Absolute 47 FLY Review (2019 Edition)

It's challenging to decide where to begin with the 47 Fly. Its distinctive appearance sets it apart from others in its class, making the overall design a logical starting point. However, the yacht's abundance of detail and functionality also warrants attention. Without delving into a comprehensive list of features, let's focus on the overarching design: a three-cabin, IPS pod drive yacht that has elevated flybridge design to new heights.

Game-changing Design

Glass plays a dominant role, with large windows adorning the tall, muscular bows, and expansive sections wrapping around the superstructure, leaving only a slim portion of the flybridge structure above. This abundance of glass creates a bright interior, complemented by the galley aft design that blends the interior with the deck, enhancing the indoor-outdoor ambiance.

Forward Thinking

The bow windows offer a glimpse into the interior layout, reflecting the unconventional approach taken with the tri-cabin arrangement. The owner’s stateroom is positioned forward, with a double and twin cabin situated amidships.

Absolute's decision to prioritise space over tradition plays a significant role in the yacht's ability to provide ample accommodation. Opting for a forward owner’s cabin allows for a more efficient guest cabin layout. Additionally, the tall topsides and superstructure contribute to the yacht's generous volume without appearing cumbersome, showcasing Absolute's bold design choices.

Similar to other models in the Absolute lineup, the 47 features a pod drive system, with the 470hp IPS650 system delivering close to 30 knots of speed. The use of pods is integral to the success of the 47, as they enable the engines to be positioned aft, maximizing interior accommodation space.

The galley aft design on our test boat proved highly effective, largely due to Absolute's commitment to its intended purpose: opening up the salon to the aft deck and fostering a connection between interior and exterior spaces.

However, an issue arises regarding the electric window and bar that truly enhance this connection. Surprisingly, these features are not standard but rather optional extras. The standard configuration includes a solid piece of glass and no bar, which significantly narrows the salon entrance and diminishes the overall sense of connection.

Inside/Outside

With the optional open galley setup, everything falls into place seamlessly. The cockpit doors fold away effortlessly, while the galley window adds a sense of spaciousness and movement, with the bar uniting the indoor and outdoor areas. The flow between inside and outside is further accentuated by inset strip lighting that extends from above the salon into the cockpit, creating a stylish visual connection, especially at night.

The galley itself is thoughtfully designed, offering ample storage space, a deep sink, hob, combi-oven, and workspace. Across from the main galley area is a proper cabinet fridge-freezer and additional cabinetry.

Moving forward, the salon is elevated by a single step. Flanked by large, deep windows, the facing seating layout fosters a social atmosphere, allowing occupants to engage with the surrounding seascape. The portside lounge features its own electric window and boasts a large teak table that can adjust in height and length, accommodating both casual and formal dining settings.

Tri-Cabin Triumph

A few straightforward steps lead down to the sleeping quarters, with the forward owner’s cabin immediately drawing attention. Yacht builders have been striving to relocate owner’s cabins from the bows to the midships section, making Absolute's achievement here both surprising and impressive.

The spacious bow windows contribute to the appeal, but the layout also plays a significant role, creating a genuinely captivating cabin equipped with desirable features such as a well-appointed ensuite, dressing table, and ample wardrobe space.

Adjacent to the owner’s cabin are two guest cabins amidships. Not long ago, the VIP double cabin would have sufficed as an owner’s stateroom, with its low berth, generous headroom, large hull-side window, and deep walk-in wardrobe. It's a remarkably impressive cabin, and the only thing preventing the 47 from being a true twin-stateroom yacht is the absence of an ensuite.

The second toilet compartment is shared with a tidy twin-berth guest cabin to starboard. It's worth noting that many other three-cabin yachts around 15m (50ft) typically only accommodate a bunked cabin, highlighting the benefits of Absolute's innovative layout.

All cabins, as well as the entire interior, boast exquisite finishing. The design is sleek yet inviting, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout. Complementary woods blend with high-gloss sections, enhancing the appreciation of each finishing area.

Practical Features

In addition to the stylish design and ample space, practical considerations for cruising are carefully addressed. Under-seat and berth lockers, specialized crockery and glassware drawers, and abundant cabinetry are provided. For liveaboard use, a utility area with a washing machine can be integrated into the below deck's companionway, albeit at the expense of the VIP cabin’s vanity area.

The lower helm features a single seat, with the lounge area designed to accommodate guests alongside the skipper. The dash design is organised and uncluttered, providing space for two MFDs ranging from 12-16in, with controls within easy reach. Two standout features of the helm are particularly significant practical additions: excellent forward visibility and a proper side deck door, which are invaluable for owner operation and a rare asset on a flybridge yacht under 15m (50ft).

Opposite the helm, another highly practical feature is found. It's a smartly designed illuminated control panel with 220v and 12v options, featuring well-lit switches and convenient access to fuses behind. The lid of the panel doubles as a useful chart area.

Moving to the upper helm, it's relatively basic but equipped with two supportive seats. There's space for only one MFD on the dash, which is reasonable considering this will likely be the primary driving position for short trips, with the lower helm reserved for longer passages.

The aft deck of the 47 Fly exudes a sense of grandeur typically associated with larger yachts, boasting a solid teak table, a full flybridge overhang, and a privacy screen. However, what truly elevates the aesthetics and functionality of the aft deck is the galley aft design, which enhances the deck with a sense of specification, usability, and luxury.

Safe & Social

The deep and secure side decks facilitate easy movement forward, a journey made even more enticing by the inclusion of a proper foredeck lounge — an amenity rarely seen on yachts of this length. The U-shaped seating area effortlessly converts into a full sun pad, complemented by a solid teak table that drops to create an infill. Additionally, the option of an overhead awning and lights adds a touch of luxurious comfort.

The flybridge design adopts a Mediterranean-style layout, featuring a sunpad forward of the helm and an open aft area housing a U-shaped dining space serviced by a wet bar with an optional barbecue. While not the largest in its class, the flybridge is well-designed for practicality and ease of maintenance, offering ample storage and a sense of security. However, it lacks the same level of luxury found in other areas, an aspect that could potentially be enhanced with the addition of the optional hardtop.

Absolute's pricing positions it at the premium end of the market. While the visible value of the product offers some reassurance, there's room for improvement in the specification within the base price of €700,000 (U$D 828,000) excluding tax.

The standard specification from Absolute is commendable, with many features included in the base price. However, certain options such as the foredeck awning, aft privacy screen, teak decking, and navigational systems remain as add-ons. Standardising teak tables on the decks would be beneficial, and the galley aft design would be enhanced by including the opening glass and bar as standard features.

With a relatively modest list of optional extras, the price will exceed €800,000, which still maintains competitiveness compared to other models in its class. For instance, the three-cabin Azimut 50 and Princess 50 begin at around €730,000, yet both only offer a bunked third cabin.