Windy 46 Chinook (2015 - 2020) 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 planing hull of the W46 delivers speeds of up to 40 knots.

Accommodation

If your priority is guest accommodation then the Windy Boats W46 offers well-appointed accommodation for up to 6 guests with its 3 cabin layout option. Most of its rivals, including the Fairline Targa 48 GT and Fairline Targa 48 Open, share the same 6 guest sleeping capacity, making them excellent choices for those seeking to enjoy their yachting experience with family and friends. The W46 benefits from a master cabin with an en-suite bathroom and a skylight is a standout. The Absolute 45 STY and Sessa Marine C48, although designed for slightly smaller groups of 4 guests in 2 cabins, still offer an exceptional level of comfort for short trips and overnight getaways.

Performance

In terms of cruising performance, the Windy Boats W46 leads the way with an impressive cruising speed of 31 knots thanks to its twin 435hp Volvo Penta IPS600 engines and maximum speed of 40 knots at 3,500rpm. Closely followed by, the Riva Dolceriva with a respectable cruising speed of 31 knots. The Absolute 45 STY also impresses with a cruising speed of 26 knots. On the other hand, for those not in a hurry the Princess V50 Open, with the slowest cruising speed of 27 knots, emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed and enjoying the journey over the destination.

Unique Characteristics

Each yacht also brings unique features to the forefront. The Absolute 45 STY impresses with its extensive range of 1,493 nautical miles, ideal for long voyages. The Sessa Marine C48, Azimut Atlantis 45, Sessa Marine C47, Princess V50 Open and Princess V50 all feature shallow drafts for yachts of this size, allowing them to navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels. The performance of the Riva Dolceriva is especially impressive, with a top speed of 39 knots and cruising speed of 31 knots.

Summary

Despite stiff competition, the Windy 46 Chinook 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 Windy Boats Classic Sport Cruisers range or indeed its competitors. Browse our hand-picked selection of 10 competing models.