WRITTEN BY: Rob Bowman
Feb 07, 2024 
The luxury flybridge market for yachts under 60-feet is crowded. There are many builders from all over the world designing vessels for this size range as its popular among cruisers that don't want to always have a captain on board. This size boat is manageable for an experienced owner and innovations in technology have made it reasonably easy to learn for those new to the recreation.
To stand out from the crowd it takes a fresh approach, one that truly puts the owner first and isn't afraid to test the boundaries of something new. In other words, a new direction from the conventional. The Absolute 52 Fly is such a vessel, one that integrates modern concepts and solutions for a cutting edge yachting experience. It's often said that building a boat is a series of compromises. If you add space to one area, you're subtracting it from another. If that's true on the 52 Fly, we can't tell where that occurred. Absolute has seemingly re-invented the phrase 'found only on much larger yachts'.
(Below: YachtBuyer gives a thorough review of the new 52 Fly.)
At the center of the 52 Fly experience is of course, the twin engines from Volvo Penta, a longtime partner of Absolute. “We have a strong relationship with Volvo Penta and have already installed their IPS drives in our whole range of boats,” says Cesare Mastroianni, vice president of sales and chief commercial officer at Absolute Yachts. “IPS has been revolutionary in the yacht-building market as the system is great for fuel economy, has a good environmental impact due to low emissions, and provides excellent on-board comfort for passengers thanks to minimal noise and vibration.”
The engines on the 52 Fly are the Volvo Penta D8 IPS800 models that reach a top speed of 28 knots and have a range of approximately 250 nautical miles. Keen attention was given to the construction of the engine room to ensure the low noise, emissions, and vibration. “The engine room was constructed with multiple slices of foams and plastics. The process is similar to preparing lasagna when you continually apply layer after layer to build up a thick base," continued Cesare.
The large, distinctive windows that have been synonymous with Absolute's Flybridge and Navetta ranges continue to evolve in shape, maximizing the amount of light, along with incredible views, throughout the main and lower decks. Traditional motor yacht or sportfish enthusiasts have questioned the aesthetic appeal of this trend, that other builders like Princess and Sunseeker have incorporated as well. "Spend one full day on board and you'll understand," said Jay Hendrix, Vice President of SI Yachts. "This is a great yacht to entertain friends overnight. Have a nice dinner in the salon and enjoy the views. Open the curtains in the morning from the owner's suite and watch the sunrise from your bed. Why buy a house on the water? It's all about the views!"
And the views from the flybridge are certainly worth mentioning, but so are several other features. Whether sunbathing or driving your yacht, the flybridge is always extensively used by all on board so having the space and necessary amenities are important. The hardtop not only provides shade, but can come equipped with 1,320W solar panels that will help power your generator during use, further reducing any noise. The aft deck terrace is a favorite among sunworshippers, complete with modular furniture that can be easily re-arranged for the perfect ambiance. Other flybridge features include:
- Helm station with ergonomic seating
- The most advanced electronics with large displays
- Dining table, galley, and var unit for entertaining
- Recessed lighting under the hardtop
- Built-in storage
Driving from the upper helm station is an incredible experience at 20 knots and Absolute offers the very best in navigation electronics. Safety and control are top priorities.
Farthest aft, behind the cockpit is the hydraulic swim platform (seen below) which is an excellent option for tender boarding, a launch point for scuba or snorkeling, and even just a cool spot to sit with your feet in the water. There are two staircases, port and starboard, leading from the cockpit to the platform which is easily lowered into the water with the push of a button.
Like the flybridge, the cockpit on the Absolute 52 Fly features modular furniture. Absolute has a premium furniture builder custom making every piece for each model based on the owner's wishes. Create your own perfect arrangement by easily moving the chairs, sofas, and table. The flybridge overhand and the extendable aft sunshade provide relief from the afternoon soon after a long day of swimming and snorkeling. The same recessed lighting used on the flybridge is also used throughout the cockpit for a blissful atmosphere in the later hours. The nearby galley window reveals a wetbar and easy serving of food. Additionally, there is an aft docking station featuring joystick control.
Absolute has also designed open gunwales near the cockpit, opening up the sides and increasing the view.
The bow deck of the Absolute 52 Fly is another outdoor focal point popular with owners. Many builders under-utilize this space, but not Absolute. Every section of this yacht is designed for enjoyment. Forward is an over-sized sunpad that provides an excellent sunbathing opportunity while anchored or during a slow cruise. Twin facing sofas with adjustable backrests and a pedastal table allow for a breakfast spot with a view or evening cocktails under the stars. Absolute has also incorporated an overhead and side sun shade for your comfort.
The salon is bright, spacious, open, and full of natural light. Windows line each side of the salon, and a large windshield, sliding cockpit doors, and a rectangle window in the galley enhance your feeling of peace while at sea. The two salon windows can also be electrically lowered to allow in the ocean breeze. Ample headroom and light colors add to the voluminous salon, while natural materials, leather, and light-colored woods are a "fine expression of Italian design brilliance", as the shipyard describes their choices.
The twin helm seats are positioned on a raised platform, increasing visibility for the owner or captain. A side door can be opened for either fresh air circulation or for assistance while docking.
Below deck, the 52 Fly features three cabins and two bathrooms all of which feature surprising space, storage, and light. The owner's suite is placed on a mid-deck forward in the bow. This is similar to how Absolute designed the layout on another one of its models, the 56 Fly. A full beam master cabin also means extensive space to walk around, lots of storage, and a double berth. Portholes circulate the air throughout the lower deck.
The guest VIP cabin is midship and could easily be described as a second master cabin. It features all of the same amenities and may be your preferred owner's cabin should you not want to sleep near the bow. The 52 Fly also features a third cabin with twin beds that can slide together as a larger bed, or separate to twin beds with the push of a button.
Among the competition, the Absolute 52 Fly shines for its innovative features, commitment to comfort, and the fresh use of space on board. Other competitors in this class include the Azimut 53 Fly, Sunseeker 55 Manhattan, Galeon 560 Fly, Fairline 50 Squadron, and Ferretti 500. Our opinion is that the Absolute 52 Fly has the perfect combination of performance, on board comfort, design features, and price value that give it an advantage over many other yachts.
For more information about the new Absolute 52 Fly or to find the perfect pre-owned Absolute Yacht, our team is here to provide you with all of your options. Our team is Absolute factory-trained and are experts on all of the right options should you chose to build your own. We can assist with taking your current boat in on trade or helping you sell your yacht through our Diamond Listing Services. To reach us, you may email Sales@SIYachts.com or contact your closest location in New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Florida.
