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Model Review: 2016 AB Yachts – AB 145

True to its name, the 2016 AB Yachts 44m Fast and Furious is a bold marriage of Italian flair, cutting-edge technology, and blistering speed. Built by AB Yachts, part of the FIPA Group, this sleek 145-foot vessel is designed for those who want the adrenaline of a performance yacht without compromising on space, luxury, or liveability.

A rare breed in the superyacht market, Fast and Furious combines triple MTU engines with jet drives, offering thrilling performance, stunning aesthetics, and a remarkably shallow draft that expands cruising possibilities. Whether you’re slicing through the Med or sneaking into hidden Bahamian coves, this yacht turns heads and outpaces expectations.

Design & Exterior Styling 

Sculpted for speed, Fast and Furious is instantly recognizable by her low-slung, aggressive profile. Built from a composite of fiberglass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber, the yacht’s lightweight structure is crucial to her blistering top speed of 42 knots—an astonishing figure for a vessel of this size.

From bow to stern, the yacht radiates confidence. At anchor, the decks are generously laid out for outdoor enjoyment. The aft deck features sunbeds, a shaded alfresco dining area, and a full-service bar—ideal for Mediterranean lunches or sunset cocktails. The generous sun deck adds another layer of outdoor living, with a second bar, a BBQ setup, and ample lounging space that belies her performance-focused design.

Up front, a private sunbathing area is seamlessly connected to the owner’s suite via a discreet staircase, offering exclusivity rarely found in sport yachts. On the technical side, her jet drive propulsion allows for a draft of just 1.3 meters, making shallow cruising grounds easily accessible.

Interior Design

The interior of Fast and Furious is where the yacht truly surprises. You expect speed from AB Yachts, but you don’t always anticipate volume. Inside, the 44m platform delivers an astonishingly spacious main salon and guest accommodations, rivaling those found on displacement yachts.

The main salon, wrapped in large windows and bathed in natural light, offers both a lounge and formal dining area. Soaring headroom and clean, modern lines contribute to an airy “beach house” ambiance, reinforced by pale wood finishes and contemporary Italian styling.

Despite its aggressive exterior, Fast and Furious is a haven of calm inside—a deliberate juxtaposition that appeals to those who appreciate the drama of design but the serenity of comfort.

Accommodation

Accommodating up to 10 guests in five staterooms, the layout of Fast and Furious balances privacy, space, and elegance.

Owner’s Suite

The owner’s cabin is located on the main deck, a full-beam masterpiece stretching over 8 meters wide. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light, and a fold-down balcony offers an instant connection to the sea—complete with automatic safety rail deployment, eliminating the need for crew setup.

The ensuite bathroom is large and luxurious, with twin sinks, a cavernous walk-in shower, and carbon fiber accents, including a racing-style toilet and bidet. A private dressing area and walk-in wardrobe add to the suite’s luxury.

Guest Cabins

Below deck are four additional cabins—two doubles, a twin, and a generous VIP forward. Each comes with its own ensuite bathroom finished in high-end materials, including more carbon fiber detailing, custom lighting, and high-quality AV systems. One bonus room adjacent to the cabins is currently set up as a gym but could easily be converted into a media room or children’s play area.

Crew Quarters

The yacht supports a crew of eight across four twin cabins. The crew area includes a full-size commercial galley, a separate laundry room, and a well-appointed mess, ensuring professional operations and top-tier service without encroaching on guest space.

Performance & Engineering

Powering Fast and Furious are three MTU 16V 2000 M94 engines, each delivering 2,600 horsepower. Coupled with waterjet propulsion, this formidable setup achieves a top speed of 42 knots and a cruising speed around 30 knots. Even more impressive is her ability to glide through water at such speeds while maintaining comfort and stability—thanks in part to twin Seakeeper gyro stabilizers.

The shallow draft (1.3 meters) and jet propulsion also make the yacht highly maneuverable and capable of accessing shallow anchorages—a key asset for owners seeking flexibility.

In terms of range, at efficient cruising speeds (around 20–25 knots), the yacht offers approximately 600 nautical miles—ideal for fast-paced coastal itineraries.

The engine room itself is a study in engineering efficiency and cleanliness, with a dedicated operations room, twin generators, twin watermakers, and smart access points for maintenance and emergency exits.

Charter-Ready Amenities

While Fast and Furious is built with performance in mind, she’s also coded for charter and comes with all necessary safety equipment and life rafts to meet regulatory requirements. Her versatile layout and extensive guest amenities make her particularly well-suited for the high-end charter market.

Key charter-friendly features include:

Discrete crew circulation for optimal guest privacy

Dumbwaiter service from galley to main and sun decks

Large tender garage with roller system (accommodates a 5.5m tender and jet ski)

Vast deck space for lounging and entertaining

Full commercial-grade galley and laundry

Technology & Navigation

The bridge is fitted with a full suite of multifunction displays, navigation systems, radar, and camera systems. AB Yachts’ commitment to performance extends into precision handling and monitoring, and Fast and Furious offers both reliability and sophistication at the helm.

Although she’s clearly designed for thrill-seekers, the redundancy in systems and thoughtful layout makes her practical for long-term cruising or charter use. Docking and low-speed maneuvering are assisted by upper-helm controls on the sundeck, offering commanding visibility.

Final Impressions

The 2016 AB Yachts 44m Fast and Furious stands out as a rarity in today’s superyacht market—a true high-performance yacht that makes no sacrifices on luxury, comfort, or usability. Her aggressive styling, exceptional speed, and smart layout place her in a class of her own.

Ideal for owners seeking performance without compromise, this yacht excels as both a private cruiser and a luxury charter platform. With her shallow draft, she opens up destinations that are off-limits to deeper yachts, and her volume and finish quality surprise at every turn.

Whether cruising at 30 knots through the Med or anchored in a shallow bay in the Exumas, Fast and Furious delivers an unforgettable experience on every level. For those who want to arrive in style—and fast—this is the yacht to beat.

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