SLEEK SPEEDSTER
The Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive radiates sophistication and sporty elegance. With its timeless, streamlined silhouette and effortlessly alluring presence, it turns heads whether anchored in a tranquil bay or powering through the water at 43 knots. This model embodies everything Palm Beach Motor Yachts is known for – only with a sleeker, more contemporary, performance-driven edge.
This Sleek Speedster is about to be the coolest boat on the East Coast. With eyebrow-raising jet-drive propulsion and a steely colour scheme, this isn’t the Palm Beach motor yacht you’re used to.
Sometimes, the recipe for a good boat is like your grandma’s chocolate cake recipe – best not messed with. At least, that’s what the CEO of GB Marine Group, Mark Richards, believes. It’s a strange observation to make when you consider he’s talking about a new 65-foot cruiser that departs from the classic Palm Beach Motor Yachts style in terms of both style and propulsion… But I think I understand what he’s getting at.
Last month, the new Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive was revealed to the world at a private event at the builder’s site. A quick context lesson: Palm Beach Motor Yachts sits under the umbrella of GB Marine Group. It was actually named after an idyllic beach close to Sydney, rather than anywhere in the U.S. which is intriguing when you consider that the boats have those gorgeous downeast lines that are so popular around New England’s fabled coasts. This year, Palm Beach Motor Yachts celebrates 30 years.
The Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive retains the same hallmarks as the GT60, which was introduced to the market in 2020, but there are definite differences. For one thing, this particular model has a dark grey hull and matching superstructure that gives it a slightly villainous vibe and marks a stark change from the breezy blues and smart navies that are more typical of the brand. There’s also none of the enclosed cockpit, elegant Bimini shading, and family-friendly seating and dining area that you might have seen on her sisters. Instead, the entire cockpit is open, clutter-free, and backed by stern rails, leaving you with a huge water- level space to play with. Customisation is King with Palm Beach Motor Yachts – with no two motor yachts the same – from your choice of multiple drive line options including these Hamilton Jets.
“Our unusually customised approach, allows you to choose from a wide range of high-quality materials, finishes, and configurations. Whether you desire a custom layout, personalised interior design, specific technological features or propulsion package”.
“What every customer wants is different from the next,” points out Richards, saying that the cockpit can be tailored to almost any configuration. This client is an experienced yachtsman who knew exactly what he wanted from his boat, and where he planned to cruise it. This is where the jet drive propulsion came into it.
“The owner wanted to use this boat around Maine,” explains Richards. “Specifically around lobster pot territory, so he needed something manoeuverable.”
Manoeuvrability is certainly the big selling point here. On a dual-boat sea trial through the canals that run between Malaysia’s industrial shores and Singapore’s glitzy skyline, the Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive does neat rings around the second boat. She backs up close to it, teasing it as if she’s going to bump it, and then shoots away at the last minute, sending up a cascade of water from the Hamilton HJ403 water jets. She’s nimble, agile, and possesses the same efficiency that the brand is known for.
With twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 engines, she’ll burn just 41 litres per hour and cover 762 nautical miles at 10 knots – enough to take you from Miami to Turks and Caicos with fuel left to burn. Efficiency is something that Richards – the builder’s CEO, designer and nine-time Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht winner – is a stickler for. “We don’t always shout about it, but these are some of the most efficient boats you’ll ever drive,” he says, pointing out their fine entries and flat exits. Palm Beach Motor Yachts claims a 70 per cent fuel reduction when compared to similarly sized yachts, achieved by a cocktail of carefully considered choices including monocoque construction and lightweight vacuum- infused E-Glass.
On board, the jets mean the cockpit can get wet if the boat is stopped too quickly. But, “these boats are very buoyant aft, which is great when you’re idle,” says Richards. To account for the jets, the engines are set slightly further amidships and the entire cockpit floor is one inch higher than predecessors. A semi-enclosed saloon hosts L-shaped seating around a table, a sofa and the helm, which can access the exterior decks thanks to a sliding glass window. Below deck is one large cabin with ensuite, an independent dayhead and a galley-seating area-hybrid, which could easily be transformed into two more cabins. Palm Beach Motor Yachts has an ample supply of high-quality wood and expert carpentry, and this shows in the delicate woodwork, mirror-shine finish and smooth edges that mark out the boat’s interior.
“We don’t always shout about it, but these are some of the most efficient boats you’ll ever drive.”
I have no doubt she’ll be one of the most striking boats around when she arrives at her new home in New England later this year. Incidentally, the second boat from the sea trial will also be delivered to New England, proving the brand’s strength in this part of the world. But, Palm Beach Motor Yachts has its sights set on new territories, and Richards believes that the only way to get there is by branching out and trying new things… like your favorite, familiar chocolate cake recipe getting a sophisticated twist.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length Overall 20.63m
Length On Deck 17.82m
Beam 5.23m
Air Draft (Sedan) 4.90m
Fuel Capacity 3,200L
Water Capacity 1,000L
Holding Tank 334L
Engines 2 x Volvo Penta D13 @ 1000hp with Hamilton Waterjet HJ403 Twin Jet Drive
Top Speed 41 Knots
Cruising Speed 35 Knots
Range 328 NM / 204 LPH / 21 KN
Draft 0.83 m
