BEST OF BOTH
While the Navetta 48 has proven a popular model in the Absolute range, the company has taken the concept a step further with the release of the 48 Coupe. The 48 Coupe announces, this Italian marques, return to the very competitive sport cruiser market.
New Zealand Absolute agent, Gary Erseg (Yachtfinders Global) has been selling the Absolute brand since 2016 and to date has eight new boats either on the water or due shortly. His biggest to date is the Navetta 58, which will be reviewed in the next issue (Mar-Apr) of Pacific PowerBoat.
While the Navetta 48 and 48 Coupe look totally different, they share a very common layout inside and it is essentially only the exteriors spaces that are very different. The Navetta for example has a flybridge, whereas the 48 Coupe is, as the name suggests a Coupe so has a flat roofline. The cockpits are very different also.
Kiwis are very familiar with sport cruisers be they locally built or overseas brands and outsell new flybridge boats across virtually all sizes. Not having a flybridge is not for everyone, but if you like one level, very social living spaces, then a sport cruiser/sedan is the way to go.
Visually both boats are very different above the deck line and also there is some variation in the massive hull windows. What Absolute have done is essentially give you the option of both mediums, sedan or flybridge, without compromising the internal layout.
DISTINCTIVE EXTERIOR
The 48 Coupe has been described as a very clever package with all the features of a much larger boat. Due to Absolute’s modular cockpit furniture arrangement, each client is able to make the call on the loose furnishings, either factory supplied or from an outside source.
The external lines of the 48 Coupe are strong and reflect the new style that the company is portraying in its new sport cruiser range. The hull is enhanced by details along the hull and by the designs of the windows, both the bow one and the one at midship. The transom is also cut off, rather than the traditional Portofino look and the bow follows the new trend of been not too inclined to maximise the internal space right forward.
The opening sun roof has been replaced by a set of solar panels which allows the main on-board utilities to function without the continuous use of the generator. In this way, it is possible to spend time at anchor in total silence. The central solar panel has a glass section that allows the light into the main deck, without overheating the area. It is also possible to close it off with a blind.
The 48 Coupe features wide walkaround decks with a neatly designed cut-out line in the coaming, which means that there is no viewing interruption from inside. Neat and simple feature. There is a wide side access to the helm, which is always a bonus when docking or manoeuvring in tight spaces.
The foredeck area has also come in for special treatment and no longer is this often neglected area left as a forgotten space. Absolute have reformed this into a very social environment with a large sun deck comprising three reclining backrests and a detachable awning with carbon fibre poles.
At the other end of the 48 Coupe, the transom area has also come in for some very special treatment that I have not seen on a boat of this size or style before. The traditional fibreglass moulded transom has been replaced with a glass and stainless railing that means you have unobstructed views from the cockpit to the wide boarding platform.
Below are three storage lockers accessed from the platform. Great spots to stow your fishing gear, fenders or mooring warps.
There are three removeable stainless rails across the rear of the 1.53 long platform and a stainless handle either side to assist when boarding. Something else I have never seen on a boat before.
Absolute describe the cockpit area as more of a terrace and I would have to agree. It’s not until you are seated around the cockpit lounger that you can really appreciate what the benefit of the glass transom is. With no solid moulding there is a feeling of being in a much larger vessel or even at home on your terrace. It also means that you can keep an eye on your kids swimming and diving off the platform. While cockpit is covered by a solid roof for the forward half, there is a retractable electric awning to extend that right through to the transom.
. Keep the sun out or have it open to enjoy the rays, it’s your choice. The cockpit space has been maximised with narrow side coamings.
The 3m long cockpit is typical of the benefits of the modular furniture system, which can be configured in various versions and combined with other furnishing elements. Two options are with either four or six modules comprised of seats and tables.
MORE SPACE
If you prefer a conventional flybridge design, then the Navetta 48 has that covered. It’s an impressive area for this size boat with spacious living and amenities. There’s room for five people ahead of the helm seat in a sundeck. Access is from the cockpit via wide steps, with a galley equipped with fridge, icemaker, bbq and sink unit to port. Around the rear of the deck is a wrap-around lounger with large central table. A hardtop option is available as well as a bimini with clears.
While the cockpit space is much the same as the 48 Coupe, the layout is more traditional and you don’t have the option of modular furniture. The cockpit is equipped with a central sofa and table, ahead of a fully moulded transom, with a cockpit privacy sunshade that completely disappears into the ceiling when not in use. Very cool. There is a double entry from the platform and the Navetta 48 retains the same 1.45m deep boarding platform as the 48 Coupe.
The foredeck lounging area is retained although differs slightly from the 48 Coupe, being longer and wider, with the same width decks, and both boats retain the same side access door from the walkway to the saloon.
MAIN DECK
The split-level saloon deck while contemporary has some very cool features. For example, the entire middle sections either side of the exceptionally large windows, can electrically be dropped halfway down, creating a natural circulation of air. Along with the multi sectional (six door option) saloon access door, the abundance of light and ventilation into the saloon adds a bright ambience. There is a feeling of oneness between the cockpit and saloon, which tends to radiate an openness and adds an inviting friendly and fun appeal on board.
The gallery is closely linked to both areas so if ideally situated for those of us that like to entertain. Features include a microwave, dishwasher, two burner induction hob, double fridge-freezer, wine cooler and Corian benchtop
The starboard side helm forward comes with a single helm seat and a generous size dash for all your displays, instrument and controls. There is space for at least two 16” displays. Standing or seated it offers an excellent driving position and the side door access is a bonus. Aft is a second lounger with deep storage beneath.
Opposite is the C-shape lounger that is raised so you have great external sightlines and you’re not hunkered down not being able to see what’s happening around you. There is a high/low table to convert from dining to coffee height and this can also be converted to another accommodation area
While the Navetta 48 copycats much of the interior layout of the main deck the windows are very different. A feature is the rounder pillars installed at the sides of the pillarless screen. Visibility is exceptional from a great driving position.
THREE CABIN LAYOUT IDENTICAL
Absolute have made the best use of the space available forward with three large cabins, two with double berths and one with twin singles, plus two bathrooms, which are also of a reasonable size. Massive hull windows bathe the cabins in light, with the shapes of the furnishings reflecting the design of the windows.
While full beam aft masters are the norm, the 48 Coupe and Navetta 48 has the master in the bow which has access to an ensuite. The off-set king-size berth has plenty of access either side, a vanity desk, hanging locker and all finished with light oak furniture contrasted by dark oak tones and fabric inserts. With the broad beam carried well forward there is more space available internally and Absolute have used that advantage well.
The VIP cabin and guest cabin are midships, with the port cabin featuring a queen size double berth, walk-in wardrobe and the option of a vanity desk with ottoman or a cabinet with a washer-dryer.
The starboard guest cabin has two single berths with a large walk-in wardrobe and mirrored doors. The day head is access from the companionway and is shared by both cabins.
VOLVO POWER
There is only one engine option, a pair of Volvo Penta D6 -IPS650 engines, giving a maximum speed of 28.5 knots @ 3800 rpm. Ideal cruise is 3200 rpm where the fuel consumption is around 126 lph and a speed of 22 knots. Push the throttle down and it’s a very quick run to the maximum 28 knots.
With the Volvo Assisted Docking system fitted, it is an easy and predictable boat to manoeuvre at low speed. I liked the fact that when you let go of the joystick the boat holds position and will not move again until you reconnect with the joystick. Another cool feature available is the Raymarine Docksense, which is like a radar powered parking system, so there is no reason to embarrass yourself when docking or coming into a tight marina. The stress and strain are removed.
The yard’s range of 12m-22m Navetta, Flybridge and Sport Yachts is internationally renowned and gaining some prominence in New Zealand. Its name and motto (Reaching for the Absolute) reflects its desire to achieve the finest standards in both build quality and seakeeping. The all new 48 Coupe and Navetta 48 certainly reflects that motto.
Specification
- Model: Absolute 48 Coupe & Navetta 48
- Builder: Absolute Yachts
- Designer: Absolute design Group
- Year Launched: 2021
- Priced From: $NZ1.634,560 (48 Coupe) $NZ1.734,000 (Navetta 48)
- Construction: GRP
- Displacement: (Loaded) 21.2 tonnes (48 Coupe) 23.5 tonnes (Navetta 48)
- LOA: 14.93m
- LWL: 11.52m
- Beam: 4.52m
- Draft: 1.17m
- Power: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS650/480hp
- Max Speed: 28.5 knots
- MFDs: Garmin
- Fuel Capacity: 1600 litres (48 Coupe) 1800 litres (Navetta 48)
- Water Capacity: 530 litres
