The new Pershing 50, of the Ferretti Group, will be showcased at the 2004 Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show, January 9-18 at Reliant Center. The Pershing will be the largest and most expensive boats on display at this year's show, priced at $1.5 million.

The Pershing 50 has innovative streamlining with a unique sporting design magnified by refined, spacious interiors. Pershing is just one of eight distinctive brands of the Ferretti Group, headquartered in Forli, Italy. The Ferretti Group is one of the world's largest yacht builders, producing luxury motor yachts ranging in size from 23' all the way to 211'.

This innovative motoryacht, whose instrument panel is modeled on the lines of the Pershing 76, is a further expression of the "next generation": it is 50 ft in length and boasts an aerodynamic profile and a cockpit providing exceptional comfort. The cockpit incorporates a comfortable, luminous dinette with a retractable table. Other highlights of this model are spacious, lateral walkways and an electric hardtop, functional features designed by Pershing designer Fulvio De Simoni to offer maximum navigating comfort. The comfortable below deck area features a fore master cabin, 2 double guest beds, and another bedroom for the boatman.

Particular attention has been focused on the beautifully crafted interior furnishings. Full of lacquered cherry and leather, the 50's saloon raises the bar for performance-boat interiors. This has the sort of standard you expect to find only aboard large yachts.

Another surprise is the performance of the Pershing 50, the smallest of the range to be equipped with Arneson surface drives, which combined with the MAN 800 diesel engine, can reach surprising speeds. This is true sport-boat performance, leaving no doubt that she is built for speed with a figure of 45 knots in light conditions. The Pershing 50 is fast, powerful, and has classic Italian style and flair to match. Known for its expert craftsmanship and quality design components, the new Pershing 50 is one of the pre-eminent motoryachts afloat, and you can see her at the 2004 Houston International Boat, Sport and Travel Show, January 9-18 at Reliant Center.