The 50-foot power-cruising boat segment is surging. Advances in electronics and engine technology have builders launching vessels that run 30+ knots, sleep six guests and can be operated by an owner and an able-bodied guest. The Absolute 50 Fly is no exception.
When Absolute Yachts’ 14-member design team sketched out the Absolute 50 Fly, the goal was to build a 50 footer at the Italian shipyard that offered flexibility in design for different boating areas around the world.
“A fresh design was needed, and the Absolute 50 Fly is here to fill that gap,” says Cesare Mastroianni, vice president of sales of Absolute Yachts. “It’s our answer to a specific request from the market, and different layouts of the 50 Fly will be introduced around the world: for example, laid out for socializing in Asia and for families in Europe and the United States.”
Indeed, the Absolute 50 Fly I toured offers a family-friendly layout with a tropical feel for anchoring in warm waters and exploring the sea. With her flybridge helm, the Absolute 50 Fly is what one would expect to see cruising across blue Caribbean waters. Picture the pilot atop the flybridge deck at the starboard-side steering wheel, while guests lounge about on large couches and sunpads.
“Sitting in the helm seat you get a feel for the ergonomics; every control is within easy reach,” explains Harold Del Rosario, dealer manager for Absolute Yachts North America based in Fort Lauderdale. “The Volvo Penta IPS controls make docking the 50 Fly easy for the pilot, and the relationship between Absolute and Volvo Penta goes back to the origins of IPS in the early 2000s. Absolute was the first European partner. Every Absolute is designed for IPS, and it’s been a very successful relationship.” Absolute’s Flybridge line starts with the 40 Fly and extends to the 72 Fly, powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 1200 (900-horsepower) engines. “And now we want more horsepower,” Del Rosario said.
“The idea is to offer the 72 with more speed.” Yet while speed matters on the Absolute 50 Fly —twin Volvo Penta IPS drives are mated to D6 435-horsepower diesel engines for a top speed of 30 knots; it is more suited toward functionality, fun, and ease of use for her guests. For example, the large teak swim platform raises and lowers hydraulically more than 2.5 feet below the waterline. That provides easy access for swimmers to re-board the yacht, and more importantly, makes it simple to launch and retrieve a tender or two personal watercrafts.
“This eliminates the need for a crane for the tender,” Del Rosario adds. “This one is in teak or it can be finished in nonskid, and either way it’s very strong.” Just off the swim platform built into the transom area is what Del Rosario calls the fourth cabin, complemented by a full head with shower. It’s ideal for nanny or crew quarters, or a nice luxury after swimming or diving, with plenty of room to clean up and store gear.
The cockpit is accessed via steps on the starboard side of the transom, which features a settee that can convert into a large sunpad. If you like the pad but prefer some shade,
there’s an effective Arquati retractable awning that drops down on two supports from either side of the flybridge deck. Not only does it block the sun but also the wind for increased comfort on the aft deck. Access to the engine room is via a deck hatch in the cockpit, and while space is tight with the twin Volvo Penta powerplants, there is a dedicated place for a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer.
“For people just cruising from marina to marina, it is not an accessory that is in demand,” Del Rosario suggests. “For people overnighting, though, it’s important. Once you try it when you are anchoring out, it’s a must-have.” The Absolute 50 Fly is ideally set up for anchoring, fully opening the aft salon doors and enjoying the sea.
The galley is located to port in the aft corner and features a two-burner stove, convection oven, wine chiller, and lots of storage. The Canaletto walnut cabinet joinery is complemented by the oak flooring, and attention to detail is evident as the wood grains in the veneers are matched throughout. Moving forward into the salon, to port is a U-shaped couch set around a hi-low table that easily converts from a coffee table into a dining table.
Directly opposite of the couch to starboard is a flat-panel TV that rises out of a console or is hidden away when not in use. Forward of the TV and two-person settee is the starboard-side helm station and steering wheel, which features seating for the pilot and co-pilot and an unobstructed view of twin Garmin GPSMAP 7416 multifunction displays. A compass is located forward of the pilot atop the dash, and controls for the Bennet trim tabs, Fusion entertainment system and throttles and shifters are within easy reach.
“There’s a starboard-side door for the captain so it’s very easy to get out onto the deck,” Del Rosario remarks. “That’s important because you can stick a foot out the door while you are docking and get a good look at everything. You’ll also notice the large front windshield with two panels and windshield wipers.
The lower deck cabins are accessed via a centerline staircase that leads to a small foyer. All the way forward is the VIP cabin, featuring a queen-size berth on the centerline, portholes and a deck hatch for ventilation. The VIP also has a private door to the head and shower, which is also accessed via the foyer and serves as a day head. The master suite is situated amidships with a king-size berth and plenty of headroom. The lower deck cabins are accessed via a centerline staircase that leads to a small foyer. All the way forward is the VIP cabin, featuring a queen-size berth on the centerline, portholes and a deck hatch for ventilation. The VIP also has a private door to the head and shower, which is also accessed via the foyer and serves as a day head.
Moving out of the VIP, a cabin with two bunks is located to starboard, while the king master cabin with ensuite is situated amidships. The master also features a settee to port and a counter and storage to starboard. Headroom is generous, due to the grid stringer system. “The stringer and grid system allows Absolute to build all the cabinetry much lower in the hull allowing for more headroom throughout,” Del Rosario explains.
“Also, by not utilizing pre-molded liners, Absolute is gaining valuable inches throughout and especially noticeable in head and shower areas.” The 50 Fly is made for outdoor relaxation, and the bow area is where form and function meet. The teak deck and huge sunpad are inviting, and the boat has a windlass and an anchor. “Everyone loves the bow seating,” Del Rosario affirms. “That was a huge hit on our Navetta 52, and we carried it over to the 50 Fly.”
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 49′ 10″
Beam: 14′ 6″
Draft: 4′
Displacement: 22.5 tons
Fuel/Water: 423/119 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x 435-hp Volvo Penta
IPS D6 engines
Cruise/Top Speed: 23/30 knots
Range: 258 nm @ cruise
MSRP: Inquire
Contact: Absolute Yachts North America
3001 State Road 84 (Marina Mile West)
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
absoluteyachts.com
By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating November 2017