
Ferretti Altura 52 S review
Yacht · 52 ft (16 m) · Greece
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Ferretti
- Model
- Altura 52 S
- Length
- 52 ft (16 m)
- Guests
- 10
- Cabins
- 3
Verdict
The Ferretti Altura 52 S is a classic early-1990s flybridge yacht with solid Italian styling, practical 3-cabin accommodation and respectable cruising performance for its age. It appeals most to buyers who value character and volume over modern efficiency, provided the specific boat has been well maintained or refitted
Pros
- +Classic Ferretti flybridge design with timeless lines
- +3-cabin layout suits family cruising or charter use
- +Diesel twin-engine setup is proven and serviceable
- +Good size for a 52-footer with practical social spaces
Cons
- −1992-era design means older systems and higher maintenance risk
- −Fuel and noise efficiency are behind newer yachts
- −Handling is less refined than modern hull and control packages
- −Condition varies widely depending on refit and upkeep
The Altura 52 S is a traditional Italian flybridge yacht from Ferretti’s early-1990s era, built around GRP construction and a practical planing hull. Its profile is balanced and purposeful rather than flashy, with the kind of conservative styling that has aged well. The layout typically focuses on three guest cabins, which makes it a sensible option for private family cruising or small charter programs.
On the water, this model is best seen as a comfortable cruiser rather than a modern performance boat. Twin diesel engines in the 550 hp class are commonly associated with this platform, giving it adequate speed and steady offshore capability, but not the refinement or efficiency of newer designs. Steering and docking are straightforward for an experienced skipper, though a boat of this vintage will usually feel less precise in close-quarters handling than a contemporary yacht with updated stabilization and controls.
Inside, the Altura 52 S offers the kind of livability expected from a 52-foot flybridge yacht: usable guest accommodations, a sociable main deck, and enough room for extended weekends or short cruises with a group. Comfort depends heavily on refit quality, because original systems, upholstery and joinery can feel dated on unmodernized examples. Overall value is reasonable when the asking price reflects age and maintenance history, but the best examples are the ones with documented upgrades and careful ownership.


