Ferretti 800 Review: Italian Engineering Meets Real-World Performance

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“The Ferretti 800 represents a mature approach to flybridge design. The build quality is consistent with what we have seen from the Cattolica yard over the past decade—solid laminate work, clean engine room layout, and attention to detail in the joinery. The optional 1800 hp MAN engines are the right call if you are buying new. The performance delta between the standard and optional power is significant enough to justify the cost, especially if you are running the boat in open water where speed and range matter. The straight-shaft drive system is more serviceable than pods and better suited to the way most owners actually use these boats.

This boat is for the buyer who has already owned a 60- to 70-footer and knows exactly what they need more of. It is not for the first-time buyer stepping up from a 50-foot express. The operational complexity, crew requirements, and running costs are real, and they do not go away just because the boat is beautiful. If you are planning to use the boat 30 to 40 days per year with rotating guest groups, the four-cabin layout and crew separation make sense. If you are planning to use it ten days per year, you are better off chartering.

The resale market for Ferretti in this size range is stable but not exceptional. The brand has strong recognition in Europe and the Mediterranean, which helps if you are selling internationally. In the U.S. market, you are competing with Azimut, Princess, and Sunseeker in the same size class, all of which have comparable resale demand. Maintenance costs are predictable if you stay on top of service, but deferred maintenance on a boat this size gets expensive quickly. Budget accordingly, and do not skip the survey.””