Gagliotta Lobster 53, video test: Neapolitan elegance tames the sea

Gagliotta Lobster 53 Sea Trial

It’s a perfect day for sailing: calm seas and a light thermal breeze barely rippling the surface. As soon as we pass the breakwater, the Gagliotta Lobster 53 moves with poise and surprising balance. At minimum speed – around 4.3 knots – the hull glides over the water with an almost unnatural stability for a boat of this size, consuming only 1.3 liters per nautical mile. With the sea abeam, the hull shows its full efficiency: no rolling, minimal pitching, and an immediate sense of safety and confidence. At 1,500 rpm, the speed rises to 10 knots – perfect for relaxed cruising in displacement mode – with a fuel consumption of 5.2 liters per mile. As soon as we push the throttles, the Lobster 53 smoothly and progressively transitions onto the plane, already between 12 and 13 knots. The hull stretches out and the boat accelerates naturally, without the slightest need for trim adjustments. At 18 knots, with the engines turning at 2,350 rpm, fuel consumption stabilizes around 7.8 liters per mile – an excellent result for a 16-meter boat. However, the real surprise comes at 20 knots, the economical cruising speed, where the two Volvo IPS 700 engines run at 2,400 rpm, delivering a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. Fuel consumption remains the same – 7.8 liters per mile – but the feeling on board is that of a much larger and remarkably stable yacht.

Pushing the throttles a bit further, the Lobster 53 reaches 25 knots — the ideal cruising speed for this model. The twin 550 hp engines spin at 2,850 rpm, while fuel consumption increases only slightly to 8.4 liters per mile. It’s the perfect speed for long-distance cruising, offering exceptional acoustic and dynamic comfort: no vibration, no hull slamming, just the sound of water parting beneath the bow. The boat continues to accelerate effortlessly, reaching a top speed of 27.8 knots at 2,950 rpm, with fuel consumption remaining virtually unchanged. On board, the sense of quality construction is unmistakable: even at full power, there’s no noise, no structural flexing — proof that Gagliotta’s solid hulls and meticulous attention to detail truly make the difference.

During maneuvers, the performance is flawless. At 27 knots, turning hard to port, the boat heels gradually and maintains a clean trajectory, completing a full circular turn with minimal speed loss — just about one knot, holding a steady 25.8 knots. In the reverse turn, the response is just as precise and predictable. Even with the sea on the starboard quarter, stability remains absolute: no rolling, no creaking, just the total comfort of a smooth, confident ride. The navigation continues in total silence up to the top speed of 28 knots at 2,980 rpm, with fuel consumption still around 8.3 liters per mile. It’s a practical demonstration of how perfectly balanced and efficient Gagliotta’s hull design is — built to deliver a superior yachting experience.

Gagliotta Lobster 53 – Test Data

The Gagliotta Lobster 53 in detail

The Gagliotta Lobster 53 is a perfect mix of class and substance. Its hull, built in vinylester resin with a sandwich structure and Termanto core, ensures strength, lightness, and complete absence of vibrations. The ivory-white isophthalic gelcoat adds a touch of classic elegance, while the teak deck brings warmth and timeless charm. The aft dinette comfortably can seat up to eight guests, featuring a perfectly integrated retractable table and a large galley unit beneath the top, finished in mahogany and equipped with a stainless steel sink, glass-ceramic cooktop, and a spacious synthetic work surface. All around, the details speak the language of craftsmanship: polished hinges, flawless finishes, and precision down to the millimeter.

Stepping below deck, you’re immediately enveloped in a warm, sophisticated atmosphere. The interior dinette features a large central sofa that converts into a sunbed and an L-shaped couch with a foldable table that can seat seven or eight people. On the opposite side, a multifunctional cabinet integrates a refrigerator, induction cooktop, and generous storage space. Every detail has been designed to ensure practicality and comfort, even during long stays on board. The night area is a small masterpiece. The master cabin, located forward, has a large central bed accessible from both sides, wardrobes and overhead cabinets that optimize usable space, parquet flooring, and fine leather and fabric finishes. The two guest cabins, located beneath the main deck, offer king-size beds, ample wardrobes, and enough headroom to move comfortably. The bathroom is elegant and functional, featuring a synthetic countertop, sink, pull-out shower, and electric toilet with a blackwater tank. The level of finish is exceptional: hand-polished wood, flawless stainless steel, and fabrics sewn with artisanal precision.

From a technical standpoint, the equipment is complete: 12V and 220V electrical systems, 200 Ah engine and service batteries, battery charger, water pressure pump, boiler, automatic fire suppression system, grey and black water tanks, and an electric windlass at the bow. The helm station, equipped with GPS/plotter, full instrumentation, VHF, compass, and Hi-Fi system, perfectly embodies the balance between tradition and technology. The result is a yacht that blends comfort, performance, and build quality in rare harmony. The Gagliotta Lobster 53 is not just a beautiful boat — it’s a boat that truly performs, built to last and to thrill those at the helm.