Prestige Yachts 680 (2015-)

Brief Summary

The Prestige 680 motoryacht is loaded with features found on much larger boats, and in fact, she can accommodate as many people as most 100-footers. Many of the features are cleverly used to enhance functionality. She is owner/operator friendly, yet has the interior space of a much larger boat that might require a paid captain. She comes with a three stateroom or four stateroom layout, something that is unusual in class. Perhaps most significant for a boat in her size range is her forward master stateroom just a couple of steps down from the main deck.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	70’ 5'' / 21.46 m
Beam	17’ 6'' 5.33 m
Dry Weight	65,698 lbs. 29,800 kg
Tested Weight	71,407 lbs. 32,389 kg
Draft	5' 2'' 1.58 m
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	N/A
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	911 gal. 3,450 L
Water Capacity	243 gal. 920 L
Total Weight	71,407 lbs. 32,389 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	10.5 sec.
0 to 30	9.8 sec. (0to20)
Ratio	N/A
Props	N/A
Load	2 persons, 9/10 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	82 deg., 90 humid.; wind: 15-20 mph; seas: confused

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 900-hp Volvo Penta IPS1200
Std. Power	2 x 900-hp Volvo Penta IPS1200
Opt. Power	2 x 900-hp VOLVO D-13 IPS3

Overview

The Prestige Yachts 680 is a luxury yacht designed to be practical in various functions, including entertaining and distance cruising, and have an exterior style that will be ageless. Her exterior design is purposely not fussy or over-the-top contemporary, rather it is a more traditional marine approach to a motoryacht as opposed to showing the influences of flavor-of-the-month design fads. In keeping with the Prestige Yachts heritage, she is relatively light for her size, due to advanced manufacturing techniques that deliver the same strength to a lighter hull.
Like all Prestige yachts, she is built to CE requirements, which are generally more demanding than American NMMA/ABYC standards, and, of course, the vessels meets those rules as well.

Her build

is a result of proprietary computer aided design software and digitally controlled assembly ensures all components are finished and assembled correctly the first time, according to the builder. Inside, her spaces are functional, somewhat innovative, and provide independent living areas and entertaining venues that are well laid out inside and on deck, are fuel-efficient and priced right.
An airy and bright interior is magnified through 360-degree panoramic views from large – unobstructed -- windows on all decks.

Distinguishing Features

Separate Master Suite.

A private master suite is conveniently located down two steps adjacent to the lower helm. This arrangement is quite unusual for a motoryacht of this size, and it mimics the traditional layout plan of much larger motoryachts advanced decades ago in custom yachts 125’ (38 m) to over 150’ (46 m).
The concept is to have the master stateroom convenient to the main deck, salon and lower helm. In this way, an owner/operator who is off watch is only a few steps from the helm if called to the bridge for a navigational decision. It eliminates the necessity of a “pilot berth” that one often sees in old large motoryachts with an enclosed pilothouse.
The master stateroom design also separates this suite from the guest quarters whose private entrance is farther aft. This design creates a large measure of privacy for both the owners and their guests, and makes cruising all the more comfortable for everyone on board. For example, it allows guests coming back to the boat late at night more freedom to move around without waking the owners.

Shallow Draft.

The draft on the 680 is 5’2” (1.57 m). For those familiar with comparable boats of her size, this is impressive. Any buyer considering a boat of this size should be interested in this number as it determines whether the yacht can enter certain ports and exclusive cruising destinations. Some of the most delightful cruising grounds in the world – the Abacos, the Chesapeake Bay, and parts of the Baltic -- are areas where deep-draft motoryachts fear to tread. By holding the draft to 5’2” (1.57 m), all of these areas are accessible for the careful navigator.

At Home.

Further, many owners would like to keep their yacht tied up in front of their house, where water depth can be a restricting factor, particularly during a moon tide. At 5’2” (1.57 m), the Prestige Yachts 680 is about as good as it gets in this size vessel.

Light Displacement.

The stated displacement of the Prestige Yachts 680 is just under 66,000 lbs. (19,937 kg). Of five other competitive motoryachts in class that we checked, she was the lightest – from 5,000 lbs. to 16,000 lbs. (2,268 kg to 7,257 kg) lighter than the others. As mentioned above, this has to do with her proprietary build techniques that reduce weight while maintaining strength.

The performance advantages

of lighter displacements are obvious – smaller engines, better fuel efficiency and greater range. Not so easy to quantify are aspects of riding and motion offshore, where heavier boats are generally considered to be more comfortable. Nevertheless, the folks at Prestige Yachts tell us that the hull design has been extensively tested at the local university and is specifically designed so that stability and handling at sea is not dependent on weight. And while we did find this to be a stable yacht, we also measured how that stability can be enhanced and we’ll discuss it later in this report.

Features Inspection

Flying Bridge

The flying bridge is broken up into three primary spaces: helm and observation seating, forward sun pad, and an L-shaped seating area aft with built-in table. The 680 comes standard with an overhead arch and hardtop containing a foldaway sunshade. A set of protected teak “flying” stairs with stainless steel finishes lead guests from the lower deck up to the bridge deck.

1. Upper Helm Station.

The upper helm station contains wide bench seating for both operator and companions. The helm station bench contains room for two, with a full set of gauges and navigation tools located slightly below the operator’s line of vision. To port, another dual bench seat provides space for observers, and can also fold down, extending the already spacious sun pad.

2. Sun Pad.

A dedicated lounging/social area is located forward of the upper helm station directly below the windscreen. This was a clever design by the builder as it provides protection from apparent wind while underway. The sun pad can also extend farther out with the fold-down bench on the starboard side, should the owner’s guests all decide to sun bathe at once.

3. Aft Entertainment and Seating.

A separate area for guests to relax, socialize and congregate on the flying bridge provides an excellent entertaining space for a sunny day. An outdoor galley has a sink, ample counter space, a grill, refrigerator and a separate icemaker. A large table aft can easily sit six comfortably, and with a retractable soft-touch sunshade, this very well may be the most popular spot on board.

At the Bow

At the bow, Prestige Yachts continues to provide separate lounging and socializing spaces and entertainment possibilities, particularly for those interested in sun tanning and fresh air. A forward facing bench seat can accommodate multiple people and a sun pad with a retractable cabana-like sunshade can easily deploy during hotter afternoon hours. We also like the wide side decks (a design trait in virtually all Prestige Yachts models) as they allow free movement throughout, without having to side step, or nervously grip a safety rail. It’s also worth noting how both seating options are raised above the main deck for added visibility while underway.

Main Deck

Aft Platform.

After stepping through a stainless steel gate and down three steps, we arrive at a hydraulic swim platform that lowers into the water to create the popular teak beach experience. The platform also provides a place for launching PWC and/or a small tender.

Aft Deck

The outdoor gathering space flows seamlessly into the super structure via twin sliding glass doors. Because of the flying bridge overhang of 7’ (2.13 m) off the deck, the space actually adds to the overall square footage of living space on days where weather permits.
We also like how Prestige Yachts added stairs to the bridge outside the superstructure, therein maximizing living space while still offering protection and security for traveling up and down stairs.
The aft deck features a four-across bench seat behind a teak pedestal table with integrated drink holders in a chromed inlay. The table is hi-gloss and contrasts beautifully with the teak decking. Certainly the area lends itself to the addition of a pair of deck chairs, allowing for comfortable seating for six.

Galley.

Due to customer feedback, and current trends in design, Prestige Yachts went ahead and moved the galley aft. Instead of the typical U-shaped galley, which creates a dead-end and cramped sense of space, the builder created an island that allows better flow in and out of the galley. The galley counter’s L-shaped island creates a sense of division between the dining area and the salon, without sacrificing an open feel. When entertaining, the aft location becomes even more ideal as it provides easy access to all four entertainment venues: the dining area, the salon, the seating area on the aft deck, and the stairs up to the flying bridge.

Dining.

The Prestige Yachts 680 has a separate dining space and table, which is a breath of fresh air compared to the usual L-shaped settees next to the helm of raised bridge deck designs. Located directly across from the galley, it adds functionality and another venue for entertaining. A glass table with a built-in bench seat to starboard maximizes seating without sacrificing space or the “open” concept.

Salon.

The salon is a small step up from the galley, and features an L-shaped sofa with two additional accent chairs and a hideaway flatscreen TV. A glass coffee table continues the theme of open concept and still leaves plenty of room for a gathering/entertaining space. The hardwoods flow from the galley to the salon seamlessly while area rugs add a sense of warmth and color. All lighting is built into the overhead, and HVAC is run behind the molding (invisible to the eye). Bose surround speakers continue the theme of luxurious amenities without sacrificing the breathtaking views from the floor to the ceiling windows.

Lower Helm.

While the 680 is a flush-deck motoryacht, the lower helm is on a special raised platform forward of the salon. This arrangement has many benefits such as better visibility for the captain, large seat backs that don’t draw eyes to the helm station but rather the overall salon, and handy access to the watertight doors directly to starboard. We also like how the panel placement is rather low, again maximizing visibility while underway.

Side Door

Now here’s a neat feature. To the starboard side of the main deck is a side door leading out to the side deck. For guests, this makes for a short transition to the bow gathering area without having to go all the way aft first. It’s also behind the helm seat so anyone can use it without having to have the captain leave the helm first to do so.
For the captain, the side door represents an easy way to get to the side deck, and the critical midship cleat, allowing for shorthanded docking situations. Of course this means having to leave the helm and walk around the helm bench seat to get out the door, right? Not necessarily.
By having the door right behind the helm, the captain can stand at the door, have a clear sightline of the whole starboard side, and still control the boat from the joystick, easily within reach.
In short, by moving the side door from the helm area to just behind, Prestige Yachts has allowed for everyone to use the door, without any encumbrances.

Accommodations Deck

Master Stateroom.

Next to the helm is a private companionway to the master stateroom. Upon entry, we find a lounger to port, and a desk to starboard that also serves as a vanity. A flatscreen TV to the forward bulkhead and built-in surround speakers add to the already luxurious space. Directly above, we find three large windows that make what would be a darker space open and bright. At the press of a button, a bug screen or blackout shade closes off the windows for privacy or ventilation.
Moving forward is a walk-in closet to port and a separate head with a large shower stall, and a doublewide single sink to starboard.

Guest or VIP Staterooms.

A second companionway in the salon leads to the aft staterooms, and on the Prestige Yachts 680, the buyer has the option of two or three separate quarters. The VIP stateroom is standard, while forward is the option of an additional full-beam VIP stateroom, or two smaller rooms with twin berths for added functionality. The second option would be a popular one for those interested in chartering as it provides the maximum number of berths aboard.

Guest Staterooms.

With the twin guest stateroom option, there are nearly two identical cabins with twin berths. The exception being that the portside cabin has a private entrance to the day head. These two staterooms share that single head located on the portside. Both cabins feature hull side windows for an added sense of natural light and space. With high overheads, the inboard berths have room for Pullman-style berths over the existing bunks, but to date, such an option is not offered.

VIP Stateroom.

The VIP stateroom would be the master on many boats in this particular class. Because many buyers who choose motoryachts of this size will travel with friends, Prestige Yachts essentially designed three master suites so two guest couples would feel pampered.
To starboard is a storage credenza and vanity with stool. To port is a spacious head with a large shower stall and a doublewide single sink. A mirror over the sink is on a slider so that two people can use the area at once and the light from the hull side window can be adjusted as desired. Moving the mirror also prevents water from splashing on it from the sink.

While the VIP stateroom does not have overhead skylights, the stateroom features ample lighting provided by large side windows with portholes for additional ventilation.

Crew Cabin.

Located off the aft swim platform, we find a watertight transom door that leads to the crew cabin and engine room. The crew quarters are smaller in size but adequate for sleeping and privacy. The cabin features twin berths with light through transom windows, a private head, and a washer/dryer combination. Engine access is also available through the crew cabin.
At 68’ (21 m), this boat is intended to be an owner/operator boat for most people. If she is, then this cabin becomes yet another guest cabin, and we imagine that it will be popular with kids. Obviously, it may also be used for storage in some applications and is an ideal place for scuba tanks, an air compressor, etc.

As an added perk of having the crew quarters accessed from the swim platform, the “crew” head also serves as a day head for those enjoying the benefits of the swim platform. This alleviates the need for guests who are resting on the submerged platform from having to enter the salon and traipse below in wet feet and bathing suits just to use the head.

Engine Room

The engine room is accessed from either the watertight door ahead of the crew quarters or a hatch in the aft deck. We found the layout to be roomy and all areas are easily accessible.

Because Prestige Yachts utilizes jackshafts to connect the engines to the pods, it was able to better achieve a preferred weight distribution with the engines being well ahead of the propulsion. This allows the 680 to maintain a bow low attitude when accelerating and remain more level when underway.

Getting Underway

Clearing away from the dock presented our first challenge as the Prestige Yachts 680 was marginally oversized for the space we were in. But the combination of IPS joystick and bow thruster made short work of it and we were able to precisely maneuver our way out.
Once clear of the dock, we kept it on joystick as there still wasn’t room to either side and we had a strong crosswind blowing from an approaching front. Once clear of that channel we really got to feel just how responsive the 680 is when making way. There was zero lag time between helm inputs and the bow responding to our touch. We also noticed no wavering of the heading and even the small headway showed a reduced effect from the crosswind. We were also starting to enjoy the comfort level of the standing position behind the helm. Once we started to pick up speed, things really got comfortable and thanks to the forward position of the engines, there was minimal bowrise to the acceleration.

Performance

With the IPS1200s doing the heavy work, we reached a top speed of 31 knots at 2325 rpm. At that speed we were burning 88 gph for a range of just under 289 nm. Best cruise is always tough on an IPS powered boat as the efficiency changes so very little as the throttle is increased. We hardly wavered from .4 nmpg from 1500 rpm and 12.7 knots on up to full speed. So as we are fond of saying, don’t worry about the fuel, set the speed for the comfort level of the prevailing conditions.

Handling

There’s a distinct safety factor with her high freeboard. We measured 8’ (2.44 m) at both the bow and stern. And underway she feels solid as a rock. There are no fast maneuvers in this, or any IPS powered boat as the throw of the pods is reduced at speed. But that’s a positive factor as no one wants to be on a yacht that cranks and banks around as its occupants hold on for dear life. This ride is all about comfort and the 680 delivers it. We couldn’t get her to pound even when crossing our self-generated wakes at full speed and all spray was thrown well to the sides and down low for a dry ride for whomever may be on the bow.

Stabilizing the 680

We didn’t really have heavy seas as we we were testing in the lee of the shore, but this boat is equipped with a SeaKeeper gyro and we still wanted to see how it handled this large boat. With our marginal conditions, we found ourselves rolling a bit in the beam with the heel angle between +5-degrees one way and -4-degrees the other. Not a lot but measurable.
With the gyro turned on, things got noticeably calmer. We could see it and feel it and the meaurments dropped to the 1s and 2s for heel angle, so clearly this system works well even with the 71,400 lb. (32,386 kg) estimated test weight.

Tricky Returns

Finally, when bringing her back into the dock, we got another good feel for how she handles when things get tight. We didn’t have enough room to drive straight down the channel and up to the dock because there was simply no room to turn her around for a stern-to approach, so…. We had to back her all the way down to the approach. This also gave me the opportunity to test our theory about visibility from the side door. And frankly, it worked out great. Without a doubt, we could have used the cockpit joystick just as easily but this was more of a challenge so… we stuck with it. And to no one’s surprise, we were able to maneuver her gracefully into position and then gently up against the pier with no muss and no fuss. Like a lady.

Observations

We like 68’ (21 m). We think it is a good length for most owner/operators, being easy to master after a few hours of experience to get the hang of how to nudge her into a tight slip. As far as accommodations go, she can handle as many guests in luxury and comfort as can a 100-footer – and at a cost that is considerably less, both to buy and operate.
With the two different accommodation layouts available, owners can select the model that will be most appropriate for their kind of cruising – with family and maybe grandchildren, or with other adult couples. Perhaps most importantly, she can entertain in grand style and her aft deck is perfect for dinner parties nearly any time of the year.