2023 Zar Formenti Zar 95 Sport Luxury

Zar Formenti 95SL: the right balance between sport and luxury

Classifying the new Zar Formenti Zar 95 SL with a qualifier is a difficult task.

The term Zar 95 SL"inflatable boat" is to restrictive for her. Yes, it is true, she is equipped with tubulars but the particular building technology that has made Zar boats famous all around the world makes them represent the perfect link between inflatable and fiberglass boats.

The term "boat", too, is too restrictive.

With a boat, you can’t run ashore, come alongside and enjoy all the seating, sun pads and storage compartments that are commonly found on an inflatable boat.

Moreover, the new Zar 95 SL has another element that makes classification difficult: her length.

Looking at the Zar 95 SL aerial viewtechnical specifications provided by Zar Formenti, we realize that the overall length of the boat is identical to the internal walking one. And it’s not a misprint.

That’s why, when climbing on board a Zar Formenti, you’ll feel like being on board a definitely larger boat. It’s not a feeling, it is true and the Zar 95 SL is not exception; she actually emphasizes this concept.

For all these reasons, I have no difficulty in classifying, without fear of contradiction, the Zar 95 SL as the first Zar Formenti’s Maxi Rib. Usually reserved for inflatable boats of over 10 meters in length, this term is very appropriate in this case.

Stable and precise, the Zar 95 SL behaves more like a motorboat than a dinghy in the water. We only need to accelerate and the boat starts to plane. The wake detaches at 10-11 knots, the boat frees itself from the water’s grip and starts to glide softly.

It is not difficult to perceive how good the hull is since every push on the throttles is equivalent to a speed boost; there is no friction and the boat trim remains unchanged and perfectly horizontal.

Almost 54 knots, with avant-garde solutions: our test of Zar Formenti 95SL explains the meaning of those two letters. Yes, they stand for Sport and Luxury.

Acceleration is thrilling: 3 seconds to planing and 8.6 to 40 knots. But we have to give credit also to the two Suzukis DF350AP, with twin 24" counter-rotating propellers.

Fuel consumption is acceptable even when pushing the throttle(s), but we would reckon a good cruise speed at 32 knots (4000 rpm): trim the engines 50% and you can save a further 5 liters per hour (from 80 to 75). If you want to further save, the minimum plane is 13 knots and 2400 revs, with just 28 lph burnt.

Another pro of this Zar Formenti 95SL is the null tendency to nose up, so the visibility is always excellent. Add to this an ergonomical helm station, both in sitting and in upright position, and you feel a confident driver.

Let’s get static
The overall design is from Carlos Vidal and naval architect Francesco Ambrosini. They developed a good blend between pneumatic tubular and fiberglass structure, as customary for Zar Formenti. The layout is the same of the other Sport Luxury models, but this is the largest of the range so every space is expanded to the benefit of passengers. The main difference to Zar 85SL is belowdecks, where the larger sibling has space for a separate heads while the bunks are the same. There’s plenty of light down here thanks to the large side portholes, which also add to the look.

As for the main cockpit, we let the photos talk. What we like in particular is the synthetic teak of the flooring: lighter and eco-friendly, it’s got to a point where it’s not easy to tell it from the natural wood.

Sport and Luxury: Zar 95 SL Sport Luxury, pilot seatthat’s what the boats of this Zar Formenti’s line promise. No chase boats or service tenders but real boats to enjoy both travels and stops.

Lines are designed for a fast and sporty, comfortable and enjoyable navigation while spaces are intended to offer a sense of elegant yachting comfort that does not only mean fun under way but also hospitality and fun, in port or at anchor.

Elegant lines accompany and enhance the distinguishing features that have contributed to make these boats famous all around the world, entering a new dimension of sophistication.

Zar 95 SL Sport Luxury, helm stationIt is sufficient to observe the deck design to realize that; the two large fore and aft sunbathing platforms are the highest expression of a transforming capacity that allows to have two large sun pads that, with just a few gestures, can turn into two large dinettes where you can have dinner in the shade of awnings.

The central steering console is flanked by two wide side-decks – one on the walkway level on the left, the other in a raised position on the starboard side that leads to the chaise longue positioned ahead of the console itself.

The helm station is equipped with two enveloping ergonomic seats that delimit a central cabinet behind fitted with cooker, sink, refrigerator and an additional compartment.

The storage spaces Zar 95 SL Sport Luxury, storage compartmentcreated by Zar Formenti on board the Zar 95 SL are extraordinary.

Every seat hides a storage compartment where you can put anything you need to transform the different areas of the boat or enjoy your daily trips or, if you prefer, your summer long-range cruises.

Equally noteworthy is the ability to accommodate the large cabin under the steering console without compromising the light overall design of this boat that never ceases to have an elegant sporty style.

The bathroom is separate and equipped with all the amenities you need to enjoy your long stays on the sea.

The Zar 95 SL is a great boat in all respects. Fast, precise and definitively seaworthy, she fully deserves the definition of Maxi Rib.

The essentially infinite number of colour options that Zar Formenti makes available to custom the Zar 95 SL also allows you to have a Maxi Rib that accurately reflects your tastes.

The numerous engine packages available , too, are very interesting and range from 350HP to the version we tested that, with 700HP, is a true missile.


The numbers of Zar Formenti 95SL
Length overall ………………………… 9.60 m (31ft 6in)
Beam ……………………………… 3.30 m (10ft 10in)
Tubular diameter ………………… 0.60 (2ft)
Chambers ………………………… 6
Dry displacement ………………………… 2500 Kg
Max output ………………………… 700 hp
Suggested power ………………………… 500 hp
Fuel reserve ………………………… 600 l (158 US gal)
Fresh water reserve ………………………… 140 (36 US gal)
Passengers ………………………… 14
CE design category ………………………… C