The Benetti 116 Mediterraneo is a superyacht that embodies everything the Benetti brand is known for: timeless Italian design, exceptional craftsmanship, and the perfect harmony between elegance and engineering. Measuring just under 116 feet, this yacht represents the entry point into Benetti’s Mediterraneo 116 series, but there’s nothing “entry-level” about it. From its expansive decks to its fuel-efficient engines, it’s a yacht that promises to deliver long-range cruising with unmatched luxury.
Benetti has built a reputation for creating yachts that are as visually striking as they are practical. The Mediterraneo 116 carries this DNA proudly, featuring sleek exterior lines by Giorgio M. Cassetta and interiors that can be fully customized to reflect an owner’s personal style. Whether you’re planning to host lavish parties at anchor or embark on transoceanic voyages, the Mediterraneo 116 is a yacht designed to perform as beautifully as it looks.
Intended Use / Purpose
The Mediterraneo 116 is crafted for extended cruising in style and comfort. Unlike smaller yachts that focus primarily on short coastal runs, this Benetti was designed to go the distance, with a range of over 3,000 nautical miles at cruising speed. That makes it a perfect option for Mediterranean island hopping, Caribbean winters, or even adventurous crossings to more remote destinations.
It is also built with entertaining in mind. Expansive decks, multiple lounges, a beach club, and a Jacuzzi all ensure there’s no shortage of places to gather with friends or family. This isn’t just a yacht for owners who want to be seen—it’s one for those who want to truly live aboard, travel far, and enjoy all the comforts of a five-star residence at sea.
Who Is It For?
The Benetti 116 Mediterraneo is tailored for experienced yacht owners or buyers stepping up into the world of superyachts. It’s perfect for those who want long-range cruising capability combined with generous living spaces for family, guests, and even charter clients.
For private use, it’s a dream yacht for families who value space and privacy. With accommodations for up to 12 guests in five cabins plus space for seven crew, it strikes the right balance between hospitality and privacy. For investors, the Mediterraneo 116 is also attractive as a charter yacht—its size, amenities, and pedigree make it highly appealing in luxury charter markets.
How Does the Benetti 116 Mediterraneo Compare to Other Offshore Boats?
Compared to yachts in the 110–120-foot range from builders like Sanlorenzo or Azimut Grande, the Mediterraneo 116 stands out with its longer cruising range and more conservative fuel consumption. Where some rivals prioritize raw speed, Benetti leans toward endurance and luxury. Its top speed of 15 knots may not rival a Pershing or Mangusta in the same size range, but few yachts in this class can match its quiet ride and spacious interior layouts.
The Mediterraneo also competes favorably with Westport and Horizon models, but Benetti distinguishes itself with its unmistakable Italian styling and highly customizable interiors. For buyers who want a yacht that feels both timeless and uniquely theirs, the Mediterraneo 116 makes a compelling case.
Design & Specifications
Type: Superyacht
Length Overall (LOA): 116 ft (35.5 m)
Beam: 25 ft (7.7 m)
Draft: 7 ft (2.1 m)
Fuel Capacity: 11,000 gallons (approx.)
Engines: Twin MAN V12 1,400 hp diesels
Top Speed: 15 knots
Cruise Speed: 12 knots
Range: 3,000+ nautical miles at cruising speed
Hull Design: GRP displacement hull with carbon-fiber superstructure
Seating Layout: Sun deck with lounges and Jacuzzi, upper deck with dining, main deck salon, and lower-deck guest cabins
The Mediterraneo 116 showcases Benetti’s hybrid approach of tradition and innovation. The hull is GRP (glass-reinforced plastic), which helps reduce weight and improve efficiency, while the superstructure incorporates carbon fiber for strength. This combination gives the yacht impressive seakeeping ability without compromising comfort.
The deck arrangement prioritizes outdoor living. The sun deck spans nearly half the yacht’s length, offering panoramic views and space for sun loungers, dining, and even a bar. Inside, natural light floods through large windows, giving every room a bright, open feel. Owners can choose from multiple interior layouts and design schemes, making each Mediterraneo 116 truly one of a kind.
Performance & Handling
The Mediterraneo 116 isn’t designed to break speed records, but rather to excel at efficiency and comfort over long distances. With twin 1,400 hp MAN V12 engines, it achieves a respectable 15-knot top speed. More importantly, it cruises comfortably at 12 knots, consuming around 55 gallons per hour, which is notably efficient for a yacht of this size.
Stability is excellent thanks to its wide beam and advanced stabilizer systems, ensuring smooth sailing even in moderate seas. Compared to faster planing yachts, the Mediterraneo 116 may take longer to reach destinations, but the trade-off is better fuel economy, longer range, and quieter operation—all features that serious cruisers tend to value more highly.
Safety & Precautions
Benetti places a premium on safety, and the Mediterraneo 116 reflects that with redundant systems, advanced navigation electronics, and robust construction. Wide walk-around decks and high guardrails improve safety while moving about, and the yacht’s design meets rigorous international standards for superyachts.
Owners planning ocean crossings will appreciate its long-range fuel capacity and heavy displacement hull, which provide stability and confidence. As with any yacht, proper crew training and regular maintenance are vital to keeping the vessel operating at peak safety and efficiency.
Potential Downsides
The Mediterraneo 116 is a displacement yacht, meaning it prioritizes comfort and efficiency over speed. Buyers who crave adrenaline-fueled runs at 30+ knots may find its 15-knot top speed underwhelming. Additionally, its size means operating costs are substantial. Dockage, insurance, fuel, and crew salaries add up quickly, making it a serious commitment in terms of ownership.
Another consideration is customization time. Because Benetti allows so much personalization, the build process can take longer compared to more standardized yacht brands. For buyers who want immediate delivery, this may be a drawback.
Features & Benefits
The yacht’s features highlight why it excels as both a private cruiser and a charter vessel. The expansive sun deck is an entertainer’s dream, with room for lounges, bar service, and even a Jacuzzi. A beach club at water level provides easy access to tenders, jet skis, and diving gear.
Inside, the full-beam master suite on the main deck offers sweeping views and hotel-style luxury, while guest cabins below ensure everyone aboard enjoys comfort. Smart storage solutions, a professional-grade galley, and advanced climate control systems mean extended stays on board are effortless. These features combine to create a yacht that feels more like a floating estate than a simple vessel.
Reviews & Testimonials
Industry reviews consistently praise the Mediterraneo 116 for its blend of luxury, efficiency, and Italian styling. Owners highlight how quiet and stable the yacht is under way, making long journeys relaxing. Guests often comment on the spaciousness of the sun deck and the elegance of the interiors.
Some testimonials compare it to competitors in the same class, noting that while the Mediterraneo is slower, it offers better range and overall comfort. Charter clients also frequently rate it highly for its ability to host larger groups in style, with ample crew support to maintain five-star service.
Storage & Ownership Costs
Owning a yacht of this size involves significant financial planning. Dockage for a 116-foot vessel varies but is often one of the largest expenses. Fueling 11,000 gallons, even with efficient consumption, is not inexpensive. Crew salaries, insurance premiums, and ongoing maintenance all add to the ownership equation.
However, Benetti yachts enjoy strong resale value thanks to their reputation for craftsmanship and reliability. Many Mediterraneo 116s are also placed into charter programs, where they can generate revenue that offsets annual costs. This dual potential—private enjoyment and investment return—makes it a practical option for many owners.
Bottom Line
The Benetti 116 Mediterraneo is a yacht that prioritizes endurance, elegance, and personalization over raw speed. It’s not meant to race across the water, but rather to take its owners and guests on journeys that are as relaxing as they are luxurious. For buyers seeking a yacht that offers global cruising capability, bespoke interiors, and the prestige of owning a Benetti, the Mediterraneo 116 is an exceptional choice.
It may not be the right fit for thrill-seekers who demand high speed, but for those who appreciate long-range comfort and timeless Italian design, it stands among the finest in its class. In short, the Mediterraneo 116 is absolutely worth it for buyers who want to combine serious cruising ambitions with a yacht that is unmistakably elegant.
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