The Absolute Navetta 53 is a crossover yacht that combines a blend of trawler practicality and flybridge luxury.
It's equipped with an impressive optional crew cabin, which can alternatively serve as a spacious lazarette. This space offers direct engine access via a watertight door. The cockpit is incredibly flexible, thanks to its modular furniture design, but Absolute has been perfecting this for years. Seating can be rearranged, and the table can be turned to suit any occasion, always offering a view of the sea. The interior layout is spacious, and the configuration is unique in this sector. Are we dealing with a new class leader?
Absolute Navetta 53 Key Facts
- LOA 15.98m
- Model Year 2024
- Cabins 3
- Crew 1
- Max Speed 28 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Flybridge
- Use Type Weekending
Review Video
The Absolute Navetta 53 made its debut at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, replacing the Navetta 52, and it is a step up in design, delivering the kind of space and comfort you’d expect from a larger yacht.
The biggest change is in the aft cockpit, which has moved away from a fixed solid transom and furniture in favour of open glass sides and freestanding chairs. This creates a much airier, more flexible space, and that open feel carries through to the interior, where larger windows provide a full 360-degree view. The helm station has had a refresh as well, with larger screens that make better use of the dashboard layout compared to the 52.
Inside, the high-quality finishes lean towards a minimalist style, with a cream and hazelnut colour palette which is slightly paler than the interior of the Navetta 52. It’s designed to deliver the feel of a much larger yacht, without compromising on practicality or build quality.
The full-beam owner's cabin, located amidships, includes a double bed, wardrobe, vanity, and ensuite bathroom. Up front, the VIP cabin features a double bed, storage, and another ensuite, while the amidships twin cabin offers two single beds and benefits from the same focus on comfort and natural light throughout.
It’s a galley-aft layout, a signature Absolute design found across most of their models, situated next to the aft sliding doors, which can be opened further to create a strong connection to the cockpit. There’s enough room for a domestic-size fridge freezer, with separate fridge compartments at the top and bottom, both secured with solid catches that stop them from flying open at sea. The galley includes induction cooking, an oven beneath the counter, and a large sink with a smart pop-up tap.
Opposite, the switch panel is positioned near the cockpit, so it’s quick to access whether you’re inside or out. There’s also a deep storage area below, likely intended for pots and pans since space in the galley itself is a bit tighter, but it’s been used wisely.
Amidships, up a couple of steps, there’s a dining area with a sofa opposite. Behind that sits a pop-up TV, which stows away when not in use. The table is pedestal-mounted, so it can be lowered to create an extra berth or just for if you want to lie down and get comfortable while watching a film.
Owner's Cabin
Amidships is the owner's cabin and to port is the owner’s ensuite, designed with another pocket door to maximise space. There’s enough room for a separate shower cubicle, keeping everything feeling open.
Moving into the full-beam owner’s cabin, there’s plenty of space to work with. The floor height shifts in places to follow the hull’s shape lowering over the bedhead, but even stepping up onto the raised section, there’s still enough headroom to stand comfortably. The bed sits centrally while the starboard side is lined with a mix of storage, a bureau, and a generously sized wardrobe.
Additional storage runs along the port side, with a mix of rectangular windows and classic portholes bringing in plenty of natural light.
Guest Accommodation
Right at the front is the VIP cabin, and the layout here is a little different from the usual. Instead of pushing the berth right up into the bow, it’s set at an angle, making it much easier to walk around. Large hull windows bring in plenty of natural light, with additional portholes for ventilation, so you're not always reliant on air conditioning. In hotter places, you’ll need it regardless, but when conditions allow, being able to get fresh air through the cabin is a lovely.
Headroom is generous, well over 1.8m (6ft), and while there’s no overhead skylight, there is an escape hatch. The VIP cabin is also en suite to the day head, with a pocket door - something Absolute does well. It doesn’t swing into the space, instead sliding into the bulkhead. Inside, there’s a toilet, sink, and a separate shower cubicle, and a second door opens into the lobby, making it accessible for daytime use. This is also the bathroom for the twin cabin, with guests simply crossing the lobby to reach it.
In the twin cabin itself, there’s a good space between the beds, so easy to move through. There's a good-sized wardrobe with both hanging and drawer space.
Crew Cabin
Something unique for a boat of this size is the crew cabin. This isn’t necessarily a boat that requires crew, but if you do have them on a 16m (53ft) boat, this is about as good as it gets. That said, it’s entirely flexible - you don’t have to spec it as a full cabin. It can be dedicated storage, a bathroom only, or fitted with a berth for occasional use.
As a temporary guest cabin, it’s not a bad option. You wouldn’t want to spend a week in here, but for the odd night, it does the job. It has a wet room, so there’s no separate shower cubicle, and it's very close to the bed so don't accidentally spray the duvet - but it comes with a Tecma toilet, and decent-quality fixtures. Another big boat-style feature is the direct access from the crew space to the engine room via a watertight door.
Absolute knows how to put together a helm station. Everything feels high quality, from the twin helm seats to the bolster, which lets you lean in comfortably while driving. The dashboard is clean and clear, finished in carbon fibre weave, with proper buttons for the key functions you’ll use most often. There are two big main MFDs, plus a smaller MFD off to the side where most of the navigation info sits. Controls are all within easy reach, with twin throttles and an IPS joystick positioned perfectly.
This is a twin Volvo Penta IPS650 setup, with 480hp per engine, giving a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots. There’s also an optional bow thruster tucked down there, but what stands out is how ergonomic everything feels.
The wheel is adjustable, and whether sitting or standing, the layout is spot on. From the skipper’s seat, the joystick is right there, and being so close to the side means you can pop your head out to check fore and aft, communicate with the crew, or even step out onto the deck if you want to be part of the action. Absolute just gets these details right.
Flybridge Helm
The upper helm station is centrally positioned, putting the skipper right in the middle of everything. The wind deflector is a clever, simple design, with grooves cut into it so it can be dropped down when you don’t need the extra protection. When it’s up, though, it should do a great job of pushing the breeze over your head, especially when going along at 22 knots.
The helm layout is simpler than the main helm. The controls are grouped on a compact pod. There’s a single helm chair, but it’s surrounded by two L-shaped sofas so passengers and the skipper can be part of the experience together, even if they’re not sitting directly next to the helm.
These sofas can also be adjusted depending on how you want to relax. They lie flat if you want to stretch your legs out facing forward, or the backrests lift to turn them into proper chaise longues.
In the cockpit, you get the sense of what Absolute has been doing for a while now, which is the modular furniture. Everything can be moved around and reconfigured, rather than fixed mounts, so the seating can be arranged in whatever way suits the moment. There’s a coffee table in the middle, and this allows for views both into and out of the boat, making the space feel open and adaptable.
Practical touches are well thought out, too. Cup holders are within easy reach, and the Fusion stereo repeater lets you control the music from here. There’s also an option to have an IPS joystick fitted in the cockpit, adding to the ones already positioned on the flybridge and in the saloon. Overhead, there’s good coverage from the extended roof, with integrated lighting.
Side Decks & Foredeck
Forward along the side deck, these feel quite open, but the high guardrail gives plenty of security. It sits well above waist height, so there’s a reassuring sense of safety as you move along. There’s also a side door leading directly into the saloon, which we’ll take a closer look at from the inside.
Absolute has done a great job designing the foredeck, even on the smaller models. Open fender storage means you can quickly stash them away without dealing with lift-up lids or compartments. The layout is well thought out, with a bench seat, a folding table, and a two-way backrest that flips to face either inward or outward. With the backrest adjusted, the whole area transforms into an extended sun pad, making it a flexible lounging space.
The mouldings are high quality, and the teak decking running throughout gives it a fairly smart, polished look. Even the cup holders are deep enough to double as phone holders. Right at the bow, the windlass and anchor sit outside rather than inside a locker, but there is a dedicated chain locker below. Windlass controls and a manual winch are also positioned here.
Flybridge
Because of the way the boat we saw was transported to the Boot Düsseldorf Boat Show, it was missing its hardtop, but normally, this comes fitted as standard.
The tender normally sits on the bathing platform, leaving this aft area free for sun pads and bean bags. The hard top has an extendable bimini shade so you wouldn’t be left exposed. There’s also a dedicated storage space for the life raft neatly built in.
Amidships, there’s a fixed dining table which has a simple, no-fuss design that doesn’t fold. It might have been nice to have a folding option to free up space when using it for drinks, but as it is, it keeps things straightforward. Opposite, there’s the wet bar, and while it might sound like a minor detail, the quality of the mouldings is seriously impressive. Absolute’s finish is more than just skin deep - everything is smooth and clean. There’s the option for a grill, which would be fitted in this section, alongside a chest cooler, sink, and an Isotherm fridge.
Access is impressively easy for a boat of this size through the crew cabin and there’s also a ladder leading down from the cockpit.
This is very much a cruising boat, not built for high speed. It’s designed to stay under 30 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 22 knots and it feels completely at home there. Absolute has been fitting IPS systems since they first hit the market, so they’ve got the formula well dialled, and the engineering down here reflects that.
Right ahead are the stainless steel fuel tanks, with twin fuel filters that can be switched between if needed. The generator sits centrally, with IPS engines positioned on either side for easy inspection and dipsticks, raw water strainers, and pod access are all within reach. It’s a bit dark down where the pods are located, but access is still relatively straightforward.
Headroom is tight - it’s more of a crouching space. With the deck hatch above open, you can stand in just that spot, but otherwise, it’s a low-clearance area. That said, the installation is exceptionally tidy, and for a boat of this size, the level of accessibility is impressive.
The base price of the Navetta 53 is £1,147,390 ex VAT (correct at the time of writing) and though the base specification is relatively generous, there are some key cost options that we think buyers should consider.
These include: generator (11kw)/air conditioning (£56,084), proportional bow thruster (£12,271), Volvo Penta DPS (£16,302), passerelle (£20,956), 400kg hydraulic bathing platform in teak (£37,788), Seakeeper 6 gyro (£88,247), crew cabin fit-out (£20,034), hard top with sun roof (£37,611), active trim assist (£9,657), upgraded MFDs to both helms (£15,682), Assisted Docking (£20,112), cockpit docking station (£17,365), second helm seat (£5,493).
Those extras alone tot up to £357,568, so with some others bits and bobs you can expect to pay around £1.5 million ex VAT for a Navetta 53 to a decent Med specification.
Our Verdict
If you don't mind the awkward styling, the Navetta 53 offers an awful lot. The space on board is exceptional, and as is often the case with Absolute, the way the space is used is so thoughtful and intelligent. It's not just the cabin spaces and the excellent crew cabin but the small practical details that make a real difference to the day-to-day comfort on board. There are boats in the sector with more exhilarating performance, but the 53 will be an easy boat to handle at slow and high speeds, and pretty efficient with it.
Reasons to Buy
- Flexible cockpit arrangement
- Galley aft layout
- Outstanding interior volume
- Fit & Finish
Things to Consider
- Low engine room
- Fixed flybridge table
- Styling isn't the best
Looking to own a Absolute Navetta 53 ? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Absolute Navetta 53 Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Absolute Navetta 53 , 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
The Galeon 500 Fly goes head-to-head with the Absolute Navetta 53, particularly when it comes to guest accommodation. Both yachts offer space for six guests across three cabins, but the Galeon stands out for its versatile layout and smart use of space, paired with high-quality finishes. That said, the Navetta 53’s full-beam master cabin is the real showstopper, bringing a luxurious and intimate feel with its hull-side windows and dressing table. Another standout feature of the Galeon is its beach-mode fold-down balconies that expand the cockpit width to 6 metres.
When it comes to performance, the Sessa Marine Fly54 leaves the Navetta 53 trailing, thanks to its twin 725hp Volvo Penta D11-IPS950 engines pushing it to an impressive 35-knot top speed. In contrast, the Navetta 53 cruises more leisurely at 18 knots, prioritising stability and comfort over outright speed. The Fly54’s planing hull design ensures quick acceleration and agile handling, making it a strong choice for those after a sporty cruising experience, while the Navetta 53 suits those who prefer a smoother, more relaxed ride.
The Prestige 520 and Navetta 53 also match up closely, each accommodating six guests in three cabins. Both feature full-beam owner cabins with hull-side windows, an en-suite, and a dressing table, creating a private, well-appointed space for owners. On the water, the Prestige 520 is the faster of the two, reaching 26 knots, while the Navetta 53 tops out at 21 knots. Both prioritise comfort and stability, though the Prestige 520 boasts an impressive 1,058-nautical-mile range at 6 knots, making it ideal for long-haul cruising. Meanwhile, the Navetta 53’s spacious cockpit terrace, with modular furnishings and a glass aft parapet, enhances the onboard experience with expansive sea views.
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 Navetta
- Model Navetta 53
- Length Overall 15.98m
- Beam 4.65m
- Draft 1.5m
- Hull Fibreglass
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Crew 1
- Yacht Type (Primary) Flybridge
- Use Type (Primary) Weekending
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 2,000 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 600 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-IPS650
Absolute Navetta 53 Layout
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Flybridge
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![Flybridge Absolute Navetta 53]()
The extended top deck creates a really large living space on the flybridge
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Absolute Navetta 53]()
The galley aft arrangement is a typical Absolute feature
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Absolute Navetta 53]()
Note the angled berth in the VIP, forward, to make the most of the available space
Available Stock
Absolute
Absolute Navetta 5316m Navetta 53
2025 M/Y In Stock
2 x Volvo Penta
Features: Stabilisers, Aircon, Joystick, Bow Thruster
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