AB Yachts AB 68

The AB Yachts AB 68 is a 20.65-metre Italian sports cruiser with a 4.95-metre beam, developed around the yard’s high-speed waterjet approach. Design and naval architecture are by AB Yachts. Its profile combines a pointed bow, an enclosed main-deck living area and a hardtop rather than a flybridge. Examples from the early 2000s remain in service, and the model is no longer in production.

The main deck brings the helm and saloon beneath the hardtop, with cockpit seating and sunbathing space aft. Foredeck sunpads provide a second outdoor lounging area. Below, a documented three-cabin arrangement places a full-beam owner’s cabin amidships, a double VIP cabin forward and a twin guest cabin alongside three guest bathrooms. A separate galley serves the accommodation, while a twin-berth crew cabin has its own access and facilities.

Twin MAN V12-1550 diesels deliver a combined 3,100 hp, driving two Rolls-Royce KaMeWa A45 waterjets through ZF gearboxes. The alternative MTU 10V2000 M94 installation was specified at 1,620 hp per engine. Performance figures distinguish approximately 46 knots maximum with MAN power from approximately 50 knots with the MTU option, with corresponding cruising speeds around 42 and 44 knots. Nominal cruising range is approximately 400 nautical miles; loading and sea conditions affect these figures.

The deep-V hull was tank-tested and developed specifically for waterjet propulsion. Construction uses vinylester resin with Kevlar and carbon reinforcement, together with vacuum-consolidated Divinycell sandwich panels. Displacement is approximately 30 tonnes unladen and 38 tonnes fully loaded. Principal capacities are 4,000 litres of fuel and 1,000 litres of fresh water, with a nominal draught of 1.10 metres.

Individual boats differ in machinery, interior finish and equipment. Earlier examples also carry twin 1,500 hp MTU M93 engines, so the model designation alone does not identify the propulsion specification. Equipment fitted to individual hulls includes joystick controls, a bow thruster, air conditioning, radar, autopilot, a watermaker and a hydraulic gangway. Generator installations also vary, including a 17.5 kW Onan specification and 13 kW Kohler installations.

A tender garage and bathing platform support swimming and shore access, while the enclosed saloon adds sheltered living space to the outdoor areas. The AB 68 accommodates up to two crew and is used for both private cruising and Mediterranean charter, including the French Riviera. Overnight accommodation is generally arranged for six guests; daytime passenger limits and any additional sleeping berths depend on the particular boat’s layout and certification.