON BOARDAB 80 Review (2023 Edition)
AB Yachts continues growing its fast-cruising lineup
The Venice Boat Show 2026 appearance comes as AB Yachts continues expanding its range of performance-focused yachts. Alongside the AB 80, the builder currently produces the larger AB 100 motor yacht, a 30m model developed for extended high-speed cruising with increased guest space and larger exterior entertainment areas, as well as the AB 130 motor yacht. Previously known as the AB 125, the 40m AB 130 accommodates up to ten guests across five cabins and pushes the brand’s fast-planing philosophy further into the superyacht segment with increased internal volume and long-range cruising capability.
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, there are currently 6 AB yachts in the order book.
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