Fipa Italiana Yachts Review

Summary

Fipa Italiana Yachts is an Italy-based company that manufactures luxury megayachts. The company has been operating since 1970. It was founded by Francesco Guidetti and his wife Mirna Santucci. In the 1970s, Fipa Italiana began producing its first fiberglass motoryachts. This was an innovation at that time because other megayacht companies had not even entered the fiberglass motoryacht industry. Thus, Fipa was a pioneer. In the 1980s, the company got control of the Maiora brand, a well-renowned workmanship and craftsmanship name to assist Fipa in design. In the 1990s, the company gained control of the Intermare shipyard in Viareggio. At the turn of the millennium (2001), the company acquired the AB Yachts shipyard. This is a shipyard dedicated to planning and building speedy open motoryachts with waterjets. Increased demand forced Fipa to move part of its Maiora production to Massa, a town near Viareggio. After the move to Massa, Fipa could manage producing forty yachts each year. In 2005, Fipa continued its growth by obtaining control of the CBI Navi shipyard. As with Massa, this site gave the company direct access to Viareggio, the place they use for testing their yachts. The company produces motoryachts (fiberglass, steel/metal alloy, open) that range in size from 50 meters (about 160 feet) to 80 meters (about 256 feet).

Pricing

The price range for Fipa Italiana Yachts is generally high six-figures in euros to low seven-figures in euros.

Pros

• Well-renowned company.
• Yachts are visually-pleasing.
• Consistently expanding its company to include top shipyards and manufacturing personnel in Italy and other countries (e.g., Greece, Spain, etc.)
• Fipa employees deal directly with Fipa customers. There are no intermediaries.

Cons

• Very expensive.

Featured Models

One featured model is the AB 116. This model was unveiled in late 2009. The rear entrance leads to a spacious saloon that has large windows, permitting lots of natural light to enter the room. The main deck has a huge U-shaped sofa along with a 50” TV. The dining room table in the lounging area can accommodate ten people. It is powered by three engines, each of which produces 2400hp. The maximum speed is 46 knots. Another featured model is the 2008 Maria Pia. It is 136’ long and can cruise at just over 50 knots, maxing out at 53 knots. Its total horsepower is 7200.

Conclusion

Fipa Italiana yachts are featured in many yachting magazines worldwide and make many appearances at international boat and yacht shows. The company has a rich history of gaining control of the most prestigious shipyards in Italy to assist them in increasing their yacht production and having access to testing their yachts prior to sending them to customers. Today, the company has eight production centers to support customer demand for Fipa Italiana yachts.