The launch of a sixth hull signals steady demand for a model designed to balance performance with manageable scale. At just over 25 meters, the AB 80 targets owners who may prefer to take the helm themselves, supported by a compact crew setup.
Each unit follows a semi-custom approach. Owners can adjust layouts, finishes, and onboard features while retaining a consistent technical platform. Earlier yachts have already demonstrated the range of possibilities, from relocated galleys to tailored interior styling developed with private designers.
Deck Spaces Built Around Use
Exterior areas follow a practical, user-focused approach. The cockpit provides flexible seating and dining arrangements, while the foredeck is designed as a primary social zone with sunpads and lounge seating.
At the stern, a concealed garage houses water toys, typically including jet skis mounted on launch systems that keep the deck clear when not in use. This arrangement preserves clean exterior lines while maintaining functionality.
Above, the sundeck is kept deliberately simple. Rather than a full secondary helm station, it serves as a dedicated relaxation space with sunpads and open views. A secondary control position is available for low-speed maneuvering when required. An “open-roof” concept on the main deck of the motor yacht further defines the onboard experience, creating a space that can be used for dining or lounging under open sky conditions.
Open-Plan Living with Flexible Layouts
The AB 80’s layout is designed around social use and adaptability. A four-cabin configuration accommodates up to eight guests, with additional space for two crew members.
The full-beam owner’s suite sits amidships, benefiting from the superyacht’s widest point and enhanced sound insulation from the engine room. Forward, a VIP cabin and two additional guest cabins complete the accommodation, each with en suite facilities.
On the main deck, the saloon is arranged as a relaxed, open-plan space, often configured with a lounge area, informal dining, and integrated entertainment systems. Owners can tailor this area to suit their priorities, whether focused on hosting or private use.
Performance at the Core
The defining characteristic of the AB 80 remains its propulsion system. Triple MTU 16V2000 M96L engines, each producing 2,600 horsepower, are paired with MJP waterjets to deliver high-speed capability and precise maneuverability.
This configuration supports top speeds in the region of 57 knots, placing the model among the fastest yachts in its class. Cruising speeds around 45 knots allow for reduced travel times between destinations, while the waterjet setup enables a shallow draft and improved handling in tighter or shallower cruising grounds.
The engineering approach aligns with the yard’s long-standing focus on performance-driven yachts. Rather than adapting slower platforms to reach higher speeds, the AB 80 is built from the outset around propulsion, weight distribution, and structural efficiency.
Want to know how the AB 80 performs on the water? Our full YachtBuyer review breaks down its speed, layout, and real-world usability:
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ON BOARDAB 80 Review (2023 Edition)
Positioning the AB 80 Within the Wider Lineup
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, AB Yachts has 7 models currently in production. The AB 80 forms part of a broader lineup that scales the same design and engineering principles across larger platforms.
The AB 95 extends the concept to 28.45 meters, increasing guest capacity to ten while introducing expanded living areas and improved onboard comfort. The model builds on technical features developed over the brand’s three-decade history, with a focus on reduced vibration and quieter operation alongside its performance credentials.
Further up the range, the AB 100 sits at 30.5 meters and introduces additional flexibility in layout and deck configuration. It retains triple-engine waterjet propulsion, with standard speeds around 50 knots and higher-performance variants reaching up to 60 knots. YachtBuyer’s review of the AB 100 awarded the model a 4.5-star score, placing it close to the threshold required for entry into the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame - a benchmark reserved for yachts achieving a flawless five-star result across all categories.
At the top end of this selection, the AB 130 pushes the concept into the 40-meter category. With five cabins for up to ten guests, it introduces larger social areas, including a multifunctional stern with folding terraces and an expanded beach club setup. Despite its size, the model maintains the brand’s emphasis on speed and open-plan living, with similar “open-roof” features and adaptable deck spaces.
Across all models, the common thread remains clear. Lightweight construction, waterjet propulsion, and semi-custom flexibility define the range, with each step up adding volume and onboard features without moving away from the core performance brief.
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