The Bilgin 163, Eternal Spark is a yacht that caught a lot of attention when she was delivered in early 2024.
At 50 metres (164ft), it's designed with a focus on chartering and hosting unforgettable parties. The 22m (72ft) sun deck has a massive hot tub, along with a huge beach club and six luxury cabins, so a charter experience would be something to experience. We got to tour this superyacht at her global premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024.
Bilgin 163 I Key Facts
- LOA 163.878ft
- Model Year 2024
- Cabins 6
- Crew 10
- Max Speed 17 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Superyacht
- Use Type Cruising
- Vessel M/Y Eternal Spark
Review Video
Launched in January 2024, Eternal Spark's exterior is by Unique Yacht Design, who designed an exterior that spans four decks. As the focus is on parties and chartering, there are five separate bars and seven distinct socialising areas catering to gatherings of over 100 people. The additional focus for the 163 and 170 series is on outdoor living with the square footage maximised and kept under shade. Eternal Spark, as a Bilgin 499 GT semi-custom build, has some of the most expansive outdoor spaces on a Bilgin, including a notable extension to her stern.
The interiors are by Hot Lab who wanted a true reflection of their “Architecture for Voyagers” design principle, taking inspiration from the Bilgin yacht Moonraker. The yacht's interior design has clean architectural volumes and softened lines, using over 200 varied materials, including 14 different types of marble.
Chandelier
The lobby area outside the owner's suite on the yacht is the perfect place to take in its design focal point - the floating staircase and chandelier. With clear glass steps and a curved wall surface lined with slim mirrors only centimetres wide, the staircase multiplies water reflections throughout the already bright interior. Wrapping around a chandelier that extends down towards the lower deck, it offers glimpses of the levels above and below through transparent floor and ceiling panels.
The flickering light from the sundeck pool adds a mesmerising effect, while the chandelier itself is a striking fixture. Spanning multiple decks, its long tubes of glass channel light from the glass-floored hot tub above, casting intricate patterns across the walls.
Hot Lab has excelled in these public spaces by designing intriguing shapes helped by mirrors and lighting. It's a truly lovely environment.
The bridge deck saloon aboard Eternal Spark has an amazing array of textures, beginning with the cool touch of marble underfoot as you enter, before becoming a lovely, squidgy carpet, and then back to a beautiful eucalyptus inset with marble at the centre. This saloon is very cosy and intimate, a nice place for a relaxing evening drink, watching the TV that drops from the ceiling. Close by is a second bar with a marble countertop and a Rolls-Royce-esque starlight ceiling. Nearby, there's access to a day head, crew pantry, and the bridge.
However, the true centrepiece is the chandelier, lit naturally from above through the water of the sundeck hot tub. The reflections dancing around are mesmerising, with the chandelier almost reaching the lower deck. Glass set into the floor provides a view down to the lower deck.
Main Deck Saloon
A huge internal living space with a sociable atmosphere, much more than the cosy upper saloon. The lovely, wide sofas on either side are as comfortable for lounging as they are for sitting, with big windows providing fabulous views and loads of natural light. The light decor is helped by mirror detailing on the ceiling and cabinets with artificial lighting - like on the backlit pillars - adding what is quite a grand feeling as you move through the space.
A two-sided TV is positioned in the middle so it's viewable from both the sofas and the dining table. The floor pattern mirrors that of the upstairs saloon, blending marble and eucalyptus wood beautifully. A bespoke chandelier sits overhead of the 12-person dining table. The central staircase can be seen again, as an extra source of natural light, with light flickering from the water above.
There's a crew access point leading to a pantry and their quarters. And also direct access to the owner's space.
Owner's Cabin
The first area in the owner's cabin is a thoughtfully designed study area. It's positioned next to a large window, providing fabulous views as you sit there working. Behind the desk, there's a cosy sofa. Move further into the cabin, and the cabin expands to the full beam of the yacht. Large windows give lovely vistas and more mirrors reflect the light to make the room brighter without compromising the view.
The super king bed doesn't dominate the space, as the floor area is vast. A nice run of carpet surrounds the bed for a warm surface to walk on at night instead of cold marble. Above, a starlit mirrored ceiling is above the bed, and there's an extra mirror on the bulkhead that doubles as the room's TV.
Also featured is a walk-in wardrobe with a built-in bureau inside. This design choice means the bathroom remains spacious and uncluttered. Speaking of the bathroom, it's genuinely impressive. Separate cubicles for the sink and toilet flank a stunning rain-head shower with blue marble, and heated flooring.
Guest accommodation on this yacht was designed to cater to charter needs, so there are six cabins total, the owner's cabin, a VIP, two doubles, and two twins. Starting with the doubles, these two cabins, positioned on either side of the main passageway, strike a chord with their turquoise theme. Bedding, cupboard fascias, and even the marble coordinate in this colour. The elegant artwork complements this theme beautifully. Both cabins repeat the style of the owner's suite, featuring heated floors, separate shower cubicles, and stunning marble finishes.
The VIP suite is the best of the guest accommodation. While some beam is shared with its ensuite, the VIP still has a big chaise longue beneath the windows, another TV mirror, and a king-size bed. The bathroom has twin sinks, plenty of storage, and a nicely proportioned shower cubicle with heated floors.
Heading to the two twins, there's flexibility for charter. I say they are twins but they can be easily changed to doubles on sliding beds. As either a twin or double, there is lots of floor space and storage, with an orange theme that extends to the marble on the bedside tables and mosaic tile in the ensuites. Each cabin offers control over lighting, air conditioning, and AV via individual iPads.
The bridge of Eternal Spark sits much further forward than you'd typically expect for a yacht of this size. This positioning provides a clear, unobstructed view of both the bow and boat deck.
Equipped with all the necessary navigation equipment and controls, the bridge features four large Simrad screens adept at handling navigation and radar tasks. Cameras are strategically placed, so the captain and crew can monitor every corner of the yacht from this elevated position. There's also a desk where a computer is set up, which the crew can use to manage work.
The helm seats are adjustable, and there is a leaning post right in front of the wheel. As for performance, the yacht can get to a top speed of 17 knots and comfortably cruises at 12 knots. With a range of 5,000 nautical miles, the engines consume just 250 litres per hour at cruising speed, making long journeys a piece of cake. And it should all be pretty stable too as the yacht is equipped with fin stabilisers for both stationary and underway.
The sun deck, where the first thing that catches attention is the striking hot tub. It's the first thing you see coming up the steps from the bridge deck, the pool illuminated by the sun streaming through the glass in the hard top. This pool forms the top of a chandelier cascading down into the lower deck, its glass top allowing light to pour through, creating all those stunning reflections inside.
Stretching 22m (72.2ft), the sun deck is impressively large for a 50m (164ft) yacht. A bar is on one side, with a seating area opposite, all sheltered by the hard top. Twin tables here can open up to form a huge dining area. The crew has tucked away a bit more storage here for bits and bobs for dining, along with a grill for some alfresco cooking. Toward the aft, beneath a canopy providing shade, there’s another inviting seating area and a spacious sun pad. This is a grand sun deck, with a fabulous hot tub at the centre, and it sets the stage for a cracking party yacht.
Bridge Deck Aft
On the bridge deck aft, you'll find the primary dining space, an external area tuned into what the crew needs to cater to guests well. The dining table generally accommodates 12 people but can expand to 14 if needed. Aft there is a lounging space with a split coffee table. This table is intentionally open to allow the crew to serve guests easily and so guests can get up and out without having to shuffle people. This deck is genuinely comfortable and user-friendly.
This deck is zoned, as you have the dining area, and then beyond that there's seating further back, and also a cosy corner with a pair of comfortable chairs under the stairs by the window. Opposite, there's a bar area ready for the crew to serve drinks and other treats, which also connects to the upper saloon.
Foredeck
This deck has more of a practical edge to it with storage lockers for essentials and wing stations. These stations pop up easily and offer not just throttle controls and thrusters but a cracking view down the side of the boat. With stations on both sides, the crew will have an excellent view no matter where you're mooring.
When it comes to toys, this yacht's got a Williams SportJet 460 that doubles as the rescue tender, hoisted by the onboard crane. Plus, a pair of Jet Skis that you can plonk into the water and stow away neatly. Up on the bow, there's a custom-made chase boat too for guests who fancy some water sports or a longer expedition. It can be towed behind when not in action. So, there's loads of fun to be had both onboard and off the boat.
Move forward and there's a spacious living area that's well flexible. With the furniture cleared away, they can do yoga or it can be set up for sunbathing. You can even put up a screen and make this spot an outdoor cinema.
Main Deck Aft
This is the go-to spot for lounging on a yacht like this. This is somewhere to kick back with a drink from the bar, with lovely big sofas facing in and out, and a table right in the middle. The overhang does a great job of keeping everything well-protected.
There's no faffing about with shoe baskets here. Pop them in the specialised storage underneath, and you're sorted. All of the lithium batteries are stored here - safely away from the machinery space, so if there's ever a fire, you can get them out of the boat as quickly as possible.
This boat does its bar areas very well, and this one's no exception. You've got a TV that swings out to face the seating area, so you're sorted for entertainment. And it also serves the inside the main saloon.
Beach Club
The beach club is accessed via the steps on the starboard side once the passerelle is out. Right outside of the beach club is the swim platform with a shower integrated into the deck. Part of the swim platform is a transformer that can extend up and outwards, with steps that lead you down into the sea - and it can be used for launching toys like the Fliteboard and Seabob.
Inside, there's storage for all the watersports equipment and other necessities, with floor-to-ceiling wardrobes on both sides. They've thought about everything, including space under the steps for paddleboards, which is very, very useful. On one side, there's a sauna that comfortably fits three people, and another shower in the deckhead so you can cool off immediately. Ice is literally on tap at the sink, and there's a dayhead conveniently located nearby. It's a fabulous facility by the waterline, complete with a bar area, fridge space, a sink, and even a television.
There are two access points to the engine room, a door from the beach club or a door on the port side deck, down a staircase into a central lobby area before entering through a watertight door. This engine space, all on one level, is easy to navigate. The three generators are lined up, accompanied by central workbenches - one bench set up for the engineer with tape & bits neatly arranged, another opposite, and a central bench with a vice, sink, and tool storage underneath.
The exhaust system overhead looks wonderfully arranged and everything is well-lit. The Caterpillar engines are easy to move around and inspect. Filters and control stations are conveniently located, allowing the yacht to operate with just one engineer on board. There's no dedicated control room but all necessary switches are aligned nicely so it should be an effective working space.
Our Verdict
Built for charter, designed for fun, and made for big groups to enjoy, Eternal Spark delivers exactly that. But it does so with a sparkle, from the beach club to that incredible central staircase chandelier that is just so visually arresting. This yacht is packed with delightful features, and if you're lucky enough to charter it, you're in for an unforgettable time.
Reasons to Buy
- 6-cabin layout
- Hot tub, sauna and beach club
- 5,000nm cruising range
- Amazing central staircase
- Huge sun deck
Things to Consider
- Very charter focussed
- Bold interior will split opinion
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Rivals to Consider
When discussing rivals to the Bilgin 163, the Benetti 50M Oasis pops up as a strong contender. It shares the same accommodation capacity, with room for up to 12 guests, making it perfect for those who value entertaining family and friends. However, it trails slightly in terms of speed, with a cruising speed of 13 knots and a top speed of 15 knots. Still, its blend of style and space means it's right up there in this sector. One of the Oasis 50M's standout features is its Oasis beach club design, which includes an infinity pool.
The Wider Yachts Wider 150 impresses with an extensive range of 4,700 nautical miles, making it ideal for adventurous, long-haul voyages. It may accommodate one less guest than the Bilgin, but the trade-off is a yacht designed with exploration in mind. Its capacity to traverse such distances without refuelling is a marvel, offering a sense of freedom and independence that you might not find elsewhere. What really sets the Wider 150 apart is its hybrid propulsion system for eco-friendly, quieter, and more efficient cruising.
Then there's the Custom Line Navetta 50, which stands out with its impressive cruising speed of 15 knots and a top speed of 16 knots, thanks to its muscular 1,450hp Caterpillar engines. It offers a slightly smaller guest capacity of 11, yet it compensates with remarkable performance and a shallower draft.
There's a lot to think about when comparing these yachts, but the Bilgin 163 definitely maintains its own identity.
Considering a new yacht? Explore Bilgin Yachts' 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 Bilgin Yachts
- Model Bilgin 163 I
- Length Overall 163.878ft
- Beam 30.348ft
- Draft 8.53ft
- Hull Steel
- Cabins 6
- Berths 12
- Crew 10
- Yacht Type (Primary) Superyacht
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 14,529 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 2,906 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Caterpillar C32 C ACERT C04 - IMO Tier II/IMO Tier III
- Engine HP 1470
- Engine economic speed 10.5 knots
- Engine max range (speed type) 5000 (nm)
Bilgin 163 I Layout
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Sun Deck
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![Sun Deck Bilgin 163 I]()
Note the day head on the port side of this deck
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Upper Deck
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![Upper Deck Bilgin 163 I]()
The tenders and toys are stowed on the boat deck, forward
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Bilgin 163 I]()
The owner's cabin is forward on this deck
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Bilgin 163 I]()
Unusually, the 163 has five further guest cabins on the lower deck
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