AMERICA 35: the Echo Yacht’s gem on test

The AMERICA 35 by ECHO is the result of a collaboration between two entrepreneurial ventures—one focused on yacht building, the other on promoting Made in Italy excellence. A perfect match that has produced an outstanding result: the America 35 is a blend of stability, comfort, and exceptional performance.

Echo’s new model is sturdy and packed with clever innovations that enhance life on board, with a waterline length of 9.20 meters.

We already discussed some of its features in an article a few months ago, when we met the team during the Genoa International Boat Show. The many thoughtful details on this hull immediately show just how much work has gone into the project: the engine cowling that hides the outboards, the tilting aft platform, and the raised starboard deck that allows for more headroom in the bathroom are just a few of the many standout features of the America 35.

Sea Trial

The model we’re about to test has a displacement of 7 tons. Despite the T-top raising its center of gravity, the boat feels remarkably well balanced, thanks in part to the maximum beam being slightly aft-shifted and a dynamic hull line that’s clearly designed to let the twin 400 hp V10 Mercury engines have some fun. Today, the sea in the Gulf of Naples is anything but calm. A southwesterly wind is whipping up the water, creating short, choppy waves. We head out from Baia with both wind and sea against us, setting course for Procida. The waves hit us beam-on, but thankfully, the America 35 holds her course steadily without taking too much punishment.

I push the throttle to get her on plane as quickly as possible, trimming the engines down a bit—not too much, though, since the handling is smooth and I don’t want to lose grip on the water, especially in these sea conditions. The waves grow taller and the wind jumps from 20 to 35 knots. I give it more throttle and try to slice through the waves at an angle off the bow. The boat stays dry, and the large windshield gives us plenty of protection.

We reach Capo Miseno and keep going to find some shelter behind the island. Between Procida and Ischia, the wind picks up again, gusting up to 40 knots. At Punta San Marco, I decide to head into the Port of Ischia and dock to wait out the worsening conditions. It’s a good chance to go below deck and warm up. The boat’s comfort really shines through—and even with three fairly big guys onboard, the space below is surprisingly cozy considering the boat’s compact size.

Around two in the afternoon, the sea starts to calm and the wind dies down—we can finally head back out. The boat gets up on plane easily at 14 knots. I throttle up to 4,800 rpm and the instruments show a speed of 28 knots with a fuel consumption of 120 liters per hour. The America 35 is flying over the water. I execute a couple of turns while maintaining this speed—the hull remains stable. Even though the turning radius isn’t super tight, I can feel the engines still have more to give. I straighten out and push the throttles further to bring the boat to its top speed.

At 5,900 rpm, the boat reaches 45 knots, holding an excellent trim. The steering stays smooth and responsive, with precise corrections when needed. I ease off the throttle to around 4,300 rpm, settling into a speed of 22 knots with a fuel burn of 100 liters per hour. The bow stays low, and I make a slight trim adjustment to find the perfect balance.

Before heading back to port, I’m really curious to test how the aft platform helps stabilize the boat—one of the key design innovations the yard implemented on this America 35. I stop offshore at Corricella, a small bay that’s popular in summer for its clear, crystalline waters. I drop anchor in about 5 meters of depth, with a 30 cm beam swell still rolling through. I lower the platform until it dips about 10 cm into the water. Like magic, the boat steadies itself, nearly eliminating all rolling on board. It’s definitely one of those features that make life on board more comfortable—and a real plus if you’re thinking of spending a night at anchor over the weekend.

Conclusions

The America 35, beyond its strong personality, has proven to be a boat well-suited for all sea conditions—a true concentrate of practicality. The exterior offers outstanding livability, while the interior is equally comfortable, making it a great option for multi-day cruising as well.

AMERICA 35 – Technical Specs