Benetti has decided to bring back from the archives a name that, for connoisseurs, sounds like a return to the golden age of Italian yachting. Motopanfilo 37M is a semi-custom tri-deck measuring 36.9 m (121 feet), combining the aesthetics of the 60s and 70s with modern functionality. This isn’t about nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake, but something more intriguing: timeless elegance that truly works today.
Why is “Motopanfilo” coming back?
The original Motopanfilo was a manifesto of simplicity and light, organic interiors and fluidity between decks. The new 37M captures this spirit but adds features unimaginable in the 1970s: an observation mini-deck above the hardtop (a rarity in this class) and an integrated stern with a beach platform that transforms the way you connect with the water.
The series is in active production, with demand remaining strong. Francesco Struglia, Lazzarini Pickering Architetti, and Pierluigi Ausonio have created something that looks great in photos but works just as well in use. Large side windows, an emphasis on natural light, bright materials. In fact, everything revolves around a single idea: views and space. The rest follows naturally.
Design and onboard experience
Francesco Struglia and the Lazzarini Pickering Architetti team approached the Motopanfilo 37M as an exercise in perspective. It wasn’t about retro for retro’s sake, but about taking what worked in the original. Calmness, proportions, confidence, and translating that into today.
Motifs and proportions that soothe the eye
The whole concept is based on several key themes:
- “Shell” (shell, cocoon) – the hull and superstructure form a protective, smooth shape.
- The rhythm of the ribs inspired by the whale skeleton – visible in the structure of the railing and deck details.
- A bronze/copper ribbon along the superstructure – a subtle touch of warmth.
- Large side windows in steel frames instead of bonded glass – a deliberate step back, creating a more structural and transparent visual effect.
Light, materials, and everyday comfort
The interiors feature a light palette: wood, Calacatta and Antartide pink marbles, Loro Piana fabrics, malachite accents, wicker, bamboo. There is no excess here; everything creates a sense of calm permanence.
Signature spaces? A mini observation deck above the hardtop (a kind of “cocoon”), a beach club with a fold-out stern, a seamless transition between the salon and the outdoor lounges. This is a boat you simply live on—effortlessly, without pretense.
Hard data and purchase
Motopanfilo 37M measures 36.9 meters in length and 7.8 meters in width, with a standard draft of 1.96 meters. Construction? GRP (hull and superstructure), teak decks, the total weight is around 297-298 GT. The stabilizers operate both underway and at zero speed, which is really useful when moored in a less sheltered marina.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| LOA | 36.9 m |
| Width | 7.8 m |
| Immersion | 1.96 m |
| Gross tonnage | approx. 297-298 GT |
| Drive | 2 × MAN V12, 1,400 HP (1,029 kW) @ 2,300 rpm |
| Maximum speed | until 6 PM |
| Brisk walk | 15-16th c. |
| Economical | 10-12 y/o |
| Reach | 3,800 mm @ 10 W |
| Fuel | approx. 35,000 l |
Layout: four decks plus observation deck, 10 guests in 5 cabins (master on the main deck), crew of 7 in 4 cabins. Full-beam tender garage (starboard exit), beach club with fold-out stern.
Market, prices, configurations
Production is ongoing, the twelfth hull was sold in May 2026. New builds? Typically €17-23 million+, depending on options. The secondary market ranges around $17.4-22.9 million. Can be ordered under MCA (charter), there are also EU/US configurations (the latter with a frequency converter). Plenty of customization options available.
Why will this line stand the test of time?
Benetti did not accidentally draw on the aesthetics of the 1960s at a time when most shipyards are chasing futuristic aggressiveness. This reflects an understanding that true luxury is not about shouting about its value, but about subtlety that remains relevant for decades. The Motopanfilo 37M combines respect for tradition with the real needs of modern yacht owners, who value timelessness more than a fleeting effect.
In a world where trends change faster than yacht production cycles, such a philosophy makes business sense. Someone spending millions on a vessel today is thinking about how it will look in fifteen years. And that’s precisely why lines inspired by classic design, while incorporating modern technical solutions, are a safer investment than extravagant experiments that age with the season.
Sunny 77
Lux editorial team
