Omikron Yachts OT-60 Review (2024 Edition)

The Omikron OT-60's exterior and interiors were designed by Lorenzo Argento, with the interior styling by Ciarmoli Queda Studio. 

Now, let's talk about that sailing boat-derived hull designed by Juan-K which Omikron calls the Eco-Cruise Hull. What does that mean? Well, for starters, the OT-60 is 18.2m (60ft) in length and has an impressive 6m (20ft) beam for a boat of this LOA. The hull is sharp at the bow and widens out significantly, finishing in a shallow aft section. This design is all about pushing through the water at displacement speed, not planing, and achieving a top speed of around 15 knots. It's a vessel designed for smooth, efficient cruising, and (as Omikron says) perfect for island-hopping in the Med.

There's also a hybrid version of the OT-60 that has a larger battery bank, and electric motors for short periods of electric cruising. There's a huge sunbathing area atop the wheelhouse, accessible via a removable ladder, (which can also be used on the side of the boat for getting in and out of the water). If you have the hybrid version, there would be solar panels installed up there instead of the sun pads.

Redundancy and ease of maintenance are key aspects of the OT-60's design. For example, near the day head access on the lower deck, you'll find manual backups for everything. The switches are clearly labelled and easy to access, making it simple to switch things in and out. The wiring is neat and tidy, ensuring you know exactly where everything leads. This attention to detail is what sets the OT-60 apart, it's a boat to be used and cruised aboard by the owner, so must be easy to run and care for. 

One of the standout designs onboard the OT-60 is the lower living space in front of the helm station. It's cleverly tucked down there, offering a private retreat while still being well-connected to the upper deck. This setup will allow people in the galley or down below to stay in touch with the action on deck. As the skipper, you have excellent sightlines across and down to the lower deck.

The atrium effect here, thanks to the massive windows, is impressive. Eye-level windows with ventilation, lower portholes, and a highly functional galley with tall fiddles and storage all contribute to a home-from-home feel. High-quality Miele appliances and a domestic-sized fridge freezer make the galley incredibly usable. 

And let's not forget the cosy dinette, which has a drop-down table for an additional berth if needed. But with the OT-60, sleeping space is not an issue.

The Omikron OT-60 has a really good connection between the outdoor and indoor spaces, helped by the big windows on either side, enhancing natural light and giving fab views. The strip lighting in the deck head links the cockpit and the saloon, guiding your eye through the space and down through the bow.

The main deck forward boasts an extraordinary glass area, creating an exceptionally bright space. Overhead hatches and opening windows on both sides ensure ample natural ventilation, making it a pleasant spot for long-distance cruises. The saloon is thoughtfully designed to keep the skipper and guests comfortable and together.

The space is flexible, with a sofa to port that can be set up as a day bed but easily converted into a pair of armchairs if needed. 

Guest Accommodation

The standard arrangement features four cabins and four bathrooms, which is an impressive feat given the size of the boat. This is a great layout if you need to optimise sleeping space or if the boat is going to be used for charter but the three-cabin option creates a more plush owner experience. 

The owner's cabin is situated forward and the first thing that strikes you is the headroom — towering, something often lacking in yachts of this size. There are also opportunities for natural light to enter, thanks to the generous glass areas on the sides and above. You won't need to rely on air conditioning unless it's sweltering, as the cabin can breathe easily.  

The cabin also features a big, comfortable bed flanked by seats on either side and the inclusion of a well-finished split bathroom, allowing two people to use it simultaneously — one can shower while the other brushes their teeth. The brass work on the doors is lovely and thick, and rubber-sealed doors make sure there are no rattles, just a satisfying, high-quality feel when closing them.

In the guest cabins, the sense of quality is consistently maintained. The starboard side twin cabin is a prime example of this, with impressively wide berth sizes and a central walkway that doesn’t feel cramped. Once again, natural light and ventilation are key features, with plenty of lighting up above and ventilation to keep the space airy and each guest cabin comes with its own bathroom.

The VIP cabin features a double bed arranged to make the most of the hull window, offering fabulous views right from the comfort of the bed. It's a feature that adds a touch of luxury and should make waking up in this cabin an absolute pleasure. The headroom and ventilation here are, once again, superb, so the cabin feels much larger than you’d expect on a yacht of this size. Although the VIP cabin's ensuite is also the day head, there's also private access to the bathroom.

The two helm seats are positioned well towards the back of the boat, offering a unique perspective and a commanding view through the large, upright windscreens. It's a shame there isn't a side door at the helm as that would ease the reliance on the aft doors and improve communication between the skipper and the crew.

The dashboard is exceptionally well-focused and fully digital, but manual backups are available downstairs. This ensures that all yacht controls are integrated into the Garmin system. Additionally, the twin throttles come with manual backups, providing peace of mind. In the event of a fly-by-wire throttle or steering failure, the manual redundancy system takes over.

Powered by a pair of 250hp Yanmar four-cylinder diesel engines, the OT-60 might not seem to have an enormous amount of horsepower for its size, but it doesn’t need it. This yacht is designed for efficiency. At a cruising speed of 8 knots, it uses about 1 litre per nautical mile. Push it to 10 knots, and you’re looking at 2.2 litres per nautical mile. Even flat out at 14.5 knots, it only sips 4 litres per nautical mile.

That means with a 1,200-litre fuel capacity, you can expect to cover 1,000nm between fills at 8 knots — incredible for a yacht of this size. They have proven that by successfully taking the OT-60 on a journey from Greece to Venice.

The stern area of the Omikron OT-60 makes the most of its 6m beam. There's a cleverly integrated passerelle which, when folded away, extends the cockpit space, but it can also swing out and around the corner so it can get up to quayside. The passerelle can also be used as a crane to lift the tender on and off the fixed platform. This dual-purpose design is super practical.

Storage is everywhere, which is crucial for a long-distance liveaboard cruiser. The platform itself houses storage voids on either side and by lifting the steps, you'll find deep storage compartments. The cockpit follows suit with more storage solutions beneath a deck hatch.

The Omikron OT-60 has incredibly wide side decks, making it safe and comfortable as you move around the boat. Though you haven't got full railings, the sailing boat-inspired cords are nice and high, paired with very tall toe rails and big, chunky cleats to simplify crewing tasks.  

Down on the foredeck, you'll find another spacious sunbathing area with integrated hatches that draw natural light down into the cabin below. More flush-fit hatches forward contribute to a light-filled interior. A fixed bowsprit is here for anchoring, and all the equipment and cleats can be neatly closed away under a cover when not in use.

Accessing the engine room of the Omikron OT-60 is easy; through a deck hatch in the cockpit. The first thing you’ll notice is the footprint of the Yanmar engines — they're very compact for a 60ft yacht. These diddy powerplants are mounted on sprung bearings, aimed at minimising vibration, shake, and resonance. This should aid a smooth, quiet experience when you’re chugging along.

The quality and quantity of insulation, including on the deck hatch, are immediately apparent, which should make this a very quiet cruising boat. The space is all white, which brightens the area and makes spotting any leaks easier. Filters are conveniently visible with clear bowls, allowing you to check the fuel quality by eye. The ease of access and user-friendly design mean you can maintain this boat on the go, with minimal hassle.