The Manari 52 has successfully completed its first voyages off Miami. Following its world premiere at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2026, the yacht has now taken to the water for the first time under real conditions. The tests took place around the Haulover Inlet, in wind speeds of 10 to 15 knots and wave heights of between 0.8 and 1.2 metres. The conditions were deliberately chosen to test the yacht in the typical short swell of South Florida.
Equipped with two Volvo Penta IPS D8-800 engines, the Manari reached a top speed of around 37 knots. There were three people on board with 70 per cent full tanks and standard equipment. The optimum cruising speed is 24 to 26 knots. Future units with other engines are expected to reach up to 47 knots. Big stage for the Manari 52.
From Miami to Nassau on one tank of petrol
At cruising speed, the Manari 52 consumes between 140 and 160 litres per hour, rising to 220 to 240 litres at top speed. With a tank capacity of around 2,500 litres, this results in a range of 350 to 400 nautical miles. This is enough for the route from Miami to Nassau with sufficient reserve.
During the tests, the Manari demonstrated stable sailing behaviour. She negotiated tight bends with minimal heeling and almost no loss of speed. The short swell was absorbed cleanly, without the typical chop of many yachts in this segment. The ride remained dry throughout, not only at the helm, but also in the cockpit and outside areas.
74 decibels at cruising speed
The Volvo Penta IPS system proved to be responsive and precise. At low speeds, the joystick control provided safe manoeuvring, which is important both in crowded marinas and at sea.
At the helm, the noise levels at cruising speed were between 70 and 74 dB(A). The insulation did a good job and vibrations were minimal. The Manari 52 made a solid impression without any disturbing noises or unnecessary drama.
Minimalist appearance
The 52 was developed in collaboration with Mulder Design and designed around the Volvo IPS system from the outset. The pod positioning and structural design were optimised through extensive studies. The fuselage combines deep V geometry with progressive deadrise and optimised spray rails.
The construction and exterior design were closely harmonised and aerodynamics were taken into account from the outset. The control station continues this logic in the driver's environment: minimalist layout and designed for visibility and ergonomics.
Top of the 52-foot segment
The Miami-based Manari Yachts brand sees performance and refinement not as a compromise, but as a common starting point. With the successful test drives, the Manari 52 challenges the 52-foot segment - with a proven result.
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
