The new 47 Fly from the Italian luxury shipyard celebrated its world premiere in Cannes last September. We previously had the opportunity to test the by no means small model in the lower end of the flybridge range, which now comprises nine sizes. There are several competitors in the segment of yachts with an additional deck around 50 feet. The Navetta 48 is even an alternative in the company's own range. Even at first glance, everything appears very solid. Further inspection of the corners also reveals, as expected, flawless workmanship without compromise. In terms of production, the relatively young shipyard is already well positioned, as completely new facilities with modern machinery were built in 2002 in Podenzano, around 150 kilometres north-east of Genoa. Company founders Marcello Bè and Sergio Maggi are known for focussing on innovation rather than chasing the market. The fact that the shipyard wants to achieve the absolute and not compromise is already expressed in the brand name, and this is also the programme for the development.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Absolute 47 Fly with technical data and further images in BOOTE issue 01/2020 at newsagents or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
If you want a lot of living space and want to be well equipped for all weathers, a flybridge yacht is the right choice. An equipment rack spans the seating area with table, which is located at the rear. The wet bar on the starboard side is equipped with a fridge and sink - optionally also with a freezer and grill - for convenient catering for the crew on the upper deck. There is no bimini, but a hardtop is available instead. There is a bench seat in front of the wet bar and a 2.30 x 1.52 metre sun lounger in front of it.
The helm station with two individual seats completes the equipment. All the necessary controls and an excellent all-round view can be found here. Another open-air zone in the bow can be reached via the gangways. Although these are secured with a good railing, additional grab handles would still be an advantage. The seating area here can optionally be converted into a sunbathing area by lowering the table. The optional bimini provides shade.
In the cockpit, fresh air can also be enjoyed in a covered seating area with a table before passing through the sliding door into the deck saloon. Here, a spacious galley in the style of a fitted kitchen with wall cupboards welcomes you on the port side. The kitchen offers everything your heart desires. The living area in front has an upholstered sofa with storage space and a seating area to port. The helm station is reserved for the skipper with an upholstered bucket seat. Optionally, the helpful door fitted on the test boat can be installed instead of an electric window.
The compartments are reached via the companionway next to the steering position. Here we like the fuse panel for the entire electrical system as we descend. Everything can be seen directly and at a glance. In the bow, there is an elegant owner's cabin with a transverse double berth (1.93 x 1.44 m) and large side windows that offer an excellent view. A private bathroom with separate shower is accessible from the inside. To starboard is a smaller guest cabin with single beds. The VIP cabin follows amidships after the entrance door to the second bathroom and another staircase. The double berth measures 1.95 x 1.67 metres. A side window lets in light. Around two metres of headroom allow unhindered movement and a walk-in wardrobe solves all storage problems.
The two Volvo Penta D6-IPS650 engines with no alternative are a very good choice. With a combined
706 kW (960 hp), the yacht is ideally equipped. After 30 seconds of acceleration, we measured a top speed of 28.2 kn at 3790 rpm, which is a touch above the rated speed. The propeller tuning is therefore perfect. This is also shown by the gliding speed reached after eight seconds at 2900 rpm and 15.2 knots. We calculate the most efficient speed at 3500 rpm with a cruising speed of 24.7 kn and an hourly consumption of 158 litres. With the 1600 litre tank, a good 200 nautical miles are possible after deducting the obligatory reserve of 15 percent (which is about 70 nm too lean for BOOTE).
For full circles at high speed, the yacht allows itself a diameter of five to six boat lengths. Manoeuvring is child's play thanks to the joystick. If you want to manoeuvre manually in the harbour, you can expect little reaction when reversing. The yacht behaves very calmly and completely uncritically in all manoeuvres. The power supply is in the green zone with a total of ten batteries, and the generator can be used if necessary. We really like the six bilge pumps - two of which can be operated manually - as well as the perfect installation of the mechanical components and the full range of fire extinguishing equipment.
Conclusion:If you are looking for a yacht that combines top workmanship with good performance and that also allows longer stays on board in different weather conditions with a high level of comfort, then the Absolute 47Fly should be on your list.
