The Barcelona-based company De Antonio Yachts is known for weekend and day boats. The fact that the shipyard has a flair for boats with modern and radical lines could already be seen in the previous models. The hull designs are all very similar, which is intentional, says shipyard boss Mark Antonio. And it has obviously met with acceptance. For example, the D36 2023 won the prize at boot Düsseldorf European Powerboat of the Year in the category up to 14 metres. The D46 Cruiser already won in 2019.
The D50 series takes over the hull of the De Antonio 46, which is no longer being built. This means that the shipyard does not have to develop a new hull mould. The 46 has already shown that the hull works and sails well.
Plenty of space for sunbathing
With the berths in the stern and bow alone, the De Antonio for up to seven people shows that it is a boat for the summer and preferably the Mediterranean. The large sunbathing area in the stern is only possible thanks to a clever idea: the outboard engines are hidden under the sunbathing area. This not only looks good, it also noticeably absorbs the noise of the outboard engines. Adjacent to this is a large elongated storage space for a tender or other water toys. The spacious, full-length bathing platform can be lowered hydraulically. To eliminate the effects of a stern-heavy boat, the D50 Coupé has hull extensions. These are attached to the sides and extend to just in front of the bathing platform.
The deck layout of the D50 has a well-protected four-man helm station, behind which there is a kitchenette and a dining table for up to ten people under an opening sun canopy. In the bow, the shipyard has arranged a large sunbed and a dining area for six people. Well-crafted carbon fibre applications have been used to set accents everywhere.
Now for the best and at the same time most unusual option: if you do not select the otherwise fixed front sun lounger when purchasing, but tick the whirlpool option, the 50-foot-long yacht is delivered with a whirlpool. At the touch of a button, seawater can be filled in and you have your own pool on the foredeck.
There is also plenty to choose from for the lower deck: For example, it is possible to order the boat as a two- or three-cabin version and with one or two bathrooms.
How to drive the new flagship from De Antonio
The new flagship quickly proves that it can do this well. The D50 Coupe performs sporty turns and manoeuvres such as slaloming or abrupt steering well. The 600 hp Mercury V12 outboard engines installed in our test boat quickly accelerate us to the specified 30 knots cruising speed. The two 6.7-litre engines together consume around 185 litres of petrol per hour. If you put the lever on the table, the log shows 45.4 knots (fully fuelled and with 10 people on board). Consumption then climbs to around 400 litres per hour. The handling characteristics are impressive. The nose hardly lifts at all when accelerating and the foresight is excellent at all times. Manoeuvring in the harbour is also easy and is supported by the standard bow thruster. The boat can be steered either in the classic way using the steering wheel and selector lever or via joystick control. The joystick unit is already included as standard with the 2x 600 hp engines. If you choose a different engine, such as the 4x 400 hp or the 4x 350 hp, this is an extra.
The first two 50-footers have already been built. According to the shipyard, it plans to build twelve boats this year, with the number set to double in 2024, according to Marc Antonio.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 14,90 m
- Width: 4,40 m
- Depth: 0.70 (motor started up)
- Weight:11,500 kg (without engine)
- Maximum motorisation: 1,600 HP
- Price: approx. 814,000 plus VAT
- Further information: www.deantonioyachts.com
Also interesting:
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
