The Absolute 50 Fly was tested by BOOTE a good four years ago. The revamped version with an engine update was presented in 2020. Reason enough to take another look at the revised yacht.
Some changes are recognisable at first glance, some only on closer inspection. The 50 belongs to the entry-level class of the shipyard's flybridge line, which currently comprises seven models, starting with the 47 and extending to the 72. The range is complemented by six three-storey Navetta models. The target group of the luxury shipyard from Podenzano, north-east of Genoa, is therefore clear: experienced owners who attach great importance to comfort and plenty of living space. A certain penchant for luxury and quality workmanship is also welcome.
Need more information? You can find the test of the Absolute 50 Fly with technical data and further images in BOOTE issue 05/2021, available from newsagents from 21 April 2021 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
The hull and deck structure correspond to the old model - albeit with improvements. At first glance, the omission of some struts is recognisable from the outside. In the saloon and cabins, this provides a little more daylight and a better view to the outside. With the optional hardtop, the revised LED lighting is particularly eye-catching. If you want to avoid prying eyes from outside while relaxing in the cockpit, you can now order a variable privacy screen that simply disappears into the ceiling when not in use. New materials are used in the interior design with a combination of glossy dark oak and matt light oak as well as a sanded oak floor with a sawn effect. Only connoisseurs will notice minor changes to other details. The basic layout has not changed.
Those who step on board via the large bathing platform, which can also be ordered hydraulically lowerable, will first encounter an optional outdoor galley with sink and, if required, an electric grill. There is an optional skipper's cabin behind the door on the port side, with a wet room on request, otherwise storage space. A large dinette is also installed in the cockpit, which is complemented by a sunbed aft. A life raft can be placed under the seat. The route to the bow leads along safe and wide gangways to an upholstered sofa and a large sunbathing area on the foredeck in front of it. The flybridge is accessed via a staircase in the cockpit. In the aft area, where a hardtop provides optional shade, there is a U-shaped upholstered seating area. A wet bar is installed in front of it. At the front, in addition to the second steering position - optionally with two seats - there are further seating and lounging areas for sunbathing.
The deck saloon is entered through a sliding glass door. Here you first come across the spacious fitted kitchen on the port side with a two-burner electric hob, sink, microwave, waste bin and storage space. As the windows cannot be opened, there is an extraction system. A large fridge-freezer combination is located to starboard. The way forwards leads via a passageway and a step to the living area. This is furnished with an upholstered sofa to starboard and a U-shaped seating area with a folding table to port. Next to this is the helm station with adjustable double bench. A footrest and the ability to convert to a standing seat ensure good ergonomics in all positions. The readability of the two optional multifunction displays - a 12-inch display is standard - in the clearly laid out instrument panel is good, and a manual compass also assists with navigation. After passing through the companionway, the cabins are reached. The spacious bow cabin now boasts a better view, double berth and en-suite bathroom, although the crew members of the smaller guest cabin with single berths also have to use it via a second door. Amidships is the large owner's cabin with its own sanitary facilities directly behind the entrance, a large double bed and plenty of storage space. Here too, the occupants can enjoy the pillarless view from the large side windows. Hatches for ventilation are provided everywhere, there is an emergency exit in the bow and sufficient fire extinguishers are also fitted. The headroom varies between 1.86 and 2.14 metres, the berths between 1.96 and two metres in length. The assembly of all components and the safety equipment are exemplary, and the quality of workmanship is top-notch.
There is something new in terms of the engine, as there are now two Volvo Penta D6- IPS650 engines, each with 480 horsepower. The predecessor used IPS600s. Gliding speed is reached after eight seconds at 2700 rpm and 12 knots. It takes a total of 35 seconds to reach the top speed of 28 knots at 3800 rpm - i.e. slightly above the rated speed. The range with the 1600-litre tank remains almost the same between 20 and 28 kn after deducting the 15 percent reserve and is around 200 nautical miles, which is somewhat meagre for the size of the boat. The cruising speed can therefore be freely selected within this range. The sailing behaviour was flawless in all areas. Full circles can only be made with very large radii and low inclination, which is normal for IPS drives and gives a high feeling of safety. Manoeuvring with the joystick is of course also possible for skippers with little experience. But even manually, the diameter for a turn in both directions is 1.5 boat lengths. Manoeuvring is acknowledged with an immediate reaction.
Conclusion
The model upgrade measures are impressive. More window areas with a clear view correspond to the trend towards bright interiors. The new materials also reflect the zeitgeist of modern interior design. The slightly more powerful engine also brings slight advantages.
