True to the shipyard’s signature style, it features a revamped, more functional layout. At the helm? A sure bet, as always. For smooth, speedy sailing
by Niccolò Volpati – photo by Massimiliano Romualdi
At the helm of the Itama 54, the temptation to open the throttle wide is overwhelming, as is the feeling of absolute control over the boat – equally reassuring.
This new open boat is an irresistible invitation to sail and speed, easily achieved thanks to the two powerful Man engines, each delivering 850 horsepower (in the optional version; the standard version comes with 730). As soon as it passes the displacement phase, the hull settles: trim and visibility are perfect. It turns easily and just right: it doesn’t bank too much or too little. It is manoeuvrable and easy to handle.
The test took place in calm seas, although wake waves were generated by the numerous boats passing offshore from Cannes. Yet the ride remained smooth throughout, as the V-shaped bow allowed it to slice through them with precision.
Below deck, nothing is missing, but the spaces are more ‘service’-oriented. The Itama 54 is an open and, as such, is best enjoyed outdoors. The interior is practical and functional. The layout extends the full length of the vehicle, providing two cabins with two en-suite bathrooms, a large kitchen and a long sofa facing the TV.
Between the dashboard and the engine room lies all the technology you need, without any unnecessary excess. For example, the Interceptor trim tabs by Quick are undoubtedly a valuable aid, even for the most experienced owners. The fuel consumption figures also confirm that it is well worth making the most of the available horsepower: to cruise at 20 knots, it takes just under ten litres per mile, whilst at 25 knots, eight litres are sufficient. In reality, the harder you push it, the better the Itama 54 performs.
Tommaso De Luca designed the interiors and superstructure. The task – let’s face it – was by no means straightforward: the aim was to modernise the boat without compromising its DNA, not least because the Itama style – which the owners naturally expect – was never in question. De Luca has hit the mark perfectly. On deck, the aft section is traditionally occupied by the triple sun deck and the swim platform.
// The layout concentrates the entire living area in the cockpit and on the sun deck, with the aft platform. The bow, as is traditional, remains free, featuring only two recessed sun loungers. //
The cockpit makes the most of the available space, as if it has been doubled in size. There is the classic U-shaped sofa around the dining table, the galley and the helm console, as well as another living area with a second small sofa. As with all Itama models, access to the bow is via the windscreen, but this time the hatch is on the starboard side rather than in the centre. This keeps access easy, though slightly off-centre, allowing for a more functional layout. The foredeck is free, featuring only the double sunbathing area, which is set slightly lower than the deck level of the deckhouse. This is a perfect solution, as the cushions remain out of sight without spoiling the clean lines of the hull. There is no handrail, which would have been an eyesore from an aesthetic standpoint.
Below deck, the layout shows that an obsession with sheer volume never drove the design phase. Comfort is evident – you can see it and feel it – without any sense of contrivance. When you descend the ladder, for example, you do not encounter a traditional hallway. At the stern, there is no cabin that, being situated below the cockpit floor level, would be compromised on headroom. Instead, you enter a corridor which, in turn, provides access to the cabins, all of which have en-suite bathrooms.
// The bow SUN LOUNGERS are set slightly below the deckhouse deck level: this makes them almost INVISIBLE.
The effect is très chic. //
The master cabin is at the very bow, and the bathroom has a separate shower cubicle. The guest cabin, on the other hand, is situated slightly further aft, whilst remaining in the bow section of the boat. The interior also features a large, linear galley with a generous worktop and a linear sofa seating 4–5 people. Everything unfolds in length. But it is like the Itama that it is best enjoyed on deck.
Engine room
Still a Man and still with an in-line layout. However, you can choose the power output: the standard version comes with a 730-horsepower engine, whilst the optional version has an 850-horsepower engine.
ITAMA, FERRETTI GROUP BRAND
Via Classicana, 68
I-48122 Ravenna (RA)
www.itama-yacht.com
PROJECT
Tommaso De Luca (interiors and exteriors) and Ferretti Engineering
HULL
LOA 16.44m • Maximum beam 4.73m • Draft 1.70m • Light mass displacement 19,500 kg • Fuel tank volume 2,500 l • Water tank volume 450 l
MAIN PROPULSION
2x Man i6-850 • Outlet mechanical power 626 kW (850 hp) • 6 in-line cylinders • Swept volume 12.42 l • Bore&Stroke 126 mm x 166 mm • Maximal rotational speed 2,300 rpm • Weight 1,215 kg
EC CERTIFICATION
CAT B
PRICE*
1.290.000 € – Base – Excl. VAT – EX YARD
*Prices are as of July 2026
(Itama 54 – Impossible to resist it – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, July 2026)
