On Board Review

Palm Beach PB85 Sedan Review (2025 Edition)

Palm Beach has spent nearly 30 years building fast, elegant motor yachts that don’t need a full crew to operate. The PB85 takes that idea into superyacht territory.

At 27.6m (90ft 5in) long, it’s the largest Palm Beach to date, but it keeps the same low, confident stance as the smaller models.

The brief was simple: a yacht that feels comfortable over distance and efficient at speed. It had to stay true to the Palm Beach way of doing things - precise engineering, clean design, and proper seakeeping. So does it do all of these things? Read on to find out.

Palm Beach PB85 Sedan Key Facts

Palm Beach PB85 Sedan illustration
  • LOA 90' 5"
  • Model Year 2025
  • Cabins 4
  • Crew 1
  • Max Speed 27 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Classic Style
  • Use Type Cruising

Review Video

Design & Build

It’s easy to underestimate this boat from the pontoon. The coupe profile hides its size, and you don’t realise just how big it is until you see it in the flesh (well, GRP). The PB85 stretches 27.5m (90ft), beam at 6.5m (21ft), but it keeps a low Palm Beach stance.

Mark Richards, the man behind every Palm Beach hull, wanted the PB85 to move like a much smaller boat. His V-Warp hull design gives it that edge. There’s a sharp entry at the bow, a gentle curve through the middle, and a very low deadrise at the stern. The idea is to lift early and run flat to keep drag down. At speed, it holds a steady five-degree trim, so the view ahead barely changes as the pace climbs.

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Can you think of a more sleek 90ft yacht?

Construction follows the same method that has made the smaller boats so solid. The hull is vacuum-infused E-Glass with carbon fibre in key structural zones, cored with foam to save weight. The deck and superstructure are full carbon, infused as one piece.

Bulkheads and built-in furniture are bonded straight to the hull and deck to form a single structure - no fasteners, no creaks, no flex. Everything below the waterline is protected with epoxy primer, antifouling, and Propspeed on the running gear. All fittings are 316 stainless. There’s a watertight collision bulkhead forward and a full-beam composite fuel tank that carries 10,000 litres (2,600 US gallons). 

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The huge cockpit is like a shady veranda
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The sunken well in the bow is a great addition
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There's plenty of storage for water toys on board

For the interior options, Burmese teak is standard, finished in a soft satin. The joinery is composite-cored, lightweight yet strong, and features hidden hinges and soft-close fittings. Grab rails are teak with stainless mounts, and lighting is all LED. Owners can pick lighter woods or fabrics, but the craftsmanship doesn’t change, as everything is hand-made and built in as part of the structure.

The hull grid allows different layouts without altering the mould. Most have a full-beam owner’s suite amidships, a VIP forward, and a twin guest cabin to starboard, all ensuite, with crew quarters aft. The same base structure supports the PB85 Flybridge and Skylounge versions, the only difference being what sits on top.

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If you like woodwork, you'll like Palm Beach
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Real time, effort and skill, has gone into the timber work
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The "teak" cappings are composite and therefore much easier to care for

Interior Accommodation

Going in, the PB85 has the same calm, woody warmth as the smaller boats, just on a grander scale. The joinery and fit are outstanding, the timber carrying that familiar scent, the grain running true across each panel, edges rounded, and quality fittings; it’s classic Palm Beach.

This layout puts the seating aft, with a long sofa running down the starboard side and a low table opposite. It’s the place to stretch out and watch the world go by, or the television that lifts from the cabinet on the port side. There’s room to move around, handholds where you need them, and a real sense of space. The deck is on one level from the cockpit through to the helm, so the whole main deck works as one open room.

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The open plan main deck is a fabulous space
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The sofa to starboard is squishy and comfortable
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The TV pops up from the cabinet opposite

The dining area sits forward to starboard, opposite the galley. It’s on the right side to face the television if you want it to, but it also catches the best of the view through the side windows. The furniture mix works nicely, matte wood around the room, the dining table polished to add a bit of contrast and sparkle.

The galley is opposite, island style, open to the rest of the deck. That’s important because this boat is meant to be run by its owner. You can cook, serve, and still be part of the conversation. It’s well equipped too, full-height fridge, drawers, induction hob, oven, dishwasher, and a surprising amount of stowage for a galley that sits right in the saloon. The soft-close drawers click shut and are held in place with solid catches so nothing can shift at sea. 

Cooling is taken care of by twin sunroofs overhead. You can open one over the galley or one over the helm, or both, and it draws heat and cooking steam straight out through the top of the boat. 

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The black counters add a more modern touch
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The sofa drops down to create a berth
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The galley is kitted out with high quality domestic appliances

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s cabin sits amidships, where movement is least, and it fills the full beam.

There’s a large central bed with good space on either side and a soft, carpeted sole. Headroom is generous, and the atmosphere is calm and quiet. The insulation works well; you hardly notice the machinery running behind the bulkhead.

Light comes from a pair of hull windows. They’re smaller than the big panels on some rivals, but they suit the style and keep the space private. It feels solid and well-built rather than showy.

On the port side, a small sofa runs under the window, the sort of seat you’d actually use. Opposite sits a bank of drawers, with more stowage behind the door that leads to a walk-in wardrobe.  

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The full beam owner's cabin, amidships
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Storage is through the roof (not literally)
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The small sofa is super comfortable

At the forward end, a bulkhead screen links into the boat’s camera feeds. You can check the anchor, look into the engine rooms, or see the deck from here. It’s the kind of detail that makes sense on an owner-run yacht.

The ensuite keeps to the same formula: teak below, dark countertop, twin basins, and a large glass shower. The toilet sits in a separate cubicle with its own window.  

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The walk-in wardrobe is a great addition to the owner's cabin
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The owner's ensuite lacks natural ventilation

Guest Accommodation

Forward of the mid-deck, the layout splits neatly into a twin cabin to starboard and the VIP right in the bow. The twin is classic Palm Beach: simple, tidy, and solid. Two single berths sit on either side with stowage underneath, drawers in the base, and lockers above.

Light comes through the oval portholes set into the topsides, and you can see the effect of the skylights above drawing in more natural light. It feels bright and well-balanced without needing big hull glass.

Each guest cabin has its own bathroom with a separate shower cubicle. The fittings are proper household size, and the heads have solid teak soles and good ventilation. 

Between the cabins, there's a locker with a washer and dryer. It’s easy to reach, tucked where you’d expect to find a cupboard, and ideal for longer trips so guests can manage their own laundry. 

Right forward, the VIP feels generous for a cabin in the bow. There’s enough floor space to move around, a big bed, and twin wardrobes on either side. More lockers sit under the windows and along the sides, so it’s practical as well as smart. A large deck hatch above brings in daylight and can be opened for air. The ensuite is spacious, finished in the same teak and dark counter combination as the owner’s bathroom, with a separate shower and good head height.

In the lobby, there's an excellent tech space fitted with the water maker, batteries, and rack storage for larger kit. It's typical of the brand that even this area is beautifully finished.

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The VIP cabin, forward
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Looking aft from the VIP
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The ensuites are beautifully finished
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The twin cabin has its own ensuite too

Crew Accommodation

Access to the crew space is from a hatch in the cockpit, and it’s a surprisingly pleasant area. There's a double cabin with an ensuite, which is a luxurious crew space or a lovely overflow guest cabin, but there's also a dedicated crew area down here. 

In the crew space, there’s a settee and table, a fridge, a microwave, a sink, and even its own switchboard for shutting down systems in this area. The single berth also has access to a private bathroom. 

Aft of the lounge are the washer and dryer, giving the boat a second laundry setup. It means the crew can handle housekeeping and sheets without using the guest machines forward, useful for extended cruising.

Behind a bulkhead door sits the lazarette and machinery space, so the crew can reach the engines and storage areas without going through the guest decks. From here, they can also step straight out onto the bathing platform, keeping all movement separate from the main living areas.

Palm Beach wanted to make this a good place to work. The layout is logical, the finish high, and access routes sensible. For a yacht this size, it’s one of the better thought-out crew areas you’ll see.

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The aft cabin is a lovely extra guest cabin or a luxurious spot for crew
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Crew have a small galley and prep station
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The crew cabin is compact but comfortable

Helm Station

There’s just the single helm station, but the seat is set right on the centreline, so when you sit back into it, there's a clear view ahead through the upright screen. 

This one has the IPS setup, twin 1,000hp Volvo Penta 1350s. It’ll top out around 27 knots, which might not sound as impressive as, say, the Princess S80 that can touch 40 knots, but the range figures tell the real story.

At a 21 knot cruise, it’ll run close to 700nm, and that’s exceptional for a boat of this size. Drop the speed back to 10 knots, and the range increases significantly. You can travel long distances quickly and comfortably, without worrying about fuel stops.

With the IPS version, control is all at your fingertips. The joystick sits beside you, and at 25 knots you can adjust course with a slight twist of the wrist. The throttles, bow thruster, and start-stop controls are grouped neatly; you sense how much thought has gone into making it comfortable to drive for long stretches.

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A classic looking helm with all the modern tech
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The view forward is excellent
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The seated driving position is comfortable for long journeys

The side doors on either side of the helm are another practical touch. Open one, and you can step out onto the deck, joystick in hand, and look straight down the hull as you dock. There are wing control stations on both sides with start buttons and a bow thruster switch, so whether you’re going port or starboard, you can find a comfortable position to dock the boat. An important factor when handling the boat as the owner. 

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The navigator has a great spot to sit and enjoy the journey
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The camera feeds show all areas of the boat from the helm
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There are remote stations by both side doors

On Deck

At the waterline, the swim platform feels much like a private terrace. The centre section is clever as it can hinge up to form a passerelle, fold flat for boarding, and lower into the water for launching toys.

You can still use it as a launch deck - there’s a shower under the step, wash-down points on both sides, and neat lockers that hold hoses and cleaning gear. There’s also a pull-out grill built into the transom, so you can cook down here and slide it back when you’re done.

When you lift the transom hatch, it opens into a big lazarette, which is carpeted, lit, and deep enough to stand in. The tools, fender socks, and lines are all stored in fitted trays that hold themselves open on gas rams. You can check both engines from here through quick-inspection hatches before you even go into the machinery space.

Every effort has been made to make this boat easy to run and care for. 

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The vast bathing platform has a transformer section in the centre
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The pop-out grill in the transom
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Access to the lazarette, engine room and crew cabin through the transom

Cockpit

The cockpit will be the main outdoor living area, as there’s no flybridge deck above on the Sedan version, so this is where you spend most of your time outside, and it feels huge. The overhang runs deep enough to give good shade, and a drop-down screen can close it off for privacy or extra shelter at anchor. 

It's worth pointing out that, in time, there will be both Flybridge and Skylounge versions of the 85 available. 

The layout is familiar, with a big fixed table running across the centre, with high-backed seating around it. The middle section of the table lifts out so you can pass through easily, and the whole thing drops on a pedestal to make a sun pad when you want it. The seating is deep and comfortable, with nice back support rather than the low benches you get on some sports yachts.

Forward to starboard, a smaller corner of seating creates a more private nook, tucked behind the wheelhouse glazing. When you’re running at 25 knots, that would be the spot - outside, but protected from the wind.

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The cockpit is a vast, shady living space

Along the port side, a console hides a pair of fridge drawers and a small prep counter. Under the seating, long lockers take mooring lines or deck gear, held open on gas rams. It’s a very usable deck with a good height to the coamings, stainless handrails where you want them. It’s built for an owner who’ll handle lines and fenders themselves. The boarding gate lines up with a side step, so you can step off straight to the quay without any awkward climb.

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These panes of glass add good wind protection in the cockpit
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This protected nook will be great on the move
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The table drops to create a sun pad

Side Decks & Foredeck

The side decks are wide, the bulwarks high, and you feel properly enclosed as you walk forward. The surfaces aren’t teak; they look it, but they’re a synthetic material that stays cool and grips well. It saves maintenance and still fits the look. 

There’s a small step on the starboard side where the boarding gate sits. Open that gate and you can step straight to the quay, no climbing, no awkward reach. Handholds are built into the superstructure, and the stainless rails are solid all the way forward. 

The coachroof runs a long way forward, so there’s a lot of white deck, which can be pretty bright in harsh sunlight. It's peppered with skylights for the accommodation below, and there is a small sun pad with pop-up backrests to add a bit of comfort. 

The best seat, though, is right in the nose. Palm Beach has dropped a deep well into the bow, almost like the cockpit of a Riva Aquarama. It’s low enough that you feel protected, but the view is fantastic. At ten knots, this is where you’d sit and listen to the bow cutting through the water, not somewhere to be at twenty-five unless it’s flat calm, but perfect for a quiet run into harbour.

The ground tackle is first rate: heavy stainless Ultra anchor, proper chain locker you can almost climb into, washdown points, and big cleats for bow lines. It's top drawer stuff. 

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The well in the bow is a brilliant bit of design
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The sun pads have pop-up backrests that can be arranged at various angles
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The ground tackle is as clean as a whistle

Tender Deck & Roof

Climb up from the side deck, and you reach the tender deck, and this is where the design makes one of its few compromises. The tender sits on the roof, not the platform, a calculated call as the hull design depends on the running surface extending beneath the platform.

The steps up the windscreen to get to the roof are small and precarious, and there are no guard rails, so once you’re on top, you realise you’re standing quite high with little protection around you.

The crane itself is neatly built in, strong enough for a Williams 445 or 450 jet tender, but there's no doubt this is a trickier arrangement than stowing on the platform or inside a tender garage. To make life easier, a camera is mounted up here so you can check the tender from the helm screens while running. 

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The roof-mounted tender isn't the easiest arrangement

Engine Room

This is where the PB85 really impresses. You go through the aft bulkhead and find two separate engine rooms, one for each engine. Each space is spotless and perfectly organised. The engines sit in splendid isolation with every cable, hose, and fitting clipped and labelled. Wiring looms are neat, colour-coded, and run in straight lines. Even the bilges look clean enough to eat from. You could spot a problem in here instantly. You can see straight away how much thought has gone into making it easy to work on.

The Racor fuel filters have clear bowls so you can check the fuel at a glance, and there’s room to switch between them if needed. Twin generators sit in separate spaces, easy to reach, and there’s a proper walkway between the machinery.

Headroom is slightly restricted, but you can still move around easily and perch on the bulky stringers to do your maintenance. It’s the kind of space you rarely see on a yacht under 30 metres. Tidy, accessible, and built with service in mind. For an owner who wants to look after their own boat, it’s exactly what you’d hope for.

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The machinery spaces are first class
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There are inspection hatches for both engines inside the lazarette
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The hatches make it easy to work on both sides of the engines

Value For Money

You'll pay around $10,000,000 for the 85, which is a large, scary number, but it requires some context.

Palm Beach doesn't really do base boats, so that figure is for a boat that is specified to a very high standard, with all the bells and whistles that you'd possibly want. It's also clearly evident that though you're paying a premium, this is every inch the premium product from the way it looks, to the way it goes through the water, and the quality of every nut, bolt, and surface. You can see that this is an expensive boat to make, and that is fairly reflected in the price.

You're also buying exclusivity and a boat that will still look good and be turning heads 30 years from now. It's hard to describe $10m as 'value for money', but this is an exceptionally crafted machine with a unique cruising ability. 

Our Verdict

In chasing performance and efficiency, the PB85 accepts a few trade-offs. There are no folding tricks in the cockpit, no sweeping hull windows, and the tender launch takes a little more effort than most. What you get instead is a yacht with lasting style and real ability.

Palm Beach has been building boats for 30 years, and in another 30, it’s hard to imagine this one looking out of place. The design feels timeless. What the PB85 excels at is fast cruising. It can cover long distances at speed, comfortably, and under its own command. For an experienced owner who wants to travel far without giving up control, there’s very little that comes close.

Reasons to Buy

  • Timeless Palm Beach styling
  • Owner-run capability
  • Superb build and finish
  • Incredible cruising efficiency

Things to Consider

  • Limited foredeck sun pad space
  • Roof-mounted tender handling
  • No hull windows

Looking to own a Palm Beach PB85 Sedan? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Palm Beach PB85 Sedan Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Palm Beach PB85 Sedan, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!

Rivals to Consider

At 25.5m (83 ft 7in), the Princess S80 sets the performance benchmark among sports yachts of this size. Twin MAN V12s with 2,000hp each drive it to 40 knots, and it feels every bit as sharp as the numbers suggest. Yet the pace comes at a price. Range at speed drops quickly, and you need crew on hand to get the best from it. The PB85 runs slower on paper but far more efficiently, covering 700nm at 21 knots from its 10,000-litre tanks. The Princess gives you flybridge living, big glazing, and bold styling, but the Palm Beach is quieter, steadier, and more manageable for an owner at the helm.

The Sanlorenzo SP92 stretches to just over 28m (92ft) and takes a different approach. Triple 2,000 hp MANs drive waterjets for a top speed around 40 knots, but fuel burn is heavy. Its semi-widebody design creates a vast main-deck saloon and open terraces, but it favours architectural impact over efficiency. The Palm Beach, built in carbon and E-Glass, weighs far less and carries no superstructure bulk above the main deck. It runs level, handles like a smaller yacht, and can cruise fast for days rather than hours.  

At 23.6 m (77 ft 5 in), the Zeelander 8 comes closest in spirit. Both are owner-driven, IPS-powered, and hand-finished. The Zeelander uses three 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350s to reach 38 knots and holds an easy 28-knot cruise. The build quality is superb, the noise levels impressively low, and the styling pure glamour.  

Considering a new yacht? Explore Palm Beach's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Builder Palm Beach
  • Range Classic Series
  • Model PB85 Sedan
  • Length Overall 90' 5"
  • Beam 22' 2"
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 4
  • Berths 8
  • Crew 1
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 2,642 Gallons
  • Fresh Water Capacity 396 Gallons
  • Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350
  • Engine max range (speed type) 700 (nm)
New Model Specs & Options

Palm Beach PB85 Sedan Layout

  • Main Deck Palm Beach PB85 Sedan

    You can have the galley aft if you prefer 

  • Lower Deck Palm Beach PB85 Sedan

    Check out the dedicated machinery space for each engine 

View All Layout Options