She is the "smallest" Navetta to be launched by the Italian Absolute shipyard to date. All models have the appearance of a trawler, as they are reminiscent ofLong-distance or expedition vehicles. However, you will search in vain for the term "trawler" on the shipyard website. It says "Where tradition meets technology".
This means that the doors are open to both sides: To the traditional and the modern, which is clearly expressed by the Navetta 48 in particular. The attributes unobtrusively modern and timelessly dignified suit it perfectly.
A clear distinguishing feature from other boats is the construction method. Although negative moulds also form the basis for Absolute, other shipyards build the hull shell piece by piece."Integrated Structural System" developed. All the built-in parts (floors, walls and bulkheads) are prefabricated using computer-controlled milling machines and saws so that they simply have to be plugged together and later laminated into the hull.
The deck and superstructure are then fitted and firmly attached to the hull. Only then are all the surfaces that will later be visible and all the technology installed. The result isExtremely stable boats with a high level of quality, in which nothing will squeak or creak later on the water.
Another result of this design can be felt and seen when you step onto the boat, because the Navetta 48 conveys aGenerous sense of space and roominessas is otherwise only known from larger yachts. Space and light is the shipyard's design concept. This can be seen and felt not only in the saloon, which is fitted with glass fronts all round between seemingly fragile supports.
It is particularly noticeable when you walk down the steps to the saloon and enter one of the three cabins. Access is provided by wide sliding doors that disappear invisibly between the walls.
Like Absolute herealmost wasteful of space and room I only realised a few days later when I tested a 64-foot boat and had to squeeze through cabin entrances half as wide. In the Navetta 48, the owner sleeps in the bow cabin, which bears comparison with a mini-suite, and has its own fully equipped bathroom.
Where you would normally find the owner's cabin, the space amidships is reserved for two cabins with four berths for guests who share the day bathroom. Not to be forgotten: the crew cabin with wet room in the stern, which, if not ordered as such, then functions as a large storage space.
Andon top guests can relax on the flybridge thanks to the ample seating and lounging areas and enjoy a cold drink from the bar. When it comes to the overall finish, as well as the technical and electrical installations, Absolut is of the highest standard and thus marks a new level of quality.more than just a top position.
Just this much, the engine compartment in the Navetta 48 is one of the best I have ever set foot in. And the fact that it is not just below deck that all the senses are spoilt with high-quality materials and the finest workmanship is another of Absolute's strengths.
Absolute relies on IPS600 and two 435 hp diesels from Volvo Penta for propulsion. They not only enable safe and relaxed driving, but also easy manoeuvring at slow speeds thanks to the joystick. As is typical for IPS, all manoeuvres at planing speed are moderate, as the curve radii depend on the rpm and speed and therefore extreme manoeuvres do not take place. RPMs and speed also determine the range.
At slow displacement (3 to 6 knots), one tank of fuel enables distances of 1200 to 1800 nm and at fast planing or cruising speed (25 knots) of around 275 nm, plus 15% reserves in each case, which meets our requirements. At full throttle, she still has a range of around 250 nm plus reserve.
Due to the lack of rough water and waves, this test chapter remains unfilled. At least the Navetta 48 showed no weaknesses in the waves of other yachts and our own and indicated that it is capable of more. Every now and then we heard a hint of spray when the bow dipped into larger stern waves, but the shipyard is trying to get this under control by modifying the trim tabs.
The driving position in the saloon is recommended for mooring and casting off manoeuvres, as the skipper has a good view of everything around the boat. On the flybridge, the helm station is positioned in the centre, so visibility when mooring is somewhat restricted. Both helm stations are equipped with touchscreen monitors that display almost everything to do with navigation, the boat or the engines.
OneEffective sound insulation ensures pleasant acoustics. At full throttle, our sound pressure level meter shows 74 dB/A in the closed saloon and 84 dB/A in the cockpit. Like other shipyards, Absolute also equips its boats ready to go and allows you to customise the living and driving comfort using the accessories list.
Another detail that speaks in favour of Absolute: TheNavigation lighting is BSH-approved. And the fact that the boats not only meet the tastes of customers is demonstrated by the company's history and the fact that it has been nominated for the Powerboat Award and numerous honours in regular succession right from the start.
