Picture this: You're anchored off Bimini on a Friday afternoon. The main deck is wide open, bow to stern, no bulkheads breaking the sight line. Your guests are scattered across 60 feet of uninterrupted living space—some at the cockpit table, others forward on the sun pads, a few inside on the sectional. You're moving between them without stepping over thresholds or opening doors. The boat feels less like a yacht and more like a beach house that happens to float. That's the SX88 in a sentence. Sanlorenzo built this crossover to erase the line between indoors and out, and it works. The layout is unconventional, the proportions are bold, and the execution is Italian. If you've been circling the 85-to-90-foot segment and want something that doesn't look or live like everything else, this is the conversation starter.
Who It's For
The SX88 is for the owner who values space and access over traditional yacht hierarchy. You're not interested in a formal salon with a door. You want one continuous main deck where everyone can see the water, where the galley is part of the action, and where the cockpit doesn't feel like an afterthought. You're probably coming from a smaller express or a flybridge that felt cramped, and you're ready for volume without stepping into superyacht territory.
This is also the boat for someone who plans to use it. The shallow 5'7" draft opens up the Bahamas, the Keys, and the entire ICW. The triple IPS1050 setup means you can run it yourself if you want to, or hand it to a small crew when you don't. It's not a boat that demands a captain and engineer on standby. It's a boat that rewards hands-on ownership.
If you're the type who wants a traditional master suite on the main deck, or if you need a formal dining room, the SX88 will frustrate you. This layout prioritizes communal living and outdoor access. It's a different philosophy, and it's not for everyone.
Design & Layout: The Loft Concept at Sea
The defining feature of the SX88 is the main deck. Sanlorenzo pushed the superstructure forward and opened up the entire aft section, creating a single, flowing space from the swim platform to the bow. The galley sits amidships, open to the salon and cockpit. The helm is forward, but it's not isolated—you're still part of the conversation. There are no doors, no separation, no "inside" versus "outside." It's a loft, and it works.
The full-beam master is below, which will be a dealbreaker for some and a non-issue for others. It's a proper suite—king bed, walk-in closet, en-suite head with a separate shower. The three guest cabins are well-appointed, and the crew quarters for three are separate and functional. The layout is smart, but the real story is upstairs.
The flybridge is another standout. It's enclosed with sliding glass panels, so you can run it air-conditioned in the summer or open it up when the weather's right. The helm is centered, with seating for guests behind and to the sides. It's a social space that doubles as a command center, and it's one of the better executions in this size range.
The beach club is generous for an 88-footer. The swim platform is hydraulic, the transom opens wide, and there's enough room for a tender and toys without feeling cluttered. Sanlorenzo designed this boat for water access, and it shows.
Performance: Freedom, Not Just Speed
The SX88 runs on three Volvo Penta IPS1050 pod drives, 800 horsepower each. Top speed is 23 knots, which is respectable but not the headline. The real story is the cruise. At 20 knots, you're burning fuel at a rate that makes day trips practical. Drop it to 10 knots, and you're looking at extended range—enough to cross from Florida to the Bahamas without a fuel stop, or run the coast without constantly calculating the next marina.
The IPS system gives you joystick control, which makes docking and maneuvering straightforward. If you're running the boat yourself, this is the setup you want. It's intuitive, responsive, and forgiving. If you're handing it to a crew, they'll appreciate the precision.
The hull is semi-displacement, so it's efficient at displacement speeds and capable at planing speeds. It's not a go-fast boat, but it's not a trawler either. It's a cruiser that gives you options, and that's the point. You can run hard when you need to, or throttle back and enjoy the ride.
Ownership Conversation: Crew vs. Owner-Op
The SX88 sits in an interesting spot. It's large enough to justify a crew, but simple enough to run without one. If you're planning to keep a captain and deckhand on board, the crew quarters are adequate for three. The systems are straightforward, and the IPS drives reduce the mechanical complexity. Maintenance is manageable, and parts availability for Volvo is strong.
If you're planning to run it yourself, the SX88 is one of the more approachable boats in this size range. The joystick makes docking easy, the systems are intuitive, and the layout means you're not constantly running up and down stairs. You'll still want help for longer trips or when you're hosting a full guest list, but weekend trips with family are entirely feasible.
Operating costs are in line with the segment. Fuel, insurance, dockage, and maintenance will run you six figures annually, even if you're conservative. The IPS drives are efficient, but you're still moving 116 gross tons through the water. Budget accordingly.
Resale on Sanlorenzo has been strong, particularly for the SX line. The crossover concept has found its audience, and the SX88 was the first model in the range. That gives it a certain cachet, and it shows in the market. Expect depreciation, but not at the rate of a production flybridge.
Where to Start
The SX88 is not a conventional yacht, and that's the entire point. If you want a traditional layout with a main-deck master and a formal salon, look elsewhere. If you want a boat that lives like a loft, with open space and direct water access, this is the conversation. It's well-built, thoughtfully designed, and capable. It's also expensive, and it demands a certain type of owner—someone who values experience over convention.
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