Some time ago, we presented a smaller boat from the shipyard under the title "Modern Times": the Fjord 36. Growth and the model driven at the time has now been joined bythe larger sister boats like the Fjord 40, 42 and our test boat 48 Open.
But what used to catch the eye - the look that we compared to that of the "doppelganger" Wally One - is no longer a particularly unusual fashion trend, but has become commonplace.
If you look at Wally, Fjord and Axopar from a distance, they seem to resemble each other like siblings.The fjord look is no longer a unique selling point. What remains is the extravagant charm that these boats exude. There are only two points of view:to like or not to like.
While the Fjord 36 was still regarded as a concept boat, the concept has now materialised: What remains are theCentre console with seating for skipper and crew, which are covered by a fixed bimini, also known as a T-top, on the test boat; this also provides shadea fine pantry with dinette. True to the concept, the 48 Open also has an open rear, but it is fitted with small doors at the sides to keep the kids and their cones where they are.
For theCockpit rear There are two options to choose from: either two large seating areas with tables that can be converted into sun loungers, or one seating area with a table and sun loungers.huge sun lounger behind it. Underneath the latter is a sizeable garage for aalmost three metres long tender. The final feature is a bathing platform that can be raised and lowered hydraulically at the touch of a button.
The foredeck is still intended for living space; in the 48 Open it accommodates not just one, buttwo cabins. The owner's cabin extends over the entire foredeck and has a large bathroom with WC on the port side. The guest cabin, which is separate from the owner's cabin, is somewhat more modest in terms of space, but has a large bathroom to port.no less comfortable to. It is located to starboard and can be ordered with or without a bathroom with WC. The owner sleeps on a double berth in theQueensize formatthe guests on two single berths.
With their modern concept, fjord boats have now established themselves on the market and offer everything that even discerning skippers and owners like.
While the 36 is offered as a tender or overnighter, the 48 Open is offered as aSports Cruiser presented. The shipyard is aware that it is the ideal boat mainly for southern and sunny regions. And also for all those whoTired of a big yacht because it is too bulky and unwieldy and therefore not suitable for every harbour. Or simply because you are fed up with the entourage and always need staff to be able to sail.
"Back to basics" - this is exactly what the marketing strategists at the Hanse shipyard in Greifswald had and still have in mind for the Fjord 48. Pure boating, having fun with the family, practising all kinds of water sports, even being able to stay overnight,without having to do without amenitiesThe boat should have plenty of space and, if necessary, be able to weather a sea without getting into trouble. And all this with an engine with 870 or 1305 hp, which will scrape its hooves, provide plenty of propulsion and, according to the shipyard, deliver aMaximum speed of 30 or 40 kn are good.
We sail the Fjord 48 Open on the Mediterranean, Port Adriano on Mallorca is our harbour, and three Volvo Penta IPS600s, each with 435 hp, provide the necessary kick. The whole thing is computer-controlled - we only have two gear levers plus a joystick.
While the three engines in the engine compartment are offset (two at the rear, one at the front), thethe pod drives next to each other arranged. Regardless of whether you move one gear lever forwards and the other backwards or whether you use the joystick, the two outer pod drives are always controlled - this enables manoeuvring in the tightest of spaces. TheMooring and unmooring succeeds effortlessly. We sail the slow passages at a maximum of 1200 rpm and a speed of 8.5 knots so that the waves generated by the boat don't disturb us too much.
After leaving the harbour, we push both control levers forwards and our test boat starts to turn at 2000 rpm (13 knots) without much fuss.from displacement to gliding to pass over. We measured a maximum speed of 39 knots, while all engines were 50 rpm above nominal speed. The fact that the 40 knots were not reached can be attributed to the swell and the additional speed to the low load.
According to the evaluation of our measurement data, the engines should turn 3000 rpm so that you can travel economically at a speed of 30 knots at a fast gliding speed. One tank of petrol is enough at this speedfor a theoretical radius of action of 306 nm and at full throttle for around 270 nm (plus 15% reserve in each case). This means that the 480 does not quite reach the value we require; if you want to cover longer distances, you have to ease off the throttle and drive as a displacer, which is quite difficult given the sporty character of the boat.
The topic of extreme manoeuvres is quickly dealt with - nothing extreme happens, especially not with IPS and certainly not with three.
The curve diameters are around 200 metres in planing mode and just over three boat lengths in displacement mode. To theTopic Rough water There's not much to say about the sea either: the waves, which are up to around one metre high, don't cause us any headaches. Anything that comes in front of the bow is comfortably sailed over.
Also on the subject ofProcessing Let's be brief; in a test, the Fjord 48 Open only received good marks in this category. And when it comes to safety: everything is there, everything is included - even a quick stop or emergency stop switch, which is rarely seen on boats of this type at the helm. As it should be, everything is included for sailing anyway; individual requests for additional extras andcolour design The extensive list of accessories takes into account the wide range of interior and exterior options.
Conclusion
Fjord boats are niche products, and the 48 Open will also find its place there, among other things as an alternative for yacht owners with a desire for downsizing. If the concept appeals to you, you will be convinced by the boat in all respects and will enjoy it. This was the case for us in terms of handling characteristics and comfort on board.
