You're anchored off Bimini. The sun deck is set for dinner. Your guests are on the flybridge, drinks in hand, watching the light change. You walk forward along the port side—not a narrow gangway, but a full-width terrace with floor-to-ceiling glass that drops down at anchor. Inside, the main saloon stretches wider than it should. The owner's suite opens directly to the foredeck through a private gate. This is not a traditional 95-footer. This is what happens when Sanlorenzo eliminates the starboard walkway and redistributes 10 square meters of space where it matters.
The SL96 Asymmetric is the second iteration of Sanlorenzo's asymmetric concept, following the SL102A. It takes the conventional yacht layout and rewrites it. The result is a vessel that feels closer to 110 feet in usable volume, with a layout that prioritizes how you actually live aboard rather than adhering to symmetry for its own sake.
Who It's For
This boat is for the owner who has already owned a few yachts and knows what works. It's for the buyer who wants to cruise the Bahamas or the Mediterranean with family and close friends, not host corporate events. It's for someone who values intelligent design over showroom aesthetics and understands that the best yachts are the ones you don't want to leave.
The SL96A is not a first-time buyer's yacht. It requires an appreciation for what Sanlorenzo has done here—trading visual symmetry for functional gain. If you're the type who wants a yacht that looks like every other yacht in the marina, this isn't it. If you want a yacht that works better than every other yacht in the marina, keep reading.
Design & Layout: The Asymmetric Advantage
The asymmetric layout is the defining feature. By moving the starboard walkway to the superstructure roof, Sanlorenzo frees up space that would otherwise be wasted. That space goes into the main saloon, the galley, and the owner's suite. The port side features a drop-down bulwark section that creates a flush exterior line underway and reveals expansive glazing at anchor.
The owner's cabin sits on the main deck, forward. It includes a full dressing area, ensuite with rainfall shower, and a side door that opens directly to the foredeck. A gate cordons off the forward sunpads for private use. This is not a token feature. It changes how you use the boat.
The galley is positioned to port with direct deck access, which simplifies provisioning and crew flow. It's specced for serious use—twin 60cm ovens, dual dishwashers, a Samsung smart fridge with cold water dispenser, and fold-up work surfaces on both sides. There's a pass-through to the flybridge steps, so crew can serve the upper deck without walking through the saloon.
The main saloon is wider than a traditional 95-footer. The layout here was customized by the owner—extended seating, a custom daybed, and a marble coffee table fabricated by the yard to align with the fluted timber detailing. The TV is concealed in a mirrored panel framed with bronze accents. The day head carries the same level of finish, with custom stonework and reinforced bulkheads to support the artwork.
Below deck, four guest cabins accommodate up to eight guests. Two forward twins can be configured as doubles or split singles. One includes a Pullman berth. The two aft VIPs feature fixed double beds, large hull windows, and generous wardrobe space. All cabins are ensuite, with vein-matched marble and rainfall showers.
The flybridge is set up for long evenings. Custom dining tables convert to daybeds. The helm station features adjustable electric chairs and multiple Garmin screens under a louvered hardtop. Aft, there's a wet bar, fridge drawers, ice maker, and upgraded sound system. A cinema screen and projector can be deployed. Bimini poles extend coverage over the aft section.
The tender garage is full-beam and automated. A Williams 435 sits on a cradle that connects to the submersible swim platform via guide tracks. The system includes manual overrides and a bespoke console with a Garmin screen.
Performance: Speed as Freedom
The SL96A is powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M86 engines producing 2,216 hp each. The upgraded option—2,434 hp MTUs—pushes top speed to 30 knots. Fast cruise sits around 24 knots. At displacement speeds near 10 knots, range extends to roughly 1,200 nautical miles. At 19 knots, you're looking at 300-plus nautical miles.
The engines are mounted on V-drives, positioned aft to maximize internal volume. This setup allows conventional shaft drives while freeing up space forward. Fin stabilizers are standard. Proportional hydraulic bow and stern thrusters are integrated into Schleitner hydraulic packs.
The yacht is fitted with a spot zero water purification system that treats both seawater and dock water, making it safe for drinking or rinsing down the decks without leaving residue. Twin generators are installed. The fire suppression system is automatic with remote manual activation. Ten color-changing underwater lights sync to music.
This is not a yacht you buy to go slow. The performance envelope gives you the freedom to cover distance quickly and safely. Miami to Bimini in under three hours. Fort Lauderdale to the Keys in a morning. The range at displacement speeds means you can also cruise efficiently when time isn't a factor.
Ownership Conversation: What It Costs to Run
The SL96A is a serious yacht with serious operating costs. Fuel capacity is 10,350 liters. At 24 knots, you're burning through that in a day of hard running. Dockage in South Florida for a 95-footer runs $8,000 to $12,000 per month depending on location. Insurance, maintenance, and crew salaries add up quickly.
Crew accommodations include three ensuite cabins for up to four crew. The captain's cabin has a full control screen for monitoring onboard systems. A dedicated laundry space is fitted with professional Miele machines. There's also a separate owner's laundry hidden in the guest corridor.
If you're running this boat with full crew, budget for salaries, benefits, and training. If you're owner-operating with occasional crew, the systems are intuitive enough to manage, but you'll still need professional support for maintenance and technical issues.
The resale market for Sanlorenzo's asymmetric models is strong. The concept has proven itself across two generations now, and buyers recognise the value. Ask us for current asking prices rather than working from a number you found online — the spread on this model is wide and almost entirely specification-dependent.
Where to Start
The SL96 Asymmetric is a yacht for buyers who know what they want and aren't interested in compromise. It's a vessel that rewards experience and punishes indecision. If you're ready to move beyond conventional layouts and invest in a yacht that works as hard as you do, this is where the conversation starts.
Explore full specifications at YachtSpecsDirect.com.
Browse available Sanlorenzo inventory at mintedyachts.com/sanlorenzo.