The Absolute 56 Fly, a yacht that's more spaceship than a traditional boat. For a vessel of this size, the use and amount of space are quite incredible.
With three cabins plus an optional crew cabin, it offers versatility rarely seen in this sector. Designed exclusively for IPS, it promises a smooth, riding experience so let's have a look at what I think is one of the cleverest boats around.
Review Video
The Absolute 56 Fly pushes the boundaries in this sector. Its robust construction and fine detailing are immediately apparent. The exterior boasts a glass transom, providing brilliant access to either storage or an optional crew space. The open haunches and curved bulwarks allow for unobstructed views from the cockpit, ensuring you can enjoy the scenery even while seated.
The modular deck furniture is incredibly versatile, offering flexibility for various arrangements. The optional wing station for joystick control is a handy addition. On the foredeck, Absolute’s attention to detail is on full display with integrated cupholders, pop-up lights, and a hi-lo table that adds versatility. The two-way backrest transforms the space from a dining area to an extended sunpad with ease.
Moving to the flybridge, the design elements continue to impress. The wet bar, despite its varied height, includes clever touches like a drain behind the cooktop for easy cleaning. The freestanding furniture offers flexibility, and the option for solar panels on the hardtop supports sustainable cruising.
The galley aft arrangement is a signature of the Absolute fleet and it really adds to the flow between the cockpit & interior space. Dropped-down windows provide natural ventilation and light so the need for air conditioning should be reduced. The helm station features new leather seats, compact & functional Garmin MFDs, and a well-thought-out layout.
The owner’s cabin forward is a standout, with textured walls, large hull windows, and a nicely designed bathroom. The full-beam VIP cabin amidships rivals master cabins on similar yachts, and the twin cabin features unique storage access. Absolute’s commitment to maximising space and quality makes the 56 Fly a top contender in its class.
The first thing you'll notice is the aft galley arrangement, a signature feature across Absolute’s fleet. This design creates a smooth, easy flow out to the cockpit, featuring modular furniture that integrates beautifully when the doors are slid all the way over to one side.
In the galley itself, you've got your fridge freezer positioned off to one side, accompanied by ample pantry storage. This clever layout frees up counter space for storage, a dishwasher, and an oven - all neatly tucked away. Eye-level storage, a deep sink, and a mix of materials and the colours - from oak to a darker, glossier wood - is all very classy. The soft underlighting on the step not only enhances the space but also highlights the step itself - pretty clever stuff.
In the saloon a TV pops out from behind the sofa, perfectly facing the U-shaped seating arrangement. It’s a great feature borrowed from the 48 Coupe and 60 Fly, and it works brilliantly here. On the port side, you’ve got drop-down windows, and you can opt for the same on the starboard side. This design choice promotes natural ventilation, potentially reducing the need for air conditioning and allowing you to rely more on those optional solar panels.
The U-shaped seating surrounds a hi-lo table that folds and adjusts in height, making it incredibly versatile depending on your needs. And for the wine enthusiasts, there's even an option to add a wine fridge next to the helm. This boat has it, but if wine isn't your thing, it's just as easy to opt for additional storage.
Owner's Cabin
The moment you walk in, you’re met with two thin strips of glossy timber that add a marvelous touch of detail. Not just for show; they are there to hide the blind strings. It's this kind of thoughtful design that sets the Absolute 56 Fly apart.
The walls are adorned in a textured golden brown, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This cabin is uniquely positioned forward in the yacht, slightly elevated to give it an airy, spacious feel. The enormous hull windows on both sides flood the room with natural light, making everything look even more lovely. The finish and feel of the materials used here are super.
The bed is mounted towards the bow and I was particularly impressed by how the unit next to the bathroom door continues inside, clinging to the hull sides to maximize space. You’ll find a sizable sink to port and a generously proportioned shower cubicle on the starboard side, both hidden away by Absolute’s signature pocket doors.
Storage is another strong point here. There’s a walk-in wardrobe in the corner, small but very usable. Cupboards are thoughtfully placed at waist level all around, and there’s even storage under the bed. Every inch of this cabin has been designed with the owner’s comfort and convenience in mind.
VIP Cabin & Twin
Now, to call this a VIP cabin almost feels like an understatement. It's so spacious, it could easily pass for a master cabin. The width is truly impressive, offering a lovely walk-around bed and bags of storage, much like the owner's cabin.
What strikes me as particularly clever is the bathroom arrangement. The sink area is open-plan, seamlessly integrated with the bedroom, and features a nice big mirror and ample storage. The shower and toilet are cleverly separated by smoked glass partitions. This means someone can shower, another can brush their teeth or use the loo - all at the same time without feeling cramped. It's a well-designed space that maximises usability.
Moving on to the other guest accommodations, let's talk about the twin cabin. Before we enter, it's worth noting the day heads positioned conveniently nearby. A pocket door here ensures that space is not gobbled up by a swinging door, making it easy for guests to nip down and use the facilities during the day. This day head also serves as an ensuite for the twin cabin.
Now, here's something really neat - there's an access void at the back of the wardrobe in the twin cabin. It's not just dead space - the void provides easy access to the bow thruster and its batteries, and it's also decked out with shelving. This means you can store bulky items that you don't need regularly here.
Of course, the twin cabin also features a couple of beds, a comfortable and practical space for guests.
Crew Accommodation
Just before you step into the engine room, there's a space that’s inherited from the larger 60 Fly. Though slightly smaller, it still offers a genuinely decent-sized crew area for a yacht of this class. Now, if you opt for the storage version, you'll find it neatly lined out, perfect for stowing away gear safely and keeping the deck clutter-free.
You’ll appreciate the hatches on both sides, providing excellent access to the IPS pods - ideal for maintenance and quick checks. If you go for the crew cabin option, it’s a bit more homely with added timber, creating a more welcoming atmosphere.
Inside, you’ll find a berth on each side, making it a practical space for two crew members. There's a door leading to a wet room, complete with flooring and a plug, all set up should you decide to install a bathroom. It’s a versatile space that adapts to your needs.
The first thing to note, the helm seat design here is absolutely lovely. It’s real leather - a bit of luxury compared to the vinyl used on the scaled-back helm upstairs. You can opt for two seats if that suits your style, but depending on usage, one might just be enough.
An Absolute helm station is always a treat; they’re well thought out and look fantastic. The smaller Garmin MFDs may be standard on this boat, but you can upgrade to larger ones if you prefer. The function remains the same, boasting their brilliant boat management system. It's quite clever: an image of the actual boat sits in the middle, allowing you to swipe through and monitor various parts like pumps, levels, and sensors - all controllable from the helm.
You've got the Volvo Penta screen displaying crucial engine information, alongside your throttles, joystick, and bow thruster. And yes, there’s the option for a wing station.
Here’s the thing: even without the wing station, the helm is still a fantastic place to drive from, especially at close quarters. You can stick your head out the side door for an excellent view. With the TV down in the salon, visibility is top-notch - you can see right behind and the aft corners very well.
You won’t be disappointed with the performance either. Both IPS options give the yacht top speeds of around 28 knots and offer a cruising speed of 22 knots, with a range of roughly 200-250nm. It’s always pretty much the same with Absolute - there is a consistent performance level across their fleet.
The Absolute 56 Fly pulls in a host of features from its siblings in the range, such as the 60 Fly and the 48 Coupe. One of the standout elements is the glass transom, which offers brilliant access to either a storage area or, optionally, a crew space - truly versatile. Moving aft, the open haunches are a nice touch. These clever bulwarks curve up and over, disguising the mooring gear while providing an unbroken view out over the water when you're seated in the cockpit.
Speaking of the cockpit, this space feels very familiar if you've spent time on the 60 Fly or the Navetta 75. The modular furniture is incredibly flexible, allowing you to arrange the seating just the way you want. The pieces are held in place by friction and gravity, making it easy to move them around or take out the armrests to create a more communal space. It's a really nice setup, especially with the table that doubles in size, giving everyone a lovely view over the water.
Storage is thoughtfully integrated, with handy spots like the staircase adjacent to the sliding doors, perfect for stashing boat hooks. There's also an option for a wing station on the opposite side of the doors, featuring joystick control and, if you choose, a bow thruster. This puts you in an ideal position to look along the side deck both forward and aft, particularly useful when mooring stern-to, as you have a clear view of the bathing platform.
Sidedecks & Foredeck
As you head up to the foredeck, just watch your head - there’s a bit of a low clearance. However, the protection it gives is quite nice, and it offers a chance to install downlighting, which adds a lovely touch for evening strolls. The open gunnels connect to the massive windows in the saloon, reminding you that you are still on a boat even when you are inside.
Moving forward to the main foredeck, the detailing here is really lovely. Absolute truly knows how to do detailing well. There are cupholders neatly set into the mouldings, and pop-up lights add a dash of sophistication. The table is worth talking about, folding out and mounted on a hi-lo leg, allowing you to raise or lower it.
There are walkways all around the foredeck, helps to connect the two side decks, so movement around the yacht is smooth. The two-way backrest can be positioned for a cosy meal or cantilevered to extend the sunpad, giving you a perfect headrest facing out to sea.
Flybridge
One of the first things you’ll notice up on the flybridge here is the detail at the wet bar - the relief pattern on the panels looks a lot like the sand when the tide is out. It’s a small touch, but it adds a layer of interest that you won't find on most yachts where you’d typically see a completely flat GRP panel.
While at the wet bar, you’ll appreciate the nice big sink with a pop-up tap. There's a bit of storage underneath, alongside the fridge - the usual sort of thing you’d expect. However, a small downside is that the cooktop and sink aren't at the same level, making it tricky to wipe grease straight into the sink. But they've added a drain behind the cooktop with a sinkhole, so cleaning the grill should still be easy.
Moving aft, the Flybridge mirrors the feel of the lower deck with similarly styled furniture. You can customize it to your liking, but the Absolute-supplied pieces are freestanding and weighted down, making excellent use of the space. Given the size of the Flybridge, you don’t have enormous room back here, but a couple of chairs and a coffee table fit perfectly, creating a cosy, usable area.
The hardtop offers flexibility as well. You can opt for a sunroof or go green with 1.5kW of solar panels. These panels can power most of the domestic needs when you're away from shore power, allowing you to enjoy the boat in serene silence - unless you’re running something power-hungry like the air conditioning.
Amidships, there’s a table, and right forward, a split between sunbathing space and a lovely bench. This setup allows a couple of others to sit forward when the boat is underway, joining the two who are comfortably perched in the new, fully adjustable helm seats. These seats are a new design for Absolute this year, and they’re incredibly smart, really looking the part.
You’ve got direct access through a watertight door, as well as a hatch in the cockpit. The hatch can be opened to give us a bit more light and space, but even with it closed, there’s full-standing headroom for a six-footer. Now, it does get a bit pinched in places, but right in the middle where you first step down, headroom is pretty good.
The space is well laid out. You’ve got the Volvo Penta IPS800 600hp engines on both sides, and crucially, there’s enough room around them to move freely and carry out maintenance.
The generator and air conditioning are cleverly aligned in the middle, so they are easy to reach but still tucked out of the way.
One thoughtful touch is the built-in tray for tools, meaning they'll stay put and are easily accessible when you’re working down here. Also, the double access is incredibly handy - use the hatch for quick checks or the door for full walk-in access. It’s these little things that make a big difference.
Our Verdict
The Absolute 56 Fly packs a mighty luxury punch with its two excellent staterooms as part of a near-unbeatable three-cabin design. The 56’s massive glass sections are a standout, delivering a superb salon with facing sofas and that inside-outside flow of space with a galley and bar between. The helm station is another highlight, offering intuitive controls and excellent visibility. The cabins are equally impressive, with the forward owner’s cabin benefiting from massive hull windows and luxurious finishes. The amidships VIP cabin is practically a second master suite, further emphasizing the yacht's clever use of space. Not everything is perfect. The cooktop and sink on the flybridge being at different levels is a bit of a letdown, making cleaning up less straightforward than it should be. And while the modular furniture is brilliantly flexible, some might find it a bit too lightweight, potentially shifting around in rougher conditions and the open gunnels, although visually appealing, might not offer the level of security some would prefer. Absolute's attention to detail shines throughout, from the practical storage solutions to the thoughtful design touches that make life on board very happy.
Reasons to Buy
- Incredible use of space
- Spacious owner’s cabin
- Smart helm station
- Double access to engine room
- Great natural ventilation & light
Things to Consider
- Limited space on flybridge aft
- Single drop-down window
- Headroom a bit pinched in places
- Styling
Looking to own a Absolute 56 FLY? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Absolute 56 FLY Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Absolute 56 FLY, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
When it comes to rivals, the Absolute 56 Fly finds itself in a competitive field, vying against some formidable contenders. If accommodating guests overnight is your primary focus, then it’s worth noting that the Absolute 56 Fly, with its three-cabin layout offering space for up to six guests, doesn't quite match up to its competitors like the Princess F55, which can sleep up to seven guests in four cabins. This could be a better bet for those who want to maximise the number of family and friends they can sleep on board.
However, the Absolute 56 Fly does have a trump card with its full-beam master cabin, complete with an ensuite bathroom and glorious hull side windows. Both the Absolute 56 Fly and the Greenline 58 Fly offer similar three-cabin layouts, providing exceptional comfort for family vacations, though they also cap their guest accommodation at six.
Each yacht in this sector brings unique features to the forefront. For instance, the Greenline 58 Fly and Galeon 560 Fly boast shallow drafts, allowing them to navigate waters that are inaccessible to deeper vessels. And let’s not forget the Absolute 56 Fly's storming performance, with a top speed of 37 knots and a cruising speed of 27 knots, which is seriously cool.
Considering a new boat? Explore Absolute's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Absolute
- Range Flybridge
- Model 56 FLY
- Length Overall 57.874ft
- Beam 15.715ft
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Crew 2
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 687 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 172 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D8-IPS800
- Engine economic speed 9.6 knots
- Engine max range (speed type) 454 (nm)
Absolute 56 FLY Layout
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Flybridge
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![Flybridge Absolute 56 FLY]()
There is plenty of space to dine and relax on the top deck
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Absolute 56 FLY]()
The modular cockpit furniture can be moved around the deck
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Absolute 56 FLY]()
Crew space is generous for a boat this size
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