Introduction

The AB 120 is not your average yacht. Built by AB Yachts, a shipyard renowned for its innovation and commitment to speed without compromise, the AB 120 is a superyacht with a performance pedigree. This yacht stretches to 120 feet, combining advanced naval architecture, cutting-edge propulsion systems, and luxurious interiors that rival the finest residences on the water. It’s a statement piece in every sense, created for yacht owners who expect both adrenaline and elegance in a single package.

What sets the AB 120 apart is its DNA. Unlike many other yachts in this size category that focus purely on comfort, the AB 120 is engineered to fly across the water with unmatched agility. With jet propulsion, lightweight composite materials, and a hull designed for speed, it delivers exhilarating performance while still providing the living spaces and luxury that owners in this class demand. In short, it is designed to please those who want their yacht to behave like a supercar on the sea.

Intended Use and Lifestyle Appeal

The AB 120 was designed with dual intentions: to thrill and to pamper. On one hand, its powerful propulsion system allows high cruising speeds that make long passages shorter and more enjoyable. On the other hand, the yacht’s expansive decks and carefully planned interiors allow for entertainment, relaxation, and family living at sea.

Unlike traditional displacement yachts, the AB 120 is about getting to your destination faster without sacrificing comfort. Imagine cruising between Mediterranean hotspots in hours rather than days, or making a last-minute decision to change anchorages because you can. This flexibility is one of the key lifestyle appeals of owning an AB 120—it allows owners to maximize time on the water while minimizing transit.

Who is the AB 120 For?

The AB 120 is best suited for yacht enthusiasts who value speed and modern styling just as much as luxurious comfort. It’s perfect for those who are not content with a yacht that simply sits prettily in the marina but instead want one that delivers a visceral thrill on open seas.

This yacht will appeal to younger owners who enjoy a more dynamic, sport-oriented lifestyle, but it’s equally attractive to seasoned yachtsmen who have experienced traditional vessels and now crave something more exciting. Families who love to travel in style, or entertainers who want a floating venue to impress guests, will also find the AB 120 an outstanding match.

How Does the AB 120 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

When compared to other superyachts in the 120-foot range, the AB 120 stands out because of its jet propulsion system and lightweight build. While many yachts of this size cruise at 18–22 knots, the AB 120 is capable of cruising well above that, with top-end speeds that leave most competitors trailing behind. This makes it closer in spirit to brands like Mangusta or Pershing, which also emphasize sporty performance, though AB Yachts is widely regarded as a pioneer in combining waterjets with superyacht luxury.

In terms of living space, the AB 120 keeps pace with its peers. Its open layouts and panoramic windows rival the best in class. Where it pulls ahead is in agility and responsiveness. Owners looking for a yacht that feels alive at the helm, rather than a vessel that simply gets from A to B, will recognize the AB 120 as something special.

Design and Specifications

The AB 120 has been designed with precision engineering and a clear vision of what a high-performance yacht should deliver.

• Type: Superyacht / Performance Yacht
• Length Overall (LOA): 120 feet
• Beam: Approximately 25 feet
• Draft: 4 feet (shallow for size, thanks to waterjet propulsion)
• Fuel Capacity: Around 5,000 gallons
• Engines: Triple MTU engines with waterjet propulsion
• Horsepower: Up to 7,500+ HP combined
• Top Speed: 45+ knots (depending on configuration)
• Cruise Speed: 40 knots
• Hull Design: Lightweight composite hull optimized for waterjet systems
• Interior Layout: Multiple staterooms (typically five), full-beam master suite, open-plan salon, crew quarters, expansive flybridge, and aft deck entertainment spaces

Every element of the design is purposeful. The shallow draft allows access to areas larger yachts cannot enter, while the waterjet propulsion provides both speed and maneuverability. Inside, the AB 120 feels more like a luxury penthouse than a vessel, with custom furniture, high ceilings, and natural light flooding the interiors.

Performance and Handling

Performance is where the AB 120 leaves a lasting impression. Triple MTU engines paired with waterjets allow the yacht to achieve speeds rarely seen in a vessel this size. The acceleration is immediate and exhilarating, often compared to stepping into a supercar. Unlike propeller-driven yachts, waterjets provide smoother thrust and allow for precise handling even at high speeds.

Handling is one of its standout qualities. The AB 120 can execute tight turns with agility, offering a level of control that inspires confidence. Its shallow draft also opens up cruising grounds that are off-limits to many traditional yachts. Whether running across the Mediterranean, island-hopping in the Caribbean, or cruising near the Florida Keys, the AB 120 delivers a ride that’s both thrilling and refined.

Safety and Seamanship

With speed comes responsibility, and AB Yachts ensures safety is woven into the AB 120’s design. Advanced navigation systems, including radar, GPS, autopilot, and night-vision options, equip the captain with the tools needed for safe offshore voyages. The hull construction is robust, designed to withstand the stresses of high-speed cruising without compromising structural integrity.

Onboard safety features include high bulwarks, secure railings, wide walkways, and ample grab handles. Crew accommodations are designed to keep staff comfortable and alert, ensuring smooth operations during extended trips. For owners, the peace of mind comes not only from the vessel’s engineering but also from AB Yachts’ reputation for reliability and innovation.

Potential Drawbacks

No yacht is without trade-offs, and the AB 120 has a few considerations potential buyers should weigh carefully. The most obvious is fuel consumption—while efficient for its speed class, triple engines moving a 120-foot yacht still require significant fuel. Dockage costs also reflect the vessel’s size, particularly in marinas where larger slips command premium pricing.

Another factor is that the AB 120 is a specialized vessel. It appeals most to owners who truly want high performance. Those who prefer slow cruising displacement yachts may not fully appreciate what the AB 120 was built to achieve. Still, for the right buyer, these trade-offs are outweighed by the yacht’s unique capabilities.

Features and Lifestyle Benefits

The AB 120 is rich with features that make life onboard comfortable, stylish, and entertaining. Highlights include:

• Expansive flybridge with bar, dining area, and lounge seating.
• Panoramic salon with floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Luxurious master suite with private office or lounge area.
• Beach club and swim platform for water sports.
• State-of-the-art entertainment and sound systems.
• Options for jacuzzi, tender garage, and custom interior finishes.

Beyond features, it’s the lifestyle benefits that stand out. Owners can wake up in one destination, cruise at high speed, and be enjoying lunch in another by midday. Guests will appreciate the comfort and elegance, while owners enjoy the thrill of captaining a yacht that responds with the precision of a sports machine.

Reviews and Owner Impressions

Industry reviews consistently highlight the AB 120 as one of the most dynamic yachts in its class. Critics praise its ability to achieve high speeds while maintaining stability and comfort, a balance not easily achieved in large yachts.

Owners often describe the yacht as “liberating,” citing the ability to make spontaneous decisions thanks to its speed. Others highlight the attention to detail in the interiors, which feel more akin to a luxury residence than a performance craft. It’s a yacht that delivers satisfaction both at the dock and underway.

Ownership Costs and Considerations

Owning a yacht of this caliber requires realistic budgeting. Fuel, dockage, crew salaries, insurance, and regular maintenance all contribute to annual costs that typically reach into the seven figures. Waterjet systems, while reliable, require specialized service and parts, which can add to maintenance costs compared to traditional propulsion.

That said, resale value for performance-oriented superyachts has been robust. The AB 120 appeals to a niche but passionate segment of buyers, which helps it retain market interest. Owners should also factor in the intangible benefit: the sheer enjoyment of owning one of the fastest luxury yachts of its size.

Final Thoughts

The AB 120 is more than a yacht—it’s an experience. It is unapologetically designed for owners who want speed, innovation, and luxury all in one package. While it demands higher operating budgets and appeals to a specialized group of enthusiasts, it stands alone as a yacht that offers both adrenaline and elegance in abundance.

If you’re weighing the choice between a traditional displacement yacht and a performance-oriented superyacht, the AB 120 makes a compelling case for why you don’t have to choose. It delivers thrills, luxury, and prestige, all in a striking 120-foot package.

FAQ

What is the top speed of the AB 120?
The AB 120 can reach speeds of 45+ knots, making it one of the fastest yachts in its size category.

What type of propulsion does the AB 120 use?
It uses triple MTU engines paired with waterjet propulsion, which provide both speed and maneuverability.

Can the AB 120 access shallow waters?
Yes. With a draft of around 4 feet, it can access cruising grounds that many yachts of its size cannot.

How many guests can the AB 120 accommodate?
Typically, it accommodates up to 10 guests in five staterooms, along with crew quarters for efficient service.

Is the AB 120 family-friendly?
Absolutely. With spacious decks, safe walkways, and multiple lounges, it is well-suited for family use alongside high-performance cruising.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history, team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yachts charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.