Absolute's reputation as a true innovator in the yachting industry is evident in its trawler-inspired Navettas, which showcase the pinnacle of the builder's ingenuity. However, innovation is a common theme across all of Absolute's yacht models, characterized by bold design, expansive sections of glass, and remarkably spacious interiors.
With its focus now on the Coupe cruiser market, Absolute's lateral thinking once again demonstrates its ability to adapt and excel in various sectors of the industry. As a builder that initially made its mark with sports yachts, Absolute's design culture transitions into the Coupe market, aligning perfectly with one of the most exciting and progressive sectors in yachting.
With the introduction of the 48 Coupe, Absolute aims to bring something genuinely new to the single-deck world, blending its signature design elements with innovative features to create a yacht that stands out in its class. We had the opportunity to explore hull #1 to see if the 48 lives up to its promise of delivering a fresh and exceptional cruising experience.
Absolute 48 Coupé Key Facts
- LOA 14.9m
- Model Year 2021
- Cabins 3
- Max Speed 27 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Coupe
- Use Type Weekending
The Coupe 48 marks the debut of a new model and heralds the launch of a new range for Absolute. While the builder initially made its mark with sports yachts, the 48 Coupe represents a departure from the open sportscruisers of the past.
While the 48 Coupe can still reach speeds close to 30 knots, its focus diverges from traditional sports yacht comparisons. Instead, this yacht prioritizes onboard living and maximizing the available space. Drawing inspiration from the successful cruising platforms of the 48 Navetta and 47 Fly, the 48 Coupe features a proven three-cabin layout and Volvo Penta IPS-650 pod drive performance, ideal for smooth passage-making at speeds of 20-25 knots.
The exterior design of the 48 Coupe is entirely new from the deck up, showcasing innovative features such as cutaway moldings that flank an open, modular aft deck. These design elements not only enhance the yacht's aesthetic appeal but also offer practical versatility, a feature that would complement the 47 Fly just as effectively. Additionally, typical Absolute traits such as massive glass sections remain, enveloping a deck salon that follows the layout of the 48 Navetta's galley aft configuration.
Zero Emissions
Beyond its stylish appearance, the Coupe's forward-thinking nature is highlighted by its eco-friendly mindset, exemplified by a solar roof capable of generating up to 2.5KW of power. This innovative feature allows the yacht to operate all domestic systems, excluding air conditioning, using clean, renewable energy. While the coupe design's large, flat hardtop naturally lends itself to solar paneling, it's surprising that such an efficient, zero-emission method of powering a yacht remains relatively rare in the market.
While it's understood that yachts are not inherently green, there's a growing awareness and desire for greater eco-efforts within the industry. Moving away from the emphasis on outright speed toward efficient cruising, offering a solar roof as an alternative to a traditional sunroof could be an option many builders consider. Even for those less concerned about a yacht's environmental credentials, the appeal of cost-free, silent running at anchor, without the noise of a generator, is undeniable. By embracing eco-friendly innovations like solar power, yachts can become more environmentally sustainable while also offering practical benefits to owners and guests.
The silent, generator-free onboard culture is integrated into the overall salon design of the Coupe. The cockpit doors open fully, offering a connection between the salon and the aft deck via the galley. However, ensuring optimal airflow is essential, especially without a traditional sunroof. To address this, the Coupe incorporates two innovative solutions. Firstly, both of the salon's massive side windows can be lowered at the touch of a button, providing abundant natural ventilation. Additionally, with the blinds drawn, occupants can enjoy the shade while still benefiting from the airflow, effectively regulating onboard temperatures and enhancing comfort levels.
The futuristic cruiser ambiance is embodied in the bright, minimalist finish of the Coupe's interior. Mixing dark and light high-gloss surfaces with bleached cabinetry, the salon exudes a contemporary aesthetic that is both stylish and functional. A central skylight dapples the space with natural light, offering glimpses of the solar panels above, further reinforcing the yacht's eco-conscious design.
Below decks, the three-cabin layout of the Coupe is reminiscent of the 47 Fly and 48 Navetta models, but it remains impressive nonetheless. Absolute's expertise in crafting forward owner's cabins that feel expansive and luxurious is evident here, with massive bow windows and a cleverly angled double berth creating an inviting and magical atmosphere. This layout not only enhances the owner's experience but also offers knock-on benefits, including ample space for two excellent guest cabins amidships, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all onboard.
The smart, glass helm console complements the yacht's modern aesthetic and is accompanied by an impressive ship's system console to port. Absolute's attention to the practicalities of yachting life is evident, with the inclusion of a proper side deck door that not only enhances accessibility but also facilitates increased ventilation throughout the yacht.
The only notable omission is a twin helm configuration, a feature that could easily be remedied with a bench seat design, offering added flexibility and convenience for the captain and crew.
With only one deck, a coupe design places significant emphasis on the aft cockpit as the primary social area. Absolute recognizes this dynamic and excels in creating a modular, open aft deck that cleverly integrates with the salon, enhancing the overall flow and versatility of the yacht's living spaces.
To enhance comfort and innovation on the aft deck, Absolute enlisted a specialist designer to create a unique alternative to the traditional bench seat. The result is freestanding lounge furniture, strategically placed on rubber feet to both grip and protect the deck while offering a range of seating arrangements. Removable armrests enable seats to be joined together, while the cockpit table sits on sliders, providing even more flexibility for various configurations.
In addition to the furniture, Absolute's commitment to glass is evident in the design details, including the overhang and transom. The latter creates a terrace-like ambiance, offering uninterrupted views across the water. However, it's worth noting that this design choice may result in less privacy when in port.
The raised position of the aft deck above the waterline provides ample space for excellent deck stowage, conveniently accessed from the swim platform.
Our Verdict
Absolute's return to its sports yacht roots is a strategic move that aligns with a purer form of cruising, capitalising on the exceptional three-cabin interior platform initially introduced with the 48 Navetta. With the 48 Coupe, Absolute introduces typically innovative deck ideas to a coupe market that eagerly embraces new thinking. Moreover, the yacht's solar-powered 2kW support system not only reduces emissions but also fosters a relaxed onboard atmosphere, ideal for laid-back living and enjoying the cruising lifestyle to the fullest.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to handle Coupe design
- Same excellent three-cabin layout as 48 Navetta
- Open, modular and very versatile aft deck
- 2kW solar power to run domestic systems
Things to Consider
- Single helm seat
- Open cockpit means less privacy in port
Looking to own a Absolute 48 Coupé? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Absolute 48 Coupé Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Absolute 48 Coupé, 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
Absolute is a clever yacht builder in many ways. The coupe market it has now entered is largely free of the big-name builders it must usually compete with across its trawler and flybridge ranges but that’s not to say there isn’t any stiff competition. More importantly, the rivals the 48 faces come from specialist coupe builders.
The Greenline 45 Coupe is an obvious challenger, a yacht that packs some serious eco-credentials with hybrid propulsion and solar energy while also offering 30-knot performance. A flexible two or three three-cabin layout adds to the choice.
German builder Sealine is another coupe specialist. Its notably bigger C530 is every bit as daring as the Absolute across its exterior design and three-cabin interior. Importantly, it is the same price as the smaller yachts in this field.
American builder Carver is another contender, its big, imposing C52 offers three good cabins, a luxurious home-from-home salon, and a fun bowrider area.
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 Coupé
- Model 48 Coupé
- Length Overall 14.9m
- Beam 4.25m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Yacht Type (Primary) Coupe
- Use Type (Primary) Weekending
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 1,600 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 530 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-IPS650
Absolute 48 Coupé Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Absolute 48 Coupé]()
The Coupe design creates a flow of social space that stretches from the salon to an open modular aft deck where the furniture can be arranged in multiple layouts. There is no forward lounge, only a sunpad, so the aft deck is the main place to gather.
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Absolute 48 Coupé]()
The excellent tri-cab design is taken from the 48 Navetta and provides two suites and a twin. The forward Owner's cabin feels every inch the full-beam stateroom.
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