Heesen 55m Steel (Gen 1, 2013 - 2023) Rivals

Which yacht is best for you? As always, it’s all about personal choice. Some people choose their yacht based on its power credentials and the fast displacement hull of the 55m delivers speeds of up to 16 knots.

Accommodation

If your priority is guest accommodation then the Heesen 55m offers well-appointed accommodation for up to 12 guests with its 6 cabin layout option. Most of its rivals, including the Amels Amels 180 and Sanlorenzo 52Steel, share the same 12 guest sleeping capacity, making them excellent choices for those seeking to enjoy their yachting experience with family and friends. The 55m benefits from a full-beam master cabin with an en-suite bathroom, a study and full-standing headroom is a standout and all cabins have dedicated en-suite bathrooms for family or guest convenience. The Mangusta 55 and Tankoa Yachts S581, although designed for slightly smaller groups of 12 guests in 5 cabins, still offer an exceptional level of comfort for family or group getaways.

Performance

When it comes to cruising speed, the Heesen 55m has been designed for those not in a hurry, with the slowest cruising speed of the group at 14 knots and a top speed of 16 knots. The Heesen 55m emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed and its target audience will be those who enjoy the journey over the destination. The title for the fastest cruising speed goes to the Tankoa Yachts S581 which has an impressive cruising speed of 23 knots powered by its 3 x 2,600hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines and can reach a top speed of 27 knots. This is closely followed by the Westport Yachts Westport W172 with a notable cruising speed of 19 knots and top speed of 21 knots.

Unique Characteristics

Each yacht also brings unique features to the forefront. The Westport Yachts Westport W172 impresses with its extensive range of 5,000 nautical miles, ideal for long voyages. The Tankoa Yachts S581 and Gulf Craft 175 all feature shallow drafts for yachts of this size, allowing them to navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels. The performance of the Tankoa Yachts S581 is especially impressive, with a top speed of 27 knots and cruising speed of 23 knots. The Sanlorenzo 57Steel has an impressive gross tonnage of 1,050GT, the largest of the competitors here.

Summary

Despite stiff competition, the Heesen 55m Steel stands out with notable features and design elements. These yachts cater to a wide range of preferences and needs, making the choice a matter of personal taste and specific requirements in the world of luxury yachting.

When considering a new (or indeed used) yacht, it’s certainly important to wonder about the alternatives in the Heesen Steel range or indeed its competitors. Browse our hand-picked selection of 9 competing models.