The Pershing GTX116 made its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023, launching as the 35m flagship of the brand’s new GTX range. Built to deliver the punch and handling Pershing is famous for while opening up vast amounts of usable deck and interior space.
Designed in collaboration with Fulvio De Simoni and powered by triple MAN V12s on waterjets, it can blast to around 35 knots yet still offer multi-level outdoor living, fold-out terraces, and a genuine beach-club with a tender garage.
Review Video
The Pershing GTX116 is the first of a new breed from Pershing: a “Sport Utility Yacht” and it’s the one that sets the tone for everything else in the range. It’s 35m long, over 7.5m across, and all of it designed to give you more space to live on board without turning it into a floating block of flats. This is still a Pershing, after all, so it has to look sharp and do 30-plus knots. The idea was to take all the glamour and punch of their smaller sports models and scale it up with proper, multi-level outdoor areas and that close-to-the-water connection you normally only get on smaller dayboats.
It’s a joint effort between the Ferretti Group’s product strategy team, headed up by Piero Ferrari, Fulvio De Simoni and Ferretti’s engineers. De Simoni gave it the Pershing Gran Turismo profile in Montecarlo grey, all sleek and slightly menacing, while the engineers worked out how to cram three big engines and a waterjet setup as far aft as possible. That alone freed up the middle of the boat for a five-cabin layout and a beach club that actually deserves the name. The hull and superstructure are GRP reinforced with carbon fibre, built at Ferretti’s plug-and-mould facility before heading to Mondolfo for fit-out, so you’ve got the industrial precision and the old-school Italian craftsmanship in one package.
Some of the build choices are very modern Pershing. They 3D-printed the air intakes and the visor over the windscreen, not because they fancied a play with a new toy, but to get shapes you can’t easily make by hand and to save weight. The whole windscreen is a single five-metre-wide pane, no mullions to get in your eyeline when you’re up on the throttles. And there’s plenty of those little “why didn’t everyone think of that” details, like symmetrical deck hardware both sides even when the layout isn’t symmetrical, so it all feels balanced when you walk around.
Of course, it’s not all free space - there are compromises. The engine room is tight around the outboard motors, and some might prefer a full second side deck rather than just the port one. But the pay-off is a main deck salon wide enough to fit a side-opening terrace without it feeling like a corridor, and a cockpit-to-beach-club flow that’s unlike anything Pershing’s done before. It’s that sort of design decision to choose liveability over an extra walkway that really defines this Sport Utility idea.
As the flagship, the 116 shows exactly what Pershing means by “Sport Utility Yacht”: high-performance hardware, proper beach-level living, and a layout that actually works when you’ve got a boatload of people on board for the day. The later GTX80 and upcoming GTX70 follow the same formula, but the 116 is still the concept in its purest form.
It wouldn’t be a Pershing without a bit of push-button theatrics, and sure enough, the saloon doors on the GTX116 slide open at the touch of a button to reveal a fully flush deck entry. The same setup is mirrored on the opposite side, so when the balcony’s dropped and both doors are open, you get this lovely cross-deck connection from the saloon to the side terrace - a wide, inviting route that leads out onto your folding balcony, with space for a couple of chairs and a quiet morning coffee. It’s a simple idea, but one that really opens up the boat.
The furnishings are by Poltrona Frau - beautifully finished, as you’d expect, and unmistakably high-end. The space feels calm and deliberate, somewhere to unwind properly in the evening. There’s an inviting L-shaped sofa on one side, deep armchairs opposite, and just enough softness in the detailing to offset the raw performance you know is sitting just behind you in the engine bay.
Forward, the dining area is another reminder that this is a yacht designed to be lived with, not just looked at. It’s almost funny, in the best possible way, that a 35-knot rocket ship has space carefully carved out for a teapot. Yet there it is - dedicated fiddles, tucked neatly into cabinetry alongside stowage for glassware, cutlery and the all-important wine fridge. Every item has its place, and once you’ve seen the way this boat moves, it makes perfect sense. At 40 knots, the last thing you want is your finest stemware crashing across the saloon.
Even the storage feels deliberate. Cabinets illuminate as they open, revealing beautifully organised drawers and individual cutlery fiddles - properly considered fit-out, not just filler. It all reinforces the sense that this isn’t just a glamorous toy - it’s a performance machine with a surprisingly well-rounded domestic core. Stylish, but the substance is right there with it.
Owner's Cabin
Right where the motion is at its calmest, the Pershing GTX116 opens into a full-beam owner’s cabin.
There’s a huge amount of floor space - it’s easy to walk right around the bed without the usual sidestepping you sometimes get at sea. The bed itself is wide and set low, framed by separate headboards and some very nicely judged lighting. The mix of tones and textures works well, giving the space an easy, relaxed feel. Storage is generous too, with drawers and lockers dotted around, although there’s no walk-in wardrobe here, and that’s deliberate, as it makes way for the bathroom layout.
That bathroom is quite something. Rather than a single shared space, you get two separate sections – each with its own toilet and basin - linked by a huge central shower. And it really is huge, easily one of the largest you’re likely to find on a boat of this length, complete with a broad rain head and extra wall-mounted nozzles. The arrangement means both occupants can have their own space, with the shower acting as a shared focal point. It’s finished to a high standard too, the detailing in the glass and tiling adding a bit of extra theatre.
Headroom is excellent and that makes a big difference to the sense of space. Large hull windows bring in plenty of light and keep you connected to the water, though they’re not the biggest in the world. Electric blinds mean you can go from open views to full privacy at the touch of a button, even from the bed.
Guest Accommodation
Guests on the Pershing GTX116’s lower deck enjoy generous, well-appointed quarters designed for privacy and comfort. Forward, two identical doubles mirror each other in size and finish, each with its own ensuite bathroom and a notable feeling of space thanks to the excellent headroom.
A short walk aft along the companionway reveals a smartly placed day head, supplementing the one on the main deck. Positioned beside a compact lobby area with built-in storage, it serves guests on both decks without forcing them to trek the full length of the boat.
Amidships, two twin cabins carry the same attention to volume and finish. Both are ensuite, and the starboard twin in particular feels especially airy, continuing the deck’s theme of impressive headroom. This section of the layout is also adaptable - one twin can be replaced with a private lounge or dining space, creating a more social lower deck if the owner wants.
But whatever the configuration, the quality of fit-out and the sense of openness stay consistent throughout. It’s an arrangement that gives the GTX116 the capacity for a full guest complement while also allowing for a more tailored, residential feel when desired.
The upper helm of the Pershing GTX116 is a commanding place to be. With 6,000hp at your disposal and a top speed of 35 knots, the elevated driving promises to be quite the experience. Triple jet drives are managed via twin throttles, with joystick control for low-speed manoeuvring. There’s also a bow thruster within easy reach, and the controls are laid out with Pershing’s usual clarity.
The dash itself looks deceptively basic at first. But press a button, and three MFDs rise smoothly into view from concealed housing, delivering all the navigation and systems data you’d expect. It's a tidy, streamlined arrangement that suits the upper station well.
Despite the thrill of driving from the flybridge, this helm is more about the occasion than the day-to-day. The lower helm remains the primary station.
The Bridge
Forward, the bridge for me is the highlight of the Pershing GTX116’s interior. Even sitting still, it’s hard not to smile at the thought of taking this seat. It’s an extraordinary driving position - the kind that feels every bit as serious as the performance on offer. Twin throttles for the waterjets fall neatly under your hands, with a joystick alongside for slow-speed manoeuvres. With three jets to work with, the joystick makes fine control far easier.
The seat itself is supremely comfortable, with carbon fibre detailing around the helm and controls positioned exactly where your fingers expect them to be. System readouts are under your hands, with the main widescreen displays stretched across the dash above, framed by the Pershing badge and clock. It’s a clean, technical layout that still manages to feel dramatic.
Part of that theatre comes from the driving position itself. You sit well forward in a wheelhouse defined by its single-piece windscreen, with a panoramic sweep of glass ahead. There is a wheel, set low in the centre, though this is more likely to be driven via the throttles and joystick. The combination of sightlines, equipment layout and sheer presence makes it one of the most compelling helms you’ll find.
In every sense, this is a rocket ship’s cockpit - designed for speed, precision and an unfiltered connection between driver and machine.
You step aboard the Pershing GTX116 straight down the middle and the impact is immediate. The symmetry of the entry, the sculptural staircase curling up to the sky deck, the sheer height of those sat domes overhead... it feels theatrical. Beneath your feet is the transformer - a central platform section that lifts and extends into the water - but your eyes are already pulled forward to the mezzanine cockpit.
Down below, a tender garage houses a jet ski and tender, accessed via a proper crane for easy deployment. It’s practical, yes, but with the gear packed away, the whole space turns into a laid-back waterside hangout. You can throw down bean bags, sun loungers, whatever suits, and those two hydraulic wings swing up to open the transom even wider. That connection to the water - it’s hard to overstate just how well it works.
Deck access wraps up both sides - wide steps, clean symmetry. There’s storage on either side too - one for lines, one with a hose reel neatly tucked away. Then you’re into the cockpit itself, and this is the unwind zone. If the lower section’s for getting toys wet, this is for sun, cold drinks, and lazy lunches. Fridges sit under both port and starboard combings, and the sunpad across the aft end gives you an uninterrupted view back over that transformer platform.
The cockpit on the GTX116 is impressively deep and stretches well forward, carving out space for a full-featured bar setup. There’s a sink, cooling space, and plenty of prep area - all within arm’s reach of the big aft dining table. That table’s got serious backup too. Tucked just forward is a second wet bar with a hot plate and another sink, plus a bit of under-counter storage. You get the sense Pershing didn’t want you wandering far when entertaining - bar, grill, and galley all within easy reach of your guests.
The scale of the space makes a big difference. There’s room to move, room to host, and thanks to wide passageways port and starboard, easy access to the sundeck above. Those side lockers aren’t just filler either - they’re proper technical and storage spaces. And just aft of the port side one, there’s a discreetly placed day head - ideal if you’ve come straight off the swim platform in wet gear and don’t fancy trekking through the interior.
What’s clever is how they’ve thought about the flow. A solid door just forward of the cockpit lets you close the space off - stops wind funnelling through and gives a bit of separation if you’ve got crew on board. It’s the sort of detail that’s easy to overlook until you really need it.
And just to drive the message home - between the setup, the sound system, and the layout, there’s no hiding what this space is built for. This is very much the party end of the GTX116.
Side Decks & Foredeck
On the main deck, access along the side is limited to the port side only, but what’s there is smartly done. A folding balcony spans the run forward and lines up perfectly with the saloon’s sliding glass door. Hit the button and that door disappears into the bulkhead, giving you a broad, clean connection between the interior, the teak-inlaid side deck, and the drop-down platform itself. The balcony is glazed too, so it keeps that sense of openness while offering a little security at the edge. A stretch of technical lockers runs forward along the bulwark, giving you quick access to storage and gear. It’s a semi-covered walkway - glass overhead at first, then it opens out again further forward. There’s a boarding gate here as well, so if you’re alongside, you don’t need to route everyone aft. And for crew movement, there’s also a discreet side entry into the helm station.
Forward is one of the standout features of the GTX116 - a raised foredeck living space built around a hot tub. With the cover in place, it blends into a wide sunpad, but remove that and you’ve got a proper tub in a prime position, nestled into the bow. The detailing around it is excellent - teak surrounds and stainless grab rails help guide you in, and it all feels high quality. Either side, there are lounging areas for guests to kick back while someone’s soaking. Of course, there’s a sound system up here too. And while this feels like a relaxed retreat, it’s a working space as well. Beneath the deck are deep storage voids and hatches, plus all the ground tackle you’d expect on a 35m yacht - twin winches, oversized cleats, and seriously chunky fairleads.
It’s a great use of the bow. Just remember not to hit the throttles while someone’s mid-dip in the tub.
Sportsbridge
Access to the sport bridge on the GTX116 follows the same neatly integrated layout seen on smaller models in the Pershing range - stairs set into both sides of the superstructure, giving you that symmetrical flow without breaking the lines. Up here, it’s very much a Pershing take on the flybridge. Now, yes, there are yachts of this size with larger upper decks, but that’s not really the point here. The brief for the GTX116 was always about maximising main deck volume - especially around the beach club and cockpit - and keeping this top deck focused, simple and stylish.
That said, you’re not short on space. There’s a huge sunpad dominating the aft section with storage tucked underneath - all the covers disappear in one go, no fuss, no fighting. Ahead of that, a cluster of loose furniture gives the space a more relaxed feel - a low table in the centre and some soft seating, all shaded beneath a compact hardtop that’s more for ambience than full cover. The midships bar is cleverly integrated into the T-top structure itself. The stools are built in, which helps everything feel more permanent and sculpted.
Walk past the bar and you’ve got the sink set into the counter. It looks like there’s a spot for a grill too - not fitted on this particular boat, but the layout certainly allows for it. Beneath, there’s the usual fridge and cooling gear. So while it’s not a full-on outdoor kitchen, it’s well-prepped for drinks and light entertaining. And crucially, it’s all done without cluttering up the space or stealing from that main deck living area, which remains the hero of this layout.
On the Pershing GTX116, you step into the machinery spaces via a small technical bay just ahead of the main engine room. This is where the switching panels and power management live, all mounted at a sensible working height, neatly labelled, with cabling dressed so well it looks like it’s been combed. Being right by the watertight door and close to deck level means the crew can run quick checks without committing to a full crawl through the space.
Through the door, the main engine room opens up and you’re straight into the business end - three 2,000hp engines on waterjets. For the amount of horsepower in here, it’s surprisingly navigable. The central engine gives you a decent run fore and aft, while the outboard ones have tighter clearance but are still serviceable without needing to be a contortionist. All the hydraulics for the jets, thrusters and stabilisers are logically grouped, with tidy pipework and clear access to manifolds. It’s busy, no doubt, but the layout is deliberate, so you’re not hunting for service points.
In numbers, you’re looking at a top speed of around 35 knots and an easy 30-knot cruise. With just over 13,000 litres of fuel on board, that gives you roughly 400nm at pace - which, for something this size, is a serious amount of fast passage-making before you need to think about topping up.
Like the rest of the GTX116, the engine room has that mix of performance intent and practical detailing. It’s engineered to be pushed, but it’s also set up so the crew can keep it running at full chat without fighting the space. Everything’s visible and arranged in a way that says someone’s thought hard about life down here at 30 knots.
Our Verdict
So, is the GTX116 the perfect mix of sports machine and liveaboard cruiser? For buyers who want to travel at 35 knots with the space and flexibility to host, lounge and live right by the water, it’s very close. The engine room is a bit tight, there’s only one full side deck, and at speed the waterjets trade some range for manoeuvrability and shallow-draft access. It isn’t trying to be the biggest or most opulent yacht in its class as instead, it delivers something rarer: the speed and theatre of a Pershing with the kind of open-air, beach-club lifestyle usually reserved for slower cruisers. Whether that balance works for you depends on whether the sport in “Sport Utility Yacht” matters as much as the utility.
Reasons to Buy
- 35-knot top speed
- Gran Turismo-inspired styling
- Five-cabin layout in 35m
- Multi-level beach club & tender garage
Things to Consider
- Tight engine room access
- Single full side deck only
Looking to own a Pershing GTX116? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Pershing GTX116 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Pershing GTX116, 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
Riva’s flagship is pure Italian glamour - hot off a legacy of mahogany runabouts, the Riva 110' Dolcevita looks breathtaking in the flesh. Despite being a length shorter than the GTX116, it still cram-fits five cabins and a sizeable flybridge - classy, fast cruising (around 26 kn), and unmistakable Riva elegance. The glass panels and metallurgy aren’t just for show; they define that classic Riva visual identity while still feeling modern.
However, it’s not a utility machine in the way the GTX116 is. There’s no true beach club, and you don’t get that beach-level living vibe - Riva prioritise style and serenity over boisterous board-side fun. If you want to arrive in style and live like royalty in a champagne sunset, the Dolcevita is your yacht. But if you want to actually feel the water and bounce straight into it with a crowd of mates - the GTX116 edges out as the more socially alive choice.
Then there’s the Sanlorenzo SL120 Asymmetric - about 2m longer, with that clever single-side deck layout that gives you a massive main salon and a side balcony for dramatic views. The beach club again is more subtle; it hangs off the side and doubles as tender stowage, which is neat, functional… but not quite as full-on as the GTX116’s two-level rear terrace.
The SL120 nails cruising comfort and storage, with a long-range seakeeping hull and MTUs tuned for gentle, long passages. If your priority is elegant, relaxed style on extended voyages, it’s a strong competitor. But once again, if your ethos is sport plus utility in equal measure, the GTX116’s boldness and deck-party vibe make it stand out.
Considering a new yacht? Explore Pershing'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 Pershing
- Range GTX
- Model Pershing GTX116
- Length Overall 115' 7"
- Beam 25' 4"
- Draft 4' 9"
- Hull Composite
- Cabins 5
- Berths 7
- Crew 5
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 3,830 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 528 Gallons
- Engine Model 3x MAN V12-2000
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