Presented as a world premiere at this year’s Miami boat show, the new Absolute 52 Fly, while sharing its name with its legendary and namesake predecessor (2017), is a completely new boat.
New design, both exterior and interior, new on-board technology and, of course, new hull as well.
This is why we had to test her as soon as possible, encouraged by the worldwide success that this model is enjoying.
Absolute 52 Fly Sea Trial
It is a spacey day today at the Marina di Varazze, in spite of the forecasts that called for rain. Sun, warmth and a calm sea are the perfect ingredients for spending a few hours at sea aboard the new Absolute 52 Fly.
Said and done. We cast off our moorings and, thanks to the joystick with integrated manoeuvring propellers, we leave our berth with embarrassing ease. Outside the marina, the sea is almost calm, there is a slight long wave that the boat doesn’t even feel.
Directionality is excellent, even at low speeds, a sign of a hull that is anything but flat. I accelerate slowly and the boat comes alive, it gains speed without sinking aft and then, to my amazement, already at around 10/11 knots it comes out of the water and accelerates without changing its trim.
I have always attached great importance to the ability of a hull to remain balanced, i.e. horizontal, regardless of speed. It is a rare quality, very useful for smooth cruising without developing excessive friction.
I accelerate again and, at around 2,400 rpm, Absolute 52 Fly navigates between 17 and 18 knots with incredible comfort, consuming less than 160 litres per hour. I push the throttles down and reach a top speed of 28.3 knots, not bad for a yacht like this, which has three real decks and is certainly not a twig.
At maximum speed I turn fully to the left, the boat follows promptly, conveying a great sense of safety. I counter-turn all to the right and hold the tack until I meet the waves, considerable in fact, generated by our own passage. Absolute 52 Fly passes through them fluently, the bow breaks through the swells and the hull cushions everything without impact.
I am pleasantly surprised by this performance which, more typical of large American fishermen than of Mediterranean flybridges, is well suited to the comfort requirements of a luxurious boat like this.
I give up the helm and go down from the flybridge to the lower deck, then into the master cabin and, apart from the water lapping, the noise is very low and the cruising comfort really great.
This boat has a great hull, a great hull indeed….
Performance
RPM | SPEED | L/H | L/NM |
      600 | 4.4 | 5.7 | 1.3 |
      800 | 5.2 | 10.4 | 2.0 |
   1000 | 6.5 | 16.4 | 2.5 |
   1200 | 7.6 | 25.8 | 3.4 |
   1400 | 8.7 | 41.5 | 4.8 |
   1600 | 9.5 | 58.9 | 6.2 |
   1800 | 10.4 | 75.4 | 7.3 |
   2000 | 11.6 | 110 | 9.5 |
   2200 | 13.8 | 130 | 9.4 |
   2400 | 17.5 | 158 | 9.0 |
   2600 | 20.5 | 188 | 9.2 |
   2800 | 24.1 | 212 | 8.8 |
   3000 | 28.3 | 244 | 8.6 |
Test conditions: calm sea; no wind; fuel 44 % ; water 49%Â
The Absolute 52 Fly in detail
It is difficult to climb aboard the new Absolute 52 Fly without wondering if the number 52 doesn’t fit her. The feeling of roominess is so strong that you get the clear impression of being on board a much larger yacht. This feeling starts right from the aft dinette which, when the sliding door is fully open, offers an uninterrupted view all the way to the helm station, positioned over ten metres forward. In short, a water-facing loft, measuring some fifty square metres.
As many as six seats find space in the stern and, thanks to the transparent balcony, enjoy a privileged view of the sea. Here everything can be moved around and thus take on new configurations: armrests, backrests and cushions are in fact modular, just as the extendable central table can be translated to adapt to requirements.
Equally noteworthy is the U-shaped galley peninsula outside which, when the electrically operated window is raised, not only eliminates the barriers between exterior and interior but also acts as a bar cabinet. Inside the main deck, forward of the galley, two opposing sofas can seat as many as eight guests and conceal an electrically pull-out television. Two electrically-opening windows ventilate the space and make it possible to spend days at anchor without turning the air conditioning on, also thanks to the possibility of installing some solar panels on the roof of the Hard Top.
Going up to the upper deck, the miracle is repeated and, this time in the open air, once again there is a multi-functional space of considerable size that accommodates an aft lounge area with armchairs, a bar/kitchen unit equipped with two fridges, a U-shaped sofa for six people that flows into a simply enormous forward sundeck. Opposite the sofa are two helm seats and the upper helm station. Thsi area is protected and shaded by a beautifully crafted Hard-Top that, as a result of great design work, does not vibrate even when travelling at full speed.
At the extreme bow is a lounge area characterized by a Portuguese deck that, while on one side creates a fourth (yes, you read that right, it really is four) dining area, thanks to the reclining backrest, it also manages to create a huge sundeck. This whole area can clearly be shaded with tarpaulins and carbon poles. A location not to be underestimated, especially when in port and wanting privacy and coolness.
Going down to the sleeping area, we first find the master cabin which, on the new Absolute 52 Fly, is placed in a raised, privileged position. As soon as the threshold of this suite is crossed, the eyes glaze over – the dimensions are those of a superyacht. To the left, a very wide walkway allows the insertion of a boiserie/desk which, continuing towards the bow, gives way first to an enormous window and, immediately afterwards, to the entrance to the large private head, obviously equipped with a separate shower cubicle.
Going further down we find a VIP Cabin which, full-beam, is a second master. There is then a third twin cabin, with separate beds which, if required, can be joined (with standard electric movement) to form a third double bed. The two cabins are served by a dedicated bathroom, with separate shower.
The stern platform provides access to the crew cabin, which, equipped with a dedicated toilet, will certainly be the most popular with owners’ children, given the undeniable advantage of returning late at night without having to pass in front of the watchful eye of their parents.
Yes, because, as you will certainly have understood from the test, this new Absolute 52 Fly allows you to get around on your own, without the need for outside help, but taking advantage of the space of a 60-footer…
Absolute 52 Fly: technical specs
LOA | 16,76 m |
Width | 4,67 m |
Fresh Water Capacity | 650 l |
Fuel Capacity | 1.800 l |
Max Passengers Capacity | 14 |
Category | B |
Engines | 2 x Volvo Penta D8-IPS800 |
Power | 2 x 600 HP (2 x 441 kW) |
